Vancouver boaters and parkgoers were treated to an incredible sight on Friday when a pod of orcas surfaced near Coal Harbour.
Three adult whales and a juvenile were seen spouting on the surface as they froliced around the harbour then out past the Lion's Gate Bridge in Burrard Inlet. One of the orcas was identified by the Vancouver Aquarium as a male Bigg's (or transient) killer whale, a member of one of four populations of orcas that live off the west coast.
The whales were followed by eager eyes at Stanley Park, in whale watching boats and in CTV Vancouver's Chopper 9, which captured stunning video of the giants' visit.
The whales also attracted the attention of dozens of birds, including one bald eagle that swooped in for a closer look.
Officers in a police boat also joined the at-sea audience, making sure the onlookers kept their distance from the orcas.
