Terrible to Look Upon
August 3, 2019“These beasts are indeed terrible to look upon when alive, and they far surpass the sea bear [fur seal] in strength and size as well as in endurance of the different parts. They are hard to overcome and fight most viciously when cornered. They also give to the eyes and …
Our Elephant Seal Rookery
July 30, 2019The Race Rocks Lighthouse and Ecological Reserve is a spot we frequently visit on our Whale Watching Tours. In addition to being plentiful with marine life it is the most northern elephant seal rookery. It has only been a rookery for the last 10 years and is slowly growing. For …
Same animals, Different country
July 25, 2019Same animals, different country Killer whales (orca) are one of most largely distributed mammals in the world and, just like humans, depending on where they are found they have cultural variations in behavior, diet and vocalizations. When working in New Zealand I was lucky enough to see Killer Whales twice …
Lighthouse Keeper
July 21, 2019A Day in the Life of a Lighthouse Keeper. I have spent most of the last two years at the Race Rocks Lighthouse and Ecological Reserve. I take a few months off in the summer but between September and May that is where you will find me. Living alone on …
Deuce Day Event
July 17, 2019An international attraction is coming to Victoria for four days. From July 18 to 21 the city will be taken over by an array of classic cars, hot rods and deuces. The Deuce Days festival will showcase over 1000 classic cars. Providing an opportunity for car lovers to view a …
July: What’s Happening In Victoria
June 26, 2019We often get asked what the best activities are to do in Victoria. Although it may differ between each person, we have compiled a list of our crew’s favourite things to do. We have broken down some of our favourite things to do by the days they happen. Canada Day …
Why Do Whales Jump
June 23, 2019“Why do Whales jump?”: A common and inquisitive question that is often asked aboard our tours. Of course to get the true answer we would have to ask the Whales themselves. Unfortunately they were unavailable for comment so we had to make do with the latest scientific research. It’s an …
Marine Bird Guide: The Auks
June 11, 2019Today’s post is all about Auks! Auks are a group of marine birds, also known as alcids. They include murres, guillemots, auklets, puffins, and murrelets. These birds are all wing-propelled diving birds, meaning that they dive underwater to feed using their wings to swim. Scroll down to learn about: Common …
Shorebirds of British Columbia
June 6, 2019An identification guide to some shorebirds you may see in Victoria, British Columbia. Scroll down to learn about: Black Oystercatcher Red-necked Phalarope Black Turnstone Brown Pelican Great Blue Heron Black Oystercatcher Black Oystercatcher, Photo by Volunteer Robin, image taken with zoom lens and heavily cropped Latin Name: Haematopus bachmani Distinguishing Features: …
Common Marine Birds
June 2, 2019An identification guide to some marine birds you are likely to see in Victoria, British Columbia. Scroll down to learn about: Bald Eagles Ospreys Pelagic Cormorants Double-Crested Cormorants Pigeon Guillemots Great Blue Herons Glaucous-Winged Gulls Bald Eagle Bald Eagle, Photo by Captain Yves, taken by zoom lens and heavily cropped. …