Where are the Whales?

A publication of Wild Ocean Whale Society (WOWs)

Where are the Whales?


Cover Image:
Transient Biggs Orca heading North past Gibsons Beach
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC

Whales spend the majority of their time below the surface of the water. Some whales travel in one general direction and have predictable surface patterns. However, some whales travel in different directions while underwater and are difficult to track and locate when they surface. Orca tend to travel in one direction but when they are hunting for food, they may mill around in an area and have irregular travel patterns. Humpback whales may also travel in different directions when diving for a longer period of time.

We have continued to receive reports of sightings of Transient Orca in upper Georgia Strait and in various inland waterways. However, we have not received any reports lately of either the Northern Resident Orca or the Southern Resident Orca. Where have the Resident Orca gone? And how are they doing with decreased Salmon in our oceans? Also, we have not received reports lately of Harbour porpoises. With the colder rainy season arriving, it will make it more challenging to observe Harbour porpoises as they are small and can be dwarfed by waves.

Boaters, please use caution on the water. Federal laws require boats to remain at least 400-m away when viewing Southern Resident Orca and for other Cetaceans, laws require boats to remain at least 100-m from the whales/dolphins. If you come across some Orca and you are uncertain if they are Southern Resident Orca, it is best to still maintain your distance of 400-m. Remember N.E.W.S. when you see a whale, meaning put your boat in NEUTRAL, ENJOY the view, WAIT till the whales are at a fair distance, and then SLOWLY leave the scene.

We acknowledge that our sightings map and archive map are not fully functional at this time, and we are working to resolve the issue.

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

Society News & Events
Whales and Dolphins BC Website:
Teaching Resources: We continue to update lessons, activities and resources on our website. Teachers can download information as needed for classes.
Real Time Monitoring Station Live Update
Our Cetacean Web Camera YouTube Channel is live. We appreciate your patience with the intermittent bouncy images from the Beach Gardens Marina camera. Our backup live stream mounted in Powell River appears when the Beach Gardens camera is down.
Thank You to our Volunteers and Contributors!
Our team of online Volunteers continue to do a great job in making sure all your sightings reports are mapped and published regularly. Would you like to join us?
Review our current Volunteer Job Postings
Not listed in our job postings is our immediate need for IT support. Please contact Susan@…org for details.
Sightings Update
SIGHTINGS MAP – ISSUE: 2019-043
TRANSIENT BIGGS KILLER WHALES
Fri Sep 20 2019
08:35 • Biggs Orca milling, heading north off the Cape Mudge Lighthouse on Quadra Island, Georgia Strait. Moving slowly.
09:43 • est. 5-6 Biggs Orca milling, close to the shore of Elizabeth Island, Pryce Channel. ▫ Second Hand
Radio, overheard or call out
10:50 • Biggs Orca heading into Menzies Bay, Discovery Passage.
12:30 • Biggs Orca heading north off Separation Head, Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
Sat Sep 21 2019
13:15 • est. 5 Biggs Orca in Okeover Inlet most likely in Lancelot Inlet. Very active. Haven’t seen them leave the inlet yet. Been in the area since the morning.
13:50 • Biggs Orca now coming out of Lancelot Inlet.
14:42 • Biggs Orca at Josephine Islands coming out of Malaspina Inlet.
15:00 • est. 8 Biggs Orca going from Otter Island to Waddington Channel, Desolation Sound. ▫ Second Hand
15:00 • Biggs Orca at Otter Island heading toward Waddington Channel. ▫ Second Hand
15:15 • Biggs Orca ◦T090s◦ heading south along the mainland shore off Sarah Point, Malaspina Strait.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
15:15 • Biggs Orca ◦T090s◦ rounding Sarah Point heading for the Copeland Islands, Malaspina Strait.
15:18 • Biggs Orca ◦T090s◦ rounding Sarah Point, Malaspina Strait. Looks like they’re going to head southish.
15:50 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs,T101s,T102◦ heading west past West Redonda Island, Desolation Sound.
15:53 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs,T101s,T102◦ heading south off the shore of West Redonda Island. Minus T002C2 Tumbo.
17:00 • est. 3 Biggs Orca moving slowly, heading north-east, Mill Bay, Saanich Inlet. ▫ Observed from Shore
KG, Mill Bay, BC
Mon Sep 23 2019
08:15 • est. 2-3 Biggs Orca near Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy headed towards Cape Mudge Lighthouse, Georgia Strait. Report from Coast Wild. ▫ Second Hand
Bill Coltart, Big Animal Encounters
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Orca hunting a steller sea lion
Mon, 23 Sep 2019 – 1 items
Big Animal Encounters, Campbell River, BC

Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Orca hunting a steller sea lion
Mon, 23 Sep 2019 – 1 items
Big Animal Encounters, Campbell River, BC
09:20 • Biggs Orca heading north towards Quadra Island Scallop Farm south of Heriot Bay, Sutil Channel. About 1 1/2 nautical miles off shore.
11:30 • Biggs Orca at Breton Islands, Sutil Channel. Observed 2 pods of orca.
14:20 • 4 Biggs Orca heading north at April Point, Discovery Passage. Oberved 4 small fins.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
17:00 • Biggs Orca ◦T101s◦ heading east entering Toba Inlet.
17:33 • 4 Biggs Orca heading north between Elk Bay and McMullen Point, Discovery Passage. 200 meters off the beach.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
Tue Sep 24 2019
09:50 • Biggs Orca off Dunsterville Islet, Hoskyn Channel.
11:47 • est. 2-3 Biggs Orca leaving the west end of Hole in the Wall and entering Okisollo Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
12:00 • Biggs Orca at Penn Islands, Sutil Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
12:10 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs,T090s◦ off Penn Islands. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
13:00 • Biggs Orca between Bullock Bluff and Read Island, Sutil Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
13:28 • 2 Biggs Orca doing circles, one-third the way towards Rebecca Rocks, Malaspina Strait. Viewed from Powell River. ▫ Observed from Shore
Barry Rice, Powell River, BC
13:35 • Biggs Orca moving quickly, heading to Coho (Kiddie) Point at the NW tip of Texada Island, Georgia Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
16:00 • Biggs Orca doing circles, between Redonda Bay and Raza Island, Deer Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene
17:25 • Biggs Orca at Redonda Bay, Deer Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Stuart Clark, Eagle Eye Adventures
Thu Sep 26 2019
13:24 • Biggs Orca heading north from Black (Albion) Point, Malaspina Strait. A small group of Orca. ▫ Second Hand
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
14:12 • est. 5 Biggs Orca heading towards Grief Point, Malaspina Strait. Group included 1 big male. Close to shore.
Barry Rice, Powell River, BC
15:50 • Biggs Orca heading north past Gibsons Beach just north of Powell River, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Orca heading North past Gibsons Beach
Thu, 26 Sep 2019 – 6 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Orca heading North past Gibsons Beach
Thu, 26 Sep 2019 – 6 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
15:58 • Biggs Orca at Rebecca Spit headed towards Heriot Bay, Sutil Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
16:11 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs,T090s◦ at Open Bay, Quadra Island, Sutil Channel.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Orca – the T99s – foraging
Fri, 20 Sep 2019 – 7 items
Val Watson, Vancouver Island Whale Watch
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Orca – the T99s – foraging
Fri, 20 Sep 2019 – 7 items
Val Watson, Vancouver Island Whale Watch
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Orca hunting near the Sunshine Coast
Sat, 21 Sep 2019 – 3 items
Val Watson, Vancouver Island Whale Watch
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Orca hunting near the Sunshine Coast
Sat, 21 Sep 2019 – 3 items
Val Watson, Vancouver Island Whale Watch
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Orca – T100E – hunting near the Sunshine Coast
Sat, 21 Sep 2019 – 1 items
Rebecca Pirker, Vancouver Island Whale Watch
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Orca – T100E – hunting near the Sunshine Coast
Sat, 21 Sep 2019 – 1 items
Rebecca Pirker, Vancouver Island Whale Watch
HUMPBACK WHALES
Mon Sep 09 2019
10:45 • 3 Humpback Whales moving slowly, heading west off Lang Bay southeast of Powell River, Malaspina Strait. Appear to be searching for food in a small area. ▫ Observed from Shore
Michael Stewart, Powell River, BC
Fri Sep 20 2019
07:55 • 4 Humpback Whales between the Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy and the Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
08:50 • 3 Humpback Whales ◦BCX Lorax◦ close to the shore at Raza Point, Raza Island, Calm Channel.
11:05 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north towards Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
11:25 • 2 Humpback Whales to the east of Mitlenatch Island.
12:11 • 1 Humpback Whales off the west side of Mitlenatch Island.
13:12 • 2 Humpback Whales off Church House, Calm Channel.
13:15 • 2 Humpback Whales heading from the Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy towards the Cape Mudge Lighthouse, Georgia Strait.
Tom Christensen, Adventure Quest Tours
15:20 • 1 Humpback Whales off the dock at Homfray Lodge, Homfray Channel. ▫ Second Hand
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
16:15 • est. 3-4 Humpback Whales heading south off the SE tip of Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
Terry Brown and Jude Abrams, Otter Be Good Productions
17:55 • Humpback Whales close to the shore off the SE side of Mitlenatch Island.
18:05 • 1 Humpback Whales doing circles, near Dogfish Bay at the southeast end of Quadra Island, Sutil Channel.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
18:33 • 3 Humpback Whales near the Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
Sat Sep 21 2019
08:35 • Humpback Whales half mile off West Redonda Island between Waddington and Lewis Channel, Desolation Sound.
Jerry Weldon, Campbell River
08:41 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north abeam the lodge on Rendezvous Islands, Calm Channel.
11:30 • Humpback Whales heading south at Johnstone Bluff, Calm Channel.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
11:30 • 2 Humpback Whales bottom of Lewis Channel.
12:10 • 3 Humpback Whales bottom of Lewis Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Stan Novotny, Eagle Eye Adventures
12:20 • 2 Humpback Whales mid point of channel between North Rendezvous Island and Bartlett Islet, Calm Channel.
13:34 • 2 Humpback Whales two-thirds of the way out to Rebecca Rocks from the shore of Powell River, Malaspina Strait. Observed from Shore. ▫ Second Hand
13:42 • est. 1 Humpback Whales breaching, off Savary Island, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
14:00 • 3 Humpback Whales heading north on the Vancouver Island side just past Discovery Harbour Marina, Campbell River, Discovery Passage.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
14:30 • est. 2-3 Humpback Whales just south of Junction Point at the bottom of Lewis Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
14:35 • 1 Humpback Whales ◦BCY0291 KC◦ taking long dives near Arran Rapids.
Stan Novotny, Eagle Eye Adventures
14:55 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north mid channel; one is in front of Hole in the Wall, Calm Channel.
15:12 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north mid Strait off Myrtle Point, Malaspina Strait.
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
15:55 • 3 Humpback Whales heading north just north of Browns Bay, Discovery Passage.
Sarah Whiteside, Big Animal Encounters
Humpback Whales
Humpbacks heading north by Browns Bay
Sat, 21 Sep 2019 – 1 items
Big Animal Encounters, Campbell River, BC

Humpback Whales
Humpbacks heading north by Browns Bay
Sat, 21 Sep 2019 – 1 items
Big Animal Encounters, Campbell River, BC
17:54 • est. 2 Humpback Whales breaching, heading south, Sand Heads, Georgia Strait. Calf breaching, mother feeding. ▫ From Power or Sail Boat
GI, Richmond, BC
18:15 • 1 Humpback Whales milling, at 45 Point, Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
Sun Sep 22 2019
08:46 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north at Mushkin 5 on Sonora Island, Calm Channel.
10:00 • 3 Humpback Whales heading east, south of Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
10:00 • 1 Humpback Whales at Spoil Grounds, Georgia Strait.
10:20 • est. 1-2 Humpback Whales bucking tide, off Sea Lion Rock, Yuculta Rapids.
Ryan Stewart, Sonora Resort
10:51 • 5 Humpback Whales between Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy and Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
11:51 • 2 Humpback Whales in front of Squirrel Cove, Cortes Island, Lewis Channel.
Jason Fitzgerald, Eagle Eye Adventures
12:00 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north at Hall Point on Sonora Island, Nodales Channel.
14:23 • est. 4+ Humpback Whales south of Rebecca Rocks, Georgia Strait. Blows and flukes. ▫ Observed from Shore
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
14:46 • 2 Humpback Whales foraging, heading north off Lighthouse Marine Park Campground, Point Roberts, Georgia Strait.
Melissa Hafting, Vancouver, BC
15:18 • 2 Humpback Whales south of Center Islet north-west of Subtle Islands, Sutil Channel.
Jason Fitzgerald, Eagle Eye Adventures
15:40 • 2 Humpback Whales doing circles, off Bartlett Islet, Calm Channel.
15:46 • 4 Humpback Whales west of Rebecca Rocks, Georgia Strait.
15:46 • 6 Humpback Whales spread out, west of Rebecca Rocks.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
Mon Sep 23 2019
08:32 • Humpback Whales doing circles, at Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
08:51 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south off Francisco Point bound towards Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
12:12 • est. 3+ Humpback Whales to the left and right of Rebecca Rocks, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Tue Sep 24 2019
09:38 • 1 Humpback Whales near the Spoil Grounds, Georgia Strait.
12:00 • Humpback Whales between Subtle Islands and Whaletown, Sutil Channel.
12:09 • 1 Humpback Whales back and forth, off Harwood Island Spit, Malaspina Strait.
Barry Rice, Powell River, BC
12:42 • est. 1-2 Humpback Whales south of Subtle Islands, Sutil Channel.
12:49 • 1 Humpback Whales heading south, Sutil Channel.
13:30 • est. 2-3 Humpback Whales ◦BCX0565 Nick◦ west of Sentry Shoal, Georgia Strait. Over the 1000ft trench.
13:35 • 1 Humpback Whales heading north towards Rebecca Rocks from Coho (Kiddie) Point, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Humpback Whales
Humpbacks heading north towards Rebecca Rocks from Coho Point
Tue, 24 Sep 2019 – 4 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Humpback Whales
Humpbacks heading north towards Rebecca Rocks from Coho Point
Tue, 24 Sep 2019 – 4 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
14:34 • Humpback Whales heading south at Mystery Reef, Malaspina Strait.
14:34 • 1 Humpback Whales circling, off Vivian Island, Georgia Strait.
14:34 • 4 Humpback Whales at the SW tip of Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
14:42 • 1 Humpback Whales in Crescent Bay, Texada Island, Georgia Strait.
14:42 • est. 2-3 Humpback Whales about one mile west of Crescent Bay, Texada Island.
14:44 • 3 Humpback Whales off Sentry Shoal, Georgia Strait. Angled towards Grant Reef.
Stuart Clark, Eagle Eye Adventures
15:30 • 4 Humpback Whales near the Pinnacles, Georgia Strait.
15:37 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north, Sentry Shoal, Georgia Strait.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
15:46 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south, Baker Passage.
16:15 • 2 Humpback Whales off Subtle Islands, Sutil Channel.
Stuart Clark, Eagle Eye Adventures
16:27 • est. 12+ Humpback Whales north of the ferry line out from Powell River, Georgia Strait.
16:27 • est. 1-2 Humpback Whales between Rebecca Rocks and Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait.
16:43 • 2 Humpback Whales between Harwood Island Spit and Powell River Mill (Pulp & Paper), Malaspina Strait.
Barry Rice, Powell River, BC
Thu Sep 26 2019
16:36 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north at Separation Head, Discovery Passage.
Radio, overheard or call out
16:57 • 1 Humpback Whales tail lobs, two thirds of the way between Powell River Viewpoint and Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Humpback Whales
Humpback diving near the Gulf Islands
Fri, 20 Sep 2019 – 1 items
Cheyenne Brewster, Vancouver Island Whale Watch
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Humpback Whales
Humpback diving near the Gulf Islands
Fri, 20 Sep 2019 – 1 items
Cheyenne Brewster, Vancouver Island Whale Watch
PACIFIC WHITE SIDED DOLPHINS
Fri Sep 20 2019
10:52 • est. 30 PWS Dolphins moving slowly, heading north near Browns Bay, Discovery Passage.
12:35 • est. 30 PWS Dolphins close to the shore at Hemming Bay, East Thurlow Island, Nodales Channel.
Jason Fitzgerald, Eagle Eye Adventures
13:29 • est. 12 PWS Dolphins off Brougham Point, East Thurlow Island, Nodales Channel.
Eliot Richter, Blind Channel Resort
14:50 • PWS Dolphins around Jimmy Judd Island, Dent Rapids. Small group.
Sat Sep 21 2019
12:10 • PWS Dolphins off Toba Mountain, Raza Passage. Super elusive.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
Mon Sep 23 2019
08:10 • est. 80 PWS Dolphins heading south at Humpback Bay, Johnstone Strait. Playing in the wake of a southbound fishing vessel.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
Tue Sep 24 2019
08:30 • PWS Dolphins east of Thurston Bay, Sonora Island, Nodales Channel. Large pod.
Eliot Richter, Blind Channel Resort
10:02 • PWS Dolphins in Greensea Bay, Discovery Passage.
10:02 • PWS Dolphins, Frederick Arm.
Radio, overheard or call out
14:25 • PWS Dolphins off Howe Island, Nodales Channel. Heading towards Johnstone Strait.
14:45 • PWS Dolphins milling, off Howe Island. ▫ Leaving the Scene
DALLS PORPOISE
Fri Sep 20 2019
11:14 • est. 20-30 Dalls Porpoise between Granite Point and Venture Point, Okisollo Channel.
15:00 • 6 Dalls Porpoise off Thurlow Point, East Thurlow Island, Nodales Channel.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
Sat Sep 21 2019
08:15 • est. 6 Dalls Porpoise heading north off Kanish Bay, Discovery Passage.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
10:20 • Dalls Porpoise at Hall Point, Sonora Island, Nodales Channel. Playful.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
14:06 • Dalls Porpoise, Discovery Passage.
Radio, overheard or call out
Tue Sep 24 2019
14:45 • 12 Dalls Porpoise playing, near Cinque Islands, Discovery Passage.
SEA OTTERS
Fri Sep 20 2019
10:27 • 1 Sea Otters off Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out

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    we welcome your sighting reports, photographs, video and audio recordings. please review our
    media submission guidelines
    receive sightings update
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