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9 Best Places for Whale Watching in Canada 2024
Did you know that whale watching is one of the most popular activities in Canada?
There are many great places to go whale watching in Canada, but not all of them are equal.
Some offer better viewing opportunities than others, and some have more whales to see than others.
You’ll see beluga in Tadoussac, orcas in Victoria, and narwhales in Nunavut. And the time of year will greatly change your chances of seeing these marine mammals.
So how do you choose the best place for whale watching in Canada?
With my help! Read on to find out more about finding wild whales in Canada.
🐳 This is my favourite whale watching tour in Victoria, BC!
Types of Whales in Canada
Humpback Whales in Canada
The humpback whale is one of the most commonly seen whales in Canadian waters.
They can be found all along the coast, from the Gulf of St. Lawrence to British Columbia.
Humpbacks are easily recognized by their long pectoral fins and knobbly head.
Males can reach up to 18 metres in length, while females are a little smaller at 16 metres.
The best time to see humpback whales in Canada is from June to October.
This is when they come to feed on krill and fish in the country’s waters.
You’re most likely to see them off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick.
Blue Whales in Canada
The blue whale is the largest animal on Earth.
It can grow to a massive 30 metres in length and weigh up to 200 metric tonnes!
Despite their size, blue whales are quite elusive.
They’re rarely seen in Canadian waters and are most often found in the Pacific Ocean.
There have been a few sightings off the coast of British Columbia, but they’re very rare.
The best time to see blue whales in Canada is from June to September.
Orcas in Canada
Orcas, also known as killer whales, are one of the most popular whale species. They’re easily recognizable by their black and white colouring and their large dorsal fin.
Males can grow to 9 metres in length, while females are a little smaller at 8 metres.
Orcas can be found all along the Canadian coastline, from the Gulf of St. Lawrence to British Columbia.
But they’re most commonly seen in the waters off Vancouver Island and in the Strait of Georgia.
The best time to see orcas in Canada is from June to October.
This is when they come to prey on salmon in the country’s waters.
Minke Whales in Canada
The minke whale is the smallest whale in Canadian waters.
It can grow to a length of 9 metres and weigh up to 10 metric tonnes.
Minke whales are easily recognizable by their small size and their white band on their flippers.
You’ll see minke whales on the east and west coasts, from Newfoundland to British Columbia.
But they’re most commonly seen in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and in the Bay of Fundy.
The best time to see minke whales in Canada is from June to September.
Beluga Whales in Canada
Beluga whales are one of the most popular whale species in Canada.
They can be found in the Arctic, off the coast of Newfoundland, and in the St. Lawrence River estuary.
Belugas are easily recognizable by their white colouring and their protruding melon.
Males can grow to a length of 5 metres, while females are a little smaller at 4 metres.
The best time to see beluga whales in Canada is from June to September.
Pilot Whales in Canada
Pilot whales are a type of dolphin, but they’re often mistaken for whales because of their size.
They can grow to a length of 6 metres and weigh up to 3 metric tonnes.
Pilot whales are easily recognizable by their dark colouring and their large dorsal fin.
You’ll find pilot whales in the waters off Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick.
The best time to see pilot whales in Canada is from June to September. This is when they come to feed on squid in the country’s waters.
Grey Whales in Canada
Grey whales are a type of whale that’s often seen on whale-watching tours.
They can grow to a length of 15 metres and weigh up to 36 metric tonnes.
Grey whales are easily recognizable by their mottled grey colouring and their long pectoral fins.
You’ll find grey whales in the waters off Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick.
The best time to see grey whales in Canada is from May to October.
Fin Whales in Canada
The fin whale is the second-largest whale in Canadian waters. It can grow to a length of 23 metres and weigh up to 80 metric tonnes.
Fin whales are easily recognizable by their dark colouring and their tall, curved dorsal fin.
You’ll find fin whales in the waters off Newfoundland and Nova Scotia.
The best time to see fin whales in Canada is from May to November.
Narwhals in Canada
Narwhals are a type of whale that’s often seen on whale-watching tours.
They can grow to a length of 5 metres and weigh up to 1 metric tonne.
Narwhals are easily recognizable by their long, spiraling tusk.
You’ll find narwhals in the waters off Nunavut.
You may also get lucky spotting some in Newfoundland in the cooler months.
Porpoises in Canada
Porpoises are a type of whale, but they’re often mistaken for dolphins because of their small size.
They can grow to a length of 2 metres and weigh up to 150 kilograms.
Porpoises are easily recognizable by their small size and their triangular dorsal fin.
You’ll find porpoises in the waters off Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick.
The best time to see porpoises in Canada is from June to September.
This is when they come to feed on squid in the country’s waters.
Dolphins in Canada
On top of whales, you might also see dolphins on your whale-watching tour.
There are six different species of dolphin in Canadian waters: the common dolphin, the bottlenose dolphin, the white-beaked dolphin, the striped dolphin, the spotted dolphin, and the Risso’s dolphin.
Dolphins range in size from 1.5 metres to 4 metres and can weigh anywhere from 50 to 500 kilograms.
You’ll find dolphins in the waters off Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. The best time to see dolphins in Canada is from June to September.
9 Best Places for Whale Watching in Canada
1. Victoria, Vancouver Island
The west coast of Vancouver Island is one of the best places to watch migrating gray whales. From late March to early October, around 20,000 of them swim by Victoria. These giants travel 12,000 kilometers each year from their breeding grounds off Mexico all the way to the Arctic!
The waters around Victoria are also home to resident orcas, humpback whales, and minke whales. So, you’re pretty much guaranteed to see some whale action no matter when you go.
For a unique whale watching experience, book a tour with Prince of Whales. They have a hydrophone on board so you can listen to whale songs as you cruise along.
🐳 This is my favourite whale watching tour in Victoria, BC!
2. Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver is another excellent whale watching destination in Canada. In fact, it’s one of the top whale watching spots in North America!
The waters around Vancouver are home to orcas, humpback whales, gray whales, and minke whales. You can also see porpoises, dolphins, seals, and sea lions here.
Whale watching is a popular activity in Vancouver, so there are plenty of tour operators to choose from. And you can choose between a boat tour, a seaplane tour, or even a helicopter tour!
I recommend going with Prince of Whales. They have a 93% success rate for spotting whales and offer a guarantee that you’ll see whales or your next trip is free!
🐳 This is my favourite whale watching tour in Vancouver!
3. Newfoundland and Labrador
If you want to see a wild whale, this is the place to go.
Newfoundland and Labrador is home to more whale species than anywhere else in Canada.
You can see sperm whales, humpback whales, minke whales, fin whales, blue whales, and pilot whales here.
And that’s not all!
You can also see dolphins, porpoises, seals, and seabirds.
In fact, this is one of the best places in the world to see humpback whales.
Every year, around 12,000 humpback whales migrate to the waters off Newfoundland and Labrador to feed on krill and small fish.
The best time to go whale watching is from June to September.
Join a whale watching tour with Ocean Quest and you’re guaranteed to see whales!
🐳 I love this whale watching and puffin tour in Newfoundland
4. Churchill, Manitoba
Churchill is one of the best places in the world to see polar bears. But it’s also a great place to see beluga whales!
Every summer, around 50,000 beluga whales migrate to the waters off Churchill.
This is the perfect place to see them because the water is shallow and there are no predators that scare them off.
The best time to see beluga whales is from June to September.
Join a whale watching tour with Churchill Wild and you’ll also get to see polar bears, seals, and birds!
5. Tadoussac, Quebec
Tadoussac is one of the best whale watching spots in Eastern Canada.
It’s located at the confluence of the Saguenay River and the St. Lawrence River, making it the perfect spot to see whale migration.
Every year, around 13,000 whale sightings are made in Tadoussac!
You can see fin whales, blue whales, minke whales, humpback whales, and beluga whales here.
You can also see seals, dolphins, porpoises, and seabirds.
The best time to go whale watching is from June to October.
You can even see the whales for free on the ferry north from Quebec City or Montreal to Tadoussac.
🐳 This is my favourite whale watching tour in Tadoussac!
6. Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
Cape Breton is another great whale watching spot on the East Coast.
It’s home to many whale species including blue whales, fin whales, humpback whales, and minke whales.
You can also see seals, dolphins, and porpoises.
The best time to go whale watching is from June to September. However, Cape Breton is cold even in summer, so make sure to bring a jacket!
Join a whale watching tour with Sea-Cape Expeditions and you’re guaranteed to see whales!
7. Tofino, British Columbia
Tofino is a small town on Vancouver Island that’s become a popular whale watching destination.
It’s located in Clayoquot Sound, which is home to orcas, humpback whales, and gray whales.
You can also see porpoises and dolphins here.
The best time to go whale watching is from April to October.
It may be best known for surfing, but whale watching is also a popular activity in Tofino. Pair the two to get the full Tofino experience!
Join a whale watching tour with Jamieson’s whale Watching and you’ll have a chance to see all sorts of wildlife including bears, eagles, and sea lions!
8. Halifax, Nova Scotia
Halifax is the capital of Nova Scotia and one of the best whale watching spots on the East Coast.
It’s home to a number of whale species including blue whales, fin whales, humpback whales, and minke whales.
When I lived in Halifax, I even saw a whale in the Halifax harbour walking past the waterfront one summer. It hung out for about a week!
You can even spot them from the shores just outside the city of Halifax.
The best time to go whale watching is from June to September.
Join a whale watching tour with Nova Scotia Whale Watch and you’re guaranteed to see whales!
🐳 This sailing tour in Halifax could glide past dolphins and whales
9. Nunavut
Nunavut is Canada’s northernmost territory and one of the best places in the world to see polar bears.
But it’s also a great place to see narwhals!
Narwhals are a type of whale that has a long tusk protruding from their head. They’re an elusive creature, so spotting them is quite the treat!
The best time to see narwhals is from July to September, when the water is ice-free.
Nunavut is a remote and wild place, so it’s best to join a whale watching tour with a company like Adventure Canada.
You’ll not only get to see narwhals, but also polar bears, beluga whales, and other wildlife!
Types of Whale Watching Tours
By Boat
One of the most popular ways to go whale watching is by boat. This gives you a close up view of the whales and allows you to travel to different whale hotspots.
Some whale watching tour companies even have glass bottom boats so you can see the whales underwater!
By Plane
Whale watching from a small plane is a great way to see whales from above. You can cover a lot of ground and spot whale pods quickly.
This is a great option if you want to see multiple whale species in one day.
🐳 I love this seaplane whale watching tour
By Zodiac
Zodiac whale watching is similar to boat whale watching, but the boats are smaller and more agile.
This allows you to get closer to the whales and even go for a swim with them!
However, you will get wet on a zodiac motorboat tour. So be prepared to be chilly!
🐳 I recommend this zodiac whale watching tour
By Sea Kayak
Kayak whale watching is a great way to get up close and personal with the whales.
You can paddle right alongside them and even go for a swim if you’re feeling brave!
However, kayak whale watching is only recommended for experienced kayakers.
You can do this most easily in Vancouver in sheltered bays.
🐳 This is the best sea kayak tour in Canada
By Land
You can also go whale watching from the shore.
This is a great option if you don’t want to get on a boat or don’t have any experience kayaking.
The best place to do this is in Newfoundland where you can see the whale migration from land.
Best Time to See Whales in Canada
The best time to see whales in Canada is from April to October.
This is when most whale species are migrating and can be seen off the coast of Canada.
However, there are some whale species that can be seen all year round!
Orcas (killer whales) can be seen in British Columbia all year round. Humpback whales can also be seen in Vancouver all year round.
Blue whale season is from June to September, while fin whale season is from July to October.
Minke whale season is from June to October.
And narwhal season is from July to September.
So there’s really no bad time to go whale watching in Canada, but July is a safe month to see whales in different places across Canada.
What to Wear Whale Watching in Canada
The best thing to wear whale watching is layers.
You never know what the weather will be like, so it’s always best to be prepared!
And it’s always much cooler on the water than on land.
Wear a pair of closed-toe shoes that you don’t mind getting wet.
And if you’re going whale watching on a boat, make sure to bring a hat and sunscreen.
If you’re going whale watching in a kayak, you should wear a wetsuit or other quick-drying clothes.
You will get wet, so it’s best to be prepared!
Unpredictable weather? I recommend this 3-in-1 jacket
Wrap Up: Best Places for Whale Watching in Canada
Whale watching is a must-do activity when you’re in Canada!
There are so many different ways to do it and you’re sure to see some amazing whales.
Just be sure to dress for the weather and bring your camera to capture the moment!
Now all that’s left to do is book your whale watching tour and get ready for an amazing experience!
🐳 This is my favourite whale watching tour in Victoria, BC!
FAQs:
When is the best season for whale watching in Canada?
The best whale watching season in Canada is from April to October. During this time, most whale species are migrating and can be seen off the coast of Canada.
Where is the best place for whale watching in Canada?
There are many great places for whale watching in Canada. Some of the best include Vancouver, Newfoundland, and the Bay of Fundy. It depends on what type of whales you’re hoping to see, but these areas have the most variety of species of whales which increases your chances of spotting whales in Canada.
How much does it cost to go whale watching in Canada?
Prices for whale watching in Canada vary depending on the tour operator and the type of whale watching you choose to do.
Boat whale watching tours typically cost around $150 CAD, while zodiac whale-watching tours are usually around $130 CAD.
Sea kayak whale watching prices can range from $75-$250 CAD depending on the length of the tour.
The most expensive tours are whale watching by plane or seaplane, which typically cost around $400-500.
Where in Canada can you go whale watching?
Whale watching is possible in many different areas along the coast of Canada.
Some of the most popular whale watching spots include Vancouver, Newfoundland, and the Bay of Fundy.
Orca whale watching is possible all year round in British Columbia, while humpback whale watching is possible in Vancouver all year round.
Can you see orca whales in Canada?
Yes, orcas (killer whales) can be seen in Canadian waters all year round.
The best place to see them is in Victoria, where a resident pod of killer whales can be seen year-round.
In addition, transient orcas can be spotted off the coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia from April to October.
What is the best month to go whale watching?
July is the best month to go whale watching in Canada as many different whale species can be seen in various locations across the country.
This is when the weather is the warmest and offers the best feeding times for whales in the Canadian waters.
Related Posts:
- 11 Best Whale Watching Tours in Victoria, BC: An Honest Review
- 6 Best Whale Watching in Tadoussac Quebec: Tour Reviews
- 7 Best Whale Watching Halifax Tours: Where to See Whales in Nova Scotia
- 7 Best Whale Watching Tours in Vancouver Canada
- 37 Amazing Vancouver Bucket List Things to Do
- 86 Bucket List Canada Things to Do: The Ultimate Must Do List
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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.
