As the nights draw in and the temperatures drop, we don’t blame you for being more drawn to the couch than the Cruiser – it’s cold out there on the water! While our Zodiacs run all winter for you adventurous types, our Ocean Cruiser Marauder IV will be spending the next few months huddled up and dreaming of whales… so why not join her? Here’s a few of our favorite ways to get your whale fix when the weather isn’t quite up to it!
Keep an eye on the water
Victoria, BC is uniquely placed in Canada such that our winters don’t have to mean the end of whale-watching season. Many of the humpback whales will indeed be heading south to their mating and breeding grounds in Hawaii or Mexico (lucky them!), but some will stay in our waters year-round, feeding on the amazing nutrients this area is able to provide. Orcas are also here all year, though fewer eyes on the water can make them harder to find.
If you’re not up to one of our winter Zodiac tours, you can always try whale watching from land! Dallas Road is a great spot to take in the spectacular views of the Olympic Peninsula on a clear day, and with 180-degree views across Constance Bank, you’re not unlikely to spot some whales along the way. If you are lucky enough to have a vehicle and winter tires, you could also try heading over to East Sooke Regional Park, where the 10km-long coastal trail gives fantastic views out across the Strait of Juan de Fuca. This is a prime feeding area for humpback whales and orca alike, so keep your eyes peeled!
If even that doesn’t sound like a good time (or if the weather is really too wet and cold!), there is one last way you can try and get your whale fix: the Race Rocks live camera. Using this link for Camera 1, you can get a great vantage point to look all around the Race Rocks Ecological Reserve, keeping an eye out for those tell-tale blows. For Camera 5, follow this link, and you’ll be able to get a little bit closer to some of the reserve’s other residents… in the water, on the land, and in the air!
Cozy up with a good book
Who says non-fiction books are boring? There’s a wealth of whale-centric works out there that perfectly blend information, education, and entertainment for all ages! If you’re looking for your next page-turner, look no further:
- Spying on Whales: written by Nick Pyenson, a scientist at the forefront of his field, Spying on Whales takes a deep dive into the past, present, and ultimate future of the cetacean species. Looking at everything from behaviour to biology to answer questions you never thought to ask, this is a crash-course on one of the world’s most mysterious animal families.
- How to Speak Whale: Tom Mustill is more acquainted than most with whales: in 2015, a humpback whale breached next to his kayak, landing on him and nearly ending his life. Now, in How to Speak Whale, Mustill explores how science – and in particular, AI – can be used to help us bridge a language barrier in a way never before thought possible.
- Into Great Silence: The touching memoir of scientist Eva Saulitis, Into Great Silence explores the human side of killer whales, and how humans have impacted them following the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill. Deeply personal and emotional, it’s a worthwhile read for anyone who loves whales and wants to see them protected.
- Granny’s Clan: Who says non-fiction can’t be fun? Or that children’s books have to be based in fantasy? Granny’s Clan disproves both of these theories, following Granny the orca – based on the real-life J-pod southern resident killer whale, also named Granny – as she guides, teaches, and protects her pod. And, as a bonus, it’s written by Dr Sally Hodson, who previously worked as the Executive Director of The Whale Museum.
Binge some docu-series
In recent years, there has been a huge increase in wildlife documentaries, whale stories included! There’s loads of shows to watch this winter if you want to learn more about whales while enjoying stunning cinematography, so here’s a few of our favourites:
- Secrets of the Whales: Out now on Disney+, Secrets of the Whales is an epic 4-part series that delves into the science behind family structures, migrations, communication, and more of orcas, belugas, narwhals, humpback whales, and sperm whales. Executive produced by James Cameron and narrated by Sigourney Weaver, it wouldn’t look out of place on the big screen!
- Whale with Steve Backshall: Follow British naturalist Steve Backshall as he travels the world in an effort to understand and uncover some of the hidden lives of whales. Looking at dozens of species all over the world and featuring pioneering research and conservation alike, it’s worth a watch on Now TV, though you’ll need a VPN.
- Blue Planet II: The follow-up to the ground-breaking The Blue Planet, Blue Planet II came out a few years ago but still stands strong as a phenomenal underwater series. While not focused solely on whales, you’ll witness the beauty and splendour of the entire marine ecosystem at its best. Available on Apple TV+.
- Blackfish: After something a bit grittier? Something you can not only learn from, but rally for? Look no further. This staple film in every documentary fan’s watch list is a crucial look at the realities, and risks, of keeping killer whales in captivity. Widely available on Netflix and even currently on YouTube, Blackfish was Nominated for a BAFTA, and there’s a reason it has a 99% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Get Creative!
With the holiday season fast approaching, there’s endless options for how you can weave whales into your winter. Whether you’re a crafter, a baker, a maker, or anything in between and beyond, there’s always a chance to scratch that whale itch. Our crew have baked whale gingerbread, painted watercolours, made christmas ornaments, and even whittled their own wooden whales over the years, and we’d love to see what you can come up with too!
If you’re the type of holiday spirit who likes to give back each season, maybe you can consider helping the whales out here too. Fundraising for organisations like the Center for Whale Research or the Pacific Salmon Foundation can make a huge difference to their ability to study, restore, and protect the ecosystems and animals that call the Salish Sea home – in particular, the critically endangered Southern Resident killer whales. And if you’re stuck for fundraising ideas, why not take a leaf out of the orca’s book? Sponsored cold water swims are always a great place to start!