Skip to main content
Back to Species
Gray whale surfacing near the shore
Pixabay (Pixabay License)
Least ConcernWhales

Gray Whale

Eschrichtius robustus

Gray whales undertake one of the longest migrations of any mammal, traveling over 16,000 km between their Arctic feeding grounds and breeding lagoons in Mexico. BC is a critical stopover point during their spring migration. Some individuals, known as "Pacific Coast Feeding Group" whales, spend the summer feeding in BC waters rather than continuing north.

Length

13-15 m

Weight

16,000-36,000 kg

Habitat

Coastal waters, often very close to shore. Favors shallow bays and estuaries where they can feed on bottom-dwelling organisms.

Diet

Unique bottom feeders - they scoop sediment from the ocean floor and filter out tiny crustaceans called amphipods. Also eat ghost shrimp and tube worms.

Behavior

Often seen close to shore, making them popular with land-based whale watchers. May spy-hop to look around above water. During migration, travel day and night with little rest.

Recent Sightings

View on Map

Often Confused With