I’ve been lucky enough to experience whale watching on both coasts of Canada, and every tour has felt completely different. On Vancouver Island, I watched humpbacks surface beside the boat while sea lions barked from rocky outcrops nearby. In Tadoussac, the sheer number of whales feeding in the St. Lawrence left me speechless. It’s one thing to see photos of orcas, humpbacks, and belugas, but it’s another to hear the blow of a whale echo across the water right in front of you.
Canada is one of the best places in the world for whale watching, with incredible tours running from British Columbia all the way to Newfoundland and Labrador. Whether you want to spot orcas off Victoria, humpbacks near Tofino, belugas in Quebec, or iceberg-filled whale cruises on the Atlantic coast, there’s an experience here for every type of traveller (myself included).
In this guide, I’m sharing the best places to go whale watching in Canada, the tours that stand out most, what you can expect to see, and a few practical tips I wish I knew before my first trip!
Quick Picks: Best Whale Watching Tours in Canada
Best Victoria Whale Watching Cruise
Short on time? My top recommendation for you is the Victoria Open Boat Whale Watching tour with Eagle Wing.
Best Tadoussac, Quebec Whale Watching Cruise
My top recommendation if you are in Quebec and with the best reviews is this Tadoussac Whale Watching tour in a Zodiac on the St. Lawrence River.
Best Newfoundland Whale Watching tour
Newfoundland Whale Watching and Puffin Cruise to Bay Bulls, just south of St. John’s.
Best first whale watching trip: Victoria, British Columbia
Best Orca experience: Campbell River, British Columbia
Best scenery: Tofino, British Columbia
Best whale diversity: Tadoussac, Quebec
Best Atlantic experience: Newfoundland
Best photography opportunities: Northern Vancouver Island
Best chance to see both icebergs & whales: Newfoundland
Where to Go Whale Watching in Canada
Both coasts have very different experiences, so it really depends on what part of Canada you are visiting at the time as to which tour you take. Even though I have been on several whale-watching tours, I always go again when I can, as it is always so interesting.
West Coast of Canada
The West Coast feels wild, rugged, and very Pacific Northwest. You’re often surrounded by forested islands, dramatic rocky coastlines, misty mountains, and open ocean scenery. West Coast tours often feel more adventurous and expedition-like. Boats can travel farther into open ocean waters, especially around Vancouver Island.
You may see Orcas (the best place in Canada), Humpbacks, Gray whales, and Minke whales. This area is considered best for first-time visitors, with more zodiac adventure-style tours offered.
I also found the wildlife viewing more varied overall. Some tours felt almost like full marine safaris because I saw whales, seals, sea lions, porpoises, dolphins, bald eagles, otters, and seabirds all on the same trip. I also saw bears while on shore.
East Coast of Canada
The East Coast experience feels more dramatic, scenic, and often surprisingly close to shore. The atmosphere is different, too, with fishing villages, lighthouses, fjords, cliffs, and colder North Atlantic waters creating a distinct mood.
East coast whale watching often feels calmer and more scenic rather than adrenaline-focused. In places like Tadoussac, whales sometimes surface surprisingly close to shore because of the nutrient-rich waters. You may see Humpbacks, Belugas, Blue whales, Fin whales, and Minke whales.
Newfoundland feels especially unique because you can combine whale watching with viewing icebergs and the puffin colonies, depending on the season.
West Coast vs East Coast at a Glance
| West Coast | East Coast |
|---|
| Famous for orcas | Famous for belugas & blue whales |
| Rugged Pacific scenery | Maritime villages & fjords |
| More zodiac adventure tours | More scenic cruising experiences |
| Wildlife safari feeling | Coastal culture & marine life |
| Vancouver Island focus | Quebec & Atlantic Canada focus |
| Open Pacific waters | St. Lawrence & Atlantic waters |
| Sea lions & eagles are common | Puffins & icebergs are common |
West Coast Best Whale Watching Tours
The best places for West Coast whale watching are Victoria, Tofino, Campbell River, and Telegraph Cove, all located on Vancouver Island. There are also whale watching opportunities in Sooke (near Victoria), Nanaimo, and Vancouver.
Victoria (Orcas & West Coast Wildlife)
Victoria is considered the best overall destination in Canada for whale watching, particularly Orcas and other West Coast Wildlife. You have a choice of both Zodiac and Covered boats with easy access from downtown Victoria. I went on an open boat with Eagle Wing Tours, one of the best operators.
I saw a family of orcas and numerous humpbacks during my cruise. There were also scenic islands with very loud and smelly sea lions. You can read about my Whale Watching tour in Victoria for the details of my trip with Eagle Wing Whale & Wildlife Tours. But there are plenty of others, including Prince of Whales & BC Whale Tours.
Tofino (Wild Pacific Experience)
The rugged coastline around Tofino is amazing, which adds to the trip. Many of the adventure-style tours combine whale watching with other wildlife sightings, including bears. At some times of the year, you can also catch the Gray whale migration.
Be sure to read my post on Tofino whale watching for more information. There are a number of tours starting in both Tofino and nearby Ucluelet, operated by The Whale Centre and Adventure Tofino.
Tofino is well known for its outdoor adventures, so besides seeing the wildlife, you will want to maybe go surfing, relax on the beaches, hike in the rainforest, cycle, and explore the Pacific Rim National Forest Reserve for a great vacation.
Campbell River (Great for Orcas)
Some of my friends departed on the Campbell River whale watching tour. But I left shortly after with the same company on the Grizzly Bear excursion. Not part of our tour, but along the way we stopped to view some humpbacks breaching and later also saw numerous harbour seals.
The scenery in this area is breathtaking, and it is one of the best places for orcas. There are several companies, including Campbell River Whale Watching, but I preferred Eagle Eye Adventures.
Vancouver (one of the most popular tours in the city)
If you are staying in Vancouver and not heading to Victoria, then to enjoy a Vancouver West Coast whale watching experience, book the tour here. It is one of the most popular tours in the city, and there is an excellent chance to see other wildlife as well.
East Coast Best Whale Watching Tours
The best East Coast locations include Tadoussac in Quebec, the Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia coastal areas, and Newfoundland.
Tadoussac (St. Lawrence Whale Capital)
Visiting Tadoussac makes for a great side-trip if visiting Quebec City or on an Atlantic Canada Road Trip. Where the Saguenay River meets the St. Lawrence River, there is a high concentration of whales.
You have a choice of going on a Zodiac cruise, a larger Covered Boat, or in a kayak in the Saguenay Fjord & St. Lawrence Marine Park. You may see Belugas and Blue Whales, although on my Tadoussac cruise, I saw humpbacks and several curious seals poking their heads above the St. Lawrence. There are several tour operators, including Croisières AML and Tadoussac Autrement.
I spent a few days in Tadoussac, as there are many other activities.
Quebec City Whale Watching Day Tours
There are no whale watching tours actually in the city, but it is an easy Quebec City day tour to Tadoussac, great for first-time visitors.
Also, I was on an Atlantic Canada Road Trip one time, driving along the St. Lawrence River from Tadoussac, and spotted humpbacks breaching when I reached Forillon National Park in the Gaspe area.
Best Whale Watching Tours in Atlantic Canada
St. John’s (Icebergs, Puffins & Whales Combo)
St. John’s is an interesting town to explore, and taking one of the many whale watching tours just adds to the experience. Expect to see humpbacks, maybe puffins, or even icebergs. There is a puffin and whale watching tour to Bay Bulls.
Many of the whale watching tours are available in St. John’s, but other tours are available in Witless Bay, Bay Bulls to the south, and Twillingate to the west. The best areas are near St. John’s and Twillingate.
From shore, I also saw Humpbacks and Minke whales at Ferryland, near the Lighthouse at Bonavista, and while hiking the East Coast Trail. Newfoundland has the opportunity to see the whales, puffins, and icebergs together. I was there at the wrong time to see the icebergs, but the puffin viewing was amazing.
Bay of Fundy Whale Watching (New Brunswick & Nova Scotia)
The Bay of Fundy is known for the highest tides in the world, and you can see Finbacks and Humpbacks during your visit. A whale watching cruise is available on a tall ship, or a Zodiac from St. Andrews by-the-Sea, in New Brunswick.
There are scenic coastal villages and islands to explore, including St. Andrews by-the-Sea, Digby Neck, and Brier Island. I also stopped off at the Hopewell Rocks, located just outside Moncton.
What Whales Can You See in Canada
There is an incredible variety of whale species in Canada:
- Orcas (BC) – I saw a mother with young ones during my Victoria cruise.
- Humpbacks (both coasts) – I have seen them off Vancouver Island, Tadoussac, and Newfoundland
- Belugas – best to see them in the St. Lawrence River
- Minke whales – I saw a pod of about 6 near Ferryland, Newfoundland. There were the Minke whales on one side of the peninsula and the Humpbacks on the other side. Ferryland is one of the early Newfoundland settlements, still under evacuation.
- Gray whales – best to see during the migration season off Vancouver Island.
- Blue whales – you can see them in the St. Lawrence
- Fin whales – also in the St. Lawrence
Best Time for Whale Watching in Canada
Include them as part of a Canadian Road Trip Itinerary.
- British Columbia: May to October
- Quebec: June to September
- Newfoundland: Late June to August. If you also wish to see icebergs, go in late June or early July.
How to Choose the Best Whale Watching Tour
- Your boat – do you prefer a covered boat or zodiac? Many tour operators offer both. Kayaking is also available in some areas, such as Tadoussac.
- Budget vs experience – how long has the tour operator been in business, and what are the reviews like?
- Tour experience – many feature a naturalist during the cruise. On my Victoria whale watching tour, the guide loved to talk about whales and knew them well. Some offer extras such as free photos of the tour.
- Location-based decision – it depends on which province your tour takes you.
Zodiac vs Covered Boat Whale Watching Tours
From my experience, you see the same whales as the competing tour operators work together and call when some are spotted, and then everyone races to the place.
Why Choose a Zodiac Tour
A Zodiac or open boat is my preferred tour as it is more adventurous, faster, and you are closer to the water. But you may get wet if you sit near the front. Some Zodiacs have washrooms and others do not, so check.
My first zodiac tour was far more adventurous than I expected. It was thrilling, fast, and incredibly close to the water, but definitely not a relaxing cruise. Photography
Why Choose a Covered Boat
Certainly, a covered boat is more comfortable and is better for families and seniors. There are washrooms and seating. They are larger, so there are more people, and you are further from the water. If you are worried about rough water, then this is a good choice.
Why Choose a Kayak
Even closer to the water, and with a different view of the whales.
Whale Watching Tips for First-Time Visitors
What to wear
Dress much warmer than you think, and in layers, as it is colder on the water, and wear a waterproof jacket. The wind chill is what catches most people off guard, particularly if on a Zodiac.
On all tours, I have also had to wear the provided bright orange jackets and pants supplied by the operator. A waterproof phone pouch can be handy. Also, you may need a warm hat or toque, sunglasses (and sunscreen), and gloves. On the Victoria tour, you could borrow these items.
Motion Sickness Tips
Larger covered boats feel more stable. Sit in the middle of the boat if you find this an issue, especially on a Zodiac. Also, choose a cruise during calmer times of the day. Looking at the horizon instead of your phone makes a huge difference
Calmer Water: If you get seasick easily, try to book an earlier departure. In many places across Canada, the ocean tends to be calmer in the morning before afternoon winds pick up.
Binoculars and Cameras
Camera: Bring a camera to get those great trip photos. Some tour operators will email you free photos following your trip.
Bring Binoculars Even If You Have a Camera: I focused so much on trying to take photos during my first tour that I forgot to simply enjoy the experience. Binoculars make it easier to watch whale behaviour from farther away without constantly zooming a camera lens.
Whale Sightings Can Take Time
I assumed whales would appear immediately after leaving the harbour. Sometimes they do, but often guides need time to track wildlife activity and communicate with other boats. Social media makes it look like whales are constantly leaping out of the water beside the boat. While that can happen, many sightings are quieter and just as incredible.
Book Early During Peak Season
The best tours in places like Victoria, Tofino, and Tadoussac can sell out well in advance during July and August, especially morning departures and smaller-group tours.
If whale watching is a major part of your trip, I’d reserve ahead of time instead of waiting until you arrive.
Wildlife Viewing
During many cruises, you can also see other wildlife. That usually creates a much better experience for both visitors and the animals. Check your tour description to see what you may expect.
I have seen sea lions hauled out on rocks, bald eagles overhead, puffins and seabirds. You may also see dolphins riding the wake.
Choose Tours That Respect Marine Wildlife
One thing I really appreciate now is how seriously many Canadian operators take conservation and responsible wildlife viewing. The best tours focus on education and safe viewing distances rather than chasing whales too closely.
FAQs: About Whale Watching in Canada
What is the best whale watching destination in Canada?
Vancouver Island is considered the best whale watching destination in Canada, particularly in Victoria.
Where can you see orcas in Canada?
To see Orcas head to Vancouver Island.
What is the best month for whale watching in Canada?
July and August are the best months for viewing whales.
Can you see blue whales in Canada?
To see Blue Whales in Canada, head to the St. Lawrence River.
Is whale watching in Canada worth it?
Whale watching in Canada is worth it. It is an adventure, and you often see other wildlife, including puffins, seals, bald eagles, and more, depending on what part of the country you are in.
Are whale sightings guaranteed?
Whale sightseeing is guaranteed by many tour operators, but check the details to be sure.
Final Thoughts
When visiting parts of Canada as part of a road trip, be sure whale watching is included for a more enjoyable experience, as I always do. Canada is fortunate to have a variety of whales and locations for viewing. Whether on Vancouver Island or in Newfoundland, there are always plenty of other outdoor adventures for a fun-filled vacation.
My favourite was in Victoria, where I also saw the sea lions up close and incredible coastal scenery. The tour I was on was sold out, so be sure to plan to avoid disappointment.
