During the past month, Transient Orca have been observed and reported in various locations. Transient Orca feed on other marine mammals such as seals, sea lions, porpoises, dolphins, and younger baleen whales. They usually travel in pods that have 4 to 6 individuals, and they can travel far distances in one day as they search for food. As they hunt, the Orca are stealthy and they work together to catch their prey. Their presence at the surface and regular splashing may indicate the Transient Orca are hunting and feeding. If you are out on the water, please note the regulations described below regarding viewing Orca.

As a reminder that if you are boating and out on the water, please be aware of the presence of whales and dolphins. Signs of their presence may include blows of the Cetaceans and other boats stopped or moving slowly in an area. Boats and other water craft (e.g. kayaks) must remain at least 1-km away Southern Resident Orca and at least 200-m away from other Orca (Transients and Northern Residents). See the full government regulation in the following paragraph.

The Federal Government (DFO) issued the following statement about watching Orca in the wild: “Keep 1,000 metres away from Southern Resident killer whales in southern B.C. coastal waters between Campbell River and just north of Ucluelet. Keep 200 metres away from all other killer whales in British Columbia (B.C.) and the Pacific Ocean”. A minimum distance of 200-m must be maintained when viewing any Cetaceans that are resting or with a calf. When viewing whales, dolphins, and porpoises under other circumstances not described above, a minimum distance of 100-m must be kept. A great resource for up to date Canadian or US regulations: Be Whale Wise Guidelines.

WOWs works throughout the year, so please continue to keep your eyes open, and report your sightings to us.

During the past month, Transient Orca have been observed and reported in various locations. Transient Orca feed on other marine mammals such as seals, sea lions, porpoises, dolphins, and younger baleen whales. They usually travel in pods that have 4 to 6 individuals, and they can travel far distances in one day as they search for food. As they hunt, the Orca are stealthy and they work together to catch their prey. Their presence at the surface and regular splashing may indicate the Transient Orca are hunting and feeding. If you are out on the water, please note the regulations described below regarding viewing Orca.

As a reminder that if you are boating and out on the water, please be aware of the presence of whales and dolphins. Signs of their presence may include blows of the Cetaceans and other boats stopped or moving slowly in an area. Boats and other water craft (e.g. kayaks) must remain at least 1-km away Southern Resident Orca and at least 200-m away from other Orca (Transients and Northern Residents). See the full government regulation in the following paragraph.

The Federal Government (DFO) issued the following statement about watching Orca in the wild: “Keep 1,000 metres away from Southern Resident killer whales in southern B.C. coastal waters between Campbell River and just north of Ucluelet. Keep 200 metres away from all other killer whales in British Columbia (B.C.) and the Pacific Ocean”. A minimum distance of 200-m must be maintained when viewing any Cetaceans that are resting or with a calf. When viewing whales, dolphins, and porpoises under other circumstances not described above, a minimum distance of 100-m must be kept. A great resource for up to date Canadian or US regulations: Be Whale Wise Guidelines.

WOWs works throughout the year, so please continue to keep your eyes open, and report your sightings to us.

During the past month, Transient Orca have been reported in Saanich Inlet, the Gulf Islands, upper Georgia Strait, and in Burrard Inlet. Of note, Transient Orca have been travelling into Burrard Inlet (Vancouver Harbour) quite regularly over the month of April and has delighted many observers. There have been sightings of Harbour porpoises and Humpback whales. In addition, a few Grey whales have travelled through Georgia Strait, with one remaining in English Bay, Vancouver, for just over a week (at the time of this publication).

As a reminder that if you are boating and out on the water, please be aware of the presence of whales and dolphins. Signs of their presence may include blows of the Cetaceans and other boats stopped or moving slowly in an area. Boats and other water craft (e.g. kayaks) must remain at least 400-meters away from all Orca and at least 100-m away from other species. See the full government regulation in the paragraph below.

The Federal Government (DFO) issued the following statement about watching Orca in the wild: “Vessels must stay 400-m away and may not position a vessel in the path of killer whales in southern BC coastal waters between Campbell River and just north of Ucluelet until May 31, 2026.” For all other areas of B.C. outside of the area indicated above, a minimum distance of 200-m must be maintained when viewing Orca OR while viewing any Cetaceans that are resting or with a calf. When viewing whales, dolphins, and porpoises under other circumstances not described above, a minimum distance of 100-m must be kept. A great resource for up to date Canadian or US regulations: Be Whale Wise Guidelines

WOWs works throughout the year, so please continue to keep your eyes open, and report your sightings to us.

In early February, we received sighting reports of Northern Resident Orca near Powell River. We also received one report on February 16 of Southern Resident Orca near the East Sooke area (at the southern end Vancouver Island). There were also reports of Transient Orca over the last two months. Of note, three Transient Orca were in Burrard Inlet, Vancouver, for four days from March 5th to March 8th delighting many members of the public. The Orca were documented previously on one occasion in Alaska in March, 2025, and they appear to travel mainly further out in the ocean. To find out more about these Orca, go to our Magazine section to learn about them.

As a reminder that if you are boating and out on the water, please be aware of the presence of whales and dolphins. Signs of their presence may include blows of the Cetaceans and other boats stopped or moving slowly in an area. Boats and other water craft (e.g. kayaks) must remain at least 400-meters away from all Orca and at least 100-m away from other species. See the full government regulation in the paragraph below.

The Federal Government (DFO) issued the following statement about watching Orca in the wild: “Vessels must stay 400-m away and may not position a vessel in the path of killer whales in southern BC coastal waters between Campbell River and just north of Ucluelet until May 31, 2026.” For all other areas of B.C. outside of the area indicated above, a minimum distance of 200-m must be maintained when viewing Orca OR while viewing any Cetaceans that are resting or with a calf. When viewing whales, dolphins, and porpoises under other circumstances not described above, a minimum distance of 100-m must be kept. A great resource for up to date Canadian or US regulations: Be Whale Wise Guidelines

WOWs works throughout the year, so please continue to keep your eyes open, and report your sightings to us.

During the past four weeks, sightings of Transient Orca and of Northern Resident Orca have been reported. On at least two occasions, Transient Orca were observed hunting sea lions. Humpback whales have appeared sporadically in different parts of Georgia Strait. Behaviours displayed by the Humpbacks include foraging and tail lobs. Last week, Pacific White-Sided dolphins were present in Howe Sound for a few days and some Pacific White-Sided dolphins were also observed by Sechelt a few days later.

As a reminder that if you are boating and out on the water, please be aware of the presence of whales and dolphins. Signs of their presence may include blows of the Cetaceans and other boats stopped or moving slowly in an area. Boats and other water craft (e.g. kayaks) must remain at least 400-meters away from all Orca and at least 100-m away from other species. See the full government regulation in the paragraph below.

The Federal Government (DFO) issued the following statement about watching Orca in the wild: “Vessels must stay 400-m away and may not position a vessel in the path of killer whales in southern BC coastal waters between Campbell River and just north of Ucluelet until May 31, 2026.” For all other areas of B.C. outside of the area indicated above, a minimum distance of 200-m must be maintained when viewing Orca OR while viewing any Cetaceans that are resting or with a calf. When viewing whales, dolphins, and porpoises under other circumstances not described above, a minimum distance of 100-m must be kept. A great resource for up to date Canadian or US regulations: Be Whale Wise Guidelines

WOWs works throughout the year, so please continue to keep your eyes open, and report your sightings to us.

Here in British Columbia, we are very fortunate to live in a beautiful environment with a diversity of life on land and on the sea. It is a gift to us to be able to enjoy this land and the contentment that nature provides us. Whales, dolphins, and porpoises are no exception as they always bring excitement and elation. Although rainy and cold weather over Winter months make it challenging to view Cetaceans, make good use of the occasional clear weather that may provide you with the opportunities to see them. Whales, dolphins, and porpoises are still around. Reports are still being received of whales and dolphins in different parts of upper Georgia Strait. As with any gift, treasure and value the importance of Cetaceans in our ecosystems and culture, and work towards protecting them.

From the Wild Ocean Whale Society, we express our Gratitude for your sighting reports and other ways you support our Organization. We Wish You a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

As a reminder that if you are boating and out on the water, please be aware of the presence of whales and dolphins. Signs of their presence may include blows of the Cetaceans and other boats stopped or moving slowly in an area. Boats and other water craft (e.g. kayaks) must remain at least 400-meters away from all Orca and at least 100-m away from other species. See the full government regulation in the paragraph below.

The Federal Government (DFO) issued the following statement about watching Orca in the wild: “Vessels must stay 400-m away and may not position a vessel in the path of killer whales in southern BC coastal waters between Campbell River and just north of Ucluelet until May 31, 2026.” For all other areas of B.C. outside of the area indicated above, a minimum distance of 200-m must be maintained when viewing Orca OR while viewing any Cetaceans that are resting or with a calf. When viewing whales, dolphins, and porpoises under other circumstances not described above, a minimum distance of 100-m must be kept. A great resource for up to date Canadian or US regulations: Be Whale Wise Guidelines

WOWs works throughout the year, so please continue to keep your eyes open, and report your sightings to us.

The colder and rainy season is upon us which makes whale watching more challenging. However, there are still whales around in Georgia Strait and other inland waterways which can be seen with some patience and luck. Humpback whales can still be seen in many areas, and behaviours exhibited by some of the whales include breaching, doing tail lobs, slapping pectoral fins, and lunge-feeding. One Grey whale was observed in Brew Bay (south of Powell River) and the whale was feeding in very shallow water. There were a few sightings of Orca, notably of one pod at the Trail Islands (near Sechelt) who were rubbing against rocks. Rounding our report are sightings of Pacific White-Sided dolphins and one Sea Otter.

As a reminder that if you are boating and out on the water, please be aware of the presence of whales and dolphins. Signs of their presence may include blows of the Cetaceans and other boats stopped or moving slowly in an area. Boats and other water craft (e.g. kayaks) must remain at least 400-meters away from all Orca and at least 100-m away from other species. See the full government regulation in the paragraph below.

The Federal Government (DFO) issued the following statement about watching Orca in the wild: “Vessels must stay 400-m away and may not position a vessel in the path of killer whales in southern BC coastal waters between Campbell River and just north of Ucluelet until May 31, 2026.” For all other areas of B.C. outside of the area indicated above, a minimum distance of 200-m must be maintained when viewing Orca OR while viewing any Cetaceans that are resting or with a calf. When viewing whales, dolphins, and porpoises under other circumstances not described above, a minimum distance of 100-m must be kept. A great resource for up to date Canadian or US regulations: Be Whale Wise Guidelines

WOWs works throughout the year, so please continue to keep your eyes open, and report your sightings to us.

Eventhough we are entering Autumn and colder months, the presence of whales around B.C. has not decreased significantly. Many Humpbacks whales were seen in upper Georgia Strait and off the southern tip of Vancouver Island to the east of Sooke. Humpback whales were observed breaching, lunge feeding, and doing pectoral slaps. Humpbacks are feeding as much as they can now which will sustain them for their long migration south and their return trip to B.C. waters in the Spring-time. Also during this period, reported to us were sightings of Transient Orca, a few small pods of Pacific White-Sided dolphins, one Minke whale, and one Sea Otter. When you are on the water or by the coast, keep looking for Cetaceans – you never know where they may appear! Let us know what you see!

As a reminder that if you are boating and out on the water, please be aware of the presence of whales and dolphins. Signs of their presence may include blows of the Cetaceans and other boats stopped or moving slowly in an area. Boats and other water craft (e.g. kayaks) must remain at least 400-meters away from all Orca and at least 100-m away from other species. See the full government regulation in the paragraph below.

The Federal Government (DFO) issued the following statement about watching Orca in the wild: “Vessels must stay 400-m away and may not position a vessel in the path of killer whales in southern BC coastal waters between Campbell River and just north of Ucluelet until May 31, 2026.” For all other areas of B.C. outside of the area indicated above, a minimum distance of 200-m must be maintained when viewing Orca OR while viewing any Cetaceans that are resting or with a calf. When viewing whales, dolphins, and porpoises under other circumstances not described above, a minimum distance of 100-m must be kept. A great resource for up to date Canadian or US regulations: Be Whale Wise Guidelines

WOWs works throughout the year, so please continue to keep your eyes open, and report your sightings to us.