Another Successful Steveston Whale Watching Season

by Rick Thompson, Steveston Seabreeze Adventures
Photos courtesy of Allan Taylor, GreaterVancouverParks.com

We at Steveston Seabreeze Adventures, and our tour guests, had the extreme good fortune of bearing witness to one of the newborn orca being brought into the world. The passengers on that trip truly had some great stories to take home.

Again, in 2005, we had humpback whales in the Gulf of Georgia, and we are hoping this trend continues. After an 80-year absence, we are hopeful that they are making a comeback and will be regular visitors in the future. We had many good viewing opportunities and, at times, were surprised by their playfulness.

We had a large number of sightings of transient killer whales in the Gulf of Georgia and throughout the Gulf Islands. On some occasions, we watched them stalk their prey, and catch it. I probably don't have to go any further in explaining what happened to the poor seal.

©Allan Taylor—Bald eagle pearched on piling.

©Allan Taylor—Breaching orca (killer whale) shows the action seen while on a Steveston whale watching tour.

Bald eagle sightings were at an all time high, with over 100 sighted on one trip alone, and remaining for most of the 2005 season. We also saw snow geese numbering in the tens of thousands, and hundreds of other migratory bird sightings.

Is it any wonder that the historic fishing village of Steveston is quickly becoming known as The Gateway to the Orca! With most of our tours traveling through the Canadian and American Gulf Island chains, we encounter some of the most pristine and scenic waterways anywhere in the world.

Getting up close and personal with the whales, porpoises, seals and other West Coast wildlife is one of those once—hopefully more—in a lifetime experiences, and one that offers memories that will be cherished.

So, come and explore the history of Steveston and what the village offers today, but don't forget to treat yourself to the offshore wonders that await you out of friendly Steveston, BC, Canada—The greatest West Coast whale watching and nature experience ever!

©Allan Taylor—A couple orca frolicking near the whale watching tour boat.