Orca Sightings!

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.