'Beautiful' grey whale spotted in several popular Vancouver spots

An enormous grey whale gave nature lovers a memorable experience in several busy locations around Vancouver this week.

Wildlife photographer Kathleen McCormick shared an image to social media of the grey whale breaching off of Second Beach in Stanley Park on Monday, April 27.

According to McCormick, who is also an eagle monitor for the Hancock wildlife foundation, the whale sighting delighted many passersby on the sea wall.

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“It is always very exciting to get to see these creatures,” said McCormick. “They are very peaceful, and it reminds me of how much we need to advocate for their protection.

“It was lovely to see everyone else out on the sea wall watching as well.”

McCormick is a member of the Facebook group, Howe Sound and Sea to Sky wildlife sightings, which is where she first heard about the whale sightings.

She and others in the group help share information in the group, including local sightings of orcas, grey whales, and humpback whales.

“I am always in awe every time I get to see whales; it is such a special and exciting experience,” shared McCormick. “It is key that we protect our waters and our whales. This means responsible boating, respecting the whales, and giving them space.”

Vancouverite Paul Kinman also snapped some photos of the grey whale off Kits Beach and in False Creek after hearing about it through the Facebook group.

“I was sitting on the rocks right by the water’s edge, and it just popped up right in front of me,” explained the hobby nature photographer. “The best part of seeing this whale has been the excitement that everyone feels.

“Witnessing the crowds form on the shore, and people having, potentially, their first experience seeing a whale, and the awe that comes with that has been really fun, and an amazing, wholesome experience.”

Dozens of people on social media shared in the excitement of the whale sighting.

“It’s a beautiful whale,” added one commenter. “There are smelt in the water, so it has food. I hope it stays safe and makes it back out to the deep water where it belongs. Best wishes, whale friend!”

UBC student Kha Nguyen also spotted the grey whale off of Kits Beach over the weekend.

“As I got closer to the whale, I could see a large group of people with their cameras and phones out, pointing in one direction,” shared Nguyen. “We were lucky that the whale was close to the shore. Everyone got so excited seeing it come up.

“Taking photos of the Gray Whale was not that easy, though. It’s hard to predict when and where it’s going to come up to take a breath. The spout is how we locate it in the water, but it’s usually too late to take good photos of the spout at that point! Being prepared and a lot of luck are definitely needed.”

Daily Hive recently got in touch with Grace Baer, a research and project manager with the North Coast Cetacean Society, who shared some great tips on what to do if you see a whale.

Marine mammal viewing regulations require individuals to remain “at least 400 m from all orca in southern B.C. and 100 m from all other whales, dolphins, and porpoises unless they are resting or with a calf, in which case, remain at least 200 m away.”

“As these whales continue to arrive over the coming weeks and months, it is incredibly important to give them their space to do what they need to do: feed,” added Baer. ”This means it’s important to remain vigilant all year — whether you’re out on the water or looking for whales from shore,” she added in a previous interview. In summary, keep your distance and respect the whales and their natural habitat.