© Miles Ritter
Southern Resident Killer Whales
Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites
In Canada, Southern Resident Killer Whales live mainly in the waters between Vancouver and Victoria, and off the west coast of Vancouver Island.
While visiting Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites, you might wonder: when can I see whales here? The answer: We don’t know! You might be lucky to spot a whale swimming by. Or you might not. Your odds improve the longer you stare out at the sea. This practice, known as whale-waiting, helps build three important traits: respect, compassion, and responsibility.
Benefits of whale-waiting
Respect: The lək̓ʷəŋən Way
Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites are located on the traditional homelands of the lək̓ʷəŋən people, known today as the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations. These homelands extend to the ocean, which the lək̓ʷəŋən people regard as sacred to all living creatures. We can all learn from their deep respect for the ocean.
Compassion: Endangered Species
Life can be a struggle for some of the animals that swim by Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites, especially Southern Resident Killer Whales which face numerous threats. Their primary food source, Chinook salmon, is dwindling. Boat traffic creates underwater noise that makes it harder for them to communicate and hunt with echolocation. These whales also face reproductive challenges with low birth rates, premature adult mortality, and the fact that they don’t interbreed with other killer whale populations.
As you watch a dorsal fin emerge from the water, pause to consider the daily hardships these remarkable whales endure. Your awareness and actions can help make a difference in their fight for survival.
Learn more
Responsibility: The Whale Trail
Parks Canada encourages shore-based whale watching as an alternative to vessel-based viewing. A new Whale Trail site located on the beach near the lighthouse, is part of a larger network of marine mammal viewing areas along the Pacific Coast.
By watching from shore, you’re helping protect these incredible whales and supporting their conservation.
Learn more
Explore "A Mother’s Love" through a Killer Whale Commemoration. Visit The Whale Trail for more insights. You can also contribute to conservation efforts by reporting sightings with Ocean Wise.
Where can I see a whale?
The Whale Trail is a series of sites to view marine mammals from shore along the Pacific Coast, including in some Parks Canada places. You can look for Killer Whales at Whale Trail sites in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve at Georgina Point (Mayne Island) and East Point (Saturna Island). In Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, visit Kwisitis Visitor Centre for a chance to see Gray Whales and more.
Related links
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