Fascinating humpback whales that call BC’s Great Bear Rainforest home

Stretching across a region the size of Ireland, Canada’s Great Bear Rainforest is a mesmerizing fusion of rugged coastal landmass and fragile ecosystem teetering on the brink of danger. A treasure trove of rich natural history, it is a living tapestry that weaves together the complex threads of both biological and anthropological culture. Encompassing an expansive 6.4 million hectares, this remarkable area is a sanctuary for a myriad of diverse flora and fauna, flourishing both on land and beneath the waves.

Amidst the abundance of world-class wildlife in the Great Bear Rainforest, the majestic humpback whale emerges as a symbol of the region’s awe-inspiring natural beauty. Growing to an astonishing 19 metres (63 feet) in length and tipping the scales at a staggering 36,000 kilograms (40 tons), these gentle giants are more than just remarkable in size. Their unique behaviours and intricate social structures beckon us to delve deeper into their incredible lives, and in doing so, foster a profound connection with our world’s extraordinary natural wonders.

Get to Know The Basics: Biological Makeup of Humpback Whales

Photo by Mike Doherty

Humpback whales, scientifically known as Megaptera novaeangliae or “Big wing of New England,” belong to the fascinating suborder of baleen whales. Unlike toothed whales, they are equipped with baleen plates, intricately designed structures made of keratin – the same protein found in human hair and fingernails. These specialized plates act as natural sieves, allowing the whales to filter-feed on a diet of small organisms such as krill, plankton, and small fish. By using their baleen plates to strain these nutritious morsels from the water, they can swallow them whole, a feeding strategy that also unites them with other majestic baleen whales like blue whales, right whales, and, of course, fellow humpback whales.

In a testament to their adaptability and resilience, humpback whales grace every ocean on our planet, from the chill waters of the Arctic and Atlantic to the tropical embrace of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. They are easily recognizable by their striking black upper bodies adorned with contrasting white patches on their undersides. Their long, elegant pectoral fins, reaching up to an astonishing 5 metres (16 feet) in length, accentuate their presence in the water, resembling wings in motion. 

Adding to their complex physical features, the small, tactile bumps on their heads, known as “tubercles,” function as highly sensitive touch receptors. These biological marvels enable the humpback whales to detect sources of food and navigate the vast ocean expanses, revealing yet another layer of their extraordinary lives and vital roles within our world’s diverse ecosystems.

Recognize the Unique Behaviours Of Humpback Whales

Photo by Vivek Kumar

The humpback whales of the Great Bear Rainforest are a spectacle of nature, captivating onlookers with their complex and unique behaviours. Renowned for their melodic singing, these magnificent creatures produce long, low-frequency vocalizations, often attributed to males as a means to attract mates or mark territory. 

Their breaching— a powerful leap from the water, followed by a thunderous splash— is a breathtaking display of strength and grace. Perhaps most intriguing of all is the bubble-net feeding, an intelligent and cooperative hunting technique. Here, the whales swim in tight circles while exhaling bubbles, creating a “net” that traps fish inside. This enclosed area becomes a feasting ground, as the whales swoop in to devour their trapped prey. 

These behaviours, mesmerizing in their beauty and complexity, are emblematic of the humpback whales in the Great Bear Rainforest, offering a glimpse into the intelligent and intricate lives of one of nature’s most remarkable beings.

Humpback Whales In The Great Bear Rainforest

The Coastal First Nations of British Columbia have long recognized humpback whales as integral to the region’s coastal ecosystem. These magnificent creatures, found in oceans worldwide, follow a distinct migratory pattern from Mexico to Alaska along Canada’s west coast. During this migration, they feast on small fish and krill, nourishing themselves before heading south for the winter.

Visitors to the Great Bear Rainforest during the summer months may be fortunate enough to witness these whales, which are now thriving in the region. While most migrate to Hawaii, a few travel to Mexico during winter to mate and rest. Mating rituals involve male competition, and females give birth roughly every two to three years, nursing their 6-metre (20-foot) newborn calves on uniquely pink, fatty milk.
The humpback whales of the Great Bear Rainforest are more than just symbols of marine diversity; they are pivotal to the local economy and environment. As a draw for tourism and unique contributors to global cooling through carbon absorption, their presence resonates deeply in both ecological and cultural dimensions. Upon death, the carbon stored in their bodies settles on the ocean floor, further illustrating their essential role in our planet’s intricate web of life and how whales help cool the earth.

How Humpback Whales Impact The Region’s Food Chain

The humpback whales in the Great Bear Rainforest region are not merely majestic spectacles – they play an important role in the Great Bear Rainforest ecosystem. They are apex predators, meaning that they are at the top of the food chain and have a significant impact on the region’s food web. Humpback whales feed on krill, small fish, and other marine life, which helps to keep populations of these species in balance. 

Additionally, humpback whales help to maintain the health of the ocean by providing nutrients to the water through their feces. This helps to support a healthy and diverse marine ecosystem in the Great Bear Rainforest. 

Whale Watching In The Great Bear Rainforest

Photo by Davide Cantelli

Whale watching in the Great Bear Rainforest is a popular tourist activity that attracts visitors from around the world and boosts the region’s tourism revenue. The months of April until October are the best months to spot whales in the Great Bear Rainforest and surrounding regions of the western coast. There are plenty of whale-watching tours in northern Vancouver Island. Some options include Ocean Ecoventures, Maple Leaf Adventures and Natural Habitat Adventures.

 Exploring The Migration Patterns Of Humpback Whales In The Great Bear Rainforest

Exploring the migration patterns of humpback whales in the Great Bear Rainforest is a fascinating endeavor. Every year, these majestic creatures migrate thousands of miles from their summer feeding grounds in Alaska and British Columbia to their winter breeding grounds off the coast of Mexico and Central America. During this journey, they must navigate through the complex waters of the Great Bear Rainforest.

Humpback whales use a variety of methods to navigate, including echolocation, which is a type of sonar that helps them detect objects in the water. Additionally, they use the Earth’s magnetic field and ocean currents to help guide them on their journey. The migration patterns of humpback whales in the Great Bear Rainforest are an incredible feat of navigation and endurance.

Some things to keep in mind before you go whale watching:

• You may encounter a number of other marine mammal species like killer whales, dolphins, and minke whales. Turning your attention to the shoreline, you may even be lucky enough to spot other wild animals in the Great Bear Rainforest like bears and wolves!
• Bundle up and try to wear waterproof or repellant clothing! Always assume that it’ll be cooler in the ocean waters and be sure to protect yourself from not just the winds but also the sun. 
• There’s more to your trip than just whale watching! The Great Bear Rainforest is a haven for flora and fauna. It is home to some of the tallest and oldest trees on the planet. Aptly named, it is also home to bear species like the black bear, kermode bear, and grizzly bear. Other animals residing in the vast swathes of this rainforest include wolves, Sitka deer, sea lions, salmon, orcas, mountain goats, a variety of bird species, mountain lions, sea otters, and more!

The Indigenous Perspective On Humpback Whales In The Great Bear Rainforest

The Indigenous peoples of the Great Bear Rainforest have a long and deep connection with humpback whales. For centuries, these majestic creatures have been an integral part of their culture and traditions. The Haida, Heiltsuk, Nuxalk, Gitga’at, and other First Nations peoples have a strong spiritual connection to humpback whales and view them as sacred animals that bring good luck and fortune. They have a deep respect for the whales and believe that they are an important part of the natural balance in the region.

Are Humpback Whales Facing Threats of Extinction? 

According to the IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species, Humpback whales are currently listed under the ‘least concern’ category. However, it wasn’t that long ago (as recently as 1988), that they were in fact, endangered.

Promisingly, as of 2018, there are now about 84,000 individuals thriving in oceans around the world. Yet the job is far from done, to conserve these majestic giants, governments the world over are making great efforts in the form of protected areas for whales, harvest management plans, international legislation to educate the general public about the importance of whales, and extensive studies on their behaviours and physiology.  

Conservation Efforts For Humpback Whales In The Great Bear Rainforest

Conservation efforts for humpback whales in the Great Bear Rainforest are a testament to a collective understanding of the need to protect these magnificent creatures. Recognizing their vital role in the ecosystem, and in response to previous threats such as commercial whaling and habitat loss, a series of measures have been implemented.

Marine protected areas have been designated to preserve the whales’ natural habitat, with regulations that limit disturbances from boat traffic and industrial activities. Comprehensive research and monitoring programs have been established to gain a better understanding of the whales’ migratory patterns, behaviour, and overall health, guiding future conservation strategies.

Additionally, collaboration between governments, First Nations communities, environmental organizations, and the public has fostered a unified approach. Education and community engagement initiatives aim to raise awareness and promote responsible tourism and recreational practices around whale-watching. Such integrative and multi-faceted efforts ensure that the conservation of humpback whales in the Great Bear Rainforest is not just about preserving a species but honouring a legacy and nurturing a delicate balance within the entire marine ecosystem.

3 Commonly Asked Questions About Whales in the Great Bear Rainforest