Provinces and Territories · Drawing 29 of 42
An orca family
British Columbia
Off British Columbia, orcas swim in families; some stay with their mother’s group all their lives. The boat stays far away so it won’t disturb them.
Look together
How many orcas can you count?
An idea to try
Outside, take 200 big adult steps together: that is roughly the minimum distance between a boat and most orcas.
For the adult reading along
A little more to discover
The orca, or killer whale, is the largest member of the dolphin family. Among resident orcas, the basic family unit is the matriline, a female lineage; both males and females stay in it all their lives. From May to August, their main prey is Chinook salmon. Southern Resident killer whales are endangered and have important cultural significance for Indigenous peoples and coastal communities in B.C.
Until May 31, 2027, vessels must stay 1,000 m away from Southern Residents in southern B.C. coastal waters, and 200 m from other killer whales in Canadian Pacific waters. Ask your child why a distant, quiet boat disturbs a whale family less.
Sources and illustration notes (2)
An imagined scene: the orca family is in the foreground, a small unbranded boat stays in the distance, and the markings are simplified for colouring.
These links lead to other websites. Explore them with an adult. References identify the institution and the related lesson; some linked pages are in French.
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada — 2026 management measures to protect Southern Resident killer whalesUntil May 31, 2027, vessels must stay 1,000 m from Southern Residents in southern B.C. coastal waters between Campbell River and just north of Ucluelet; 200 m from all other killer whales in Pacific Canadian waters; important cultural significance for Indigenous peoples and coastal communities.
- Species at Risk Public Registry — Killer whales (Orcinus orca) recovery strategy: chapter 1Largest member of the dolphin family; residents of both sexes remain in their natal matriline for life; Chinook salmon is the predominant prey from May to August; Southern Residents listed as endangered.
Page prepared on September 24, 2026. Illustrations simplify places and scenes; they are not historical documents.
This drawing is from the book My Canada to Colour
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