A 4.2 magnitude earthquake struck about 180 kilometres west of Port Hardy just before 11 a.m. on Sunday.
Fifteen minutes later a second quake of 4.5 magnitude was detected at the same location.
Officials say had the quakes been closer to the island they would have been felt over a large area.
There were no reports of damage.
About 20 years ago a 6.8 magnitude earthquake was measured at the site where Sunday’s quake happened.
“We’re using these small earthquakes to better understand where large earthquakes will occur in the future so scientifically these little earthquakes are important,” said seismologist John Cassidy.
Cassidy says it’s a reminder that islanders live in an active earthquake zone and being prepared is important.
