This afternoon was a true West Coast adventure, wet, wild, and full of surprises. With the full fleet leaving the dock, we set course into the Strait of Georgia, ready to see what the day would bring.

Our first stop was at a spot we affectionately call Stinky Rocks. The name speaks for itself, and the culprits behind the smell are none other than our local pinnipeds, Steller Sea Lions and Harbour Seals. Their strong scent comes from a mix of their fish-heavy diets and the fact that they often defecate and even regurgitate in the same places where they haul out. To top it off, they crawl over one another and through their mess, giving these rocky haulouts their unforgettable odour. Despite the smell, these charismatic pinnipeds are always a favourite with guests, thanks to their expressive faces and clumsy yet charming movements.

From there, we continued. Conditions were a little bumpy, and waves can make whale spotting tricky. When scanning the horizon, our eyes are trained to look for the signature signs of a whale: a tall blow, the curve of a dorsal fin, or the flash of a tail. With waves breaking, these clues can easily be hidden, so patience and persistence are key.

Our persistence paid off. Not far from home, just off Gabriola Island, we encountered something truly special: two mother and calf pairs, along with another young humpback. We had Kappa (BCX0158) with Kappiroto (BCX0158 calf 2025), Ghost (BCX1333) with Ghost’s 2025 calf (BCX1333 calf 2025) and Smoke/Squirrel (BCX2183). Smoke turned five this year, so while not as young as the calves, they are still considered a youngster to us! This area has recently earned the nickname “The Nursery”, and today it lived up to its name.

All five of these whales have migrated here from the warm breeding grounds of Hawaii. For the calves, this journey is especially perilous. Born without the thick blubber of adults, they are more vulnerable to predators and must rely heavily on their mothers for protection and nourishment. The two pairs we observed today may have already formed bonds back in the breeding grounds. What’s particularly fascinating is that just a decade ago, humpbacks were considered solitary animals. Yet in recent seasons, we’ve been observing more temporary associations, individuals and even mothers with calves spending time together in the feeding grounds. It’s a reminder of how much we are still learning about these remarkable giants, and how their social behaviours may be far more complex than once thought!

We lingered to watch the young calves splashing and playing in the Salish Sea, a heartwarming sight that underscored just how important this ecosystem is as a safe haven for these growing whales. Eventually, we left the nursery behind and made our way home, grateful for another unforgettable day on the water!

Photos taken by Marine Naturalists Aly Kohlman, Jordan Robinson and Val Watson.

August 6, 2025, 3:30 PM - Bouncing babies in the Strait.