With their big eyes, whiskered faces, and curious nature, Harbour Seals are a favourite sighting for locals and visitors exploring the waters around Metro Vancouver. But there is much more to harbour seals than their adorable appearance. Their behaviour, biology, and role in the marine ecosystem make them a fascinating species to encounter in the wild.

Life Along the B.C. Coast

Harbour seals are year-round residents of the Pacific Northwest and can be found throughout the coastal waters of British Columbia. They are highly adaptable, making their homes in sheltered bays, rocky shorelines, and estuaries. When they are not hunting, harbour seals regularly haul themselves out of the water onto rocks, beaches, and even floating structures to rest.

• Harbour seals can sleep both on land and in the water.
• They are excellent swimmers and can dive for several minutes while searching for food.
• Their diet includes fish such as herring, hake, and salmon, along with squid and other marine animals.
• Harbour seals can be identified by their spotted coats, with patterns that vary between individuals.

Built for an Underwater Life

Many of the harbour seal’s most interesting features are adaptations that help it survive underwater. Their streamlined bodies allow them to move efficiently through the water, while their large eyes help them see in low-light conditions. Their most remarkable tool, however, may be their whiskers.

• Harbour seal whiskers are extremely sensitive and can detect vibrations and movement in the water.
• During a dive, they can slow their heart rate and conserve oxygen, allowing them to remain underwater for extended periods.
• Unlike sea lions, harbour seals have no visible external ear flaps, helping create their streamlined shape.
• Harbour seals can use their powerful hind flippers to propel themselves through the water.

An Important Part of the Marine Ecosystem

Harbour seals play an important role in B.C.’s coastal food webs. As predators, they help connect different parts of the marine ecosystem, while also serving as prey for larger animals, including transient orcas. Scientists study harbour seals to learn more about their movements, diet, population health, and behaviour, providing valuable information about the marine environments they depend on.

For visitors exploring Vancouver’s coastline, spotting a harbour seal is more than just a memorable wildlife encounter. Watching them swim, feed, or rest on a rocky haul-out offers a glimpse into the complex ecosystem that exists just beyond the city’s shoreline.