You aren’t seeing things – there are more whales visiting Vancouver waters and researchers say it is due to the season, “great grub,” and conservation successes.

A new study states that transient killer whales are now seen in the Salish Sea for more than two-thirds of the year, on average.

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Humpback whales have rediscovered an ancestral feeding area and grey whales are making a pit stop during their migration north.

According to UBC researcher, Taryn Scarff, more transient killer whales are travelling along the Vancouver shoreline. Based on sightings from 2016 to 2023, orcas regularly visit harbours in Vancouver and Victoria to hunt.

Dr. Andrew Trites, a professor in UBC’s Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries (IOF), humpback whales are making a return after commercial whale fishing from 1907 to 1910 eliminated all of them from the area.

With this elimination, humpback whales had no way to learn of feeding grounds around the coastline. It has taken about a century for them to find their way back.

A surprise is seeing grey whales.

“We’re seeing grey whales visit, which is unusual – they’re usually seen along the outer coast of Vancouver Island,” said Trites.

A major reason for the large showing of whales in the waters off Vancouver is that whales return to B.C. waters to feed after fasting during their winter breeding grounds and migration.

“Baleen whales such as humpback and grey whales arrive in the Salish Sea focused on rebuilding their energy stores, feeding on the Pacific Northwest’s cold-water prey, which are rich in fats,” said Julia Adelsheim, IOF alumna and whale biologist.

Vancouver is seeing more killer whales due to the seal and sea lion populations having recovered. They had been heavily culled until the 70s. Now they are “a year-round buffet.”

More humpback whales are due to a population rebound after most commercial humpback whaling ended in the north pacific in the mid-60s.

“Large numbers now return to B.C. waters each summer to feed on krill, herring and other prey. In winter, they migrate to breeding grounds in Hawaii and Mexico. Recovery has been driven mainly by protections from whaling, but conservation measures such as improved fisheries management and efforts to reduce entanglements, underwater noise and ship strikes have also supported their return,” said Trites.

To keep whales safe is simple says Adelsheim.

“Give whales space and stay alert. If you’re on the water-whether it’s a boat, kayak or paddleboard-assume a whale could surface nearby. Slowing down and paying attention can make a huge difference in preventing collisions.”

Lastly, people need to follow the viewing distance rules.

Around southern B.C., vessels need to stay at least 200 metres away from most killer whales and 1,000 metres away from endangered southern resident killer whales. Also, people must stay 100 metres from other whales and 200 if they are resting or with a calf.

“If you’re unsure, it’s always best to be conservative and keep your distance.”

“A good rule of thumb is: if you see a blow, go slow. Whales can change direction and surface unexpectedly, so giving them extra space helps keep everyone safe.”