5.5-magnitude earthquake strikes off west coast of Vancouver Island; second moderate quake in a week
The quake hit Friday night about 181 kilometres southwest of Port Hardy. Shaking was felt as far as Victoria, with no reported damage.
Sources · local media reports
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A 5.5-magnitude earthquake struck off the west coast of Vancouver Island on Friday, July 31 at shortly before 10 p.m., the second moderate seismic event in the area within a week.
The quake occurred about 181 kilometres southwest of Port Hardy, according to Earthquakes Canada. Shaking was reported as far away as Victoria, but there were no reports of damage.
A week earlier, on Sunday, July 19, a 5.6-magnitude quake struck in nearly the same location—also under the ocean at a depth of 10 kilometres, about 219 kilometres southwest of Port Hardy. That quake also produced reports of shaking with no damage.
Both earthquakes occurred in the offshore region west of Vancouver Island, an area where seismic activity is monitored regularly. The proximity in location and magnitude within seven days has drawn attention, though the source does not confirm whether one may be a foreshock to a larger event or part of a sequence.
The facts
When did the earthquake strike off Vancouver Island?
A 5.5-magnitude earthquake struck off the west coast of Vancouver Island on Friday, July 31, 2026, shortly before 10 p.m.
How far from Port Hardy did the quake occur?
The earthquake occurred approximately 181 kilometres southwest of Port Hardy.
Was there another moderate earthquake in the same area recently?
Yes. A 5.6-magnitude quake struck in nearly the same location on Sunday, July 19, 2026, about 219 kilometres southwest of Port Hardy at a depth of 10 kilometres.
How far did shaking from the July 31 quake reach?
Shaking from the July 31 earthquake was reported as far away as Victoria, with no reports of damage.
