Whale Watching in Ucluelet BC Canada
Gray Whale Gray Whales frequent the waters of Ucluelet both in the protected waters of Barkley Sound also known historically as Barclay Sound and in the open ocean right in front of Ucluelet on our door step. The Gray Whales pass through in great numbers starting in March when Ucluelet hosts it's annual Gray Whale Festival, the migration continues through into the summer months. Grays are the most common and regularly sited whales in our local waters. Gray Whales are known for there massive tails sweeping out of the water making for great photos.
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Humpback Whale Humpback Whales tend to show up later on after the Gray Whales have been passing by for some time and do hang around into the summer months into September. Humpbacks are known for jumping high out of the water in a display of power and beauty as they crash down into the Pacific Ocean creating a massive spray.
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Orca - ( AKA Killer Whales ) Orcas also well known as Killer Whales are much less predictable as far as sightings, one day they are here the next day they are gone. Transient Orcas feed on mammals such as sea birds, seals and sea lions and the Southern Resident Killer Whales diet is primarily a salmon diet. Transient Orcas seem to be the most common sightings in our waters.
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Bear Watching in Ucluelet BC Canada
Black BearUcluelet has a very healthy population of coastal Black Bears, they are here year round and frequent the undeveloped shores at medium to low tide in search of food. When the tide recedes it exposes a smorgasbord of food for these bears. To access much of there favorite low tide treats you will see them effortlessly roll over large rocks the average person couldn't budge feeding on beach crabs and various other delicacies they discover.
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Bird Watching in Ucluelet BC Canada
Bald EagleBald Eagles are in Ucluelet year round, they are perched in trees along the shoreline, on beaches just relaxing or enjoying freshly captured prey and if they aren't doing that most likely the will be soaring overhead wings fully extended for all to see just how big these beautiful apex birds truly are. Juvenile Bald Eagles are all brown and as they mature starting at approximately 4.5 years old the tail and head feathers go white as they transition into adult hood.
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Sea Lion, Seal and Otter Watching in Ucluelet BC Canada
California Sea LionUcluelet offers great and consistent California Sea Lion viewing most of the year. The males stay in our waters feeding on the abundant food sources in our area and the females stay south. The favorite resting spots for these magnificent and huge creatures are on docks right in the harbor and on exposed reefs not far from the Ucluelet harbor mouth. California Sea Lions can weigh up to 454 kg 1120 kg.
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Sea OtterIn 1911 the hunting of Sea Otters was banned and through conservation efforts the population has grown to what it is today. These cute creates are seen in open waters or around kelp beds floating on their backs. Where there are several together they will be seen rafted together. Ucluelet has become a great place to view Sea Otters while on your tour.
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Marine Species Gallery
Enjoy this photo gallery of species you may encounter on your wildlife tour on the wild west coast of Vancouver Island in Ucluelet BC Canada!
