September has been packed with events in British Columbia: a provincial resident filmed an unexpected close encounter with an orca near his boat, ski resorts received their first helping of August snow, and the Culture Days festival is preparing to celebrate its 17th anniversary by shifting its focus to small communities. From emotional encounters with marine giants to climate anomalies and cultural discoveries, there is something here to surprise everyone.
Unexpected Encounter: B.C. Resident Films Orca Swimming Right Beside His Boat
British Columbia’s Canadian coastline has long been renowned for opportunities to observe whales in their natural habitat, but even local residents are sometimes unprepared for marine giants to come so close. This week, a video filmed by a provincial resident appeared online, capturing the moment an orca literally swam within a few metres of his small vessel. The footage records the videographer exclaiming “Wow!” in an emotional voice, conveying genuine admiration and a slight sense of fear at such an intimate encounter with wildlife. The incident occurred in coastal waters where orca populations regularly migrate, although such proximity is always a unique and memorable event.
Judging by the published footage, the orca showed no signs of aggression, but rather curiosity. It smoothly circled the boat, giving the viewer an opportunity to see its black-and-white colouring and powerful dorsal fin. Experts note that such behaviour is typical of young animals exploring objects around them, or of animals accustomed to boats in the area. At the same time, specialists remind the public that despite their seemingly friendly behaviour, orcas are apex predators, and any human interference in their space should be kept to a minimum. Local authorities and marine mammal protection organizations regularly publish recommendations on how to behave when encountering whales, so as not to disrupt their natural behaviour or endanger either the animals or people.
Such encounters are not unusual in British Columbia, which is home to several orca populations, including the famous resident orcas, which feed on fish, and transient orcas, which hunt marine mammals. However, interest in whale watching is growing every year, creating additional pressure on the ecosystem. Over recent decades, scientists have recorded declines in some populations, particularly southern residents, which suffer from a shortage of salmon—their primary food source. As a result, each such video is not only an emotional spectacle but also a reminder of the fragility of marine wildlife. The video, which spread across social media and was featured in a CTV News report, attracted the attention of not only the general public but also biologists, who use amateur footage to study animal behaviour, identify individuals by their unique markings and track migration routes.
It is worth explaining that the term “killer whale” is often replaced by “orca” in scientific literature, as the former name is based on a mistaken association with “killing,” while the word “orca” derives from the Latin Orcinus orca, meaning “sea monster.” In English, “killer whale” and “orca” are both accepted, although specialists often prefer “orca.” As for the event itself, the encounter will almost certainly remain one of the most vivid memories of the video’s subject’s life. Nevertheless, marine biologists advise boat operators to stay at least 100 metres from whales, reduce their speed and turn off their engines if the animals show interest, while avoiding sudden manoeuvres that could frighten the mammals. These rules are enshrined in Canadian law, and violations can result in significant fines. In this case, it appears that everything ended well for both sides: the boat remained intact, and the orca continued on its way, leaving the man with awe in his eyes and a unique video that has already received thousands of views.
B.C. Ski Resorts Welcome August Snow: What to Expect This Season
It seems nature decided to mix up the calendar this year: while residents across much of Canada were still enjoying the last warm days of summer, British Columbia’s mountain regions had already received a generous helping of snow. Two popular provincial ski resorts—Panorama Mountain Resort, located in the Purcell Mountains, and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort in Golden—reported almost simultaneously that their peaks had been covered with fresh snow in late August. Panorama representatives jokingly remarked that “Mother Nature couldn’t wait for opening day,” publishing images from mountain cameras showing a genuine winter wonderland. Meanwhile, Kicking Horse joked that “the first snow has entered the chat,” adding: “A little snow? No problem. A couple of bike laps? Absolutely. Winter mode? Loading…”—clearly hinting that summer activities are still in full swing, but the winter season is already approaching.
Of particular interest is the fact that resorts that only recently welcomed mountain bikers and hikers are already taking on a winter appearance. Kicking Horse, located about an eight-hour drive from Vancouver, is known for its challenging terrain for experienced skiers. It features five alpine bowls, more than 85 marked chutes and famous light, dry “champagne” powder. Resort followers responded to the news with humour; one person even joked that they could “hear Mariah Carey thawing out already.” Panorama, meanwhile, offers guests more than 4,000 acres of accessible skiing terrain, as well as cross-country skiing, heli-skiing and snowmobiling. One resort fan admitted that they “can hardly wait to ski again.”
However, behind this romantic picture of early snow lie worrying forecasts for the coming winter season. As reported in a Daily Hive article, although the August snowfall has inspired optimism, meteorologists warn of possible surprises. Analysts at OpenSnow, a U.S. company specializing in weather forecasts and snow reports, published an early outlook for the 2025–26 season, and it is not particularly encouraging. The main reason is an approaching “super” El Niño, a climate phenomenon expected to bring another unusually warm winter. Experts even suggest that global temperatures could set a new record in 2027.
According to OpenSnow experts, El Niño will likely bring below-average snowfall to much of British Columbia. This is linked to warmer temperatures and the so-called “southern storm track,” in which cyclones pass farther south than usual, leaving the province’s mountain regions without their customary snowfalls. Still, the picture is not entirely straightforward: analysts point out that some El Niño seasons “buck the trend,” and the province has experienced near- or above-average snowfall, as it did during the 2015–16 season. So although nature has given us early snow in August, skiers and snowboarders planning a trip to British Columbia this winter should monitor forecasts closely and be prepared for change. Climate anomalies are becoming increasingly common, and they will determine how snowy the coming season turns out to be.
Cultural Weekends in British Columbia: How Small Towns Are Becoming Arts Hubs
Every autumn, British Columbia becomes a huge stage where art moves beyond traditional galleries and theatres. This year, the Culture Days festival, running from September 18 to October 4, is celebrating its 17th anniversary, and organizers have decided to shift their focus from major cities to rural and remote communities. This is not simply a nod to the trend toward authenticity, but a deliberate recognition that creativity away from major cultural centres often emerges from a deeper connection with nature and tradition. Last year, more than 1.4 million people took part in festival events across 58 communities, and organizers now want to show that the province’s cultural heart beats somewhere beyond Vancouver as well.
This year’s program is remarkable for its variety, ranging from painting workshops inspired by farm landscapes and choral performances to pumpkin carving, fall fairs and the creation of herbal arrangements. As Nazanin Shoja, programming director for BC Culture Days, explains, communities without access to specialized arts spaces are forced to find unconventional solutions—and that is precisely what makes their projects unique. The festival’s official opening will take place on September 20 at Hawthorne Grove Park in Delta, home to the historic Kirkland House and Harris Barn—a symbolic setting connecting the past and present. This year’s message is that culture is shaped by the landscape, an idea clearly reflected in the work of festival ambassador Michelle Buchholz, a Métis artist whose Spirit Dots project invites participants to walk along the forest trails of a Langley farm before creating a turtle painting inspired by Métis beadwork traditions.
To understand why this matters, it is worth clarifying the terminology. Métis people are descendants of unions between European settlers and Indigenous peoples of Canada who developed their own distinct culture. Their art, particularly beadwork with its characteristic patterns, reflects a deep respect for the land and its gifts. In Indigenous teachings, the turtle symbolizes strength, endurance and a connection to the earth, ideas that resonate perfectly with the festival’s emphasis on slowing down. Buchholz emphasizes that modern stresses deprive us of our ability to be amazed, and that creativity in rural settings helps restore this connection. Interestingly, organizers have deliberately included niche activities such as lapidary arts—the cutting and polishing of stones to create jewellery or decorative objects—giving residents and visitors a chance to discover crafts many may never have known existed.
The festival is also expanding its reach across the Lower Mainland. The program includes paint-and-sip evenings, Chinese calligraphy demonstrations, open orchestra rehearsals and walking tours of urban art. Knitting circles for newcomers hold a special place: they are not only a creative pastime but also a means of social integration. All events are free or operate on a pay-what-you-can basis, making culture accessible to everyone. Those who want to guarantee a place in a workshop can register in advance, and it is best not to leave it until the last minute—popular events in previous years have filled every seat. In essence, Culture Days is a reminder that art should not be elitist, and that a celebration can take place even where there are no museum walls or theatre stages.
