Welcome to our Big 5 Wildlife Guide, where we explore Vancouver Island’s magnificent creatures! Join us as we dive into the captivating world of Orcas, Humpback Whales, Black Bears, Bald Eagles, and Grizzly Bears, with honourable mentions to round out the adventure.
Orca
Over the years, the whale-watching ecotourism industry has flourished, with an increased interest in catching a glimpse of killer whales. Protected since 1976 in BC, orcas boast three different ecotypes and four isolated breeding populations off our coast. Telegraph Cove, nestled within the protected waters of Johnstone Strait and the Broughton Archipelago, is home to around 200 whales each summer, offering excellent opportunities for orca sightings.
Humpback Whale
Vancouver Island provides a stunning backdrop for witnessing the majestic humpback whales in their natural habitat. Since the ban on commercial whaling in 1966, these gentle giants have made a remarkable return to the island’s shores, enriching its marine biodiversity. The optimal time to catch a glimpse of these magnificent creatures is between April and October when they return to the coast for the Spring. Prime locations for whale watching include Telegraph Cove, Port McNeil, and the Pacific Rim, offering unforgettable experiences if you’re fortunate enough to spot one.
Black Bear
Vancouver Island is home to a distinctive subspecies of black bear, approximately 7,000 total, the densest concentration of black bears globally. Slightly larger than their mainland counterparts, these bears weigh between 400 to 600 pounds and exhibit formidable skulls. Living approximately 20 years in the wild, females give birth to 1-4 cubs, typically born in winter dens between January and February. Their adaptable diet includes coastal delicacies like mussels, crabs, barnacles, and gunnels, as well as seasonal favourites such as spawning salmon, along with an assortment of berries, plant roots, grasses, and nuts.
Bald Eagle
Few experiences can match the heart-stopping thrill of witnessing powerful bald eagles soaring above your head. Between May and July each year, Stuart Island, located north of Quadra Island, becomes the stage for the “Eagle Show”. During this time, the area experiences wild currents and whirlpools at or near their peak flows, bringing juvenile hake fish to the surface in large numbers. Nearby, upwards of 300 bald eagles gather in the trees, poised to feast on an all-you-can-eat buffet, creating a spectacle for visitors who have secured a front-row seat to witness their incredible hunting skills.
Grizzly Bear
Grizzly bears, although not native to Vancouver Island, occasionally grace the coast with their majestic presence, swimming over from the mainland along the corridor from Campbell River to Port Hardy. These creatures, which can weigh 900 pounds and stand as tall as 6 feet, demand respect and caution if encountered. During the Fall, they eagerly migrate to coastal rivers, drawn by the abundant salmon runs, offering a spectacular sight for those fortunate enough to witness their seasonal feast.
And now for some bonus, honourable mentions!
Pacific White-Sided Dolphin
The Pacific White-Sided dolphin, a favourite among tourists and enthusiasts around Vancouver Island, are often spotted in pods of 50-100 or more, swimming together. Known for their playful demeanour, they can be seen frolicking and leaping alongside passing boats, especially in areas like Johnstone Strait where their concentrations are highest.
Coastal Sea Wolves
Coastal sea wolves, a rare subspecies of grey wolf endemic to the Pacific Northwest coast, possess a unique semi-aquatic lifestyle and a predominantly marine-based diet. Typically lighter and smaller than their inland counterparts, these wolves measure between 4 and 5 feet in length and exhibit a diverse range of coat colours, from reddish-brown and grey to beige and white, with occasional sightings of entirely white or melanistic individuals.
Belted Kingfisher
The belted kingfisher, characterised by its large head, bushy crest, and sizable black bill, is commonly found near water bodies across various regions, including valley systems around Vancouver Island, the southern Coast Mountains, and Haida Gwaii. These stocky fishing birds, reaching up to 45 cm in height, are often observed hovering over water before plunging in to catch fish, frogs, tadpoles, and insects.
Great Blue Heron
The Great Blue Heron thrives in diverse habitats spanning from coastal British Columbia to Mexico, favouring lakes, ponds, rivers, and marshes. The bird hunts various prey, from fish to small birds and insects.
Cougar
Did you know there are nearly 600 to 800 cougars on Vancouver Island? This predator is one of the most feared in North America, renowned for its stealth and remarkable adaptability in the island’s diverse ecosystem. Cougar coats on Vancouver Island vary from reddish-brown to darker shades compared to mainland species.
Steller Sea Lions
Steller sea lions, the largest among sea lion species, dominate the waters from California to Alaska, with a substantial population concentrated in the province, particularly here on Vancouver Island, where approximately 25,000 individuals are estimated. Their imposing size, reaching up to 2500 lbs for males, and distinct light coloration set them apart from California sea lions.
Anna’s Hummingbird Anna’s hummingbirds are one of the two common species of hummingbirds on Vancouver Island, along with the rufous hummingbird. Anna’s hummingbirds have green backs, and pale grey chests. As they navigate through the air, their astonishingly rapid heartbeat pulses at a remarkable 1,200 times a minute.
