Wildlife

Vancouver is situated on the banks of the Fraser River and its large estuary, where the river meets the Pacific Ocean. Originating in the Rocky Mountains, it is the largest river in British Columbia bringing 20 million tons of sediment to the ocean each year. This sediment creates nutrient-rich waters supporting a huge diversity of life. Tens of millions of salmon return to the river each year attracting a variety of predators, including seals, sea lions, bald eagles, and of course our resident killer whales.

Gallery

Killer Whales

Three ecotypes of orca can be observed off the coast of British Columbia. Offshore killer whales do not enter coastal areas frequently and are unlikely to be seen on one of our tours. Our population of resident orca are critically endangered, and for this reason we choose to avoid their pods when they’re found nearby. Instead, we focus our tours on thriving and growing populations of whales, such as Bigg’s orca and humpbacks.

Bigg’s orca make up the majority of our whale encounters and are highly social and intelligent animals. Our tours aim to showcase natural behaviours from a safe and responsible distance, educate our guests about local marine life as well as the threats they face in the wild, and collect both funds and data that are contributed toward cetacean research and conservation initiatives.

Because we have demonstrated our commitment to wildlife safety, education, and conservation for many years, all of our vessels have been authorized by the Government of Canada to view Bigg’s orca from a closer distance than other operators (look for our purple “Authorized Vessel” flags!).

Humpback Whales

It is thought that the global population of humpbacks was reduced to 10% of its size prior to commercial whaling practices in the 20th century. Most populations have been steadily recovering, and there is now thought to be 8000 humpbacks that migrate through the North Pacific region!

Humpbacks can be found in the Salish Sea throughout late spring, summer, and fall – however we encounter them most frequently in September and October.

Our tours aim to showcase natural behaviours from a safe and responsible distance, educate our guests about local marine life as well as the threats they face in the wild, and collect both funds and data that are contributed toward cetacean research and conservation initiatives.

Harbour seals

Harbour seals are the most common marine mammal in our local area. We observe them on over 95% of our tours! Although they can spend several weeks at sea, we often observe them hauled out on rocky shorelines where they can rest, sunbathe, and scan for predators. Pupping season is in Spring and early Summer.

Sea Lions

Both Steller and California sea lions can be observed on our tours. We encounter these impressive and playful animals most frequently in the Spring and Autumn. Both species have been hunted extensively in the past, due to their perceived threat to the fishing and farming industries. They are now protected, but prey availability, pollution, climate change, and predation by Bigg’s killer whales remain threats to their recovery.

Sea Birds

Our tours often observe a variety of seabirds including bald eagles, great blue herons, Canada goose, cormorants, oyster catchers, kingfishers, guillemots, surf scoters, rhinoceros auklets, grebes, murrelets, many duck species, and the occasional pelican!

Other Wildlife

We occasionally encounter grey whales, minke whales, and/or Pacific white sided dolphins on our excursions. Fairly regularly we will encounter harbour porpoise, Dall’s porpoise, and/or river otters. Other species we may observe include a variety of jellyfish, sea stars, octopuses, anemones, deer, goats, and more. Wildlife is naturally unpredictable, but we will do our best to show you whatever the day has to offer!

EDUCATION & CONSERVATION

We are dedicated to protecting our Vancouver wildlife and planet. Our local whales are our family, and we know them by name!

For every ticket purchase, we donate $2 to one of the following conservation efforts:

Hot Tip

Please look for the “ocean wise” symbol before purchasing seafood. Shopping ocean wise supports sustainable fishing practices.

EDUCATION & CONSERVATION

We are dedicated to protecting our Vancouver wildlife and planet. Our local whales are our family, and we know them by name!

For every ticket purchase, we donate $2 to one of the following conservation efforts:

Hot Tip

Please look for the “ocean wise” symbol before purchasing seafood. Shopping ocean wise supports sustainable fishing practices.