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November 6, 2026
It’s a common assumption that all whales leave British Columbia once summer comes to an end. While many species migrate seasonally, the Salish Sea is an important habitat for several whale populations throughout the year!
From Bigg’s killer whales travelling along the coast to humpbacks that continue feeding in local waters, there is more whale activity here than you might expect.
Bigg’s Killer Whales
One of the most iconic whale populations along BC’s coast are Bigg’s killer whales. Their movements are closely tied to the availability of prey. Rather than following a set migration route, these orcas travel throughout the Pacific Northwest, from California to southeastern Alaska, moving between coastal regions in search of food.This means Bigg’s killer whales can be spotted in the Salish Sea throughout the year, although sightings vary depending on the season and where their prey is found.
Following the Food
While water temperatures in the Salish Sea fluctuate throughout the year, these seasonal changes have relatively little influence on the movements of Bigg’s killer whales. Well adapted to the cooler waters of the Pacific Northwest, orcas don’t need to travel to warmer regions during winter. Instead, their movements are largely influenced by the availability of food.
Some of their primary prey species have different seasonal patterns:
- Harbour seals are found throughout the Salish Sea year-round and generally remain within familiar coastal areas.
- Steller sea lions make seasonal movements between breeding sites, resting areas and feeding grounds.
- Harbour and Dall’s porpoises are also found in local waters throughout the year, although their distribution can change.
As these food sources gather in different areas throughout the seasons, Bigg’s killer whales adjust their movements to follow them. Rather than following a fixed seasonal migration, they follow the food!
Understanding the Different Orca Populations
Not all orcas found along the British Columbia coast belong to the same population. Northern and Southern Resident killer whales are two distinct populations that primarily feed on salmon, particularly Chinook.
- Northern Residents are frequently found around Johnstone Strait and northern Vancouver Island. The waters surrounding Telegraph Cove are an important area for encountering them during summer and fall. In winter, they become less concentrated in this area and spread throughout their wider coastal range.
- Southern Residents are commonly found in the southern Salish Sea during summer and fall. During winter, they spread out along the coast, with some travelling as far south as California.
Although these populations share coastal waters with Bigg’s killer whales, their diets and behaviours are quite different. Southern Residents are also endangered, which is why Prince of Whales does not actively seek them out on its tours. This helps minimize additional disturbance to an already vulnerable population.
What About Humpback Whales?
Humpback whales follow a different seasonal pattern from orcas. Most migrate from their feeding grounds in British Columbia to warmer breeding waters around Hawaii and Mexico during the winter months. However, these migrations don’t happen all at once. Some whales leave earlier in the fall, while others remain in BC waters well into winter before heading south.
A few things to know about their migration:
- Staggered departures: Humpbacks follow different schedules, with migration timing varying between individuals.
- Long-distance travel: Their journey to and from their winter breeding grounds can take several weeks each way.
- Winter sightings: Humpbacks have been documented in the Salish Sea throughout the year, although sightings are less predictable during winter.
While some humpbacks remain in BC waters later into the season, there is limited evidence of individuals staying in the Salish Sea year-round. Their staggered migration schedules mean that humpbacks can still be encountered outside the traditional summer season.
A Year-Round Habitat for Whales
The Salish Sea is much more than a summer destination for whales. Its abundance of fish, seals, sea lions and other marine life makes it an important feeding area for several species throughout the year.
While sightings and whale populations change with the seasons, the opportunity to encounter these incredible animals doesn’t disappear when summer ends. Even during the quieter winter months, the Salish Sea continues to offer some remarkable wildlife sightings!
