{"id":15169768,"date":"2025-11-28T12:46:56","date_gmt":"2025-11-28T11:46:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/?p=15169768"},"modified":"2025-11-28T12:47:11","modified_gmt":"2025-11-28T11:47:11","slug":"whale-canada","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/whale-canada\/","title":{"rendered":"Where can I go whale watching in Canada?"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=\u201d1\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||false|false\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.4\u2033 _module_preset=\u201d67498989-fe43-4cc1-80eb-d194df7858f4\u2033 header_2_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_2_text_align=\u201dcenter\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.4em\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|\u201d header_2_font_size_tablet=\u201d28px\u201d header_2_font_size_phone=\u201d22px\u201d header_2_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

Unforgettable encounters from coast to coast<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.4\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d33px\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.4em\u201d custom_padding=\u201d||40px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

Orcas, blue whales, humpback whales, minke whales:<\/strong> over thirty species of cetaceans<\/strong> visit Canada<\/a><\/u> every year. This diversity, which is virtually unique in the world, gives marine life enthusiasts every opportunity to encounter some beautiful specimens.<\/strong> All that remains is to choose the region.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.4\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d23px\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.2em\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||18px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

Orcas and grey whales in British Columbia<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Low-Resolution-Orque-qui-souffle-Alaska\u00a9StudioPONANT-Adrian-Freyermuth-1.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dorque au Canada\u201d title_text=\u201dbaleine-canada\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.4\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d||23px|||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.4\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

Biologists<\/strong> currently estimate that there are 300<\/strong> orcas<\/strong> living around Vancouver Island.<\/strong> For the purists: the orca is not a whale, but a dolphin. However, its size means that it is generally classified as a large cetacean<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Most of the orcas<\/strong> around Vancouver<\/a><\/u> Island<\/strong> live year-round in these nutrient-rich waters, making sightings possible in all seasons<\/strong>. However, it is advisable to give priority to the period from March to September <\/strong>to try and spot other species, such as humpback whales<\/strong> and minke whales<\/strong>. The pretty surfing resort of Tofino<\/strong>, on the west coast of the island, even hosts a festival<\/strong> dedicated to whale watching<\/strong> in March, the Pacific Rim Whale Festival.<\/strong> This is the grey whale<\/strong> migration period: up to 20,000 specimens<\/strong> are counted each year!<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.4\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d23px\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.2em\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||18px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

Beluga whales and fin whales in Tadoussac<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Low-Resolution-No-1121-1.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dbaleine \u00e0 Tadoussac au Canada\u201d title_text=\u201dbaleine-canada\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.4\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d||23px|||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.4\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

A charming Quebec village<\/strong> located on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River<\/strong>, Tadoussac<\/a><\/u><\/strong>\u00a0is one of the world\u2019s whale watching<\/a><\/u> capitals.<\/strong> Why is this? Because the meeting of the fresh waters of the Saguenay<\/a><\/u><\/strong>\u00a0Fjord<\/strong> and the salt waters of the mouth of the St. Lawrence River<\/a><\/u><\/strong> is conducive to the concentration of krill and plankton, two highly prized foods for cetaceans. A population of beluga whales<\/strong> lives there year-round. Other migratory species<\/strong> frequent the area from June to October, which is the best season<\/strong> for sea trips.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d admin_label=\u201dMEA \u2013 quote V2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201dRGBA(255,255,255,0)\u201d background_enable_image=\u201doff\u201d background_size=\u201dcustom\u201d background_image_width=\u201d20%\u201d background_position=\u201dtop_left\u201d max_width=\u201d1000px\u201d custom_margin=\u201d50px||||false|false\u201d custom_padding=\u201d|50px|60px|50px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|0px||0px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|0px||0px|false|true\u201d background_image_width_tablet=\u201d20%\u201d background_image_width_phone=\u201d40%\u201d background_position_tablet=\u201dtop_left\u201d background_horizontal_offset_tablet=\u201d-4%\u201d background_horizontal_offset_phone=\u201d-10%\u201d background_vertical_offset_tablet=\u201d50%\u201d background_vertical_offset_phone=\u201d35%\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201dRGBA(255,255,255,0)\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/picto-quote.png\u201d alt=\u201dpicto-quote\u201d title_text=\u201dpicto-quote\u201d align=\u201dcenter\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d55px\u201d module_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_margin=\u201d||40px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.4\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d text_font=\u201d|300|on||||||\u201d text_text_color=\u201d#000000\u2033 text_font_size=\u201d26px\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|on||||||\u201d header_2_text_align=\u201dcenter\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.5em\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d text_orientation=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_padding=\u201d|20px||20px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|0px||0px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|0px||0px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d text_font_size_tablet=\u201d20px\u201d text_font_size_phone=\u201d18px\u201d text_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_tablet=\u201d\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_phone=\u201d\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

Tadoussac is one of my favourite places because it is a hotspot for cetaceans. You can see blue whales, fin whales, minke whales, porpoises and sometimes up to 200 seals\u2026 not to mention the birds!<\/em><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.4\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d text_font=\u201d|300|on||||||\u201d text_text_color=\u201d#000000\u2033 text_font_size=\u201d22px\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|on||||||\u201d header_2_text_align=\u201dcenter\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.5em\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d text_orientation=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_padding=\u201d30px|20px|30px|20px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|0px||0px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|0px||0px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d text_font_size_tablet=\u201d20px\u201d text_font_size_phone=\u201d18px\u201d text_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_tablet=\u201d\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_phone=\u201d\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

Olivia Capeillere, PONANT EXPLORATIONS naturalist guide.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=\u201d2_5,3_5\u2033 admin_label=\u201dMEA \u2013 decalage\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d48px||72px||false|false\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d2_5\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.4\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|on||||||\u201d header_2_text_align=\u201dleft\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#ffffff\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d23px\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.4em\u201d background_color=\u201d#307f90\u2033 custom_margin=\u201d|-30%|||false|false\u201d custom_margin_tablet=\u201d|0%|||false|false\u201d custom_margin_phone=\u201d\u201d custom_margin_last_edited=\u201don|tablet\u201d custom_padding=\u201d30px|62.8%|30px|20px|true|false\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|20px|||true|false\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|tablet\u201d header_2_font_size_tablet=\u201d23px\u201d header_2_font_size_phone=\u201d23px\u201d header_2_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

Whale migration<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\u201d3_5\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.4\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201d#f7f7f7\u2033 custom_margin=\u201d50px|||-17.9%|false|false\u201d custom_margin_tablet=\u201d0px|||0%|false|false\u201d custom_margin_phone=\u201d\u201d custom_margin_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d custom_padding=\u201d40px|43px|40px|43px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|20px||20px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|tablet\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

Most whales undertake long migrations: grey whales<\/strong> travel 6,000<\/strong> km<\/strong> every year between the tropics (ideal for reproduction) and the poles (rich in nutrients). However, some populations are limited to small distances. This is the case for bowhead whales<\/strong>, which live in the Arctic all year round<\/strong>, and Vancouver Island orcas<\/strong>, which only migrate in pursuit of local prey: salmon.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.4\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d23px\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.2em\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||18px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

Humpback whales in Newfoundland and Labrador<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Low-Resolution-29_S221018_Baleines-a-bosse-1.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dbaleine \u00e0 bosse au Canada\u201d title_text=\u201dbaleine-canada\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.4\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d||23px|||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.4\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

Would you like to explore the Far North<\/a><\/u>? The province of Newfoundland and Labrador<\/strong>, neighbouring Quebec, is home to the largest number of species in the country<\/strong>: blue whales<\/strong> and humpback whales<\/a><\/u><\/strong> can be found there, as well as orcas<\/strong>, fin whales<\/strong> and sperm whales<\/strong>. Scientists estimate that 12,000 humpback whales<\/strong> pass through these waters between May and September<\/strong>, when krill is particularly abundant.<\/p>\n

The provincial capital, St. John\u2019s<\/strong>, and the picturesque harbour town of Bay Bulls<\/strong> are ideal starting points for admiring this density, which is unique in the world.<\/strong> Often you can even spot cetaceans<\/strong> from the coast, while walking along a hiking trail! From mid-May to mid-August, you have a good chance of seeing a few puffins<\/strong> as well.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=\u201d2_5,3_5\u2033 admin_label=\u201dMEA \u2013 decalage\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d48px||72px||false|false\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d2_5\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.4\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|on||||||\u201d header_2_text_align=\u201dleft\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#ffffff\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d23px\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.4em\u201d background_color=\u201d#307f90\u2033 custom_margin=\u201d|-30%|||false|false\u201d custom_margin_tablet=\u201d|0%|||false|false\u201d custom_margin_phone=\u201d\u201d custom_margin_last_edited=\u201don|tablet\u201d custom_padding=\u201d30px|58.7%|30px|20px|true|false\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|20px|||true|false\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|tablet\u201d header_2_font_size_tablet=\u201d23px\u201d header_2_font_size_phone=\u201d23px\u201d header_2_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

Whale conservation: a long-term endeavour<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\u201d3_5\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.4\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201d#f7f7f7\u2033 custom_margin=\u201d50px|||-17.9%|false|false\u201d custom_margin_tablet=\u201d0px|||0%|false|false\u201d custom_margin_phone=\u201d\u201d custom_margin_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d custom_padding=\u201d40px|43px|40px|43px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|20px||20px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|tablet\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

Canada has been making great efforts to preserve whales<\/strong> for several decades. The law regulates fishing and boat speeds in certain areas, encourages scientific research, and aims to create a whale sanctuary in Nova Scotia.<\/strong> The results are encouraging: the global blue whale population is now estimated at 10,000<\/strong>, compared with 1,000 in 1950<\/strong>. However, half of the species present in the country are still endangered.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.4\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d23px\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.2em\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||18px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

Rare species in Nunavut<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/iStock-2152454868-1.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dsouffle de baleine au Nunavut, Canada\u201d title_text=\u201dbaleine-canada\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.4\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d||23px|||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.4\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||29px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

As Canada\u2019s northernmost territory, Nunavut<\/strong> boasts unspoilt nature<\/strong> and unrivalled wildlife on land and in the sea.<\/strong> Travellers who venture there can hope to encounter one of the most elusive species of whale: the narwhal<\/a><\/u><\/strong>, whose twisted tusk <\/strong>long led people to believe in the existence of unicorns.<\/strong> The best season for viewing is from July to September.<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Nunavut<\/strong> is also home to some 3,000 bowhead whales<\/strong>, the second largest animals on Earth after blue whales<\/strong> \u2013 and the second longest-living, with a lifespan of over 200 years<\/strong>, after the Greenland shark<\/strong>, which can live for 300 years. In summer, some populations concentrate in Isabella Bay<\/a><\/u>, in the heart of the magnificent Ninginganiq National Wildlife Area.<\/strong><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d admin_label=\u201dMEA \u2013 classic\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201d#f7f7f7\u2033 width_tablet=\u201d\u201d width_phone=\u201d100%\u201d width_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d max_width=\u201d1000px\u201d custom_margin=\u201d||50px||false|false\u201d custom_padding=\u201d|50px|50px|50px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|40px||40px|false|true\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.4\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|on||||||\u201d header_2_text_align=\u201dcenter\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d custom_padding=\u201d|20px||20px|true|true\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

Frequently asked questions:<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider show_divider=\u201doff\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d width=\u201d15%\u201d width_tablet=\u201d150px\u201d width_phone=\u201d150px\u201d width_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d module_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_margin=\u201d||40px||false|false\u201d custom_padding=\u201d||||false|false\u201d border_width_bottom=\u201d4px\u201d border_color_bottom=\u201d#26afc2\u2033 global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.4\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

1. What different species of whales can be seen in Canada?\u202f\u00a0<\/strong>
Over thirty species of whales<\/strong> visit Canada<\/strong> every year, including blue whales, grey whales, humpback whales, beluga whales, orcas, minke whales, fin whales, bowhead whales and narwhals.<\/p>\n

2. What is the best season for whale watching in Canada?\u202f\u00a0<\/strong>
Generally speaking, the best season<\/strong> for whale watching in Canada is from June to September.<\/strong> However, some species can be seen as early as March, such as grey whales<\/strong> along Vancouver Island.<\/strong><\/p>\n

3. Why do whales migrate to Canada?\u202f\u00a0<\/strong>
Canada\u2019s coastline <\/strong>lies on the migration route of whales travelling from the warm waters of the tropics<\/strong> (a favourable breeding ground) to the cold, nutrient-rich waters of the Arctic Circle. <\/p>\n

4. From which towns\/villages can you embark on a whale watching trip in Canada?\u202f\u00a0<\/strong>
A large number of ports<\/strong> in Canada offer whale watching trips. In the west, the most popular are Tofino<\/strong> (Vancouver Island) and Victoria<\/strong> (British Columbia). In Quebec<\/strong>, many trips leave from Tadoussac<\/strong>, one of the world\u2019s whale watching capitals.<\/strong> Further north, you can choose Saint John\u2019s<\/strong>, the picturesque capital of Newfoundland and Labrador<\/strong>, or the pretty resort of Bay Bulls.<\/strong><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.4\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d text_font_size=\u201d12px\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||40px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Photo credits: \u00a9iStock-Liene Helmig; \u00a9StudioPONANT\/Laurence Fischer\/ Adrian Freyermuth\/ Olivier Blaud<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\u201d1\u2033 admin_label=\u201dPUSH\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d||0px||false|false\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_row column_structure=\u201d1_2,1_2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d1_2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d|50px||50px|false|true\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Low-Resolution-AON_3875_\u00a9PONANT-AnaisBarelli_Tadoussac-1.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dPassag\u00e8re prenant en photo une baleine \u00e0 Tadoussac au Canada\u201d title_text=\u201dbaleine-canada \u201d align=\u201dcenter\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.4\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d445px\u201d module_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d max_height=\u201d445px\u201d custom_margin=\u201d-90px||||false|false\u201d custom_padding=\u201d||20px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\u201d1_2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d|50px|||false|false\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|50px||50px|false|false\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|20px||20px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.4\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d text_font=\u201d|700|||||||\u201d text_text_color=\u201d#ffffff\u201d text_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d text_line_height=\u201d1.4em\u201d width=\u201d70%\u201d width_tablet=\u201d100%\u201d width_phone=\u201d\u201d width_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d custom_margin=\u201d10px||20px||false|false\u201d custom_padding=\u201d|||20px|false|false\u201d text_font_size_tablet=\u201d\u201d text_font_size_phone=\u201d25px\u201d text_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|tablet\u201d border_width_left=\u201d5px\u201d border_color_left=\u201d#26afc2\u2033 global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

PONANT takes you there<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.4\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d text_text_color=\u201d#ffffff\u201d width=\u201d70%\u201d width_tablet=\u201d100%\u201d width_phone=\u201d\u201d width_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

Watch whales in Canada from your private balcony.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=\u201dhttps:\/\/en.ponant.com\/destinations\/north-america\u201d url_new_window=\u201don\u201d button_text=\u201dDiscover all cruises in North America\u201d button_alignment=\u201dleft\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.4\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_margin=\u201d20px||20px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Unforgettable encounters from coast to coast<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":15169914,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_sitemap_exclude":false,"_sitemap_priority":"","_sitemap_frequency":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[24],"tags":[],"thematique":[1410,1419],"class_list":["post-15169768","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-get-ready","thematique-north-america","thematique-whales"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nWhales in Canada: When and where can you see them? | PONANT Magazine<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Find out where and when to go whale watching in Canada. Orcas, beluga whales, fin whales and humpback whales await you for unforgettable encounters.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/whale-canada\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Whales in Canada: When and where can you see them? | PONANT Magazine\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Find out where and when to go whale watching in Canada. Orcas, beluga whales, fin whales and humpback whales await you for unforgettable encounters.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/whale-canada\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Magazine de voyage Escales : interviews, inspirations et conseils | Magazine PONANT\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/ponant\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-11-28T11:46:56+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-11-28T11:47:11+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Low-Resolution-Best-of-10499_A150919_Nome-Vancouver\u00a9Studio-PONANT-Laurence-Fischer-1.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1000\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"645\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Mehdia Ghayati\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@Cie_ponant\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@Cie_ponant\" \/>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Whales in Canada: When and where can you see them? | PONANT Magazine","description":"Find out where and when to go whale watching in Canada. Orcas, beluga whales, fin whales and humpback whales await you for unforgettable encounters.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/whale-canada\/","og_locale":"en_GB","og_type":"article","og_title":"Whales in Canada: When and where can you see them? | PONANT Magazine","og_description":"Find out where and when to go whale watching in Canada. Orcas, beluga whales, fin whales and humpback whales await you for unforgettable encounters.","og_url":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/whale-canada\/","og_site_name":"Magazine de voyage Escales : interviews, inspirations et conseils | Magazine PONANT","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/ponant","article_published_time":"2025-11-28T11:46:56+00:00","article_modified_time":"2025-11-28T11:47:11+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1000,"height":645,"url":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Low-Resolution-Best-of-10499_A150919_Nome-Vancouver\u00a9Studio-PONANT-Laurence-Fischer-1.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Mehdia Ghayati","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@Cie_ponant","twitter_site":"@Cie_ponant","schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/whale-canada\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/whale-canada\/"},"author":{"name":"Mehdia Ghayati","@id":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/299c79e58f7163311d1d78c14549f07d"},"headline":"Where can I go whale watching in Canada?","datePublished":"2025-11-28T11:46:56+00:00","dateModified":"2025-11-28T11:47:11+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/whale-canada\/"},"wordCount":2963,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/whale-canada\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Low-Resolution-Best-of-10499_A150919_Nome-Vancouver\u00a9Studio-PONANT-Laurence-Fischer-1.jpg","articleSection":["Get ready"],"inLanguage":"en-GB"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/whale-canada\/","url":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/whale-canada\/","name":"Whales in Canada: When and where can you see them? | PONANT Magazine","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/whale-canada\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/whale-canada\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Low-Resolution-Best-of-10499_A150919_Nome-Vancouver\u00a9Studio-PONANT-Laurence-Fischer-1.jpg","datePublished":"2025-11-28T11:46:56+00:00","dateModified":"2025-11-28T11:47:11+00:00","description":"Find out where and when to go whale watching in Canada. Orcas, beluga whales, fin whales and humpback whales await you for unforgettable encounters.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/whale-canada\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-GB","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/whale-canada\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/whale-canada\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Low-Resolution-Best-of-10499_A150919_Nome-Vancouver\u00a9Studio-PONANT-Laurence-Fischer-1.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Low-Resolution-Best-of-10499_A150919_Nome-Vancouver\u00a9Studio-PONANT-Laurence-Fischer-1.jpg","width":1000,"height":645,"caption":"baleine au Canada"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/whale-canada\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Where can I go whale watching in Canada?"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/#website","url":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/","name":"Magazine de voyage Escales : interviews, inspirations et conseils | Magazine PONANT","description":"Le magazine de voyage par PONANT","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-GB"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/#organization","name":"Ponant","url":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/logo-escales@2x.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/logo-escales@2x.png","width":510,"height":174,"caption":"Ponant"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/ponant","https:\/\/x.com\/Cie_ponant","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/croisieres_ponant\/","https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/ponantcruises\/","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/PonantCroisieres"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/299c79e58f7163311d1d78c14549f07d","name":"Mehdia Ghayati","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/0e47b1e978861858d6099608a508742a4a2ad285ba30a090b7d711f13c208b29?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/0e47b1e978861858d6099608a508742a4a2ad285ba30a090b7d711f13c208b29?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Mehdia Ghayati"}}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15169768","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15169768"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15169768\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15276605,"href":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15169768\/revisions\/15276605"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/15169914"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15169768"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15169768"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15169768"},{"taxonomy":"thematique","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/thematique?post=15169768"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}