The ocean waters off the shores of Northern British Columbia are teeming with marine wildlife and lie on the major feeding and migrating routes of several species of whales.

Dictating what your whale-watching trip will bring, depends on the time of year . . . you might spot orcas, humpbacks, grays and minkes, as they all ply this ocean area. July to October is the time for humpbacks that stay around to feed on the spawning herring. Gray whales on their northward and southward migration swim Hectate Strait between the Queen Charlotte Islands and the northern BC shoreline. This area is one of the best places to see large concentrations of these magnificent creatures. Anytime from May to early July is the time to view orcas as they feed and play.

Other marine wildlife in northern BC that will add to your sight seeing trip includes porpoises and white-sided dolphins. On the rocky shores and numerous small islands, seals and sea lions can be seen sunning themselves, while bald eagles soar high above and swoop down to catch fish.

The harbour city of Prince Rupert serves as the hub of the region and is busy with large ocean freighters, ferries, fishing trawlers, cruise ships, small pleasure crafts, fish boats and charters as they come and go. Prince Rupert is the homeport to a number of whale watching charters that sail between the mainland and the Queen Charlotte Islands. These knowledgeable staffed charters supply the experience to make your whale watching a memorable trip.