Discover Vancouver Island Wildlife | Your Guide from a Local
Are you wondering about Vancouver Island’s wildlife? I’ve got you covered!
As someone who is lucky enough to call Vancouver Island home, one of the things I love about living on the island is how much wildlife there is. My mind is constantly blown when I see a seal popping up in the water while we’re out on a coastal hike or a group of deer casually walking through someone’s back lawn.
The island has a really special raw feel about it. Just roaming around, you get this sense of how everything’s connected, making you appreciate the need to keep this place as undisturbed and laid-back as possible.
So what other wildlife can you find on the island other than seals and deer?
A lot, as it turns out!
You’ve got black bears, cougars, whales, elk, bald eagles and so many more! Ready to explore the diverse wildlife that makes this island so special? Let’s dive in.
Wildlife on Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island is a playground for nature lovers, offering up-close encounters with some of Canada’s most iconic wildlife. Tourists flock here to catch sight of the orcas and humpback whales that grace the surrounding waters.
Black bears and cougars are lurking around too but don’t expect to see any since sightings are rare. Even though Vancouver Island has the highest concentration of cougars in North America, as the locals say “they see us but you don’t see them”. Then you’ve got the coastal areas which are perfect for spotting sea otters and harbour seals, often seen basking in the sun.
Bird enthusiasts are in for a treat too, with bald eagles and a variety of seabirds frequently sighted. Literally just the other day, two bald eagles flew past my window while I was working at my computer!
For those interested in the more serene side of nature, the island’s rivers and streams are home to salmon, a key species in the local ecosystem. These animals are just the start, but these are the main ones known to the island.
Whales
Vancouver Island is a real gem for anyone who loves the ocean and its incredible creatures, there are so many things to do here. It’s the perfect spot to watch whales, thanks to the amazing variety of species that hang out in the waters nearby all year long.
You’ve got the orcas who are around any time of year, living it up in pods and munching on fish or other marine life. Then, from May to November, the humpback whales come out to play while they snack on krill and fish.
Don’t forget about the grey whales, either! Loads of them cruise by between March and May, travelling from their winter homes in Mexico to their summer spots in the Arctic. And even though they’re a bit harder to spot, minke and fin whales are part of the mix too, with the sleek minke whales showing up in summer and the huge fin whales making occasional appearances.
Each type of whale brings its own special something to the waters around Vancouver Island, making this place a must-see for anyone who’s into the wonders of the natural world.
Where can you go whale watching?
Whale watching on Vancouver Island is a big deal, and the season here stretches from April to October, hitting its stride from May to September. If you’re looking to spot whales without hitting the water, you’re in luck. Places like Clover Point Park and Beacon Hill Park in Victoria, Sidney Spit Marine Park in Sidney, and Harewood Plains Overlook in Nanaimo offer some great land-based viewing spots.
When you join a whale-watching tour, your chances of seeing these magnificent creatures are pretty high, often between 85% to 95%! It’s a good idea to book your spot early, especially if you’re planning to visit during the busy season from April to October. Plus, many tour operators are all about keeping things green, with a focus on protecting the ocean and teaching folks about the marine life around the island.
- Victoria and Sidney: These areas are hotspots for Southern Resident Orcas all year round and Gray Whales from March to November. They’re super close to the city too, making it easy to find a tour that suits your style.
- Telegraph Cove: Famed for its Orca sightings and even got a shoutout from Jacques Cousteau! It’s also a starting point for tours where you might see Northern Resident Orcas, Humpback Whales, and Pacific White-sided dolphins.
- Tofino and Ucluelet: Known for Humpback and Gray Whale sightings, between May to September for Humpbacks and March to November for Grays. Lately, there’s been an uptick in Orca sightings here, too, though they’re a bit more hit or miss.
Bears
These bears are an integral part of the island’s ecosystem, playing a crucial role in the balance of nature. Vancouver Island is home to one of the highest black bear densities in the world. While exact numbers can fluctuate due to various factors like food availability and habitat conditions, estimates suggest there could be over 7,000 black bears on Vancouver Island.
These bears are distributed widely across the island, thriving in its lush forests and remote areas. Their presence is especially notable in regions with rich vegetation and abundant food sources, such as the island’s coastal areas where salmon streams are plentiful.
The black bears of Vancouver Island are crucial to the ecosystem, helping to maintain balance through their roles as predators and scavengers. These bears are an integral part of the island’s ecosystem, playing a crucial role in the balance of nature.
While the idea of spotting a bear might be exciting, it’s crucial to remember the importance of respecting these animals and their environment. Encounters with wildlife, especially bears, should be met with caution and from a safe distance, ensuring that we do not disturb their natural behaviours or habitats.
If you want to see a bear safely I would recommend visiting the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre. My boyfriend and I stopped by the other day and were able to see the black bear they look after in the centre. There were also a lot of birds and owls to look at, plus all the funds go to running the centre and caring for these animals that can no longer survive in the wild.
Are there grizzly bears on Vancouver Island?
Yes! Grizzly bears have been spotted on Vancouver Island, but they typically don’t stick around for very long. Each year, a few are spotted wandering from Campbell River up to Port Hardy. It seems these adventurous bears make their way over from the mainland, island-hopping across the waters. There have even been sightings of them swimming near Sayward, just an hour north of Campbell River!
But don’t get too excited; seeing a grizzly on Vancouver Island is pretty rare. Most of these mighty bears prefer the vast wilderness of mainland British Columbia, where sightings are more common at specific times of the year.
Cougars
Vancouver Island is also a significant habitat for cougars, one of North America’s most elusive and mysterious predators. These magnificent creatures command the top of the food chain, playing a critical role in maintaining the health and balance of the island’s ecosystems.
Call me crazy but before I came to Canada I didn’t really know what a cougar was or what it looked like – I had to google it! We just don’t have anything remotely similar in New Zealand, in fact we don’t really have any dangerous animals apart from sharks so learning about cougars was completely new to me.
Due to the large population of them on Vancouver Island, even though encounters are pretty rare due to their secretive nature, I knew I needed to educate myself on what to do if I came across one. For those visiting Vancouver Island and planning on hiking, there are some local Facebook groups you can join that’ll alert you of sightings in the area – while we were living in Nanaimo we kept an eye on posts in this group.
The presence of cougars is a powerful reminder of the wildness that still prevails on the island and the importance of respecting these animals by keeping a safe distance and not encroaching on their territory. It’s vital for visitors to be aware of their surroundings, especially when hiking or camping in cougar habitats, and to follow guidelines designed to protect both humans and wildlife.
The emphasis is on coexistence and the recognition that we are guests in their domain, underscoring the importance of conservation efforts to ensure these majestic animals continue to thrive on Vancouver Island.
Birds of Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island is a hotspot for birdwatchers, thanks to its role as a pit stop for birds cruising the Pacific Coast. Whether it’s the impressive bald eagles or the tiny, vibrant hummingbirds, the island’s variety of ecosystems offers the perfect backdrop for a rich bird life.
Sitting right on the Pacific Flyway, a key bird highway that stretches along the west coast, the island welcomes a bunch of migratory birds. This includes the elegant trumpeter swans, loads of different duck species, and a variety of shorebirds looking for a snack and a break on their lengthy voyages.
And it’s not just the migratory birds; the island’s forests are buzzing with the sounds of local residents too. Owls hooting, woodpeckers tapping, and songbirds serenading create a natural symphony that’s music to any nature lover’s ears.
The other day I saw a woodpecker for the first time which I thought was pretty cool and I’m not a bird person at all!! So if that’s you then you’ll love all the birdlife on the island, there are so many different species here.
Are there wolves on Vancouver Island?
Absolutely, the Vancouver Island wolf is a unique twist on the classic grey wolf, adapted perfectly to life on this lush island. Considered endangered, these wolves form tight-knit packs of five to 20 members and tend to keep their distance from human hustle and bustle.
Nicknamed “sea wolves” for their coastal living and seafood diet, they’ve got a distinctive look with coats that blend grey, brown, and black, and some even flaunt nearly white fur. Their diet is pretty special too, mainly munching on salmon, seals, and other ocean goodies, showcasing their adaptability and swimming prowess.
Size-wise, they’re similar to mainland grey wolves, preying on black-tailed deer and Roosevelt elk, with smaller critters like squirrels and rodents on the menu when the pickings are slim.
These wolves stick to the forested and semi-forested zones, primarily hanging out in the less populated northern and western coasts, down to Port Renfrew. Keep an eye out for them on the shores of Vargas and Meares Islands in Clayoquot Sound or even around Cape Scott Provincial Park, though they’re a rare sight in those parts.
Are there elk on Vancouver Island?
Yep, Vancouver Island boasts its very own population of elk, specifically the Roosevelt elk. These are the biggest kids on the block when it comes to North American elk subspecies.
Thanks to conservation efforts and a nod from President Theodore Roosevelt (who they’re named after), these elk bounced back from the edge of extinction. Nowadays, they’re doing their thing across Vancouver Island, loving life in the dense forests and out-of-the-way spots that give them loads of room to roam.
Roosevelt elk are pretty shy around people, heading for the hills (or more accurately, thicker forests) if they feel bothered. Keeping these majestic creatures around for the long haul means sticking with those conservation efforts, making sure the elk, along with the island’s other wildlife, have a secure future.
Other wildlife on Vancouver Island
Although we’ve covered off the main animals on Vancouver Island, there are still a few more fascinating creatures and aspects of the island’s biodiversity worth mentioning.
- Marine Life: Besides whales, the waters around Vancouver Island are teeming with an abundance of marine life. This includes colourful sea stars, sea anemones, various species of fish, and the intelligent Pacific octopus. Tidal pools along the coast offer a glimpse into the rich marine biodiversity.
- Sea Otters and Seals: While mentioned earlier, the importance of these playful marine mammals can’t be overstated. They’re not only a delight to observe but also play crucial roles in their ecosystems, with sea otters helping maintain healthy kelp forests and seals being key prey for larger predators.
- Vancouver Island Marmot: One of Canada’s most endangered species, the Vancouver Island marmot is unique to the island. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect this rare marmot, which resides in the island’s alpine areas.
- Bats: Vancouver Island is home to several species of bats, including the Little Brown Bat. These nocturnal creatures play an essential role in controlling insect populations and pollinating some plants.
- Amphibians and Reptiles: The island hosts a variety of amphibians like the Pacific Tree Frog and the Red-legged Frog, as well as reptiles such as the Northern Alligator Lizard and the Common Garter Snake, each adding to the ecological diversity.
- Invertebrates: The island’s forests and fields are alive with an array of invertebrates, from butterflies and moths to beetles and spiders, each playing vital roles in pollination and decomposition, and as part of the food web.
FAQs About wildlife on Vancouver Island
Are there skunks on Vancouver Island?
Actually, striped skunks haven’t made Vancouver Island, Haida Gwaii, or other coastal islands their home—they’re sticking to most other parts of British Columbia.
As for the spotted skunk, it’s pretty much sticking to the Lower Mainland area. Skunks, in general, aren’t too picky about where they live. They’re fans of open spaces and the fringes of forests but have also proven quite savvy at navigating city life.
Are there coyotes on Vancouver Island?
Coyotes are now pretty familiar figures in urban and rural settings all over North America. In the Lower Mainland alone, it’s estimated there are about 2,000 to 3,000 urban coyotes, a population that started settling in during the 1980s. But, you won’t find coyotes on Vancouver Island or the Gulf Islands—they haven’t made their way to these spots.
Are there snakes in Vancouver Island?
Yes, Vancouver Island plays host to four snake species, among them the frequently spotted Western Terrestrial and Northwestern garter snakes, and the less common Sharp-Tailed snake.
But no need for alarm—none of the island’s snakes pose any danger to humans. In fact, they’re pretty handy to have around, acting as natural pest control by munching on slugs and insects in your garden.
Final Thoughts: Vancouver Island wildlife
That’s a wrap on all the wildlife you can find on Vancouver Island, I hope it’s helped give you a bit of an idea about what to expect (or what not to expect) when visiting the island.
This place is a vibrant reminder of the delicate balance between humans and the natural world, nudging us to tread lightly and respect the complex web of life that thrives here. Let’s do our part to leave the island as untouched as we found it, ensuring future generations can come and enjoy Vancouver Island’s wildlife.
But let’s not stop there—consider supporting local wildlife conservation efforts. Whether it’s by donating, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, every little bit helps in keeping Vancouver Island wild and pristine.
In plain speak, Vancouver Island isn’t just a cool spot to visit; it’s a reminder of how awesome nature is when we let it do its thing and why we’ve got to pitch in to protect it.
Keep it wild, keep it safe, and keep coming back for more!
