Today’s adventure began with a sense of anticipation. After leaving the dock in the afternoon, we set our course southward, aiming for a well-known humpback whale hotspot just outside of Porlier Pass. Although we were facing some waves, we didn’t let that stop us. The journey ahead promised the excitement of wildlife sightings that make every trip a unique experience.

Though we had humpbacks on our mind, the waters of the Strait of Georgia hold many surprises. On our way south, we always keep our eyes peeled for any sign of movement on the horizon, knowing that whales can appear when you least expect them. Today was one of those lucky days. As we scanned the sea, a telltale fin sliced through the water: a pod of Biggs Orcas, also known as transient orcas, emerged in the distance. These orcas are known for their stealthy hunting skills, preying on seals, sea lions, and other marine mammals.

The pod we encountered was none other than the T019s. This tight-knit group is led by a mother, T019, and her two adult sons.

T019 Nootka ♀ (~1965)
T019B Galiano ♂ (1995)
T019C Spouter ♂ (2001)

The family bond within Biggs Orca pods is strong, with offspring often staying with their mothers for life. However, something was different about this sighting—the pod’s usual matriarch, the grandmother T018, wasn’t with them. Recently, she’s been spending time away from her family, which is unusual for her but not unheard of among orcas.

We followed these magnificent creatures as they swam northward, their sleek black-and-white bodies slicing effortlessly through the water. After a while, it was time to let them continue on their journey.

After saying goodbye to the T019s, we returned to our original plan: finding humpback whales near Porlier Pass. Soon enough, we spotted two different groups out in the Strait of Georgia. One of the whales, known as Beak (BCX1606), was feeding solo. Humpbacks like Beak can be challenging to track during feeding since they spend more time below the surface, chasing schools of small fish and krill. After a brief encounter, we shifted our focus to another exciting sight: a mother-calf pair.

The cow, known as Raptor (BCY0458), and her 2024 calf were swimming calmly, their rhythmic surfacing and diving a mesmerizing sight. We were in for a real treat—Raptor’s calf was beginning to mimic its mother by lifting its massive tail out of the water before each dive. This behaviour is something young calves usually struggle with, as their muscles aren’t fully developed. It’s a remarkable sight to witness this learning process.

Watching these two whales, we were reminded of the deep maternal bond humpback whales share. The calves remain close to their mothers for about a year before venturing off on their own. Today, we felt lucky to be part of this chapter in their journey.

Our journey didn’t end with the whales. We made a stop at Stinky Rock, a favourite haul-out spot for Steller Sea Lions and Harbour Seals. The name "Stinky Rock" might not sound glamorous, but the abundance of marine life there is astounding. Steller Sea Lions, the largest sea lions in the world, could be seen lounging on the rocks, their roars echoing across the water. Nearby, Harbour Seals basked in the sun, less vocal but equally charming.

Adding to the scene were Harlequin ducks, colourful birds that thrive in the coastal waters of the Pacific Northwest. These little birds are a treat to spot, with their striking blue, chestnut, and white plumage.

Before heading back to the dock, we made one last stop at the Harmac Pulp Mill, a lesser-known but reliable spot to see more Sea Lions. Here, these giant marine mammals haul out on log booms, taking a break from the cold waters. It’s always fascinating to watch them interact, their sheer size and strength evident as they move across the logs.

With the sun starting to dip lower on the horizon, we made our way back toward Nanaimo, reflecting on the day’s incredible encounters. From orcas to humpbacks, sea lions to seals, and even Harlequin ducks, the rich diversity of marine life in the Strait of Georgia never ceases to amaze. We docked safely, hearts full from another unforgettable journey on the water. Enjoy the photos of the tour below, taken by the onboard marine naturalists Vanessa Vereschahen and Desarae Poier.

October 8, 2024 - The T019s in Stuart Channel, and Humpback Whales in the Strait

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