This afternoon, both Kula and Cascadia set out into the Strait under calm conditions, with low winds and bright skies. It wasn’t long before we encountered our first wildlife sighting of the day, just off Snake Island, the well-known T002C matriline of transient orca.

T002C Tasu ♀ (1989)
T002C1 Rocky ♂ (2002)
T002C3 Lucy ♀ (2011)
T002C5 Zippy (2020)
T002C6 (2025)

Orca families, known as matrilines, are among the most tightly knit groups in the animal kingdom. The oldest female leads these family units, and her offspring remain with her for their entire lives. Unlike many other mammals, orca do not disperse from their mothers when they reach maturity. Sons and daughters stay by her side, often forming lifelong partnerships with siblings and even grand-offspring as the family grows. This cohesion provides strength and security: they share food, cooperate in hunting, and protect one another. Watching the T002Cs move together through the water is a powerful reminder of just how important these bonds are for survival.

After spending time with this remarkable family, we continued our search across the Strait. Just on the far side of Snake Island, another tall blow rose against the horizon. This time, it belonged to a humpback whale, none other than Twinning (BCX1207). For many years, humpback whales were considered relatively solitary travellers, especially compared to the highly social orca. Recent observations are challenging this assumption. Increasingly, researchers have documented temporary associations between humpbacks, pairings or small groups that can last days, weeks, or even months. The purpose of these associations is still being studied, but they may be related to cooperative feeding or simply social companionship. Today, however, Twinning was travelling alone, surfacing steadily as they made their way through the Strait.

Before returning home, we made one more stop near Dodd Narrows, following up on a vague report of a whale in the area. To our delight, it turned out to be another Humpback, Orion (BCX1251). Like Twinning, Orion was also on their own today. But with the two whales travelling relatively close to one another, we can’t help but wonder if we might one day spot them travelling together. These temporary associations are fascinating mysteries of humpback behaviour that we’re excited to continue learning more about.

Of course, no trip through these waters would be complete without encounters with pinnipeds, the seals and sea lions that haul out on rocky shores and bask in the late summer sun. Harbour seals are standard around Nanaimo, often spotted lounging on the rocks near Snake Island. Unlike sea lions, seals lack external ear flaps and have fused hips so move on land with more of a wriggling motion. Steller Sea Lions, on the other hand, are the largest species of sea lion in the world, with males weighing over a ton. They’re loud, social, and impossible to miss when their deep roars echo across the water. A fun fact about seal and sea lion whiskers: they’re susceptible and can detect the movement of fish in the water, even in complete darkness!

With the sun beginning to set, painting the horizon in gold and pink, we pointed our bows back toward the harbour. After a day filled with orca, humpback whales, seals, and sea lions, we returned home grateful for another glimpse into the rich and ever-changing lives of the wildlife that call the Salish Sea home.

The photos below were taken by Desarae Poier and Jordan Robinson.

August 24, 2025, 3:30 PM - An Afternoon with orca, humpbacks, and pinnipeds