June 26, 2026 - The T124A2s and T100s travelling in the waves

The day began with the kind of weather that defines the West Coast. Low clouds hung overhead, threatening rain at any moment, but that never dampens the excitement of heading out onto the water. With reports of Bigg's (transient) orcas travelling in the Strait of Georgia, our crews cast off from Nanaimo with high hopes and eager eyes scanning the horizon.

After some time searching the expansive Strait, both of our boats were rewarded, but with different families of whales! Our semi-covered vessel was first to encounter the T124A2 family, while our open zodiac found the T100s nearby. Although these families weren't travelling as one large pod, they remained within the same general area, moving steadily in the same direction at a similar pace.

T100 Hutchins ♀ (~1979)
T100C Laurel ♂ (2002)
T100F Estrella (2014)

T124A2 Elkugu ♀ (2001)
T124A2A Agafia ♂ (2013)
T124A2B Litton ♀ (2016)

This type of loose association isn't unusual for Bigg's orcas. Unlike resident killer whales that often travel in large, stable pods, Bigg's orcas frequently travel in smaller family groups. When multiple families are hunting or moving through the same region, they may spread out across the water while still remaining aware of one another. This allows them to search a larger area for prey while maintaining the option to regroup if the opportunity arises.

Watching these powerful predators travel with such purpose is always an incredible experience. Their tall dorsal fins sliced effortlessly through the calm waters as they surfaced in unison before disappearing beneath the surface once again.

With the whales continuing on their journey, we turned our attention south toward the Northumberland Channel. Along the towering Gabriola Bluffs, another busy family was hard at work. Pelagic Cormorants dotted the cliff faces, gathering seaweed and nesting material as they prepared their homes for the breeding season. The steep sandstone cliffs provide ideal protection from many predators, making them a favourite nesting location year after year.

Our adventure continued through the narrow currents of Dodd Narrows before weaving through Ruxton Passage and out Gabriola Passage into the Strait of Georgia once more. Around every corner, the wildlife seemed to offer something new.

High in a towering tree, a Bald Eagle nest overlooked the shoreline, where a growing chick waited patiently for its next meal. Bald Eagles often return to the same nests each year, gradually adding sticks until the nests become some of the largest built by any bird in North America.

Not far away, we made a stop at one of our favourite wildlife viewing locations, Stinky Rock. The unmistakable aroma announced our arrival before we even reached the shoreline! Here, a lively group of Steller Sea Lions lounged across the rocks alongside several Harbour Seals. The massive Steller Sea Lions stretched out in the sun between bouts of barking and jostling for the best resting spots, while the smaller Harbour Seals quietly observed the commotion from nearby.

As the morning trip drew to a close, we began making our way back toward Nanaimo. Before returning to the harbour, our semi-covered vessel made one final stop at the Gabriola Bluffs, giving guests another opportunity to admire the nesting cormorants and the dramatic sandstone cliffs that make this stretch of coastline so unique.

While the weather may have started grey, the wildlife certainly brightened the day. From two separate encounters with Bigg's orcas to nesting seabirds, soaring Bald Eagles, curious seals, and impressive Steller Sea Lions, today's tour showcased just how diverse the Salish Sea can be. Every trip offers something different, and today was another reminder that there is always something incredible waiting just beyond the harbour. Please enjoy the photos captured throughout the tour by the onboard Marine Naturalists Aly Kohlman and Hayleigh Hilbert, included below.

The T124A2s

T124A2B Litton surfacing in the waves. Photo by Aly Kohlman.

The T100s

T100C Laurel surfacing in the Strait. Photo by Aly Kohlman.

T100C showing off his Saddle Patch. Photo by Aly Kohlman.

A lovely look at T100C Laurel surfacing in front of Pipers Lagoon. Photo by Aly Kohlman.

A great look at T100 Hutchins’ saddle patch. Photo by Aly Kohlman.

Photo by Hayleigh Hilbert.

Laurel surfacing in the waves. Photo by Hayleigh Hilbert.

T100 Hutchins swimming in the waves. Photo by Hayleigh Hilbert.

A loevly photo of T100C Laurel swimming by Departure Bay. Photo by Hayleigh Hilbert.

All the T100s surfacing together. From left to right: T100C Laurel, T100 Hutchins, and T100F Estrella. Photo by Hayleigh Hilbert.

A great look at T100C Laurel’s eye patch as he surfaces. Photo by Hayleigh Hilbert.

T100 Hutchins has a distinct notch in the top of her fin. Photo by Hayleigh Hilbert.

T100F Estrella and T100C Laurel surfacing together. Photo by Hayleigh Hilbert.

T100C Laurel surfacing in the waves. Photo by Hayleigh Hilbert.

Look at the wate cascading off of T100C Laurel’s dorsal fin. Photo by Hayleigh Hilbert.

T100 Hutchins surfacing beside her son, T100C Laurel. Photo by Hayleigh Hilbert.

Look at the scarring in T100 Hutchins’ saddle patch. Photo by Hayleigh Hilbert.

Happy whale watchers on Kula. Photo by Hayleigh Hilbert.

Stinky Rock (and surrounding area)

The Bald Eagle chick in the nest. Photo by Aly Kohlman.

A closer look at the little chick. Photo by Aly Kohlman.

A very relaxed Harbour Seal. Photo by Aly Kohlman.

Harbour Seals having their little mermaid moments. Photo by Aly Kohlman.

A Black Oyster Catcher on Stinky Rock. Photo by Aly Kohlman.

A cormorant on the rocks, with a gull peeking from behind. Photo by Aly Kohlman.

Steller Sea Lions hauled out on the rocks. Photo by Aly Kohlman.

Harbour Seals relaxing on Stinky Rock. Photo by Hayleigh Hilbert.

A Steller Sea Lion with some cool sandstone formations. Photo by Hayleigh Hilbert.

A massive Steller Sea Lion at Stinky Rock. Photo by Hayleigh Hilbert.

Harbour Seals watching us float by. Photo by Hayleigh Hilbert.

The Gabriola Bluffs

A cormorant flying in with some nesting materials. Photo by Aly Kohlman.

Cormorants grabbing some nesting material. Photo by Aly Kohlman.

Pelagic Cormorants on their nests. Photo by Aly Kohlman.

Turkey Vulture flying overhead. Photo by Aly Kohlman.

A Bald Eagle watching from overhead. Photo by Hayleigh Hilbert.

Nesting cormorants on the Gabriola Bluffs. Photo by Hayleigh Hilbert.

A Pelagic Cormorant with a stick. Photo by Hayleigh Hilbert.

Bald Eagle watching from the treetop. Photo by Hayleigh Hilbert.

Star fish and sea anemones on the cliff. Photo by Hayleigh Hilbert.

Harold the Heron on the docks. Photo by Hayleigh Hilbert.