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Over the weekend, False Creek got a surprise visit from a VIP—a very important pod.

Four orcas decided to cruise through Vancouver’s urban waterways on Sunday (November 24), proving once again that even wildlife knows this city is the place to be. Forget overpriced waterfront condos—these majestic marine mammals didn’t have to pay a dime for their prime real estate moment.

Videos of the sleek black-and-white beauties surfaced almost immediately, while marine experts quickly reminded everyone to keep their distance (because orcas are not your average Instagram models).

Some say the whales were likely chasing a tasty meal, but let’s be real: they could’ve also been protesting the endless seawall crowding. Either way, they made a splash (literally and figuratively) and reminded us that while Vancouver is known for its stunning marine life, seeing whales right downtown is a whole other level of cool.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCxYAeCSEIO/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D

https://www.tiktok.com/@cbcvancouver/video/7441020071482379576

https://twitter.com/OrcaSOS/status/1860678861521846583

https://www.instagram.com/p/CU2a_NbgEma

https://twitter.com/iamkennethchan/status/1447020079141380100