Best Places for Whale Watching in Canada
For those seeking an unforgettable experience of nature in action, whale watching is an ideal choice. With over 200,000 kilometres of Canadian coastline, spotting some of the whale species that inhabit Canadian waters is a memorable adventure.
Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park
The Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park is renowned as one of the premier whale-watching locations in the country, as stated by Parks Canada. Visitors can try to spot one of the 13 whale species that frequently visit the area from three shore sites or opt for a whale-watching tour for a closer encounter. Seabirds and seals are also commonly seen in the park.
Vancouver Island
Various locations and tours in the Vancouver Island region cater to whale watchers. Dolphins, porpoises, seals, and other fascinating marine life can also be observed. Orcas and humpback whales are among the most frequently sighted animals from Vancouver Island.
Bay of Fundy
The Bay of Fundy is a perfect location for whale watching due to its tide bringing in large amounts of plankton, krill, and fish that attract whales. Visitors can choose to spot them from land or take a tour on a boat, catamaran, or sailboat. Several whale species, such as the fin whale, humpback whale, and North Atlantic right whale, can be seen.
Churchill, Manitoba
Every year, thousands of beluga whales return to the western part of Hudson Bay to mate and give birth, with around 4,000 entering the Churchill River. Visitors can embark on bay tours by boat, kayak, or aqua gliding, where they lie flat on a mat and are pulled by a Zodiac.
Cape Breton Island
The northwest region of Cape Breton Island offers excellent whale sightings. Dolphins, seals, and seabirds can also be spotted. Various tours are available to provide a close encounter with the whales.
Nunavut
Explore a unique whale-watching experience by searching for belugas, narwhals, and bowhead whales in Nunavut. The area is also home to other distinctive Canadian wildlife, including polar bears, walruses, and caribou. Tours are offered, or locals can guide you to the best spots to view them from the mainland.
