The 7 Best Places to See Whales in Canada

Whales, beautiful animals of the deep, elicit awe and amazement, unlike few other organisms on the globe. Watching these gentle giants effortlessly sail the width of the ocean is a remarkable experience for both enthusiasts and nature lovers. Canada, which has the world's longest coastline, is one of the best places to whale watching. More than 30 kinds of whales, including white belugas and intelligent orcas, inhabit Canada's vast coastline. If you want to get up close and personal with these friendly marine giants, now is the time to board a boat! If you want to go whale-watching, these are some of the best places to see whales in Canada to do so.

Explore the best places for whale watching in Canada

The Magic of Whale Watching in Canada

Whale watching is an exciting and humbling experience. These massive marine creatures have captivated humans for millennia, and getting up close and personal with them is a bucket list item for many. Canada's vast coastline, rich in wildlife, makes it a great location for anybody looking to see these beautiful creatures. From the cold seas of the Arctic to the warm Pacific Ocean, Canada offers a variety of whale-watching options. 

Where to see whales in Canada?

Finally, it boils down to the subject of where to go whale watching in Canada. This week, we've compiled a list of the best places to whale-watching in Canada, so be prepared to feed your wanderlust. So let's get started!

1. Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Vancouver Island is one of the best places to see whales in Canada

Vancouver Island, situated along the southwestern coast of British Columbia, stands out as a renowned destination for whale watching and is considered one of the best places to see whales in Canada. Embraced by the Pacific Ocean, this scenic island boasts a rich marine ecosystem, hosting a variety of whale species such as orcas, humpbacks, gray whales, and minke whales. 

Serving as the provincial capital, Victoria is a favored starting point for whale-watching expeditions. Guided tours departing from here frequently venture into the Salish Sea, renowned for its resident orca population, offering exceptional opportunities to witness these majestic marine beings in their natural habitat.

2. St. Lawrence River, Quebec's North Shore

Quebec is a place that has one of the best whale watching in Canada

The North Shore of Quebec, notably Tadoussac, is well-known for its exceptional whale-watching chances. The confluence of the Saguenay and St. Lawrence rivers provides a perfect habitat for several whale species, including belugas, blue whales, and humpback whales. Tadoussac is home to a world-class marine research institute that provides a lot of knowledge about these intriguing aquatic critters. 

3. Churchill, Manitoba

Churchill is one of the best places to see beluga whales in Canada 

Are you curious about where to catch sight of beluga whales in Canada but haven’t quite pinned down the answer yet? You're in luck! We've just touched down in Churchill, a subarctic town renowned not only as the polar bear capital of the world but also as a prime location for beluga whale watching.

In the summertime, Hudson Bay's azure waters become a gathering point for over 57,000 belugas, with many congregating in the Churchill River.

One of the most poignant ways to encounter these oceanic inhabitants is by boarding a boat or a zodiac. This provides an opportunity to get up close to the belugas, allowing you to hear their chirps, whistles, bleats, and clicks. Often dubbed “the canaries of the sea” for their remarkable vocalizations, these amiable marine mammals typically travel in pods of approximately ten individuals.

4. Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia is a great place to go whale watching in Canada

Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia is another great place to go whale watching in Canada. The Cabot Trail, a picturesque route that runs along the island's coast, provides spectacular views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, where you may see pilot whales, minke whales, and humpback whales. Several tour providers along the Cabot Trail provide excellent whale-viewing adventures.

5. Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick

The Bay of Fundy is a good place for whale watching for tourists

Nestled between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, the Bay of Fundy is renowned for boasting the world's highest tides and stands out as an exceptional whale-watching destination. Thanks to the bay's distinctive tidal rhythms, its waters are brimming with nutrients, drawing in a diverse array of marine species, such as humpback whales, minke whales, and North Atlantic right whales. Embarking on whale-watching escapades from the towns of St. Andrews and Grand Manan Island serves as a popular choice for enthusiasts eager to explore this region's marine wonders.

While the Bay of Fundy is famed for its remarkable tides, its summer inhabitants are equally captivating. With the onset of warm weather, migratory whales grace the coastal waters, drawn by the abundance of nutrients. From June to October, four prominent whale species make appearances. Typically, minke whales lead the way in June, followed by finback whales in July, humpback whales in July and August, and finally, endangered North Atlantic right whales from late August into September.

6. Newfoundland and Labrador

Whale watching in Newfoundland is a great experience for traveler

If you want to optimize your chances of seeing a whale and get the best whale watching in Canada head to Newfoundland and Labrador. The finest months for whale viewing in Newfoundland are May through September. During these months, Newfoundland has an explosion of fish in its seas, which attracts whales.

Several kinds of porpoises and whales frequent the coast during the summer. Whales such as minke, blue, and orca can be observed, but the humpback whale is the most prevalent. Humpback whales are famed for their breeching performances, in which they jump from the water. A 40-ton beast bursting from the sea is a breathtaking sight.

Because of the deep water near shore, the potential whale watcher can see from a small boat, kayak, or even the land. The Ferryland lighthouse and St. Vincents Beach are both within driving distance of St. Johns and provide good dry land whale viewing opportunities.

It is remarkable to note that minke whales, one of the fastest baleen whale species, were able to avoid commercial hunting more than 100 years ago. Because of their speed and tiny stature, minke whales have one of the world's greatest populations, estimated at 180,000.

7. Foxe Basin, Nunavut

Nunavut is also one of the best areas to observe whales in Canada 

Nunavut, Canada's northernmost region, is becoming well-known among tourists for its pristine vistas. It's an excellent spot to watch polar bears in their native habitat, as well as whales. You'll have several possibilities to see narwhals, an elusive and distinctive whale species. They have large tusks emerging from their heads. The ideal time to observe them is between July and September. Given Nunavut's isolated, untouched places, it is suggested that you join a whale-watching excursion. Along with narwhals, you may see beluga whales and other marine creatures.

When is the best season to see whales in Canada?

Determining the best time for whale watching in Canada hinges on factors such as the chosen destination and the specific whale species sought. Typically, the summer months spanning from May to October offer the most favorable sea conditions and weather for such excursions. Canada's official whale-watching season aligns with these warmer months, coinciding with the migration of whales to southern waters during winter and their return to Canadian waters when temperatures rise. While certain whale species may be observable year-round, the warmer seasons tend to provide the best opportunities for encountering these majestic marine creatures.

Below are the optimal months for whale watching:

• British Columbia offers year-round opportunities to spot orcas, also known as killer whales.
• On Vancouver Island, humpback whales are observable throughout the year.
• Fin whales are commonly sighted from July to October.
• Minke whales make appearances from June to October.
• While there's no bad time for whale watching, a visit in July provides a comprehensive experience, allowing you to witness various whale species across Canada.

Is it better to do whale watching in the morning or afternoon?

The waters may be calmer in the morning, but there is no optimal time of day to go whale watching. Anytime is a nice time. Whales are active at all hours of the day and night, so whether you go out in the morning or afternoon, you have a good chance of sighting whales.

What Clothing Should You Wear for Whale Watching in Canada?

Even during the summer months, temperatures on the water can be cool, particularly on open ocean voyages. Layering is advisable for whale watching excursions, as there's a chance of getting wet. Here are some key considerations:

• Dress warmly: Opt for a sweater, waterproof jacket, gloves, socks, and a hat.
• Don't forget a hat and sunscreen to shield yourself from the sun.
• If embarking on a kayak expedition for whale watching, prioritize quick-drying attire or consider wearing a wetsuit for added comfort and protection.

Planning your travel to explore the best places to see whales in Canada

When planning your trip to the best places to watch whales in Canada, you should apply for a Canada ETA to make things easier. This online approach streamlines entrance requirements for visitors from visa-exempt nations, guaranteeing a seamless and hassle-free journey. With your Canada ETA confirmed, you may concentrate on enjoying the spectacular splendor of Canada's coastal areas, where beautiful whales wander. Whether you're heading to the rough coastlines of Vancouver Island or the stunning landscapes of Newfoundland and Labrador, having your ETA in place will let you launch your whale-watching expedition with confidence and ease. Prepare to experience these spectacular marine animals in their natural environment as you travel Canada's diverse and stunning coastline.