Victoria, BC – Residents on southern Vancouver Island reported light shaking Thursday after a small earthquake struck near Cowichan Bay.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake measured 2.6 magnitude and was recorded at 12:00 p.m. UTC (5:00 a.m. local time) on Thursday, September 18, 2025. The quake’s epicenter was located about 16 kilometers southwest of Cowichan Bay, with a depth of 10 kilometers.
The USGS “Did You Feel It?” system collected at least 46 community responses from residents who reported light shaking in the Duncan and Victoria areas. No damage or injuries have been reported, as minor earthquakes of this size are rarely destructive.
Southern Vancouver Island and the Salish Sea region are part of the seismically active Cascadia Subduction Zone, where small tremors are common. Earthquakes below magnitude 3 are typically felt only by people close to the epicenter and are not expected to cause significant impacts.
While this event was minor, experts emphasize the importance of earthquake preparedness across British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest. The region has the potential for much larger quakes due to its fault systems. Emergency officials recommend residents keep 72-hour emergency kits, secure heavy furniture, and review family safety plans.
The quake was felt as far as Greater Victoria and in surrounding parts of southern Vancouver Island. Reports also came in from residents near the San Juan Islands in Washington state.
