Langley Welcomes the Whales with Annual Parade in April
In the seaside town of Langley, the Langley Whale Center serves as a gathering place where visitors can dive into the world of whales, fostering curiosity, education, and a deeper connection to the marine life of the Salish Sea. “We act as the front-facing branch of the Orca Network,” says Trevor Snow with the Langley Whale Center. “Our goal is to educate visitors and locals alike about the whales in our area, encouraging people to seek out their own opportunities to connect with these magnificent creatures.”
For those hoping to spot a whale, Langley is a special place. With a little patience, you might just catch a glimpse of a grey whale feeding mere feet from the shore. “Grey whales, or our beloved Sounders, visit the Puget Sound every year, coming as close as 40 to 50 feet from the shoreline as they bottom-feed for ghost shrimp,” Trevor explains. “It’s an experience that stays with you.”
While orcas can be trickier to spot, these returning grey whales have built quite a reputation in the community. Every April, the town comes together for the “Welcome the Whales” event—a lively parade and celebration to greet the Sounders as they make their annual journey from Mexico to Alaska, one of the longest migration routes. “It’s a community favorite. People dress up as mermaids, pirates, jellyfish—we even provide free costumes. There are activities for the kids, a blessing ceremony for the whale’s arrival that concludes the parade, and a shared sense of wonder for these incredible whales,” Trevor shares.
Beyond the festivities, the Langley Whale Center works year-round to foster a deeper understanding of the marine world. From youth education programs to homeschool talks and summer camp visits, their mission is clear: to inspire and educate, celebrate and share the lives of orcas, gray whales, humpbacks, and other marine mammals of the Salish Sea.
Annual Welcome the Whales Festival: April 12 & 13 in Langley.
More information at OrcaNetwork.org.
