In July and August we are able to see the world’s largest population of resident orcas (killer whales) arriving in the Johnstone Strait. There are also small numbers of other kinds of transient whales that travel the west coast of the island.

Between August and October, salmon are present in large numbers. As they return to spawn in the rivers where they were hatched, they form an abundant source of food for the large numbers of orcas, which come to feed on the fish. As well as the various other types of whales, visitors can observe dolphins and porpoises, and perhaps bears, as they also gorge themselves on the salmon, in order to store fat for their long hibernation.

Just a reminder: there are NO GRIZZLIES on Vancouver Island!