Sightings Update
SIGHTINGS MAP – ISSUE: 2025-009
TRANSIENT BIGGS KILLER WHALES
Sun Jul 13 2025
17:18 • Biggs Orca between Sturdies Bay and Village Bay, Active Pass. ▫ From Ferry
Kristina Mangligot, Victoria, BC
Tue Jul 15 2025
10:20 • 1 Biggs Orca
moving slowly, heading west at Jericho Beach, Vancouver, Burrard Inlet. ▫ Observed from Shore
SS, Jericho Tennis Club
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Biggs Orca moving slowly, heading west at Jericho Beach, Vancouver, Burrard Inlet
Tue, 15 Jul 2025 – 1 items
SS, Jericho Tennis Club
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Biggs Orca moving slowly, heading west at Jericho Beach, Vancouver, Burrard Inlet
Tue, 15 Jul 2025 – 1 items
SS, Jericho Tennis Club
13:31 • Biggs Orca
moving slowly, heading south off Francisco Point, Quadra Island, Sutil Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
14:58 • 4 Biggs Orca heading north off April Point, Discovery Passage.
Four small fins. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Biggs Orca heading north off April Point, Discovery Passage
Tue, 15 Jul 2025 – 4 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Biggs Orca heading north off April Point, Discovery Passage
Tue, 15 Jul 2025 – 4 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Wed Jul 16 2025
13:40 • Biggs Orca just passed Walcan Seafood Plant, Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
Very choppy seas.
14:19 • Biggs Orca heading north at Browns Bay, Discovery Passage.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
17:00 • est. 4+ Biggs Orca
breaching, heading west to the east of Beechey Head, East Sooke, Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Orcas breaching and fluke slapping close to shore – staying in the same area. After about 30 minutes, they left and travelled west. ▫ Observed from Shore
Sylvie Gareau, Sooke, BC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Biggs Orca breaching, heading west to the east of Beechey Head, East Sooke, Strait of Juan de Fuca
Wed, 16 Jul 2025 – 6 items
Sylvie Gareau, Sooke, BC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Biggs Orca breaching, heading west to the east of Beechey Head, East Sooke, Strait of Juan de Fuca
Wed, 16 Jul 2025 – 6 items
Sylvie Gareau, Sooke, BC
Thu Jul 17 2025
11:48 • est. 6 Biggs Orca heading north at the mouth of Campbell River in Discovery Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Sat Jul 19 2025
12:28 • 3 Biggs Orca close to Fulford Harbour, Salt Spring Island, Satellite Channel. ▫ Observed from Shore
Kristina Mangligot, Victoria, BC
Sun Jul 20 2025
09:00 • Biggs Orca close to Francisco Point bottom of Quadra Island, Sutil Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
11:31 • est. 4 Biggs Orca heading north nearing the mouth of Campbell River in Discovery Passage.
Small finned.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Mon Jul 21 2025
09:11 • Biggs Orca ◦T101s◦ heading south by Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
Tue Jul 22 2025
13:25 • Biggs Orca ◦T101s◦ heading south off Francisco Point, Quadra Island, Sutil Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Wed Jul 23 2025
15:25 • Biggs Orca ◦T101s◦ heading south approaching Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Fri Jul 25 2025
12:35 • Biggs Orca ◦T101s◦ heading north in west side of Manson Passage, Georgia Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
From 10 years ago today. Rocky (T002C1) in Okeover Inlet.
Sat, 26 Jul 2025 – 1 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
From 10 years ago today. Rocky (T002C1) in Okeover Inlet.
Sat, 26 Jul 2025 – 1 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
NORTHERN RESIDENT KILLER WHALES
Wed Jul 16 2025
12:21 • NRKW Orca by Cape Mudge Lighthouse on Quadra Island, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
Sat Jul 19 2025
14:45 • NRKW Orca ◦A42s,A94 Mystery◦ heading north, Grant Reefs, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
16:18 • est. 4-6 NRKW Orca
travelling, heading north mid channel by Copeland Islands in Malaspina Strait.
North of Copeland Islands Marine Park. ▫ From Power or Sail Boat
DF, Savary Island, BC
Sun Jul 20 2025
12:15 • NRKW Orca ◦A42s◦
foraging, north side of Harwood / Ahgykson Island, Malaspina Strait.
14:15 • NRKW Orca ◦A42s◦ heading north between Mace Point and Dinner Rock, Malaspina Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
Mon Jul 21 2025
12:01 • NRKW Orca ◦A42s◦
spread out, near Lake Bay, Read Island, Sutil Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Wed Jul 23 2025
12:42 • NRKW Orca ◦A42s◦ heading north approaching Rebecca Spit, Quadra Island, Sutil Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Thu Jul 24 2025
11:25 • NRKW Orca by Wilby Shoals, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
12:38 • NRKW Orca ◦A42s◦
foraging, just south of Wilby Shoals.
Spreadout.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Fri Jul 25 2025
13:38 • NRKW Orca south end of Hernando Island, Georgia Strait.
Close to shore. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES
Mon Jul 21 2025
10:28 • Orca heading north by Rock Bay, Johnstone Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Unidentified Killer Whales
Killer Whales surfacing!
Mon, 21 Jul 2025 – 7 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Unidentified Killer Whales
Killer Whales surfacing!
Mon, 21 Jul 2025 – 7 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Unidentified Killer Whales
Killer Whales emerging from the depths!
Fri, 25 Jul 2025 – 5 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Unidentified Killer Whales
Killer Whales emerging from the depths!
Fri, 25 Jul 2025 – 5 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
HUMPBACK WHALES
Tue Jul 15 2025
07:51 • est. 4+ Humpback Whales
spread out, heading south between Grilse Point and Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
12:40 • Humpback Whales to the west of Grant Reefs, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
12:57 • Humpback Whales between Westview and Grilse Point, Malaspina Strait.
Heather Harbord, Powell River, BC
13:37 • 3 Humpback Whales heading north near the Pinnacles, Georgia Strait.
Mother with calf and an escort.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales heading north near the Pinnacles, Georgia Strait
Tue, 15 Jul 2025 – 2 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales heading north near the Pinnacles, Georgia Strait
Tue, 15 Jul 2025 – 2 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
15:47 • 3 Humpback Whales in front of the Powell River Ferry Terminal, Malaspina Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
15:52 • est. 6+ Humpback Whales
spread out, near Powell River in the middle of Malaspina Strait.
One of the whales did a few breaches.
Barry Rice, Powell River, BC
21:00 • 1 Humpback Whales
lunge feeding, off William Head near Metchosin, Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Humpback feeding close to shore along the south side of the point for about 45 minutes. Very short dives. ▫ Observed from Shore
Sylvie Gareau, Sooke, BC
Wed Jul 16 2025
10:19 • est. 4-5 Humpback Whales between Center Islet and Whaletown, Sutil Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
11:26 • Humpback Whales
breaching, a third of the way from Coho (Kiddie) Point to Rebecca Rocks, Malaspina Strait.
Barry Rice, Powell River, BC
11:47 • 3 Humpback Whales near Francisco Point, Quadra Island, Sutil Channel.
One north bound and others south bound.
14:45 • 1 Humpback Whales heading north at Discovery Harbour Marina, Powell River, Discovery Passage.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
20:42 • 3 Humpback Whales
breaching, heading north in front of Powell River, Malaspina Strait.
One huge breach observed.
20:51 • 3 Humpback Whales
spread out, on the west side of Rebecca Rocks towards Vivian Island, Georgia Strait.
20:51 • 1 Humpback Whales south tip of Harwood / Ahgykson Island, Malaspina Strait.
Occassional breach and blows lit up in sun.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Thu Jul 17 2025
08:45 • 3 Humpback Whales at Francisco Point, Quadra Island in Sutil Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
09:00 • 2 Humpback Whales
breaching, in front of Powell River in Malaspina Strait.
Double breach observed.
SW, Powell River, BC
12:50 • est. 2 Humpback Whales heading north just north of the old Quadra Island cell tower in Sutil Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
13:47 • est. 2 Humpback Whales 2 km SE of Mace Point on Savary Island in Malaspina Strait.
Ron Johnston, Savary Island, BC
14:36 • Humpback Whales
breaching, between Harwood / Ahgykson Island and Texada Island in Malaspina Strait.
Judy Brant, Powell River, BC
Fri Jul 18 2025
09:52 • est. 1-2 Humpback Whales heading east about 2-km south of Point Cowan, Bowen Island, Georgia Strait.
Viewed through binoculars. I was able to track them for about 15 minutes. ▫ Observed from Shore
Ivan Ng, North Vancouver, BC
15:49 • Humpback Whales
breaching, on the east side of Rebecca Rocks in Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Sat Jul 19 2025
–:– • Humpback Whales by Kellsey Point, Stuart Island, Yuculta Rapids.
Entangled trailing prawn line last seen July 18th.
10:15 • Humpback Whales
spread out, from Francisco Point to Mitlenatch Island in Georgia Strait.
Numerous whales noted.
Radio, overheard or call out
11:57 • est. 2 Humpback Whales
breaching, between Francisco Point and Marina Island in Sutil Channel.
A couple of breaches observed.
12:44 • est. 6 Humpback Whales heading south on the west side of Hernando Island in Georgia Strait.
In 3 groups of 2.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
13:50 • Humpback Whales out from Powell River Ferry Terminal, Malaspina Strait.
13:55 • 5 Humpback Whales west of Spilsbury Point, Baker Passage.
13:55 • 4 Humpback Whales by Hill Island out from Evans Bay, Sutil Channel.
14:01 • est. 1-2 Humpback Whales heading north, Grief Point, Malaspina Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
14:01 • est. 4 Humpback Whales
milling, just south of Mitlenatch Island in Georgia Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
14:07 • Humpback Whales
breaching by Raza Island, Deer Passage.
15:15 • est. 3-5 Humpback Whales north of Grant Reefs, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
20:33 • est. 3+ Humpback Whales
back and forth, in front of Powell River in Malaspina Strait.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Sun Jul 20 2025
09:00 • 6+ Humpback Whales between Marina Reef and Cortez Reef, Sutil Channel.
09:00 • est. 2-3 Humpback Whales north side of Mitlenatch Island Nature Park, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
13:55 • est. 1 Humpback Whales heading south 2 miles east of Francisco Point in Sutil Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
14:04 • est. 1 Humpback Whales heading north mid channel to Rebecca Rocks in Malaspina Strait.
14:04 • est. 1 Humpback Whales
pectoral slapping, on north side of Rebecca Rocks.
SW, Powell River, BC
14:29 • 8 Humpback Whales 2 miles south west of Cortez Reef in Georgia Strait.
Humpbacks are all within 800 metres of each other.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
15:00 • est. 2 Humpback Whales
travelling, heading south 1/2 mile south of Beechey Head in Strait of Juan de Fuca. ▫ Observed from Shore
Sylvie Gareau, Sooke, BC
19:41 • est. 2 Humpback Whales
moving slowly, heading north in front of Powell River in Malaspina Strait.
Judy Brant, Powell River, BC
Mon Jul 21 2025
07:40 • est. 4+ Humpback Whales a third to half way out to Rebecca Rocks, Malaspina Strait.
Barry Rice, Powell River, BC
12:45 • 3 Humpback Whales
milling, 1 mile southwest of Subtle Islands, Sutil Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales milling, southwest of Subtle Islands, Sutil Channel
Mon, 21 Jul 2025 – 3 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales milling, southwest of Subtle Islands, Sutil Channel
Mon, 21 Jul 2025 – 3 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
13:08 • Humpback Whales south of Powell River Mill (Pulp & Paper), Malaspina Strait.
13:11 • Humpback Whales north of Grief Point, Malaspina Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
16:50 • Humpback Whales below Northeast Point, Malaspina Strait.
DFO was heading out to locate another Entangled Humpback trailing lines and a buoy to attach a satellite tracking buoy.
17:08 • Humpback Whales
tail slaps, almost at southwest end of Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Tue Jul 22 2025
08:00 • est. 2-3 Humpback Whales heading north by Grilse Point mid Malaspina Strait.
SW, Powell River, BC
09:30 • est. 3+ Humpback Whales
taking long dives, heading south-east one-half mile south of Secretary Island, East Sooke, Strait of Juan de Fuca.
7 minute dives. ▫ Observed from Shore
Sylvie Gareau, Sooke, BC
12:01 • 8 Humpback Whales
milling, 2 miles south of Cortez Reef, Georgia Strait.
Two groups, each with four whales.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
13:41 • 1 Humpback Whales
breaching, west of the Harwood Island Sandbanks (Bluffs), Malaspina Strait.
13:41 • 3 Humpback Whales between the Powell River Viewpoint and the south end of Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
15:21 • est. 6-8 Humpback Whales heading south on the ferry line out from Powell River mid Malaspina Strait.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
20:00 • est. 3+ Humpback Whales
trumpeting; breaching, heading south-west near William Head, Metchosin, Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Two whales south of the point of William Head. More whales 1.5 mile south. ▫ Observed from Shore
Sylvie Gareau, Sooke, BC
Wed Jul 23 2025
05:20 • est. 4+ Humpback Whales
travelling, heading south-east 1-mile south of William Head, Metchosin. ▫ Observed from Shore
Sylvie Gareau, Sooke, BC
08:00 • 1 Humpback Whales heading north between Westview and Harwood / Ahgykson Island, Malaspina Strait.
Just dove again, 2 big white spots on tail.
SW, Powell River, BC
14:00 • est. 3 Humpback Whales
breaching, heading east near Flat Top Islands, Gabriola Island, Georgia Strait.
Playful activity, slapping fins, a few huge breaches by adults and little one by the baby. They hung around for about an hour. ▫ From Power or Sail Boat
Ali Rasmussen, Vancouver, BC
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales breaching, heading east near Flat Top Islands, Gabriola Island, Georgia Strait
Wed, 23 Jul 2025 – 1 items
Ali Rasmussen, Vancouver, BC
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales breaching, heading east near Flat Top Islands, Gabriola Island, Georgia Strait
Wed, 23 Jul 2025 – 1 items
Ali Rasmussen, Vancouver, BC
15:35 • Humpback Whales near Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
Many Humpbacks in the area.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
19:29 • Humpback Whales
foraging, 1/3rd way out from Powell River, Malaspina Strait.
Many Humpbacks in the area.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
20:02 • 2 Humpback Whales
milling, south of White Islets near Sechelt, Georgia Strait.
Colin Griffinson, Pacific Yellowfin Charters
Thu Jul 24 2025
05:20 • est. 3+ Humpback Whales
breaching, heading south-east 1 mile south of William Head, Metchosin, Strait of Juan de Fuca. ▫ Observed from Shore
Sylvie Gareau, Sooke, BC
08:00 • est. 6 Humpback Whales by McRae Islet and Scotch Fir Point, Malaspina Strait.
Observed between 0800-1000.
Rob Almond, Powell River, BC
10:12 • Humpback Whales around Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
Number of humpbacks noted.
Radio, overheard or call out
10:15 • est. 3-4 Humpback Whales just outside Blubber Bay, Texada Island, Malaspina Strait.
10:15 • est. 1-2 Humpback Whales between Blubber Bay and Rebecca Rocks, Malaspina Strait.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
10:22 • est. 6+ Humpback Whales between Texada Island cell tower and Harwood Island Sandbanks (Bluffs), Malaspina Strait.
12:41 • est. 2 Humpback Whales
breaching, between Eagle Cove and Texada Island cell tower, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
14:18 • Humpback Whales
taking long dives, between Rebecca Rocks and Powell River, Malaspina Strait.
Colin Griffinson, Pacific Yellowfin Charters
14:56 • Humpback Whales
breaching, out from Blubber Bay, Malaspina Strait.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Fri Jul 25 2025
08:54 • est. 2-3 Humpback Whales 1/3 of the way out right in front of Powell River, Malaspina Strait.
08:54 • est. 2 Humpback Whales 2/3 of the way out of Powell River closer to Harwood / Ahgykson Island, Malaspina Strait.
09:05 • Humpback Whales
breaching, north end of Rebecca Rocks, Malaspina Strait.
SW, Powell River, BC
11:56 • est. 2 Humpback Whales
moving slowly, heading south 2 miles south of the Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
12:59 • est. 2 Humpback Whales mid channel east of Rebecca Rocks, Malaspina Strait.
12:59 • est. 1 Humpback Whales close in to Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait.
13:59 • Humpback Whales
breaching, out front of Powell River, Malaspina Strait.
SW, Powell River, BC
15:15 • Humpback Whales heading south 200 metres out below Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales heading south below Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait
Fri, 25 Jul 2025 – 2 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales heading south below Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait
Fri, 25 Jul 2025 – 2 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
17:04 • 3 Humpback Whales
breaching, just south off Grilse Point at the north end of Texada Island, Malaspina Strait.
SW, Powell River, BC
Sat Jul 26 2025
05:45 • est. 2-3 Humpback Whales
playing, mid channel in front of Westview, Malaspina Strait.
Including a Mom and calf all having a great time rolling around, pec slaps etc.
Glynis Higgins, Powell River, BC
08:05 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north half way from Powell River Viewpoint to Harwood Island Sandbanks (Bluffs), Malaspina Strait.
SW, Powell River, BC
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales doing tail lobs!
Fri, 25 Jul 2025 – 5 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales doing tail lobs!
Fri, 25 Jul 2025 – 5 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
PACIFIC WHITE SIDED DOLPHINS
Sat Jul 19 2025
11:41 • est. 50 PWS Dolphins
leaping near the west end of Okisollo Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
Mon Jul 21 2025
10:28 • PWS Dolphins heading north near Rock Bay, Johnstone Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
Wed Jul 23 2025
08:45 • PWS Dolphins heading south from sea walk in Powell River, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Thu Jul 24 2025
11:25 • PWS Dolphins outside of Teakerne Arm.
Radio, overheard or call out
SEA OTTERS
Mon Jul 21 2025
13:18 • Sea Otters between Marina Reef and Cortez Reef, Sutil Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
OF SPECIAL NOTE
Sun Jul 20 2025
12:15 • Other Species off Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
Seal or Sealion managed to get his flipper caught in the buoy and was stuck, unable to dive. Unusual situation.
Radio, overheard or call out