It was one of those perfect fall days on the Salish Sea, blue skies stretched overhead, and the water shimmered in the sunlight as our two vessels departed Nanaimo Harbour. With calm seas and clear visibility, conditions were ideal for spotting wildlife, and our crews were eager to see what the Strait of Georgia had in store.

We didn’t have to wait long. Just minutes after passing the mouth of the harbour, two familiar blows broke the surface, a pair of humpback whales right in front of us! The two were taking turns surfacing and diving, their flukes lifting high before slipping gracefully beneath the surface for a few minutes at a time. Thanks to those clear tail shots, we were able to identify them as Nike (BCX1377) and Twinning (BCX1207), two well-known individuals in the area.

As we watched, it became clear that Nike had energy to spare. Between dives, he treated us to some exuberant cartwheels and tail slaps, sending up impressive sprays of water in the afternoon light. Twinning, on the other hand, seemed far less interested in burning calories and appeared to be taking a more relaxed approach to feeding.

Seeing an active humpback like Nike in action is always a treat. These whales are massive; adults can weigh up to 40 tonnes, so every movement takes an incredible amount of energy. A single breach or tail slap can burn thousands of calories, energy they work hard to build up during the feeding season. These bursts of activity are thought to serve several purposes, from communication to play to helping dislodge parasites, but for us, they’re simply awe-inspiring to witness.

After spending some time with this energetic duo, we continued our journey north, setting course toward the Sunshine Coast. Along the way, we made a stop at the White Islets, a small rocky outcrop that serves as a resting place for pinnipeds, our Steller Sea Lions and our local Harbour Seals.

The difference between the two is easy to spot once you know what to look for. Steller Sea Lions are the giants of the group, with males reaching over 2500 pounds and sporting broad chests and thick necks. They can rotate their hind flippers forward, allowing them to “walk” on land. An adaptation that sets sea lions apart from seals. Harbour Seals, their smaller and quieter cousins, lack this ability. They move with an endearing wiggle and are often seen resting on kelp beds or rocks, soaking up the sun. Both species play vital roles in the Salish Sea ecosystem, serving as both predators and prey in this diverse marine food web.

As we continued across the Strait, more excitement awaited us. Near a well-known feeding ground called Halibut Bank, we spotted a cluster of blows in the distance. This area is a favourite among humpbacks thanks to its rich upwelling currents. When tides and underwater topography interact, they bring nutrient-rich water to the surface, fueling plankton blooms, attracting krill and schools of small fish, the perfect buffet for feeding whales.

Among the whales feeding here, we identified three individuals: Dalmatian (BCY0994), Graphite (BCX2077), and Chomper (BCX2192). They appeared to be actively foraging, taking long dives and surfacing repeatedly in circles, likely corralling prey. As winter approaches, humpbacks like these must consume vast amounts of food, building up thick layers of blubber to sustain them during their migrations south to warmer tropical waters. Down in those breeding grounds, food is scarce, so every calorie gained here in the north is crucial to their survival and reproductive success.

After giving these hungry whales some space to dine undisturbed, we began our journey back toward Nanaimo. But the day wasn’t over yet. Near Entrance Island, a pair of familiar blows caught our attention once more. It was Nalu (BCY1072) and Smudge (BCY0228), travelling side by side in the golden evening light. The two seemed to be on the move, possibly heading toward a productive feeding area like Halibut Bank to take advantage of the season’s remaining bounty.

As the sun dipped lower over the horizon, we finally turned toward home, our vessels gliding smoothly across the calm Strait. It had been a remarkable day! Sunshine, sea lions, and no fewer than seven humpback whales, each with their own story to tell. Every trip on the Salish Sea brings something new, and today was a beautiful reminder of the rich, thriving ecosystem that surrounds us right here off the coast of Vancouver Island.

Photos taken by Marine Naturalists Hayleigh Hilbert and Aly Kohlman.

September 23, 2025 - Humpbacks scattered across the Strait of Georgia