Vancouver and whale watching

One of our feature activities on this holiday was to go whale-watching. We had gone to see Humpbacks and blue whales off California, but our quarry this time was Killer whales. Orca.

From Vancouver this can mean a long trip, and it was - over 6 hours. And it can be cold. So we were fully suited for the occasion, as modelled here by Thibault.

The first part of the trip was just around the Bay, which was interesting and relatively warm. One starts by yacht spotting, and then you move onto the container ships further out.

Can all be a bit too much excitement for the youngsters. Aww.

 Then you start to get among the islands and headlands which are very attractive.

One can even see eagles - this one at outer range of my camera zoom

But eventually we reached our target - a pod of orca. I need hardly say how hard these creatures are to photograph. Not only do they surface and dive quickly, but also unpredictably. But got a few shots anyway to prove I was there.

 And that was about it. I should add that we were not alone. There was a whole flotilla of boats trying to get a decent glimpse of the whales, along with a police launch to make sure we didn't get closer than 200 metres. One of the highlights was our guide - a real scientist who was obviously immensely excited about whales.

On our way back we were able to take in a bit of seal watching. Much easier animals to photograph.

One of the smarter residences - great views.

 And so back to land, but wrong side of the river for us, so we took one of the little river taxis, which are quite cute.

 A little walk through Downtown...

 ...took us to our chosen sushi restaurant. Vancouver is well regarded for seafood and sushi, well its close enough to fishing grounds. This was very good. Looks it too doesn't it?

As we had had an early dinner, we finished off with a stroll around the Waterfront and Gastown Area. Below is Canada Place.

 This is Water Street in Gastown, Thibault here looking at the steam clock. Funnily enough steam clocks haven't really taken off.

Gassy Jack, after whom the area is named. Gassy as in excessively talkative.

 Anyway, we had a pleasant enough couple of drinks in a bar over the road before walking home past Chinatown.

BC Place Stadium

Science World