{"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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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

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Whale migration<\/h2>\n

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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

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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

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

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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

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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

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\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

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Unforgettable encounters from coast to coast<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":35,"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. 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