Behaviours of Whales
Cover Image:
Humpbacks diving!
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
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.
Ivan Ng, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Society News & Events
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Thank you all for your kind and continuing donations. Your support is greatly appreciated – we can't do it without you.
Websites:
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Sightings Update
SIGHTINGS MAP – ISSUE: 2025-014
TRANSIENT BIGGS KILLER WHALES
Sun Oct 19 2025
11:00 • Biggs Orca heading south off the Campbell River Ferry Terminal, Discovery Passage.
Colin Griffinson, Pacific Yellowfin Charters
11:20 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ moving slowly, heading south past Quathiaski Cove, Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
15:00 • 5 Biggs Orca between Langdale Ferry Terminal and Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal, Collingwood Channel.
Megan McKee, Powell River, BC
Thu Oct 30 2025
15:33 • 3 Biggs Orca heading north from Willingdon Beach, Powell River, Malaspina Strait. At 16:05, they were off the Powell River Mill. Looks like they were feeding, with lots of birds around. Two big fins and a smaller fin.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Orca heading north from Willingdon Beach, Powell River
Thu, 30 Oct 2025 – 3 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Orca heading north from Willingdon Beach, Powell River
Thu, 30 Oct 2025 – 3 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Mon Nov 10 2025
14:17 • 2 Biggs Orca heading north to the north of Rebecca Rocks, Malaspina Strait. Two big fins.
Barry Rice, Powell River, BC
Fri Nov 14 2025
12:29 • Biggs Orca heading north mid channel off of Powell River, Malaspina Strait.
SW, Powell River, BC
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Orca spotted from shore
Wed, 29 Oct 2025 – 2 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Orca spotted from shore
Wed, 29 Oct 2025 – 2 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES
Sun Oct 12 2025
12:15 • est. 5 Orca rubbing, heading north-west off Trail Islands near Sechelt, Georgia Strait. Along the beach in Sechelt BC, a family moving slowly back and forth. Babies were rubbing against the rocks. There may have been 5 but we couldn’t see them all at once. One dorsal fin had a bend at the top. ▫ Observed from Shore
EP, Sechelt, BC
Unidentified Killer Whales
Biggs Orca rubbing, heading north-west off Trail Islands near Sechelt, Georgia Strait
Sun, 12 Oct 2025 – 1 items
EP, Sechelt, BC
Unidentified Killer Whales
Biggs Orca rubbing, heading north-west off Trail Islands near Sechelt, Georgia Strait
Sun, 12 Oct 2025 – 1 items
EP, Sechelt, BC
Fri Oct 17 2025
10:21 • Orca taking long dives, heading south from Beach Gardens Marina, Powell River, Malaspina Strait. Small group, long dives and way out offshore.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Fri Oct 24 2025
13:45 • Orca off Willingdon Beach, Powell River, Malaspina Strait. Orca calls on hydrophone.
Terry Brown, Otter Be Good Productions
HUMPBACK WHALES
Thu Oct 09 2025
15:15 • est. 1 Humpback Whales foraging, near Whale Island 8, Strait of Juan de Fuca. ▫ From Kayak or Paddleboard
Sylvie Gareau, Sooke, BC
15:30 • 1 Humpback Whales taking long dives, heading south from Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait. Not too far out.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
15:45 • est. 2+ Humpback Whales south of Whirl Bay, Strait of Juan de Fuca. ▫ From Kayak or Paddleboard
16:15 • 1 Humpback Whales just south of Bentinck Island, Strait of Juan de Fuca. There appears to be a lot less herring in the area. ▫ From Kayak or Paddleboard
Sylvie Gareau, Sooke, BC
Fri Oct 10 2025
09:52 • 2 Humpback Whales off Mary Point, Cortes Island, Malaspina Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
12:15 • 3 Humpback Whales lunge feeding, 500m south of Whirl Bay, Strait of Juan de Fuca. ▫ From Power or Sail Boat
15:00 • est. 4+ Humpback Whales off of Race Rocks, Strait of Juan de Fuca. ▫ From Power or Sail Boat
17:30 • 3 Humpback Whales foraging, mid passage near Race Rocks. Short dives. ▫ From Kayak or Paddleboard
Sylvie Gareau, Sooke, BC
Sun Oct 12 2025
12:15 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south to the south of Van Anda, Texada Island, Malaspina Strait. Long way out.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Mon Oct 13 2025
14:25 • 2 Humpback Whales heading east near Mink Island, Desolation Sound. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Tue Oct 14 2025
15:43 • Humpback Whales breaching, to the south-west of Rebecca Rocks, Georgia Strait. Triple breaches.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Wed Oct 15 2025
11:00 • est. 2 Humpback Whales travelling, heading north-west south of Billings Bay, Nelson Island, Malaspina Strait. Seen from the ferry. Then dived in, while going away under water. ▫ From Ferry
BK, BC – Rugged Coast Expeditions, Powell River, BC
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales heading north-west of Billings Bay, Nelson Island, Malaspina Strait
Wed, 15 Oct 2025 – 1 items
BK, BC – Rugged Coast Expeditions, Powell River, BC
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales heading north-west of Billings Bay, Nelson Island, Malaspina Strait
Wed, 15 Oct 2025 – 1 items
BK, BC – Rugged Coast Expeditions, Powell River, BC
11:00 • est. 2+ Humpback Whales 1+ mile south of Church Island, Strait of Juan de Fuca. ▫ From Kayak or Paddleboard
Sylvie Gareau, Sooke, BC
12:00 • 1 Humpback Whales taking long dives, on the northwest side of Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
13:12 • 1 Humpback Whales heading north approaching Myrtle Point, Malaspina Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
13:45 • 2 Humpback Whales taking long dives, just northwest of Race Rocks, Strait of Juan de Fuca. ▫ From Kayak or Paddleboard
15:15 • 1 Humpback Whales foraging, heading north-west just south of Church Island, Strait of Juan de Fuca. Traveled into Becher Bay to feed. ▫ From Kayak or Paddleboard
Sylvie Gareau, Sooke, BC
15:22 • 5 Humpback Whales spread out, near Spilsbury Point and Twin Islands, Baker Passage. Feeding.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
17:15 • 3 Humpback Whales lunge feeding, heading south-west south of South Bedford Island as viewed from Whale Island 8, Strait of Juan de Fuca. One whale was feeding south of Fraser Island quietly, another was feeding south of South Bedford Island. After foraging individually for a while, they came together and started to lunge feed just south of South Bedford Island. Foraged together for the next hour with a third whale further south. ▫ From Kayak or Paddleboard
Sylvie Gareau, Sooke, BC
17:32 • 2 Humpback Whales close to Harwood / Ahgykson Island, Malaspina Strait. Raised their flukes and dove.
Heather Harbord, Powell River, BC
Thu Oct 16 2025
07:45 • est. 2+ Humpback Whales 1-mile south of Becher Bay, Strait of Juan de Fuca. ▫ From Kayak or Paddleboard
08:45 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south-west about 200-m south of Beechey Head, Strait of Juan de Fuca. Short dives. ▫ From Kayak or Paddleboard
11:00 • est. 2-3 Humpback Whales foraging, heading north between Whale Island 8 and Creyke Point, Strait of Juan de Fuca. ▫ From Kayak or Paddleboard
Sylvie Gareau, Sooke, BC
Fri Oct 17 2025
10:03 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south just north of Grief Point, Powell River, Malaspina Strait. Swimming very close together and close to shore.
Heather Harbord, Powell River, BC
10:53 • Humpback Whales breaching, by Texada Island, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
13:56 • 3 Humpback Whales milling, in Call Bight, Desolation Sound.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Sun Oct 19 2025
11:00 • est. 2 Humpback Whales heading east 200 metres south of William Head, Strait of Juan de Fuca. Short dives, splashing around. ▫ Observed from Shore
Sylvie Gareau, Sooke, BC
13:35 • est. 3+ Humpback Whales moving quickly, heading north just north of Rebecca Rocks, Georgia Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
14:06 • 2 Humpback Whales just north of Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
16:12 • est. 10+ Humpback Whales between Coho (Kiddie) Point and Harwood / Ahgykson Island, Malaspina Strait. Lots of blows.
Barry Rice, Powell River, BC
Mon Oct 20 2025
15:30 • 1 Humpback Whales breaching, in front of Sliammon / Tla’amin Nation, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
15:33 • 3 Humpback Whales tail lobs, pec slaps, in front of Sliammon / Tla’amin Nation.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Wed Oct 22 2025
08:38 • est. 3-4 Humpback Whales east of Rebecca Rocks, Malaspina Strait.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Fri Oct 24 2025
14:08 • Humpback Whales off Willingdon Beach, Powell River, Malaspina Strait. Humpback Whale Song on hydrophone.
Terry Brown, Otter Be Good Productions
Mon Oct 27 2025
08:15 • est. 2+ Humpback Whales south of Becher Bay, Strait of Juan de Fuca. Far out. ▫ From Kayak or Paddleboard
Sylvie Gareau, Sooke, BC
10:27 • est. 12+ Humpback Whales off Stradiotti Reef and south of Savary Island, Malaspina Strait.
Lesley and Neil Roberts, Savary Island, BC
11:00 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south to the south of Harwood Island Spit, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales heading south to the south of Harwood Island Spit, Malaspina Strait
Mon, 27 Oct 2025 – 3 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales heading south to the south of Harwood Island Spit, Malaspina Strait
Mon, 27 Oct 2025 – 3 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
14:50 • 2 Humpback Whales close to the north end of Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait. Blows observed.
SW, Powell River, BC
Sat Nov 01 2025
11:30 • est. 5+ Humpback Whales northwest of Coho (Kiddie) Point at the NW tip of Texada Island, Malaspina Strait.
13:16 • Humpback Whales west of Rebecca Rocks, Georgia Strait. Many spouts observed. Many birds in the area.
SW, Powell River, BC
Sun Nov 02 2025
14:59 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south mid-channel between the Powell River Viewpoint and the Harwood Island Sandbanks (Bluffs), Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
15:21 • est. 2+ Humpback Whales breaching, off the south end of Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait.
SW, Powell River, BC
Mon Nov 03 2025
14:35 • est. 6+ Humpback Whales foraging, to the north of Rebecca Rocks, Malaspina Strait. Lots of birds.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
16:20 • 2 Humpback Whales off Hurtado Point, Malaspina Strait. ▫ From Power or Sail Boat
Terry Brown, Otter Be Good Productions
Tue Nov 04 2025
09:57 • 3 Humpback Whales heading south 1/3 of the way out from the shore off Sliammon / Tla’amin Nation, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Sat Nov 08 2025
10:00 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north just south of the Texada Island cell tower, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
13:45 • 1 Humpback Whales heading south just off Manson Passage, Georgia Strait. Whales singing, listening on hydrophone. ▫ From Power or Sail Boat
Terry Brown, Otter Be Good Productions
Sun Nov 09 2025
08:30 • 1 Humpback Whales heading north mid channel in front of the Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait. Lots of white on the tail.
SW, Powell River, BC
11:04 • 2 Humpback Whales tail lobs, by the Harwood Island Spit, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Mon Nov 10 2025
12:13 • 1 Humpback Whales moving slowly, between Powell River Ferry Terminal and the Comox (Little River) Ferry Terminal, Malaspina Strait.
12:24 • 2 Humpback Whales off the ferry line SW of Coho (Kiddie) Point at the NW tip of Texada Island, Georgia Strait.
Jude Abrams, Otter Be Good Productions
12:55 • 2 Humpback Whales mid Strait between Powell River Ferry Terminal and the Comox (Little River) Ferry Terminal, Georgia Strait. Splashing around. ▫ From Ferry
Terry Brown, Otter Be Good Productions
16:02 • est. 1+ Humpback Whales off Coho (Kiddie) Point at the NW tip of Texada Island, Malaspina Strait.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Tue Nov 11 2025
07:45 • est. 1+ Humpback Whales south of Becher Bay, Strait of Juan de Fuca. Far out. ▫ From Kayak or Paddleboard
Sylvie Gareau, Sooke, BC
Wed Nov 12 2025
08:37 • Humpback Whales east of Cyril Rock, Malaspina Strait.
SW, Powell River, BC
13:00 • 1 Humpback Whales heading south from Beach Gardens Marina, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Thu Nov 13 2025
13:33 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south from Beach Gardens Marina.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales heading south from Beach Gardens Marina
Thu, 13 Nov 2025 – 4 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales heading south from Beach Gardens Marina
Thu, 13 Nov 2025 – 4 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
14:33 • est. 6+ Humpback Whales off of Harwood / Ahgykson Island 1/4 of the way to Rebecca Rocks, Georgia Strait.
SW, Powell River, BC
GREY WHALES
Wed Nov 05 2025
–:– • 1 Grey Whales in Brew Bay, Malaspina Strait. The whale was feeding in the shallow, mucky water.
Robert Johnson, Powell River, BC
PACIFIC WHITE SIDED DOLPHINS
Wed Oct 15 2025
09:38 • PWS Dolphins heading north towards the south end of Harwood / Ahgykson Island, Malaspina Strait. Large group.
11:45 • PWS Dolphins foraging, in front of Grief Point, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Pacific White Sided Dolphins foraging in front of Grief Point, Malaspina Strait
Wed, 15 Oct 2025 – 4 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Pacific White Sided Dolphins foraging in front of Grief Point, Malaspina Strait
Wed, 15 Oct 2025 – 4 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Fri Oct 17 2025
10:53 • PWS Dolphins moving quickly, from Beach Gardens Marina, Malaspina Strait. Travelling ahead of the orcas.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
SEA OTTERS
Wed Oct 15 2025
13:45 • est. 1 Sea Otters just west of Race Rocks, Strait of Juan de Fuca. ▫ From Kayak or Paddleboard
Sylvie Gareau, Sooke, BC
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The Magazine
SPECIAL SIGHTINGS
CTV News
BARKLEY SOUND, B.C. â?? After glancing out the front window of their waterfront home, Kathy Johnson and Peter Mieras noticed something unusual on the surface of the ocean.
â??Peter yelled, â??Whale! Itâ??s got to be a whale!â??â? Kathy recalls with a laugh. â??And he took off, as he does.â?…
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RESEARCH & CONSERVATION
The Guardian
It was an early morning in June 2024 and along the coast of Baja California in Mexico, scientists on the Pacific Storm research vessel were finishing their coffee and preparing for a long day searching for some of the most elusive creatures on the planet. Suddenly a call came from the bridge: â??Whales! Starboard side!â?…
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BBC Wildlife Magazine
For the first time, scientists have quantified how many deep-sea squid short-finned pilot whales in HawaiÊ»i need to eat to support their deep-diving lifestyle….
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CNN
There are easier ways to cross an ocean, but few are as slick or stylish as the remoraâ??s whale-surfing joyride.
Scientists tracking humpbacks off the coast of Australia have captured rare footage that shows clutches of the freeloading fish peeling away from their host in what looks like a high-speed game of chicken, just moments before the whale breaches….
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