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April 17, 2025
The Heart of Our Whale Watching Adventures
A Waterway Like No Other
The Salish Sea is the vibrant marine heart of our whale watching tours at Prince of Whales. Spanning over 18,000 square kilometres, it includes the waters of the Strait of Georgia, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and Puget Sound. Nestled between Vancouver Island and the mainland of British Columbia and Washington, the Salish Sea isn’t just a scenic backdrop; it’s a thriving ecosystem teeming with life. Its sheltered inlets, deep fjords, and tidal passages offer a stunning diversity of marine and coastal environments, making it one of the most unique inland seas on Earth.
Deep Indigenous Roots
The name “Salish Sea” was formally adopted in 2009 to honour the Coast Salish Peoples, whose deep connection to this region dates back thousands of years. Long before colonization, Coast Salish Nations such as the Tsawout, Songhees, Tsleil-Waututh, and Lummi thrived along these shores. They developed sophisticated societies centred around sustainable fishing, cedar carving, and seasonal migrations. Canoe routes, longhouses, and sacred sites are a lasting testament to their cultural and spiritual relationship with the sea. Oral histories, art, and ceremonial practices continue expressing stewardship and respect for these waters. Today, many Coast Salish communities are actively involved in marine conservation, reminding us that the Salish Sea is not only a place of natural beauty but also of cultural significance.
A Journey Through Time
The Salish Sea has long served as a marine highway, first for Indigenous peoples and later for European explorers and settlers. Captain George Vancouver charted these waters in the late 1700s, but by then, Indigenous nations had already mapped every channel and current. The abundance of salmon, shellfish, and marine mammals drew early fur traders, fishermen, and settlers to its shores. Over time, coastal communities grew around these rich waters, forming a network of towns, ports, and villages. Historical landmarks still found on coastal islands and along shorelines offer glimpses into the colonial era and maritime industries that once dominated the region. These layers of human history make any whale watching tour a voyage through time.
A Thriving Marine Ecosystem
One of the reasons we’re fortunate to navigate the Salish Sea for our tours is its incredible biodiversity. This marine ecosystem supports more than 3,000 species of marine life. The mixing of freshwater from the Fraser and Skagit Rivers with the saltwater of the Pacific creates a nutrient-rich environment, ideal for plankton blooms that fuel the entire food web. It’s a critical feeding ground for whales, seabirds, fish, and invertebrates. Southern Resident Killer Whales, an endangered population, historically relied on these waters as their primary food source: the Chinook salmon. Bigg’s (or Transient) killer whales, which feed on seals and sea lions, are also frequently hunting in these waters. In recent years, we’ve seen a resurgence in humpback whale sightings, as these gentle giants have returned to the Salish Sea after a decades-long absence due to past whaling. Many are bringing new calves to the region.
More Than Just Whales
While whales are the stars of the show, the Salish Sea is teeming with other life. Seals lounge on rocky outcroppings, sea lions bark from haul-outs, and harbour porpoises ripple the surface as they travel in shy pods. Bald eagles, great blue herons, and dozens of species of seabirds wheel overhead or perch in shoreline trees. Under the surface, kelp forests sway with the current, providing shelter for fish, crabs, and sea stars. The intertidal zones are a kaleidoscope of colourful anemones, mussels, and barnacles. Every trip out offers the chance to witness the interconnectedness of life here, from the tiniest zooplankton to the mighty orca.
Our Commitment to the Sea
At Prince of Whales, we believe that whale watching is more than just entertainment; it’s education, conservation, and inspiration. Our expert naturalists share the stories of the Salish Sea, its wildlife, and the people who call it home. We support research and conservation initiatives that protect the fragile ecosystems we explore every day, and we follow best practices to ensure our presence is respectful and sustainable. By bringing people face-to-face with the wonders of the Salish Sea, we hope to inspire a lifelong love and responsibility for the ocean.
Join us to experience the magic of our waters from Victoria, Vancouver or Telegraph Cove!
