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Here's why there have been so many recent whale sightings around Vancouver

DH Vancouver Staff
DH Vancouver Staff
|
Apr 22 2025, 3:00 pm
Here's why there have been so many recent whale sightings around Vancouver
Drive BC/X

If you’ve been enjoying some time near the ocean during this bout of good weather in Metro Vancouver, you may have been lucky enough to spot some majestic whales in the water.

There have been several whale sightings around the region over the past few weeks, and some lucky locals have been able to capture those magical moments on camera.

Last week, one X-user posted a video of a pod of orcas swimming near the seawall.

Photographer Mark Teasdale also shared several videos of whales he spotted near the Stanley Park Seawall.

Orcas were seen going for a swim near the Lions Gate Bridge on April 15.

A gray whale was also seen in West Van, according to a video posted to Instagram from photographer Frank Lin.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Frank Lin (@fylegend21)

Daily Hive got in touch with Grace Baer, research and project manager with the North Coast Cetacean Society, for more information about why so many whale sightings happen during this time of year.

Baer explained that year-round, there are two “distinct ecotypes of orca” that are seen in B.C.’s coastal waters: Biggs Orca (marine mammal eaters) and Resident Orca (fish eaters).

“The waters around Vancouver and within the Salish Sea support the critically endangered population of Southern Resident Killer Whales,” she stated. 

An influx of migratory species like gray and humpback whales arrives in B.C. during spring because the region is critical to their “feeding habitat.”

“Every spring, these whales travel thousands of kilometres from their warm-water breeding grounds (including Mexico for gray whales and both Mexico and Hawaii for humpbacks) back to these rich summer feeding areas along the B.C. coast and further north in Alaska,” stated Baer.

“What is phenomenal about these migrations is that during their time in their warm water breeding habitats, they are seldom, if ever, able to feed, highlighting the importance of B.C.’s waters to their survival.”

What to do if you see a whale

While it may seem tempting to try to get the best footage of a whale if you happen to see one, Baer stressed that folks need to respect the marine mammal viewing regulations. These rules require individuals to remain “at least 400 m from all orca in southern BC 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,” stated Baer, noting that many remain in the region to feed during summer and fall.

“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.

Moreover, any marine mammals that are spotted and appear to be injured, entangled, or in distress should be immediately reported to the DFO Marine Mammal Incident Reporting Line at 1-800-465-4336.

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