Here are the best places to go whale watching around Vancouver

Nature lovers have been treated to some majestic whale sightings around Vancouver in recent memory.

From frolicking pods of orcas to giant humpbacks and even newborn calves in the waters around B.C., there’s plenty for whale fans to get excited about.

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.

Now that we know what to do if we see one, where are some of the best places to go whale watching around Vancouver? We’ve compiled a list of some of the hot spots as well as some recent sightings to inspire you to keep an eye out on the water.

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Stanley Park

Visitors to Stanley Park have been treated to many whale sightings over the years, including several splashing water with their bodies and spraying out of their blowholes. A sighting in Burrard Inlet is always sure to cause a photographer frenzy on the seawall.

Spanish Banks

It’s all about timing. That’s the lesson learned for a Vancouver father and son lucky enough to be just metres away when a massive grey whale surfaced off the shore near Spanish Banks Beach.

Ian Myers-Smith, who captured the whale footage and is among those advocating for keeping these wild animals wild, says that even as a photographer, there are plenty of ways to capture a stunning shot without getting too close.

False Creek

Passengers on False Creek Ferries were treated to an incredible surprise in Vancouver this past fall when a group of orcas surfaced right next to the boats.

Folks captured video of the breached killer whales with Vancouver’s skyline in the background. The footage quickly gained popularity on social media, with Vancouverites commenting on how lucky passengers were to see the whales.

Coal Harbour

Vancouver’s Burrard Inlet seems to be a popular destination for whales, especially given the numerous sightings over the years.

Orcas have been seen swimming around the Harbour Air seaplane terminal by the Vancouver Convention Centre. The whales’ tall dorsal fins stuck out of the water, and they expelled water through their blowholes before diving under again.

West Vancouver

A pod of orcas gave a local father and son the memories of a lifetime while they worked on their boat near Horseshoe Bay last summer.

Daily Hive reader Lionel Jensen shared footage of the orcas breaching just metres from them at Sewell’s Marina in West Vancouver. The pod explored the inlet for approximately 22 minutes and may even have been hunting for food.