Whale Watching
Located adjacent to the whaling grounds of the fin, sperm, right and humpback whales; poised on the migratory route of the grey whale, as well as being home to pods of killer whales. Haida Gwaii offers the perfect opportunity for whale sightings during a leisurely porch-sit or beach picnic.
On occasion a great whale has been spotted close inshore where it trolls back and forth, digging up the clam beds in it’s pursuit of something to eat, while in the summer months pods of killer whales may be spotted off our beaches hunting salmon.
The Fin Whale is a75 ft baleen whale which is very streamlined and moves fast through a wide range of waters and remains in relative abundance. Watch for their spume, which ascends up to 20 feet, following dives that last 10-15 minutes.
The Sperm Whale most renowned for its role in Moby Dick, is the largest of the toothed whales at 55 feet. Feeding on squid and fish, it often dives to depths of a 1600m (1 mile) or more, and remains under for at least an hour. The sperm whale is the most numerous of the great whales, roaming virtually all ice-free waters.
The Right Whale is a 50 ft baleen whale, moving slowly along coast lines. It remains highly endangered despite protection since 1935, and now exists singly or in isolated pods. cap of calluses atop its head.
The Humpback Whale is a 45 foot long, slow-moving whale inhabits islands and shorelines, and is famous for the long ethereal songs it emits as it steers through the waters with its huge wing-like flippers. Watch for its prominent dorsal fin as it arches its back sharply to begin a long dive.
The Grey Whale is a 45 ft Baleen whale which passes through the waters off the Haida Gwaii during its annual migration from Baja, Mexico to the Bering sea. The migration of the California grey is the longest of any mammal – 10,000 miles, taking 8 months to complete a round trip, with little food or rest. Watch for its mottled hue caused by barnacles and skin pigments
Killer Whales (orcas) hunt in packs and eat fish, seals, and occasionally are known to attack great whales