Looking to see icebergs, puffins and whales in Newfoundland?
One of the things that surprised me most about Newfoundland was just how wild and dramatic the whale watching experience felt compared to anywhere else I’ve travelled in Canada.
On some days, I watched humpback whales surface beside the boat while massive icebergs drifted offshore in the distance. Add puffins, rugged cliffs, tiny fishing villages, and crashing Atlantic waves, and it quickly became one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences I’ve had.
Newfoundland is one of the best places in the world to see humpback whales, especially during the summer months when thousands migrate through the nutrient-rich waters surrounding the island. Whether you’re taking a boat tour near St. John’s, exploring Iceberg Alley around Twillingate, or heading north along the Viking Trail, there’s a good chance you’ll spot whales breaching, tail slapping, or feeding surprisingly close to shore.
In this guide, I’m sharing the best Newfoundland whale watching tours, the top places to see whales, the best time to visit, and a few practical tips I wish I knew before my first trip.
Why Newfoundland Is One of the Best Places for Whale Watching
One of the Largest Humpback Whale Populations
Newfoundland is along whale migration routes, so you can expect to view different types, particularly during the summer feeding season.
Whales and Icebergs Together
This is one of the few places where you can view both whales and icebergs on the same trip, particularly in June. St. Anthony and Twillingate are located along Iceberg Alley, and there can be icebergs close to St. John’s as well.
Puffins, Coastal Scenery & Wildlife
The Atlantic coast can be rugged and beautiful, and in some places, there are impressive sea stacks rising from the ocean. You may also see puffins in places like Bay Bulls and Trinity, which are not common in other destinations.
Best Time for Whale Watching in Newfoundland
Peak Whale Watching Season: runs from June to August
The best time to see icebergs: is from late May to June.
Best time to see puffins: is late spring through the summer months
Best Places for Whale Watching in Newfoundland
You can link all these locations with this Newfoundland Road Trip Itinerary.
Bay Bulls & Witless Bay (Near St. John’s)
There are whale watching experiences available from both St. John’s and Bay Bulls, with frequent humpback whale sightings.
I recommend the cruise from Bay Bulls as it includes the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, being the largest Atlantic puffin colony in North America, and one of the easiest wildlife experiences. You may also see murres, kittiwakes, gulls, and seals. It is an easy day trip, but you will need a rental car.
Bonavista & Trinity Bay
This is one of those areas where you can see both puffins, whales, dolphins and icebergs on the same trip if you pick the right season.
Ocean Safari offers a whale and dolphin tour from Trinity during the June through August season. Icebergs can usually be seen between April and July when they are passing through. Puffins, gannets, sea eagles and many other birds have also been seen during this cruise.
The Bonavista area is a great place to view whales, both on a boat cruise and from shore. I saw a humpback breaching right next to the lighthouse in the town of Bonavista, and others have reported seeing them from the Skerwink Trail.
Besides seeing the whales, you will want to visit the historic town of Trinity and hike the nearby Skerwink Trail, the best in Newfoundland. Then head further north to Elliston to visit the puffin colony along the scenic coastline.
Twillingate Whale Watching
Twillingate is known for its dramatic coastal scenery, strong whale sightings and it is along Iceberg Alley.
Iceberg Ocean Quest Tours offers a 2-hour boat tour through Iceberg Alley, passing the Long Point Lighthouse, where you may see humpback whales and seabirds.
Twillingate should be part of your Newfoundland Road Trip Itinerary, as besides viewing the whale, you will want to explore this quaint town, do a coastal hike and visit the Long Point Lighthouse.
St. Anthony & Northern Peninsula
It is a bit of a drive along the Viking Trail in the Northern Peninsula from Gros Morne National Park to St. Anthony. But it is worth it with the chance to view whales and see Iceberg Alley. Because it is a longer drive, it is less crowded than other towns.
Northland Discovery Boat Tours offers a series of cruises in the area to view icebergs, whales, dolphins and seabirds.
Also visit L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site to see the Viking Settlement, Grenfell Museum, which includes a theatre, extensive exhibits and a nearby period home. There is a lighthouse and coastal hiking at Fishing Point.
Insider Tip: not as well known, but there is a Bay of Islands (located near Cornerbrook) 2-hour zodiac cruise where whales and wildlife are often sighted.
Best Whale Watching Tours in Newfoundland
Best Overall Whale Watching Tour
Bay Bulls is the best all-rounder for most visitors, because of the combination of puffins, whales, scenery, and accessibility from St. John’s.
Best Iceberg & Whale Combination Tour
Twillingate is often considered the best base for icebergs, since it sits squarely in Iceberg Alley, and whales feed in the same waters.
Best Puffin & Whale Tour
Bay Bulls is the best place to see whales and puffins, as it includes the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve. Trinity would be second as it includes a whale watching boat tour, and you can see the puffins from shore at Elliston.
Best Zodiac Adventure Tour
These faster-paced tours are offered by Ecotours Zodiac Adventures in Witless Bay, which has the same wildlife as the bigger Bay Bulls boats, but a far more intimate experience. They are also available in St. Anthony, Twillingate, and Trinity.
Best Family-Friendly Whale Tour
Also consider the Bay Bulls whale watching tour, and families can see the whales, fun puffins, and scenery.
What Whales Can You See in Newfoundland?
Humpback Whales are the most common species. I have seen them in the Bay Bulls area and near Bonavista, but they may be seen in any of the above areas.
Minke Whales are also frequently spotted, and I saw a pod from the shore while visiting Ferryland, just south of St. John’s.
Fin Whales may be seen occasionally.
Orcas are rarely seen in Newfoundland waters. I did see a family of Orcas when on a Vancouver Island Whale Watching cruise.
Dolphins are not whales but are often seen on these tours as well.
Newfoundland Whale Watching Tips I Wish I Knew Before Visiting
Dress warmer than you expect: as it is colder on the water, dress in layers, wear closed shoes, and bring a toque and gloves. Icebergs almost feel like air conditioners when the wind blows off of them.
Weather can change quickly: during my visit, I sometimes experienced foggy conditions, and ocean conditions can change rapidly as well.
Morning tours often have calmer water: important if you are prone to seasickness, so take motion-sickness tablets if you’re sensitive.
Book early during peak season: especially during busy June to August, the tours can often sell out.
Bring binoculars: I saw whales fairly close, but sometimes the whales I saw, humpback breaching they were further away, so I was fortunate that someone lent me some binoculars, but you should bring your own. There can be wildlife and seabirds along the shore to view. Of course, you will have a camera or cellphone with a zoom as well.
Zodiac vs Covered Boat Tours in Newfoundland
Why Choose a Covered Boat
Most of the whale watching tours in Newfoundland use small covered boats, which are more stable, warmer, and more comfortable. These tours are usually preferred by families.
Why Choose a Zodiac Tour
Although not as common, some tours use a Zodiac, which is closer to the water, more exhilarating, and a bit wilder. They cater to smaller groups and provide excellent photography opportunities.
Where to Stay for Whale Watching in Newfoundland
Best Hotels in St. John’s
- Alt Hotel sits right downtown and is close to attractions like Bannerman Park and Signal Hill.
- JAG Boutique Hotel, with the pubs and bars of George Street are less than 5-minutes’ walk away.
- Murray Premises Hotel is part of one of the city’s most historic landmarks. This hotel overlooks the entrance to St. John’s Harbour and the Narrows.
- Blue on Water is housed in a historic building, offering a unique and charming atmosphere.
- Sheraton Hotel is a reliable, larger hotel with excellent harbour and Signal Hill views.
Best Places to Stay in Twillingate
- Anchor Inn Hotel is the most recognizable hotel in Twillingate and has a convenient location with water views and on-site dining.
- Toulinguet Inn is smaller and quieter than the Anchor Inn, with ocean views from the balconies and easy access to scenic drives and hiking areas.
- Hodge Premises offers 4-star comfort
Best Trinity Accommodations
- Artians Inn, Trinity, is located in restored historic buildings that fit beautifully with the town’s character
- Trinity Guest House offers ground-floor units with private entrances.
And if you are heading to St. Anthony, here are some Gros Morne accommodation suggestions should you decide to stop along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best place for whale watching in Newfoundland?
Bay Bulls, just south of St. John’s, is considered the most popular and accessible base for whale watching in Newfoundland.
What month is best for whale watching in Newfoundland?
The main whale watching season runs from June through August, but if you want to see icebergs as well, go in June.
Can you see whales and icebergs together?
Yes, you can see whales and icebergs together along Iceberg Alley in St. Anthony and Twillingate. Also, there are icebergs and whale cruises near St. John’s.
Are Newfoundland whale tours worth it?
Newfoundland whale tours are worth it, as you may also see the rugged and scenic coast, lighthouses, seabirds, puffins, dolphins, icebergs and sometimes other wildlife.
How close do whales get to boats?
Whales are curious and sometimes get within a few metres, but more often at a moderate distance.
Is seasickness common on Newfoundland whale tours?
Conditions on the ocean can vary, so a few people may feel a bit unwell. If this happens, take precautions. During morning cruises, the water is calmer and bigger boats are more stable.
Final Thoughts on Newfoundland Whale Watching
I loved the rugged coast of Newfoundland, seeing the icebergs, whales, puffins, seabirds, and other wildlife.
Your best option is to combine your whale watching activities with a Newfoundland Road Trip to enjoy the entire island. The East Coast is very different than the West Coast, and the quaint fishing villages are interesting everywhere.
Flights, accommodation, and sightseeing tours can sell out during the peak summer season, so plan ahead.
