Vancouver, BC – Residents across southern Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland may have felt a light jolt Tuesday morning after a magnitude 3.1 earthquake occurred near the Gulf Islands, according to the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network.
The quake struck at 12:30 a.m. local time (UTC 12:30), centered 11 kilometers southeast of Salt Spring Island at a depth of 14.1 kilometers. While minor, the tremor was detected by sensors across Victoria, Duncan, and Vancouver, though no damage or injuries were reported.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey and PNSN, only a handful of people submitted “Did You Feel It?” reports, suggesting limited shaking confined mainly to coastal communities.
Seismologists say the region, located along the Cascadia Subduction Zone, regularly experiences small earthquakes of this magnitude, which serve as reminders of the area’s active geological setting.
Residents are encouraged to review emergency plans and ensure preparedness kits are up to date as part of ongoing earthquake safety awareness efforts across British Columbia.
