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July 16, 2026
July 24, 2026
Northern Residents Are Back in Telegraph Cove!
Summer in Telegraph Cove is always a special time of the year. As late July and early August arrive, the iconic Northern Resident killer whales journey back to their summer feeding grounds in Johnstone Strait.
We are thrilled to say that we are seeing them once again on our daily whale watching tours departing from Telegraph Cove!
A Celebrated Seasonal Reunion
There is nothing quite like the excitement on board when we spot Northern Residents back in our local waters!
One of our favourite parts of every tour is guiding our guests through these encounters and explaining the fascinating differences between these fish-loving residents and the mammal-hunting Bigg’s orcas. Sharing their family dynamics and distinct physical features for our guests is an absolute joy, and welcoming these incredible whales back each season is a highlight our crew looks forward to every single year!
How to Spot Northern Residents on the Water
While distinguishing between ecotypes can be tricky for the untrained eye, our expert guides know exactly what to look for! When you join us on the water, we will help you spot the subtle physical features that set the Northern Resident ecotype apart:
- Rounded Dorsal Fins: Their dorsal fins tend to be noticeably rounded at the tip. This contrasts with the sharper, more triangular dorsal fins characteristic of Bigg’s orcas.
- “Open” Saddle Patches: Look closely at the grey patch behind their dorsal fin. Many Residents feature “open” saddle patches, filled with intricate swirls and swooshes of black rather than a solid grey region.
Communication and Beach-Rubbing Traditions
The Northern Residents are known for their amazing vocalization displays. These family groups belong to three main acoustic clans (A, G, and R), with the A clan being the largest and most commonly sighted right here in Johnstone Strait. Dropping a hydrophone into the water allows us to listen to their clicks, whistles, and family-specific calls that are incredible to hear. While Bigg’s orcas travel quietly to hunt marine mammals, Northern Residents stay in communication as they search for salmon.
East of Telegraph Cove along the Johnstone Strait lies Robson Bight, home to Strider Rubbing Beach. This unique location is famous for a fascinating behaviour, where Northern Resident orcas gather to rub their bodies against smooth pebbles to exfoliate dead skin and engage in social interactions. To watch this magnificent behaviour in an unintrusive way, nature enthusiasts can check out OrcaLab’s live webcams to catch all the action on their livestreams!
Experience the Wonder in Telegraph Cove
With the Northern Residents back in Telegraph Cove, there has never been a better time to get out on the water. Join us on a tour, this time of the eyar to see this impressive ecotype!
