Soul of the Pacific
Off Vancouver Island, British Columbia
The orca whale is synonymous with the pacific coast. We are often granted just a glimpse of these majestic creatures as they glide along below the surface. This individual came up for a breath of air just in front of the small boat that I was in. As the largest member of the dolphin family, a full-grown male will measure over twenty feet in length and will often weight around six tonnes! The waster was especially clear on this day and when the whale swam under our boat it make me realize just how big he was. The orca plays a culturally significant role for the Aboriginal peoples of the area and their presence is also vital for the health of the ocean ecosystem.