Humpback whales and Bigg's killer whales in the waters around Denman and Hornby Islands — a seasonal guide
The waters around Denman Island and Hornby Island are one of the best places in British Columbia to see whales from a small boat. Two species frequent these waters: humpback whales and Bigg's (transient) killer whales. Sightings are never guaranteed — these are wild animals in open water — but they are frequent, and Captain Pat knows where to look.
Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) have made a remarkable comeback in the Salish Sea over the past two decades. After being hunted to near-extinction in the 20th century, they began returning to BC's inside waters around 2010 and are now seen regularly from spring through late fall. Some individuals are photo-identified and return to the same feeding grounds year after year.
In the waters around Denman and Hornby, humpbacks feed on herring, krill, and small schooling fish. You'll often see them lunge-feeding at the surface — rising with mouths open, throat pleats distended — or watch their distinctive blow and fluke as they dive. Breaching, while not an everyday occurrence, does happen, and it's unforgettable when a 40-tonne animal launches itself clear of the water just a few hundred metres from the boat.
June through October is the primary humpback season around Denman and Hornby Islands. July and August tend to have the highest frequency of sightings, as the whales follow herring and krill concentrations into Lambert Channel and the waters off Hornby Island's eastern shore. September and October can also be excellent as the whales feed heavily before their winter migration south.
Bigg's killer whales — also known as transient orcas — are marine mammal hunters. Unlike the fish-eating Southern Resident killer whales, Bigg's orcas prey on harbour seals, Steller sea lions, porpoises, and occasionally other whale species. They travel in small family groups of 2–6 animals, moving silently through the channels and ambushing prey along shorelines and rocky haul-outs.
Bigg's orcas are seen in Baynes Sound and Lambert Channel year-round, though encounters are most frequent in late winter and spring when the herring spawn draws large numbers of sea lions and seals into the area. Their tall black dorsal fins cutting through calm water is one of the most thrilling sights on the BC coast.
Bigg's orcas can appear any month of the year. They are most commonly seen between February and May, when marine mammal prey congregates around Norris Rocks and the herring spawning grounds. But summer and fall encounters happen too — Captain Pat has seen them in every month he's been on the water.
Sea lions at Norris Rocks. Bigg's orcas following marine mammal prey. Thousands of wintering seabirds. Whale sightings possible but less frequent. Great for overall wildlife viewing.
Peak herring spawn (late Feb–Mar) brings Bigg's orcas, sea lions, and seabirds in massive numbers. Early humpbacks begin arriving in May. The most wildlife-dense period of the year.
Prime humpback whale season. Calm seas, long days, warm weather. Best conditions for whale watching by boat. Bigg's orcas still present. Harbour porpoises common. Best overall whale watching period.
Humpbacks still feeding before migration south. Sea lions returning to Norris Rocks. Bigg's orcas active. Excellent shoulder-season whale watching with fewer crowds.
Captain Pat's whale watching tours run as part of his sightseeing tours. Unlike large commercial whale watching operations with 50+ passengers, you'll be on a smaller vessel with personal attention and the flexibility to adjust the route based on where the animals are. Captain Pat has over 28 years of experience on these waters and maintains a network of local contacts who report sightings in real time.
Tours typically cover Lambert Channel, Norris Rocks, Chrome Island, and the waters off Hornby Island's eastern shore. Along with whales, you'll likely see harbour seals, Steller sea lions, bald eagles, harbour porpoises, and a wide variety of seabirds.
A note on expectations: whale sightings are frequent but not guaranteed. These are wild animals in a large body of water. On days when whales aren't spotted, the marine wildlife viewing is still exceptional — sea lions, eagles, seals, and the stunning coastal scenery of the Northern Gulf Islands make every trip worthwhile.
Join Captain Pat for an intimate whale watching experience in the rich waters around Denman and Hornby Islands. Over 28 years of local knowledge, a smaller vessel, and the flexibility to go where the whales are. Contact us to plan your trip.