It was a beautiful, calm day as we had our two boats leaving the dock this morning, eager to see what might be waiting for them out in the Salish Sea. This time of year is great for whale watching, not just because of the good weather that typically happens during the summer with the sun shining overhead, but also because of the abundance of wildlife that can be found in our waters.

Starting in the late spring and early summer, a magical transformation begins in the Salish Sea, the return of the humpback whales. These gentle giants undertake one of the longest migrations of any mammal on Earth, travelling nearly 6,000 km between their warm, tropical breeding grounds in Hawaii and Mexico, and sometimes as far south as Central America, to their nutrient-rich feeding grounds along the coast of British Columbia.

Their timing isn’t synchronized, though. Some whales make an early appearance in May, while others trickle in through June and even into July. This staggered arrival is partly due to age, reproductive status, and individual preference. Mothers with new calves often travel more slowly, allowing their young to rest and gain strength during the journey north.

What’s truly remarkable is their site fidelity; many of these whales return to the same feeding areas year after year, and we’ve come to know them by name. We eagerly await the return of individuals that we saw today, like Fallen Knight (BCX0915), Mathematician (BCY0785), Kelpie (BCY1276), Coyote (BCX2484) and Graphite (BCX2077 ), whose distinct flukes we can recognize in an instant. This consistency allows us to build long-term associations and observe fascinating patterns in their behaviour. We also had a duo of flukes we did not get an ID for; these two currently remain unknown.

Humpbacks are often thought of as solitary, but over time, we’ve noticed they’re anything but in their social lives. Certain individuals are frequently spotted travelling together or surfacing side by side in cooperative feeding events. While they may go their separate ways during migration, there are preferred associations, whales who seem to seek out one another's company season after season. Whether it's for companionship, feeding efficiency, or just shared familiarity, these social bonds add another layer of intrigue to their already complex lives.

Every sighting reminds us that we are witnessing the return of old friends. With each blow on the horizon and every tail raised high above the water, we’re reminded of the incredible journey these whales make, and the privilege we have to welcome them home each year! After spending time in what we have nicknamed “humpback soup,” we continued on our travels to see what else we may spot.

Curious and adorable river otters sunning themselves on the docks made an appearance. River otters may be notorious for leaving a bit of a mess on docks, with leftover fish bits, droppings, and the occasional strong scent, but they play a vital role in the ecosystem. As top predators in their freshwater and coastal habitats, otters help maintain a healthy balance in fish and invertebrate populations. Their presence is a good sign, indicating clean water and a thriving, biodiverse environment. So while they might not be the tidiest neighbours, they’re definitely valuable ones!

Harbour seals are often seen lounging on rocky shores or floating lazily at the surface with their heads and flippers in the air, and today we spotted both! They haul out to rest, digest their food, and warm up in the sun after spending time in cold coastal waters. These sunbathing sessions are essential for regulating their body temperature and staying healthy. As key players in the marine ecosystem, harbour seals help control fish and invertebrate populations, and their presence supports a rich food web, even providing meals for apex predators like orca.

It was time to cruise back home, passing the little white and red lighthouse called Entrance Island. Entrance Island is a small but iconic landmark in the Salish Sea, just off the coast of Nanaimo, known for its picturesque lighthouse and rocky shoreline. It’s not just a navigational aid, it’s a piece of local heritage. When there were talks of automating the lighthouse and removing its keepers, the community rallied in protest, recognizing the island's cultural and historical significance. Thanks to local advocacy, Entrance Island has remained a symbol of coastal life, marine safety, and the deep connection residents have with their surrounding waters. With that, we were back at the dock as full of smiles as our waters were with humpbacks!

Photos by Desarae Poier and Val Watson.

June 23, 2025, 10:30 AM - Humpbacks feeding away in the Strait of Georgia