OrcaLab Whale Lookout - Hanson Island, British Columbia, Canada

Forested shores and distant mountains frame the coastal waters around Hanson Island in British Columbia. This live stream switches between four nearby viewpoints, following orcas and humpback whales as they travel through the area. Between sightings, the cameras show tidal currents, seabirds and changing light across the water.

The waters off northeastern Vancouver Island are important habitat for Northern Resident orcas, whose diet consists largely of salmon. Channels between the islands provide routes through this coastal landscape, where whale researchers use shore-based cameras and underwater microphones to observe animals without following them by boat.

Whale activity varies throughout the year, with Northern Resident orcas most frequently present during summer. Humpbacks also pass through these waters, sometimes revealing a blow, curved back or raised tail above the surface. Quieter stretches offer broad coastal views, while camera movements and changes of viewpoint reflect activity around the islands.

Did You Know? Northern Resident orca families have distinctive collections of calls, allowing experienced researchers to recognize different family groups just by listening.

See more live beach and coastal cams, explore the Water collection, browse live webcams in Canada, or explore our Live Webcam Map.

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