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7 Best Whale Watching Halifax Tours in Nova Scotia 2024
Whale watching in Halifax Nova Scotia is a fun and exciting activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
These tours offer visitors a chance to see whales up close and learn about their habits and ecology.
One of my favourite memories of living in Halifax was the summer when a blue whale swum into the harbour and hung around for two weeks.
The whale became the hottest attraction, even if it did disrupt a lot of ferries and boats in its fun.
Whales are just such fun and remarkable creatures. Who wouldn’t want to see them in their natural habitat?
I’m going to tell you how to do exactly that from Halifax, Nova Scotia! And when to visit to get the most sightings!
This is the best tour of Halifax
Whale Watching Halifax
Halifax is an amazing spot for whale watching for a number of reasons.
The first is that the nutrient-rich waters of the Bay of Fundy mix with the colder waters of the Atlantic Ocean creating an ideal whale habitat.
This means that there are more than 20 species of whale that can be found in these waters including blue whales, fin whales, humpback whales, and minke whales.
The second reason whale watching in Halifax is so great is that there are a number of whale watching tour operators offering excursions from the city.
So, whether you want to go whale watching on a boat, a whale watching cruise, or even from the shore, there are options for you!
Types of Whales in Halifax
As I mentioned, there are more than 20 species of whale that can be found in the waters around Halifax.
However, some whale species are more common than others. The most common types of whales sighted in Halifax are:
- Pilot whales
- Fin whales (also called finback whales)
- North Atlantic Right Whales (endangered)
- Minke whales
- Harbour porpoises
- Sei whales
More rarely, you may spot:
- Humpback whale
- Blue whale
- White-sided dolphin
- Sperm whales
- Beluga whales
Killer whales don’t frequent this coast, as they prefer Vancouver’s warmer waters. But you may get lucky and spot some!
Other animals you may spot include:
- Basking sharks
- Leatherback turtles
- Bald eagles
- Puffins
Best Time to Go Whale Watching in Halifax, Nova Scotia
The best time of year to go whale watching in Halifax is typically from mid-June until early October.
This is when the whale population is at its highest in the area and when whale watching tour operators are running their whale watching excursions.
Of course, there is always a chance of seeing a whale outside of these months. But, your chances are highest during whale watching season. The summer months offer better chances of seeing whales, as June is quite foggy.
Species tend to arrive from their annual migration by mid-July, so I always loved going out in August for prime whale spotting opportunities.
If you want to see a particular type of whales, call tour operators to ensure you plan the appropriate dates for their migration patterns.
How to Go Whale Watching in Halifax, Nova Scotia
There are a number of ways to go whale watching in Halifax depending on what type of experience you are looking for.
Here are some of the most popular options:
Whale Watching Boat Tours
One of the most popular ways to go whale watching in Halifax is on a whale watching boat tour.
These tours typically last 3-4 hours and take you out into the open ocean to try to spot whales.
Most whale watching boat tours in Halifax leave from Murphy’s on the Water on the Halifax waterfront.
However, there are a few other companies that operate whale watching boat tours from other locations around the city.
This sailing tour in Halifax could glide past dolphins and whales
View From Shore
If you don’t want to go out on a boat, you can also try whale watching from the shore.
There are a number of great spots for whale watching from the Halifax waterfront including:
- Fisherman’s Cove
- The Dingle Tower
- McNabs Island
- Peggy’s Cove
Each of these locations offers different vantage points.
Or take out a private catamaran!
Whale Watching Day Trips
You can also take day trips fom Halifax for whale watching.
There are a number of whale watching tour operators that offer day trips to spots like:
- Tancook Island
- Chester
- Mahone Bay
- Lunenburg
These day trips typically include a whale watching boat tour as well as other activities like exploring the town, hiking, or kayaking.
I love this day trip to Peggy’s Cove
Kayaking
If you aren’t afraid of the cold of the Atlantic Ocean, pop on a wetsuit and start paddling!
Kayaking is a great way to get up close and personal with whales.
There are a number of whale watchers who go out on their own this way and have unique whale sightings.
🚣♀️ I recommend this inflatable kayak
3 Best Whale Watching Halifax Tours in Nova Scotia
Unfortunately, there are no direct tours from Halifax’s waterfront to see whales.
This is largely because there’s no room for these boats to set up in Halifax.
To get to the best whale watching Halifax tours, you’ll need to rent a car for a day trip to nearby whale-friendly locations!
1. A&M Sea Charters
- Highlights: Private boat, harbour tour, professional guide, close to downtown Halifax
- Starting point: Mouth of the Halifax harbour
- Duration: 2 hours (Can be combined with Harbour tour)
- Price: $300 for the entire boat, regardless of number of people
2. Lunenburg Whale Watching Tours
- Highlights: Variety of whales, year long charters, puffins, seals, hard-sided boats
- Starting point: Lunenburg, Unesco World Heritage Site (100km from Halifax)
- Duration: 3 hours
- Price: $75
I love this tour of Lunenburg
3. Four Winds Sea Charters
- Highlights: Scenic coves, ospreys, two decked boat, variety of whales
- Starting point: St. Margaret’s Bay (40km from Halifax)
- Duration: 3 hours
- Price: $45
4 Best Whale Watching Near Halifax in Nova Scotia
The best places to see whales aren’t always right in the city. In fact, some of the best Nova Scotia whale watching spots are actually weekend trips from Halifax.
These great spots allow you to see different species of whales in Atlantic Canada, as well as to have rare sightings of endangered species.
It’s worth the drive!
Brier Island
Brier Island is one of the best whale watching spots in Nova Scotia. It’s located at the tip of the Bay of Fundy on the south shore of Nova Scotia.
The island is home to a whale research station and boat tours leave daily from Westport.
During whale season, you can expect to see fin whales, minke whales, and humpback whales.
You may also see pilot whale, dolphins, porpoises, and seals.
My favourite is Brier Island Whale and Seabird Cruises.
Digby
Digby is located on the Annapolis Basin on Nova Scotia’s Bay of Fundy shore.
The town is home to the world’s largest scallop fleet and whale watching is a popular activity. You can spot them with Petit Passage Whale Watch.
Minke whales, finback whales, and humpback whales are all commonly seen in the waters off Digby.
It’s a great spot to see baleen whales in their feeding grounds!
Freeport, Bay of Fundy
The Bay of Fundy has the highest tides in the world and is a whale watcher’s paradise.
The Freeport tour boats leave from the historic wharf in the village of Freeport.
You’re likely to see fin whales, humpback whales, and minke whales on this tour.
You may also see pilot whales, dolphins, porpoises, and seals with Freeport Whale and Seabird Tours.
Cape Breton Island
The home of the Cabot Trail, north of Halifax, Cape Breton Island is one of the best whale watching spots in Nova Scotia. In deeper waters offshore, you can see fin whales, humpback whales, and minke whale.
You may also see pilot whale, dolphins, porpoises, and seals in the waters around the island.
During whale season, there are whale watching tours leave daily from Baddeck.
The island has a number of whale watching tour operators that offer boat tours and whale watching excursions. I recommend Keltic Express Zodiac Adventures.
Explore the Cabot Trail on this tour
What to Bring on a Whale Watching Tour
When you go whale watching, there are a few things you should bring with you:
- Motion sickness medication
- Rain gear
- Binoculars
- Camera (waterproof is preferred!)
- Snacks and water
- Shoes with good grip to the deck of the boat
- Warm layers
Tips for Whale Watching in Halifax
Zodiac vs. boat?
Some whale watching charters in Halifax offer both zodiac and boat whale watching tours.
Both types of tour have their pros and cons.
The main difference is that a zodiac (inflatable boats) will get you closer to the whales, but it can be a rougher ride.
A boat will give you a smoother ride, without the plume of water behind you, but you won’t get as close to the whales.
It really depends on what you’re looking for in a whale watching tour!
Personally, I prefer a boat tour rather than a zodiac whale watching Halifax experience.
Where am I most likely to see whales on a whale watching tour in Nova Scotia?
Some whale watching spots in Nova Scotia are better than others.
The best whale watching spots in Halifax are actually located outside of the city.
Brier Island, Digby, Freeport, and Cape Breton Island are all great whale watching spots near Halifax.
What to expect when you find whales
When you find whales on a whale watching tour, the captain will usually slow the boat down and give you time to watch and take photos.
The whale watching guides will also provide information about the whale species and their behavior.
You should always stay behind the rails of whale watching boat and respect the whales’ space.
Do not try to touch the whales or throw things at them.
Should I book my whale watching tour ahead of my trip?
Yes, whale watching tours do fill up, especially during peak whale season.
I recommend booking your whale watching tour a few days in advance to secure your spot.
You can book whale watching tours online or through your hotel concierge.
How long is a whale watching tour?
Typically, whale watching tours in Halifax, Nova Scotia are 3 hours long. Some may be shorter, depending on how far away the pods are.
How much does a whale watching tour cost?
A whale watching tour in Halifax, Nova Scotia will cost you around $60 CAD per person.
It may be more or less expensive depending on the company you choose.
Are whale watching tours ethical?
There are a number of whale watching tour operators in Halifax that are whale-friendly and adhere to guidelines set out by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
When booking your whale watching tour, make sure to ask about the company’s whale watching practices.
Conclusion: Best Whale Watching in Halifax
Whale watching in Halifax is an amazing experience that everyone should have at least once in their lifetime.
The scenery is breathtaking, the whales are magnificent creatures, and the whole experience is very peaceful and serene.
If you’re looking for a whale watching destination that will give you memories to last a lifetime, Halifax is the place to go!
Related Posts:
- 51 Fun Things to do in Halifax: The Best Activities You Won’t Want to Miss!
- 22 Pros and Cons of Living in Halifax: Should You Move to Nova Scotia
- 7 Best Whale Watching Tours in Vancouver Canada
- 86 Bucket List Canada Things to Do: The Ultimate Must Do List
- Renting a Car in Canada: 41 Important Local Tips & Tricks
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Canada Travel Planning Guide
🚑 Should I buy Canada travel insurance?
100% YES! — Canada has “free” healthcare but it’s only for citizens! Foreigners visiting need travel insurance in case anything happens on their visit. I recommend World Nomads – starting at just $5 a day!
💧Can you drink the water in Canada?
Yes — In all major cities in Canada, you can drink the tap water. There are very few, rural areas that you can’t. However, you should never drink river or lake water anywhere in the country! I recommend a Brita Water Bottle for long hikes and backcountry camping to stay safe and hydrated.
🚙💨 Is it safe to rent a car in Canada?
Yes — Renting a car is a necessity in most of Canada! If you want to go on road trips or adventures outside of the major cities, you’ll need to rent a car. (Read more)
📲 Will my phone work in Canada?
Maybe — Some American companies work in Canada, but many will not. If your phone doesn’t work in Canada, I recommend getting a Canadian SIM card so you can get around and stay in contact with loved ones. We don’t have a lot of free WIFI in Canada, so you’ll need your phone for maps.
🏩 What’s the best way to book my Canada accommodations?
My go-to for Canadian hotels is Booking.com. For hostels, I use Hostel World. If you want a home-y feeling, check out VRBO (which is cheaper and safer than Airbnb).
Or get free accommodations with Trusted Housesitters!
✈️ What’s the best site to buy Canada flights?
For finding cheap Canadian flights, I recommend Skyscanner.
🎫 Do I need a visa for Canada?
Likely Not — US, UK, and EU passport holders don’t need Canadian visas. However, some other countries do (check here!). And if you plan to stay for more than 4 weeks (an average tourist visa length), you will need to look into visas to live in Canada.
