Grey Whales
Grey Whales in Tofino
Every spring, thousands of Gray Whale migrate past the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island, making whale watching in Tofino one of the most spectacular wildlife experiences in Canada. These gentle giants travel more than 16,000 kilometres each year between their breeding lagoons in Mexico and feeding grounds in the Arctic. During the migration, grey whales pass close to the shoreline of Clayoquot Sound, giving visitors an incredible opportunity to observe them in their natural habitat. From powerful blows and rolling backs to curious spyhops, seeing grey whales in Tofino is an unforgettable highlight of any coastal adventure.
Size and Appearance
Adult grey whales can grow up to 15 metres (50 feet) long and weigh as much as 35 tonnes. Their mottled grey skin is covered in whitish patches created by barnacles and whale lice, which commonly cluster around the head, flippers, and tail.
Unique Feeding Behaviour
Unlike toothed whales, grey whales feed using baleen, a comb-like structure made of long fibres. They dive to the ocean floor, scoop up muddy sediment, and filter out krill, plankton, and small crustaceans while expelling the mud and water. This bottom-feeding behaviour often leaves visible feeding trails in shallow coastal waters.
One of the Longest Migrations on Earth
Grey whales are famous for their incredible annual migration, travelling roughly 16,000 km round-trip between their breeding lagoons in Mexico and feeding grounds in the Arctic. During this journey they typically travel about 8 km (5 miles) per hour and migrate for two to three months. Each spring, approximately 15,000 grey whales pass the west coast of Vancouver Island, making Tofino one of the best places in Canada to see them.
Social Behaviour
Grey whales usually travel alone or in small groups, although larger gatherings can sometimes occur in feeding areas. They tend to form loose associations rather than permanent pods.
Breeding and Calves
Grey whale mating can involve multiple whales, often with two or three individuals participating in the courtship process. This increases the likelihood of successful breeding.
Sexual maturity typically occurs around 8 years of age
Gestation lasts about 13 months
Newborn calves can measure 4–4.5 metres (14 feet) long and weigh up to 900 kg (2,000 pounds)
Calves nurse for 6–8 months while travelling north with their mothers during the migration.
Lifespan and Conservation
A healthy grey whale can live 50–70 years. Once heavily hunted and nearly driven to extinction, grey whales are now considered one of the great success stories of marine mammal conservation.
Grey Whales in Tofino
Grey whales are seen throughout much of the year in Tofino and Clayoquot Sound. While the main migration occurs in March and April, some whales stay to feed in local waters, meaning sightings can occur even in winter months on tours such as our Hot Springs Cove trips.
Join our Tofino Whale Watching Tours to see grey whales in their natural habitat.
