Orcas in Active Pass, Galiano Island BC - Canada (wow!)

[@jaberone1]

I've watched this video several times, and each time I felt the thrills of seeing and hearing the Orcas. What natural beauty and movement they all have. I would have had tears of joy and excitement being there and seeing them live! I appreciate those people sharing the video with all of us.....and their enthusiasm made the video all the better!!!!

[@Nags]

If I lived on the west coast, I'd be out there every day, you'd have to pry me away as I would super glue myself in the best view spot to view these gorgeous animals all day.

[@sedinmagic1591]

+SunnehShides I have a place two or three doors down from these people. I tell you, it's amazing to get to see these beautiful creature from such a great view! If I were you I would restrict that to everyday during the summer. That's the only time you see Orcas in Active Pass

[@stephaniedaigle5930]

Sedin Magic15 You are Sooooo Lucky!!!! I have been Obsessed with Orcas since I was a kid....and it wasn't until I was an Adult that I realised that they were actualy some in Canada! Lol! ( where I'm from) I always thought that they were like super far away from me.! And come to find out not only are they in Canada..But there are pods in Newfoundland ( which is the east coast of Canada and I'm from New Brunswick) and even More Unreal..is that they sometimes go to PEI...which I can see from the Beach where I spent my summers in my entire childhood!!! I mean I had always wished that we had whales and dolphins in those waters...but I also thought it was completely impossible!! Boy was I Ever wrong!! If only I had known "before" moving away right after highschool lol! I would have never left lol

[@zachsutton9866]

Absolutely 😁 I love these gorgeous creatures

[@Jasperblu]

I see videos like this and cry like a baby. So beautiful!

[@gopher1132]

yeah, me too

[@dhawkins35]

Wow, you're very lucky this is definitely in my bucket list I love orcas...

[@rebeccagittens4946]

SOOOOOOOO AMAZING!!!!!! i dont know how anyone can "dislike" this!!

[@Alexa-pt7fv]

Easy. They press the dislike button.

[@djtaketwo670]

If they hit dislike it’s probably because of the lady screaming “wahooo” and clapping like she’s at sea world.

[@loisfreeman9048]

Thanks so much for sharing this amazing experience with everyone. And to those who complained about the noise...we should be thankful he shared this amazing moment instead of complaining about the spontaneous reactions of the others who were lucky enough to witness this event. Practice gratitude people!

[@freespirit3671]

Omg my heart has just melted, and is very envious, what a beautiful sight,so nice to see them in their natural habitat where all Orcas should be. You can see why they are part of the dolphin family by their playful nature.These for me are by far the most beautiful animal in the world.Thank you for sharing this

[@bcpolak]

Thank you for your wonderful comment. Yesterday there was another memorable moment caught on video in British Columbia when the transient orcas were hunting for dolphins. The video is not too graphic and offers a spectacular view of Mother Nature at work. Departure Bay, Dolphins and Orcas Feb 3,2014

[@outoftime7740]

I think the orcas like it, when they hear people yell out in joy. I’m sure they can tell it’s a happy sound. They seem to show off more after hearing it. How I would have loved to have seen this right where you were.. perfect spot.

[@donnabiggs896]

We live in the best place . Love our Vancouver Island . Excellent job of taping this very rare event ! You have a very steady hand ! I would have been jumping up and down with excitement ! Loved watching this over and over a few times. Favourite one is the baby Orca that rolled over on its back so we could see its beautiful white tummy .

[@525loki]

How could anyone thumbs-down this? It's fantastic. I've lived near here and biked and ferried through the Gulf Islands but have never seen anything like this.

[@Ladyrocksavage]

Obviously SeaWorld and whoever else they have on their payroll.

[@fablewalls]

Nah, the video was shown to great white sharks, seals and other prey - they are the ones who disliked the video.

[@kristiworld]

Im sure thumbs down for noisy human.

[@MidnightSonnet]

That is amazing! You can tell how happy those whales are. Slapping their tails and fins, swimming upside down, jumping! :D What a sight to behold! You have seen something very special, ma'am, and I will never forget this vid. Thanks so much for sharing it! Almost brought a tear to my eye, seeing how happy they were. :) These beautiful beings belong in the ocean with their families, not in tanks.

[@kimberlyrule]

Amazing we met 64 of them in Discovery Passage North of Campbell River. It's an Awesome sight you were on land we where on our boat haha. 4 of them dived under and flipped even gave us a small show and played which is rare they do. I never forget it. Amazing clip.

[@Ladyrocksavage]

Did you manage to get any video footage?

[@21whichiswhich]

What pod are they?

[@Bellinghamster]

What a lucky shot! I love it. Thanks for posting this. Notice how they put on a show and roll over.

[@bcpolak]

Thank you. This was my first time seeing one of them swimming on its back, showing off bellybutton :-)

[@Bellinghamster]

I need to look on my map and find Galiano Island. The best place I know of for seeking orcas from land is the west side of San Juan Island WA.

[@bcpolak]

Galiano is a beautiful island just north of San Juan islands. Come and visit.

[@stephaniedaigle5930]

BellinghamsterTrail this do this every time they pass through here...and they also swim really close to the shore...almost as if they *know* that Gary and his friends and family are there waiting for them! They constantly have this playful and relaxed manner coming through this passway ! It's quite spectacular to witness actualy!

[@stephaniedaigle5930]

BellinghamsterTrail - the best place to seek Orcas would def be New Zealand!!! The waters are clear as glass and the pods there are used to swimming alongside people...and they also have a marine center there studying them who know them very well , so by far, out of all the pods and locations in the world, I would Highly suggest New Zealand of all places for the purpose of seeking Orcas ;)

[@katiecooper1387]

One of my favourite orca videos on the web!

[@bcpolak]

We go back to this video often, remembering moment by moment how they all appeared in front of us.

[@kennyc388]

Have never seen this many.

[@MagravatorMag]

Ever time I see an orca clip they seem too short. Not this one!!! THAT is my dream come true!!! They're very fortunate to witness what, IMO, is the most amazing animal on earth. Thanks for sharing, or bragging, should I say ... 😉❤️

[@scrubjay93]

Thank you so much for sharing--what an experience that must have been in person! It's so great people can share in these amazing events through the internet (you don't need SeaWorld!).

[@bcpolak]

Thank you, Thank you, Kathy. It is already one month since we saw the whales and I still go back to the video and enjoy watching the parade the same way we experienced it that day. We ARE very fortunate the waters around us are protected and the sea life is coming back. Bob missed the show and Conny was at church. We are keeping our fingers crossed the black & whites will appear again soon.

[@hapibeli]

Well Paul, as someone married to a Galianoite, let the humans have fun, whoop and holler, and generally enjoy such moments. Galiano is proud of the blackfish and happy to have those who come over to watch. Believe me, residents of the Gulf Islands get as excited as children when they or any other whales come by!!! Whoopieeeeeeee!

[@DesertKingTravel]

Wow is right!! I don't get all the thumbs down for this video. Whale haters?? Seems odd.....such a cool vid. Thanks for the share!! ~Kenneth

[@kristiworld]

I think thumbs down for the noise human make.

[@BellaBarossa]

Thank you so much for posting this. This was wonderful! I cannot imagine how it must have felt to be there and witness this! As for the grumps who complained about background noise - boo hoo. I thought it actually added to the video, because I myself know how thrilled and vocal I would have been had I been the one to witness this amazing pod! How wonderful! :)

[@chanchaniceman]

Love these beauties as a kid. Seeing them like this is simply beautiful. Great video.

[@SMAnthonyW]

so beautiful. the water is so deep blue, the rocky cliffs on the right, the vast forest in the distance... and of course the orca family! i wanna go to british columbia hehe.

[@tsimshianman]

We have been lucky to be a part of Galiano Island for 35+ years now, such a magical place with so much wildlife. This convention of Orcas gives renewed meaning to Active Pass!

[@bcpolak]

Thank you very much, Lois. This is exactly how we felt that day. We are still amazed by the experience and hope it was not "once in a lifetime" moment :-)

[@blackieblackfish1341]

Great video .. thanks for posting!!

[@abbagirl7204]

Amazing experience. I always thank God for making these magnificent creatures... Love them

[@May2642Tag]

I am moved each time I watch the Orcas. Truly an amazing experience.

[@chickaeedeed]

I still can't believe (as was reported on Global TV coverage) that this amazing video was taken by a hand held video camera by an admittedly shaking videographer. Thx so much for your expertise in recording this fantastic event.

[@kathyboly19]

Thank you so much for sharing the beauty & wonder of this large pod of Orcas! I was squealing right along with that lady whose joy knew no bounds. How can one not feel jubilation when witnessing such magnificence? If more people got EXCITED about ocean life the waters would not be so polluted with human garbage. I've been a scuba diver for almost 30 years & have seen first-hand what is happening to our oceans & the sea life they support. Keep spreading the joy, it will make a difference!

[@meghanschaub5126]

Thank you for sharing that awesome footage.

[@tsluciw3734]

Thanx for sharing! There soooooo awesome and beautiful! Incredible video.

[@kennyc388]

THEY'RE, THERE, THEIR........confused still?

[@tr_g]

EPIC. Orca swimming by and PUTTING ON A SHOW! And show it is! Even little baby shows his/her belly and makes a small splash with the fin at 3:13 for humans. Bless you all. And Thank you or sharing such a beautiful and heart warming video, that makes me having a few tears of joy in my eyes too.

[@MaureenS]

Awesome! Thank you for sharing...love the oohs & ahs! How can anyone possibly be quiet when such a spectacular show suddenly takes place right in front of them?

[@marinanelson8485]

I was fortunate to be in my boat in Active Pass one time when this pod surrounded us. I will never forget that experience.

[@ruthbarrette6546]

wowwwwww So beautiful and you are so lucky.... Thank's so sharing!

[@hilarybenoit2926]

That's the resident group known as A pod. They have about 30 members in their pod. The current leader is A1.

[@bcpolak]

Hilary Benoit Sorry Hilary, I have to correct you here. The local pods are J, K and L. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_resident_killer_whales

[@PoobearNme]

we are so blessed to live on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, and when these guys decide to put on a show there is nothing like it.

[@robinlynn5533]

Absolutely stunning video. And when the babies came I could hear the wonder and excitement in your voice. Thank you for sharing so a awesome video. May the angels keep watch always. Hugs!!

[@jiggityjea]

"Eat your hearts out, whale watchers!" So incredible! Thanks for sharing!

[@hilarybenoit2926]

The Northen residents are usually seen near Prince Rupert or in that upper straight..

[@hockeymom2844]

That was a spectacular show ... I'm constantly in awe of these creatures no matter how many times I watch a video. I've been privileged to see them from our boat only once and they really are spectacular beings and so social. Thank you for sharing your video with us ... and I love your enthusiasm.

[@23erisx]

Thank you for sharing a little slice of heaven!

[@stiltish]

Their tail splashing and leaping increased as they passed...showing off ?

[@abayon441]

Es magnifica la coneccion que se realiza No tengo palabras para expresar lo que se siente

[@canadianskickass]

Absolutely incredible. I miss BC soooo much!!!

[@MrRoscoe29]

Oh, thank you, thank you - can't stop watching! And I live right around the corner!

[@1SuperBadChic]

Most awesome share of 2013.

[@bcpolak]

Absolutely - still VERY impressed after seeing the black&whites in person and so close :--)

[@cassieAnnis]

Wow!!! That's a big pod! Lucky you!

[@PaxtonRavenscroft]

I also am *incredibly* jealous! What a gorgeous video! You are an excellent videographer, and I am so envious! I was on Mayne Island at the beginning of August and spent hours every day looking for Orcas, and you captured them all :D Totally awesome video, thank you very, very much for posting it!!!

[@sephoramaria]

So natural and beautiful! A rare spectacle of nature! I just can't get the thumbs down that came from some viewers. Why not have "ohhs" and "wows" and "ouhhhs" of excitment? (just jealousy) - It's just so rare to capture moments like this one so it's impossible to keep our mouths shut during the filming! Its nice to receive their energy of excitement in a mere indoor living room! Thanks for sharing this wonder of life with us simply mortals!I And many more thanks for the "oohhhs" and "wows"!

[@lazerdude3004]

GREAT!!!! Filming!!! Way to go! I still have goose bumps ten mins after watching!

[@bcpolak]

Yes, they were definitely in the "hello, take my photo" mood :-) I wish my camera had wider angle to capture all activity.

[@vrob7]

Was on the Ferry beside them going to Victoria and got some video of it. Coolest moment ever. Im 12 and haven't been in active pass since 2006 and just happen to see it, that was awesome

[@richardhyde6418]

Saw you on the news last night.....great footage from that little camera you were holding. We saw these whales same day just on the Saltspring side of Active Pass from the Ferry. Great capture....thanks for sharing.

[@SqurrulGurl]

Absolutely beautiful! Thank you for sharing!

[@dragonlady157]

thanks for being in the right spot at the right time and sharing this wonderful video..rarely see the orcas any more when taking the ferry over to the mainland..

[@adkgirly]

Superpod, yay! I live on Point Roberts WA, we see them up close from here too when they pass by. Whales love it when you cheer for them, and they put on the best show for you.

[@MsSoozy]

Wow, what a great feeling watching that huge pod or maybe two! You were very lucky to have been there at the right time and I am sure Connie was disappointed that she wasn't there to see too. Great job! Felt like I was there too.

[@twiterbee7484]

A perfect example of what we could lose if we do not protect our BC waters. Fantastic video! Thanks so much for sharing . !!!!

[@Galinette-px3lv]

Can I use your footages? I will credit you :)

[@ninaforsyth5126]

Loved it! I think the sounds on the camera made the video. I got more excited that they were excited.

[@Bluenose352]

An incredible superpod! Awesome footage!!

[@user-re7eu9hq6r]

They look amazing, abundant and healthy, I believe our Oceans are slowly starting to shift! keep up the great work, PLANET LOVERS! 🙏🏼🌍🐋🌈🌻🕊🐝👍

[@bcpolak]

Thank you Jill. They were the J, K and L resident pods. We do not see them all together too often.

[@bobogern]

You were in the right place at the right time. Thanks for uploading this!

[@bcpolak]

Thank you, Dan. It was just a simple point & shoot Canon camera combined with my frozen pose all in awe of what we were experiencing. My friends saw much more as I was focusing on the camera.

[@susannewatson1219]

You are so lucky to have Orca where you live 💖 they are best 👌. They are so majestic, intelligent, and gorgeous mammals. They rock. 🥰🤘💯🧏‍♀️👍

[@ladybugcdl]

Thanks for sharing!! I bet it was pretty cool to see in person.

[@sareczka85]

aż Panu zazdrosze takich widoków (w dobrym tego słowa znaczeniu) może i nam z mężem się uda wyjechać do Kanady pozdrawiam

[@88Meava88]

this is amazing. beautiful. and heartwarming.

[@bcpolak]

Thank you for your comment. We are always looking forward to seeing the black & whites. They make you feel special as they go by. So magnificent.

[@88Meava88]

i bet. i havent seen them in the wild yet. hopefully one day i will.

[@antoniazhang8768]

OMG!! You are so lucky!! I had a whale watching in Victoria but I didn't see them. Soooooo sad

[@stephaniedaigle5930]

It's almost like they *Know* u guys are there waiting for them and just Looove giving u a "show" ! I see the same playful behaviour in each and every single video from this specific spot from Gary Cullen"s videos!! ( Assuming that u guys are with him as it looks like his backyard..where he brings people for this particular event ! ;)

[@1kennylo]

I think orca are the best looking animal to exist. Move with such grace

[@paulharps2583]

Fantastic. We have had some great Orca encounters but none as good as that. Thanks for sharing

[@edgejourney]

LUCKY YOU!! Got to see my first orca pods this time last year on a visit to the San Juan Islands (from Miami). Thanks for sharing!

[@billbones7747]

Just the very best.

[@canadagood]

Actually this is one of the amazing things about this video. Active Pass is perhaps busiest stretch of water on BC coast. It is the main BC Ferry route between the Mainland and Southern Vancouver Island. The passageway is narrow and the current is swift. Small boat traffic must operate with engines running at nearly full throttle.

[@christygib]

Sadly it's super rare to see this many at the same time since this video was captured. The Southern Resident Orca pod is dying off because of the stress that commercial and shipping vessels cause them and the lack of Salmon and Steelhead fish. Which is what the Southern Resident Orcas feed on primarily. I think in just the past year they have lost 2-3 breeding female (Females don't breed until 15 years of age or older) a 3 year old female and 2 males. Such a beautiful moment I hope one day we can see this pod as large if not larger. They are so smart and majestic. I honestly believe they are performing because they hear the excitement coming from the spectators on land. What concerns me though is how much they are crowding to one side of the bay, which I think is due to the commercial boats following them with whale watchers.

[@TeamYen]

They don't look very stressed. True that the problems are lack of fish and pollution (incl. accumulation in fish bodies), maybe the noise (?) but they are quite used to humans nad ships.

[@christygib]

@@TeamYen kzbin.info/www/bejne/eH6yYahsoNR8iZY

[@christygib]

@@TeamYen kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXSUlnqOqttkqrs

[@christygib]

@@TeamYen kzbin.info/www/bejne/jp3SoXujisdjjpY

[@TeamYen]

@@christygib I know, it's famous (and unusual, everyone wonders what's going on), but we talk about Southern Residents - thousands miles from there and different ocean. These resident orcas are familiar with local humans almost by names.

[@bcpolak]

Thank you Judy for a wonderful comment. This was truly a magical moment.

[@bennystropicalswimmigwolf8691]

absolutely beautiful:) footage!!!!

[@TedHopk]

All I can say is Thank you for sharing this experience, magnificent. We were on the ferry through Active Pass on Friday afternoon and saw a pod between Mayne and Prevost Islands. Perhaps they were waiting for the other two resident pods to join them.

[@someday3873]

What amazing is the aunt is usually the boss of the pods and each family has their own speach patterns.They stay together for ever.

[@TheVAMPIRELLAFX]

Oh my gosh soo many of those beautiful wolves of the sea- total pack mentality :) So many little ones too! soooo cute! You guys ARE very lucky- wow- Loved to have been there to see this! so beautiful :) i love almost to the end there was ones who was so happy - the one turn up his belly and saying hi! lol :) so so so cute i love em

[@kennyc388]

Would give anything to be there in my kayak........hopefully some day.

[@MrTaliamac]

This should have over a million views easy

[@JoyDivisiongirl]

I live in Vancouver, grew up on Vancouver Island, this is what living in Paradise is all about. Beautiful!.

[@kathyrummel8910]

Thank you so much for posting. Absolutely fantastic. Wow, just Wow!

[@yellogalchun]

wow! that must have been amazing. my next vacation will be to go see these animals.

[@AnnDr71]

We were on Galiano desperately seeking Orcas. We did see a small pod (harassed to no end by the whale watchers) at some point on the same day ... and on the other side close to Mayne. Love the video. We may just need to go back to Galiano next summer and have a place right on the Active Pass!!! Amazing animals.

[@bbytoad]

Thanks for sharing! What a wonderful gift from nature to see all those marvelous whales and from you to share with everyone :)

[@orcawhales1976]

Beautiful site. There are so many there. I would have LOVED to have been in your spot at the time. Thanks for sharing

[@ManuLupus]

Thank you so much for sharing this amazing moment! Wonderful!

[@LindaLouise625]

omg .. WOW > Thank you soooo much for posting this!! holicrap .. made me cry! I just LOVE Orca .. would soooo Love to be there in person .. omg omg .. wow .. Thank You! > Made my day! p.s. Bummer for Connie! ;)

[@jmrm]

Thank you for posting! This is awesome!

[@katmidds]

Thanks so much for sharing this wonderful video. They are so beautiful.

[@BrianBuckley]

That is so awesome. We would all love to see this live. Thanks for sharing :)

[@ritawright6351]

Almost seems like they are putting on a show for every one. Beautiful wonders of the world.

[@bruceunderhill5517]

took my sail boat through there this week. very beautiful and slightly scary place. be sure to get the tidal currents right.

[@ANAHATAJADE]

Wonderful and absolutely incredible. Thank you for sharing the video!

[@womanofclay]

Loved watching this! While I was watching this though, I couldn't help but wonder if they would be this close to the island if it weren't for the 'parade' of boats on the opposing side corralling them. Thoughts?