Whale watching is always a unique adventure - one where nature holds the cards, and every trip offers something different. Today, we set out from our home port and turned our attention northbound. Our first stop was a small bay near Piper’s Lagoon where a large herring spawn had been seen the day before.
However, by the time we arrived, the spawn had already dissipated. Even with the spawn no longer being active, there were several sea lions still hanging around, nestled on the rocky shores, snoozing in the sunshine.

Leaving the sea lions behind, we ventured into the expansive Strait of Georgia, scanning the horizon for any telltale signs of whale activity. Blows, dorsal fins, and splashes—our eyes were peeled, but the whales remained elusive. Undeterred, we pressed on, knowing the ocean always has something special in store! We turned southbound and made our way through Northumberland Channel toward Dodd Narrows.

As we crossed through Dodd Narrows, a famously narrow passageway with strong currents, we were greeted by the ever-changing beauty of the Southern Gulf Islands. The waters here were (relatively) calm today, reflecting the crisp blue sky above, and our hopes remained high.

Continuing our journey, we passed through Ruxton Passage, where we spotted a group of Harbour seals lounging on the rocky shores of Pylades Island. Some were sprawled out on the sun-warmed rocks, while others bobbed in the water, their curious eyes watching us as we drifted by. It’s always a delight to observe these charming, pinnipeds and all their antics.

From there, we continued south toward Active Pass – a waterway that separated Galiano Island and Mayne Island. As we slowly meandered behind a large ferry, we exited Active Pass and re-entered the flat open waters of the Strait of Georgia, our search for whales continuing as we turned northwards.

On our way, we made a stop at the Canoe Islets – a small rocky island just outside of Porlier Pass. Here, we were greeted by a raucous group of Steller sea lions. These massive pinnipeds, some of the large males weighing over 2,200 pounds, lounged on the rocky outcrops and occasionally plunged into the water, their deep, guttural roars filling the air. Seeing these powerful marine mammals up close is always an awe-inspiring experience, and today our noses were also greeted by their stinky scent as well!

Departing from Canoe Islets, we scoured the Strait of Georgia a little longer before making one last stop at Entrance Island. The picturesque lighthouse, perched on the small rocky island, stands as a beacon against the backdrop of the Pacific. Entrance Island Lighthouse is incredibly important as it is one of the last human-operated lighthouses on the coast. Many of our lighthouses are now automated.
It was the perfect place to pause and appreciate the beauty of our coastal waters before returning to Nanaimo.

Although the whales eluded us today, the Salish Sea still provided an incredible experience filled with remarkable wildlife encounters. From the grumbling Steller sea lions to the serene harbour seals, every moment on the water reminded us why we cherish these waters so much!

Our guests received vouchers for another trip, because every journey is different, and the whales are always out there - just waiting for the perfect moment to appear. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for another adventure soon!

Please enjoy these photos by Marine Naturalist Cheyenne Brewster!

March 21, 2025 - Adventures around the Southern Gulf Islands