Ocean EcoVentures Whale & Wildlife Adventures1055 Lee Road
Parksville, British Columbia V9P 2E1
Canada
1055 Lee Road Parksville, British Columbia V9P 2E1 (778) 732-5040 Website
Drivers are advised that Highway 4 will be temporarily closed at Cameron Lake on Wednesday, December 17, from 9am until 3pm.
More InfoSpot these majestic marine creatures traversing through the waters around this part of Vancouver Island.
Harbour seals are found in the same locations all year, while 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.
The Parksville Qualicum Beach area and surrounding communities feature a variety of areas to see seals on Vancouver Island. Popular spots include the French Creek Marina and Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park.
Sea lions are typically most active in the early morning hours. If you're looking to capture pictures of napping sea lions, we recommend visiting their most populated areas after sunset!
Male California sea lions are able to spend 27 days at most on land, while females can stay out of the water for 10 days after giving birth.
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 Steller sea lions weighing up to 2000 pounds are the largest and are distinguished by their reddish brown coat and roaring sounds rather than the barks of the California sea lion.
While seals and sea lions are both part of the "pinniped" marine family, these two species have multiple distinct characteristics and behaviours. Sea lions have ear flaps, while seals do not have external ear flaps. Additionally, sea lions have bigger flippers and tend to be more social, gathering in herds. Seals traverse across land in worm-like movements, jumping on their stomachs, while sea lions are able to walk with their hind flippers. Seals are able to communicate with grunts while sea lions tend to be louder with shouts and barks.
Ocean EcoVentures Whale & Wildlife Adventures1055 Lee Road
Parksville, British Columbia V9P 2E1
Canada
1055 Lee Road Parksville, British Columbia V9P 2E1 (778) 732-5040 Website
Fairwinds Marina Nanoose Bay, British Columbia V9P 9K1 (250) 821-3309 Website
Campbell River Whale WatchingDiscovery Harbour Marina, Dock E
Campbell River, British Columbia V9W5N6
Canada
Discovery Harbour Marina, Dock E Campbell River, British Columbia V9W5N6 (250) 287-2667 Website
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