Megaptera novaeangliae
Humpback whales are known for their spectacular breaching displays and haunting songs. After being hunted to near extinction, their population has made a remarkable recovery in BC waters. These acrobatic giants migrate from breeding grounds in Hawaii and Mexico to feed in the nutrient-rich waters of the BC coast each summer.
Length
14-18 m
Weight
25,000-40,000 kg
Found along the entire BC coast during summer feeding season, particularly around the northern tip of Vancouver Island and Haida Gwaii.
Feeds on krill, small schooling fish like herring and sand lance. Uses bubble-net feeding technique where groups work together to concentrate prey.
Famous for breaching, tail-slapping, and complex songs. Males sing elaborate songs during breeding season. Often curious about boats and may approach whale-watching vessels.
Marine Mammal
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.
Marine Mammal
Balaenoptera acutorostrata
The minke whale is the smallest of the great whales found in BC waters. These sleek, fast swimmers are often solitary and can be difficult to spot due to their small, quick blow and tendency to surface briefly. Despite their small size among whales, they can still weigh as much as a school bus.