The number of cetaceans observed in Átl’ḵa7tsem (Howe Sound) has increased in recent years, offering residents and visitors opportunities to witness these incredible animals in their natural habitats.
Observing cetaceans from the shore (as opposed to a boat) reduces your potential impact on these animals.
Read on to learn about the species of cetaceans commonly spotted in Átl’ḵa7tsem, land-based cetacean watching tips, and the many whale watching sites in the Sea to Sky, Sunshine Coast, and Nex̱wlélex̱wm (Bowen Island) regions.
Cetaceans Species of Átl’ḵa7tsem / Howe Sound
Several species of cetaceans (marine mammals including whales, dolphins and porpoise) can be seen in Átl’ḵa7tsem on a regular basis. Below is an illustrtion of the dorsal fin shape of most common cetaceans. Click on the links below to learn more about each one.
Larger: Humpback Whales, Grey Whales, Orcas, Minke Whales.
Art by Di. To see more of Di’s art: www.artbydi.ca
Whale Watching Essentials
Planning ahead can increase the success of your whale watching session. Check out the tips below:
Facebook Pages
There are several Facebook groups where folks share their cetacean observations, which can be helpful when planning your outing. Our favorites are:
Howe Sound (Átl’ka7tsem) and Vancouver Whales and Cetaceans
Howe Sound and Sea to Sky wildlife sightings
Sunshine Coast Whale and Dolphin Sightings
Binoculars
To assess species, individual features, direction, and numbers, binoculars can be extreamely useful, and make your observations more detailed and enjoyable!
Cetaceans Identification Guides
Not sure what species you’re seeing? Check out these Cetaceans Identification guides:
DFO’s Cetaceans of British Columbia Poster
Appropriate Clothing and Footwear
You may be sitting outdoors for extended periods of time as you wait for marine mammals to appear. Make sure to dress in suitable clothing for the given weather conditions. Access to whale watching sites can also be in varied terrain (beach, gravel, bluffs), so it is important to wear appropriate footwear, and to watch your step!
Parking and Access
Many of the land-based whale watching sites in Átl’ḵa7tsem are located in residential areas or parks with limited and / or paid parking. Therefore, we recommend to prioritize taking transit, carpooling, and arriving early on sites while always respecting the local residents and environment. This will ensure that everyone can respectfully enjoy sighting these majestic species.
Record your sightings
Do you want to contribute to research and conservation measures? If you’re lucky enough to spot a whale, please report your sighting to the OceanWise Sightings Network.
When you report sightings on the OceanWise Whale Report App, large commercial ships in the area (ex. BC Ferries) are immediately notified. Ships can then take measures to avoid a ship strike or disturbance. Note that your observations are not shared with tourism operators.
Get ready for your next whale sighting session by downloading the App today !
Explore sites on the Marine Reference Guide (MRG)
We’ve added a Land-based Whale Watching Sites layer to the Marine Reference Guide. Browse under Human Use → Tourism and Recreation → Land-based Whale Watching Sites to navigate through the different sites presented in the next section.
Browse through the next sections to learn more about land-based whale sighting sites in the Sea to Sky, Sunshine Coast, and Nex̱wlélex̱wm (Bowen Island) Regions.
Whale Watching Sites in the Sea to Sky Region
Sp’akw’us Feather Park
Squamish
Sp’akw’us Feather Park provides an immaculate spot to watch cetaceans that venture close to the Squamish Estuary. With easy access and lots of public amenities (kids park, public bathrooms, large parking, public art, food and beverages) Sp’akw’us Feather Park is a great option for whale watching with the whole family !
Access
Free parking, accessible viewpoints and park infrastructure.
Oliver’s Landing
Furry Creek
Offering great views from the Oliver’s landing viewpoint, this beach spot in Furry creak presents immaculate views over the Sound.
Access
Free, but limited parking. Take a short walk down gravel paths to the beach or to Oliver’s Landing Viewpoint.
Porteau Cove
Porteau Provincial park features camping and great beach access, presenting a wonderful opportunity to spend time by the ocean and leisurely watch for marine mammals.
Access
Porteau Cove has free but limited parking is busy in the summer months. The dock is close and accessible, while the beach access requires a short walk.
Brunswick Beach
Brunswick Beach is located in a small residential area just north of Lions Bay with great access and views of Átl’ḵa7tsem.
Access
To access Brunswick Beach, park at this free but limited parking, and then walk down residential roads to access the beach.
Lions Bay Beach
Located between a marina and a residential area, this small beach is in the heart of Lions Bay.
Access
You can access Lions Bay Beach via this Pay Parking lot that is walking distance to the beach.
Kelvin Grove Beach & Marine Park
Located in a quiet, sheltered cove, Kelvin Grove Beach & Marine Park is a true hidden gem of Átl’ḵa7tsem. Enjoy this peaceful spot and watch marine mammals pass by.
Access
There is a Pay Parking lot, and then a short walk down a gravel path and stairs to reach the beach. Beach space can be limited at high tide.
Whytecliff Park
West Vancouver
This iconic West Vancouver Park combines beaches, rocky outcrops, bluffs, and viewpoints that are ideal locations to witness cetaceans travelling between West Vancouver and Nex̱wlélex̱wm (Bowen Island).
Access
There is a pay parking lot at the park entrance, which can get quite busy in the summer. To reach the view points, take a short downhill gravel path down to the beach. There are washrooms on site.
Lighthouse Park
West Vancouver
Lighthouse Park is a perfect whale watching spot if you are coming from Vancouver. This amazing park features old growth trees and makes for a gorgeous walk with stunning views down the Strait of Georgia.
Access
There is a limited pay parking at Lighthouse Park. Due to its proximity to Vancouver, it can get quite busy, therefore we recommend taking public transit. There are many lookout points throughout the park!
Whale Watching Sites in the Sunshine Coast Region
Armours Beach
Gibsons
Located right next to the village of Gibsons, Armours Beach is the great place to take a beach break during your town stroll and look out for cetaceans.
Access
There are several paid and time-limited parking options throuhout Gibsons. The beach is a short walk behind the beloved Black Bean café.
Secret Beach Park
Gibsons
Located near Gospel Rock in Gibsons, this beautiful beach provides immaculate views of the Georgia Strait and Vancouver Island.
Access
Located on Gower Point Road, access to the beach will be on the right-hand side just before a sharp corner that leads to Gospel Rock. Then walk approximately 200 meters down a long set of cement stairs.
Atlee’s (Franklin) Beach
Gibsons
As a popular pebble beach for locals and visitors alike, this beautiful Gibsons Beach is a great place for whale watching.
Access
Parking is possible on residential streets, and access is located at the end of Cochrane road. The walk down to the beach is via a concrete ramp with stairs.
Bonnibrook Beach
Gibsons
Tucked away in residential area of Gibsons, Bonnibrook beach is ideal for long quiet walks to look at the ocean.
Access
There is street parking in the nearby residential area, only a short walk away from the beach.
Davis Bay
Sechelt
Know for its fishing pier, hotels, restaurants, and gorgeous sunsets, Davis Bay is an accessible whale watching spot in Sechelt.
Access
There are parking otpions with limited time zones by the water. Davis Bay has lots of amenities, incuding a kilometer-long paved boardwalk.
Whale Watching Sites on Nex̱wlélex̱wm (Bowen Island)
Eagle Cliff Beach
Bowen Island
Not too far from Bowen Island’s Ferry terminal, this small beach offers great views over Átl’ka7tsem.
Access
Walk, bike, or drive down Eagle Cliff road to a pull-out on the waterside, which is the entrance to the beach.
Konichi Bay
Bowen Island
This secluded Bay on Bowen Island can be your quiet getaway for cetacean watching.
Access
Head down Cowan Point Dr. before turning left and heading all the way down Ocean Park Lane. The Konichi Bay view points are on bluffs, so access might be a bit trickier then other more accessible beaches.
Cape Roger Curtis
Bowen Island
As part of the Pacific Northwest Whale Trail, Cape Roger Curtis offer immaculate western views towards Vancouver Island. With trails and boardwalks passing through rocky faces and beaches, Cape Roger Curtis is a must visit for cetacean watching.
Access
There is a small parking at the end of Roger Curtis Lane. Access and exploration of the site is possible via trails, boardwalks, and beach access.
Recent Comments