Canada offers fantastic whale watching opportunities at various locations throughout the country. The west coast is patrolled by Humpbacks and grey whales but here it’s the orca that steals the show. The east coast boasts of humpbacks, minkes, blue whales and white belugas, while in the north of the country, Churchill in Manitoba is famed for the ghostly white beluga whales, measuring just 4m, that are talkative, squeaking to one another amid the ice.
Whale watching excursions are available from various locations in British Columbia, Quebec, Newfoundland, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Manitoba.
Here is a list of the best places to view whales in Canada
The very best time to see whales in Canada is between the months of May and October, with more coastlines than any other country and rich feeding grounds you can observe resident and transient whales in a number of locations:
British Columbia
Arguably the most popular area for whale watching in Canada, British Columbia has a vast network of tour companies predominantly operating out of Vancouver and Victoria. A large number of guides, many of whom work closely together, ensures exceptionally high sightings, with some companies boasting an impressive 98% success rate. So confident are several operators that they offer the opportunity to rejoin another tour at a later date, in the unlikely event that you don’t see whales - free of charge. Whale watching is also available from several smaller locations on Vancouver Island and the Sunshine coast most notably Telegraph Cove, Knight Inlet, Port Campbell, Tofino, and Quadra Island. There are a number of different species that can be seen in this area including Orcas, Gray Whales, Humpback Whales, and Minke Whales.
Quebec
Not only is Quebec postcard pretty, a culinary delight, and full of history it also features the incredible opportunity to join a full-day tour of the St Lawrence River, here you are able to view up to 12 of roughly 80 species of the world’s whales. Humpback, Gray, Beluga, Blue, Fin, and Minke, visit between May and October to enjoy the abundant feeding grounds in this incredibly diverse area.
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Nunavut
One of the most remote regions of Canada Nunavut is home to Bow Head and Beluga Whales, as well as the magical ‘unicorns or the sea’, Narwhals. While Nunavut is incredibly isolated and difficult to navigate, this remarkable place is steeped in traditional culture, and well worth a visit during the spring and summer months, to catch a glimpse of the amazing arctic marine life that resides here.
Manitoba
Famous for its summer Beluga Whale population, Manitoba offers some great whale watching far off the beaten track - most notably from the town of Churchill. Perched on the shores of Hudson Bay, home to roughly 75,000 Beluga, of which roughly 4000 make the journey to Churchills Estuary for breeding, feeding, and birthing. These astonishing creatures can be observed in a number of ways in the summer months including by boat, kayak or AquaGliding Tours.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Atlantic Canada, only a short jump across the pond, offers a unique opportunity to spot migratory whales alongside drifting icebergs during the summer months, when Humpbacks, Sperm Whales, Minkes, Finn, Blue and Pilot Whales congregate in the area to feed. ‘Iceberg Alley’ hits peak traffic from mid-May to July, with the large roaming ocean mammals remaining in the area through to September.
Below is a selection of Canada holidays which include whale watching trips.
Canada Holiday Offers
Canada Holiday Offers
Canada Holiday Offers
Spectacular Rail Journeys
Ontario & Quebec
Canada Holiday Offers
Spectacular Rail Journeys
Canada Family Holidays MCT
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At TripsBeyond there are a number of ways you can contact us meaning that all you have to do is choose the option which is most convenient to you.
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