Surrounded by the North Pacific, North Atlantic, and Arctic Ocean, Canada has a lot of water. This makes it a haven for marine life, which also includes whales. So, it’s no surprise that Canada is one of the best places for whale watching.
The problem is that with this much water, you may not know what whales you can see and, more importantly, where you can see them. If you’re interested in seeing the majestic whales of Canada during your trip this year, we’ve got you covered with the top spots to catch a glimpse of these amazing creatures.
What Is the Best Season for Whale Watching?
Most whales migrate during Canadian winter, so you want to pick your season right. The best time to go watching is between April and October, as you can see most of the species then. You can probably catch stray ones during winter too, but they are very rare. From what I noticed, many tourism companies don’t even have whale watching tours in winter, so you are better off booking your tour during the warm season.
Most Common Whales of Canada
Canada is home to around 33 species of whales. That being said, the most popular species you will see during your tours are the following:
1. Beluga
Beluga whales are very common in the waters of Canada and can be found in waters from Quebec, Manitoba, and more. These white, relatively small-toothed whales are a joy to look at, and they are also curious about humans. They’ll likely come closer to see what your boat’s all about, but as they are generally pacifists. They won’t do anything except perhaps give you a good look and a few cute squeals.
2. Humpback Whale
Humpback whales are also quite common in Canadian waters, perhaps the likeliest you will see. They mostly swim on the east and west coasts and are magical to see up close. They come to the surface pretty often, and they make quite a show of it. I can assure you that seeing one breach the surface and do a jump will leave a great impression.
3. Orca (Orcinus Orca)
Also known as killer whales, they are very common on the west coast of Canada but can be seen on the east coast too. As surprising as it may seem, these whales are from the dolphin family. They may be called killer whales, but don’t worry; they don’t really attack humans. Orcinus Orca are actually amiable, and there aren’t any cases where humans were ever killed by them in the wild. They got their name simply because they prey on other whales and other marine life, earning their sailor name of “killer whales.”
4. Blue Whale
Unlike belugas that are curious about humans, blue whales generally mind their own business. They spend most of their time in the water, but you’ll occasionally see one’s tail flapping from the water. The blue whale is the biggest animal on the planet, so if you see one, you know you’ve witnessed something magnificent.
5. Fin Whale
Found usually offshore in British Columbia, fin whales are migratory, and you will likely only see them during the warm season. They are not as common, so if you’ve seen one, you can count that as a rare event.
6. Gray Whale
Swimming on the west coast of Canada, they are known as the “summer residents” of British Columbia. They have rough skin, and they feed by filtering sea creatures from the ocean floor. They usually steer clear of humans, but they occasionally go above for air, and that’s when you can see them.
7. Minke Whale
Minke whales come in several subspecies and are some of the smallest baleen-family whales. Commonly found in Newfoundland and Quebec, these whales travel to warmer waters during the cold season, so you will likely only see them in summer.
8. Right Whale
Right whales got their names from whalers, as they were the “right” whales to hunt. Since they were hunted to near extinction, they are now endangered and protected in Canada. These whales usually are an impressive 18 meters long and can weigh as much as 100 tonnes.
9. Long-Finned Pilot Whale
While it is classified as a whale, this is actually from the dolphin species. Due to the round shape of their head, these whales are often referred to as “potheads.” They’re quite social and can often be seen from the shore. Sadly, this curiosity of theirs often leaves them stranded on beaches – a predicament they get themselves into.
10. Porpoise and Dolphin
_Sagres.jpg)
Dolphins and porpoises are very common all over Canada, and they are highly intelligent creatures. Sometimes, while on a whale tour or boat, you may see them approaching the boat or riding bow waves. They’re a fun sight to see.
Tips to Prepare
When you go whale watching, you need to prepare yourself for the trip. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
1. Keep the Potential of Sea Sickness in Mind
You must keep the potential of seasickness in mind – especially if you never went on a boat before. No matter if you’ve experienced sickness before or not, I would suggest bringing some medication with you. You can’t enjoy the sight of whales or other marine life if your only thoughts are on how to keep yourself from hurling.
2. Book a Trip Beforehand
This activity can get very busy, especially during the warm season. To make sure you get a spot, you may want to book a tour in your preferred location. I’ve seen many people try to “wing it,” only to realize they couldn’t join in or find a tour. You can only take so many people on a boat, so your options are limited.
3. Dress Appropriately for the Tour
While Canada can be warm in the summer, its waters have the potential to be very cold. Even if it’s 20 degrees Celsius on land, make sure to bring a warm jacket. Some tours may offer jackets that double as life jackets, but you don’t want to put all of your bets on that.
4. Know What to Bring with You
Depending on the tour you book, you may or may not get snacks – so bring something with you too. Moreover, since you’ll be on the water, you’ll have less protection from the sun, so you should also bring sunglasses and a hat. I would also suggest grabbing some binoculars, as they can allow you to see the whales much better.
Best Places for Whale Watching
Here are the best places to see different whale species:
British Columbia
If you are planning a trip to British Columbia, you will likely be able to see whales in the following locations:
· Tofino
Tofino is one of the most beautiful places for you to go whale-watching. The town itself is very popular for surfing and swimming, but there are many companies, such as The Whale Centre Tofino, that offer whale-watching tours. You may see numerous whales here, such as humpback whales, orcas, and grey whales.
· Telegraph Cove
Going north on Vancouver Island, you will stumble across Telegraph Cove. This place has the only orca sanctuary officially designated in Canada, which is why boat traffic is closed. You’ll have to either watch them from the shore or go for companies such as Prince of Whales to get a close-up tour.
· Victoria
Victoria is also very popular among tourists, not only for its beautiful city views but also for its whale sighting opportunities. Victoria has one of Canada’s largest populations of Orcinus Orca, around 90 of them in the Gulf Islands. Companies such as the Eagle Wing Whale & Wildlife Tours are very popular among tourists for whale-watching.
· Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island is also a great place for you to spot whales. Most of the whale-watching takes place in a village called Stevenson, which is 30 minutes away from downtown Vancouver. Orcas are most common there, and according to tourists, Wild Whales Vancouver is a very popular company that can provide tours.
Where to Stay
For your accommodations in British Columbia, I recommend checking out the Royal Scot Hotel & Suites, The Maq Hotel, and The Westin Bayshore. The Royal Scot Hotel & Suites and The Westin Bayshore have a reputation for quality accommodations and service, while The Maq Hotel offers a unique experience.
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia is also an amazing place for you to see whales, and the most popular locations are as follows:
· Cape Breton Highlands
The Cape Breton Highlands region is one of the greatest places for you to go watching whales. Connecting to the Atlantic Ocean, you can catch glimpses of many whales if you go during peak season (July through August). According to tourists and locals alike, you can see numerous types of whales, such as the pilot whale, humpback, and minke whales.
· Lunenburg
The quaint Lunenburg town is not only pretty to walk through but also a great spot for watching whales. You can see plenty of dolphins, but it’s also an amazing area to see humpback whales, minke, or fin.
· Bay of Fundy
The Bay of Fundy is packed with marine wildlife, including minke, humpback, and fin whales. Orcinus Orca, pilot whales, and blue whales are rare but still a possibility. I recommend you go around Digsby and Brier Island to get some fine sights.
· Halifax
Halifax may be a big city, but it’s also a good place for you to see whales. Here, you have many companies, such as J Farwell Sailing Tours or Harbour Hopper Tours, to guide you. It’s a good opportunity to see some humpbacks, fins, or minke whales.
Where to Stay
For the best accommodations in Nova Scotia, stay at Keltic Lodge Resort and Spa, Digby Pines Golf Resort and Spa, or Mariner King Inn. Each offers quality accommodations and access to a prime watching of whales in the area.
Quebec
Quebec brings plenty of whale sighting opportunities, especially in the following areas:
· St. Laurence River
If you are in for a trip, try going along the St. Lawrence River. You may head over to the Gaspé peninsula and see the whales from there. You have a high chance of seeing a few belugas, fin, minke, and humpback whales.
· Tadoussac
In Tadoussac, you can see plenty of whales, such as the minke whales, belugas, blue whales, and more. Many whales gather here because the St. Lawrence River and Gulf are packed with plankton and fish. I love the fact that you can even see the whales from the shore.
Where to Stay
To experience Quebec’s diverse marine life, stay at Hotel Tadoussac, Riôtel Percé, or La Malouinière Auberge & Restaurant. These accommodations offer quality lodging near areas where you can see a variety of marine animals.
Newfoundland
.jpg)
If you are headed to Newfoundland, consider watching the whales from the following locations:
· Bay Bulls
Not only is Bay Bulls a great place to see puffins, but you may also witness whales when their season comes. Dolphins come to play frequently, and humpback whales breach the waters quite often there.
· St. John’s
St. John is a city that is rich in history and colour, but that’s not all there is to it. It is also a good spot for you to watch the whales, either from the shores or from tours that leave from the main harbour.
Where to Stay
If you’re planning a trip to Newfoundland to experience the wildlife, consider staying at one of these top accommodations: Fogo Island Inn, The Doctor’s House Inn & Spa, Alt Hotel St. John’s, or The Rooms. Each of these accommodations offer unique experiences and are highly recommended for their quality lodging, service, and convenient locations near areas with an abundance of wildlife.
Other Notable Places to See Whales
Aside from the areas above, there are some other select places where you can see whales, such as:
· Churchill, Manitoba
Churchill accommodates about 50,000 beluga whales every year, making it a great spot to see a couple of them. It is also one of the very few places where you can see a polar bear in the wild, which I find to be a great bonus.
· Foxe Basin, Nunavut
If you are visiting Nunavut, you may want to stop at Foxe Basin to watch the whales. You can see quite a few playful belugas and the rare bowhead whales. Orcas can also sometimes be seen here.
How Close Can You Get to the Whales?
I know you want to get as close to the whales as possible, but you should reign that spirit of adventure in. According to Canadian regulations, when on a boat, you need to be at least 100 metres away from the whales. If they are resting or are with a calf, the minimum distance should be 200 metres. That’s why a pair of binoculars is so helpful because it helps you see the whales better.
The Bottom Line
Whale watching in their habitat can be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, especially if you don’t commonly see them in your area. Book a tour to see the majestic whales of Canada, grab some binoculars, and go see them. You’ll have a great story to tell once you come home.
