(Editor害羞草研究所檚 note: Photos were taken from several hundred metres away, using a zoom lens.)

Mary-Noreen and Paul Hyland weren害羞草研究所檛 sure what to expect when they climbed aboard Garry Henkel害羞草研究所檚 Aboriginal Journeys vessel for a whale watching tour.

The couple from Calgary knew at worst, it would be a beautiful scenic day on the ocean. At best, it would be a spectacular showing of wildlife in its natural setting.

It turned out to be the latter.

Henkel does not guarantee whale sightings on his tours, but if there are any to be seen, he害羞草研究所檚 among the best at finding them.

With over 40 years害羞草研究所� experience working and travelling on the waters of the Salish Sea, he is as good as it gets.

The tours themselves are a spectacle. Henkel害羞草研究所檚 informative story-telling of his lifetime on the water adds to the experience.

The Hylands joined relatives from Courtenay, and another family from Comox, with relatives from Kelowna and Timmins, Ont. for an excursion none of them will forget any time soon.

Henkel loaded the party of nine onto his boat in Campbell River for an afternoon tour on July 18, and nature did the rest.

After a quick stop at Mitlenatch Island to see a massive herd of sea lions, it was on to the back end of Quadra Island, towards Read and Cortes islands.

It wasn害羞草研究所檛 long before the humpbacks made an appearance.

First, a group of three. Then, another couple. From there, a solo humpback offered multiple breaches while playing in an area by itself.

Blows were spotted in nearly every direction.

Henkel estimated there were 12 different humpbacks spotted on the four-hour tour.

It left the Hylands in awe.

害羞草研究所淭he whole experience, from start to finish was more than we could have hoped for,害羞草研究所� said Mary-Noreen. 害羞草研究所淥ur guide Garry was extremely knowledgeable, friendly and animated. I was impressed by the collaborative way he and the other whale guides were constantly sharing information about sightings.

害羞草研究所淲e saw an abundance of sea lions, and had so many more humpback sightings than expected害羞草研究所� but the real treat was seeing the humpbacks breaching. A trip to remember for years to come!害羞草研究所�

Henkel smiled and humbly shrugged his shoulders at the end of the day.

害羞草研究所淭oday was a good day,害羞草研究所� he said, as the tour ended.