Sea Lion Encounters

Migratory bachelor male California Sea Lions and Steller Sea Lions gather around Vancouver Island during winter and spring to feed on late salmon and herring runs. California Sea Lions weighing up to 900 pounds and are identified by the large bump on their foreheads and their dark brown colour. They come from California and Alaska, following the paths of their ancestors to this traditional spring feeding ground.

The Stellar Sea Lions weighing up to 2000 pounds are the largest and are distinguished by their reddish brown coat and growls and grunts rather than the bark of the California Sea Lion.

Marine mammal regulations stipulate that boaters must not approach or exhibit behaviours that disturb marine mammals. "Disturb" is construed as anything that causes the animals to change their natural behaviour. View local sea lions from a safe distance by boat with Haida Gold Ocean Adventures.