Few wildlife encounters compare to seeing a whale rise from the ocean’s surface, mist spraying into the cool Canadian air. Canada is one of the best countries in the world for whale watching, offering sightings of majestic humpbacks, playful orcas, and even the elusive blue whale.
Whales thrive in the nation’s nutrient-rich waters. Here are remarkable places across Canada where you can witness these ocean giants in their natural habitat.
This article is for general information only. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed and depend on season, weather, and migration patterns. Always follow responsible whale-watching practices and keep a respectful distance. Photos are for illustrative purposes only.
Bay Of Fundy, New Brunswick And Nova Scotia
The Bay of Fundy is one of the world’s top whale-watching destinations, famous for its record-breaking tides and rich feeding grounds. Between June and October, visitors can spot humpback, minke, fin, and North Atlantic right whales.
Boat tours from St. Andrews or Digby often encounter mothers and calves feeding in the bay’s deep waters. The massive tidal range creates nutrient-rich currents that attract these magnificent creatures year after year, making every excursion a potential adventure worth remembering.
Tadoussac, Quebec
Located at the confluence of the Saguenay and St. Lawrence Rivers, Tadoussac is Quebec’s whale-watching capital. From May to October, visitors may see belugas, blue whales, fin whales, and minke whales.
The nearby Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park offers some of the best land-based whale viewing in Canada, with whales often swimming close to shore. Families gather along rocky outcrops hoping to catch a glimpse of these graceful animals gliding through the water.
Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Vancouver Island offers world-class whale encounters, particularly around Victoria, Tofino, and Telegraph Cove. Pods of resident and transient orcas are frequently spotted, along with humpbacks and gray whales during migration seasons.
Boat and kayak tours operate throughout summer, giving visitors an unforgettable close-up of British Columbia’s marine life. The protected waters around the island create ideal conditions for observing these intelligent mammals as they hunt, play, and communicate with one another.
Churchill, Manitoba
Best known for polar bears, Churchill is also home to one of the world’s largest gatherings of beluga whales. Each summer, around 57,000 belugas migrate into the Churchill River estuary to feed and give birth.
Visitors can even kayak or snorkel alongside these curious, friendly whales, a bucket-list experience unique to northern Manitoba. Their ghostly white bodies and expressive faces make them especially endearing to travellers seeking something truly different from typical whale-watching adventures.
Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, Newfoundland And Labrador
Just south of St. John’s, the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve bursts with life each summer. Alongside massive puffin colonies, visitors can see humpbacks, minke whales, and occasionally blue whales feeding close to shore.
The nutrient-rich waters attract some of the largest whale populations in Atlantic Canada. Tour operators offer respectful viewing experiences that allow passengers to witness feeding behaviours up close while learning about the delicate marine ecosystem surrounding these islands.
Cape Breton Highlands, Nova Scotia
From the cliffs of Cape Breton Highlands National Park, visitors can often spot pilot whales, minke whales, and fin whales in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Whale-watching tours from nearby Cheticamp or Pleasant Bay offer boat excursions with sweeping coastal views, particularly between July and September.
The combination of rugged highland scenery and marine wildlife creates an unforgettable experience. Many travellers enjoy watching from elevated lookouts before heading out on the water for closer encounters.
Haida Gwaii, British Columbia
Remote and pristine, Haida Gwaii (formerly the Queen Charlotte Islands) is an unforgettable place to see humpbacks, gray whales, and orcas. The islands’ nutrient-rich waters create ideal feeding conditions.
The experience is enhanced by learning about the Haida Nation’s deep cultural connection to these marine animals. Tours often incorporate Indigenous storytelling and traditional knowledge, offering visitors a richer understanding of the spiritual relationship between the Haida people and ocean life.
St. Lawrence Gulf, Quebec
The Gulf of St. Lawrence hosts a diverse range of whale species from June to September, including blue whales, fin whales, and belugas. Cruises and research-based tours depart from several Quebec towns, offering both education and breathtaking views of these massive marine mammals.
Some excursions focus on conservation efforts and citizen science, allowing passengers to contribute observations to ongoing research. Blue whales, the largest animals ever to exist, are particularly sought after by enthusiasts.
Prince Rupert, British Columbia
On Canada’s northern Pacific coast, Prince Rupert offers sightings of humpbacks, orcas, and porpoises in the sheltered waters of the Inside Passage. The region’s fjords and bays create ideal conditions for feeding whales, and the calm waters make for spectacular, scenic boat tours.
The dramatic landscape adds an extra dimension to every trip. Travellers often combine whale watching with exploring the area’s rich Indigenous heritage and vibrant fishing culture for a complete northern experience.
Trinity Bay, Newfoundland And Labrador
Located on Newfoundland’s east coast, Trinity Bay offers a front-row seat to one of the most reliable whale migrations in Canada. From June to August, humpbacks, minke whales, and dolphins feed on the capelin run near shore.
Local tours often combine whale watching with iceberg spotting for an unforgettable Atlantic adventure. The charming historic villages surrounding the bay add cultural richness to the natural spectacle, making it a well-rounded destination for travellers.
