4.1-Magnitude Earthquake Rattles Vancouver Island, Lightly Felt in Victoria & Vancouver

A 4.1-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Sidney, B.C., early Monday morning, with tremors lightly felt across Vancouver Island, Metro Vancouver, and parts of Washington State, according to Earthquakes Canada.

The quake occurred at 5:02 a.m. PT, approximately 42 km east of Sidney and near Orcas Island, Wash., a location between Vancouver and Seattle. Initially reported as a 4.5 magnitude quake, it was later downgraded to 4.1 following further analysis.

No Damage or Tsunami Risk

Authorities confirmed that no damage was reported, and no tsunami warning was issued, as the quake’s intensity remained below risk thresholds.

Seismologist John Cassidy of Natural Resources Canada said he personally felt the tremor from North Saanich, calling it "a bit of a rude awakening."

"The earthquake was about 15 to 20 km deep and was felt across the entire region, from Courtenay to Tacoma, Wash.," Cassidy explained on CBC’s On The Island radio program.

Recent Seismic Activity in the Region

The event is part of a series of four minor earthquakes recorded in the Victoria area over the past two weeks. However, Cassidy emphasized that this level of seismic activity is not unusual, as earthquakes occur in the region every day.

"They’re all different and far enough apart that we wouldn’t expect them to be connected in any way," he said.

Public Encouraged to Report Shaking

Residents who felt the earthquake are encouraged to fill out the Earthquakes Canada "Did You Feel It?" form, which helps seismologists better understand ground shaking in urban areas.

While no immediate aftershocks are expected, experts remind residents that B.C. is located in a seismically active zone, and preparedness for larger earthquakes remains important.