The 4 Whale Watching Trips in Canada That Earn Their Price

1.Tadoussac/Charlevoix: 3-Hour Whale Watching Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 2,179 reviews · 3 hours · from $122Our pick

Spend three hours on the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park with bilingual naturalist guides, watching for belugas, humpbacks, fin whales, and minke whales. AML Cruises offers indoor and outdoor viewing, a bistro, fjord scenery, and optional VIP or upper-deck access from Tadoussac or Baie-Sainte-Catherine.

“We were very fortunate to see many marine mammals on this trip. Our guide was excellent and seemed as excited as we were to get such amazing views of these majestic animals!”

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2.Victoria Whale and Wildlife Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,729 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $146Top rated

Join Eagle Wing Whale Watching Tours in Victoria for a 3.5-hour Salish Sea cruise with certified naturalists, warm gear, and a whale-sighting guarantee. Expect orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, otters, and seabirds, with guides such as Derek, Sarah, Joe, and Sierra sharing wildlife facts along the way.

“Crew was so informative. Were able to observe a family of 5 Orcas and enjoyed seeing Victoria from the water.”

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3.Newfoundland Puffin and Whale Watch Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 837 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $94Best value

From Bay Bulls, cruise aboard Gatherall’s catamaran to the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve. Expect puffins from mid-May, whales mainly from mid-June to mid-August, seabirds, icebergs in May and June, live commentary, Newfoundland songs, and a sheltered cabin if the North Atlantic turns rough.

“We paid extra to get picked up in town. The whale watching was great. We also got to see many puffins and other birds. The staff was great!!”

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4.2 Hours Guided Whale and Bird Boat Tour in Bay Bulls

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 557 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

From Bay Bulls, you’ll spend about two hours cruising the four islands of Witless Bay Ecological Reserve with naturalist guides and crew. Expect huge seabird colonies, puffins, auks, petrels, and a chance at minke whales or dolphins. Bring warm clothing, and consider the optional shuttle from St. John’s.

“Great captain, reliable boat, awesome views of puffins. They were upfront on the site and at tour desk that it was the end of the season and we probably wouldn't see any whales and most of the puffins were also gone. Made the ones we saw a bit more special. They also caught a few cod to the delight of passengers. Shuttle ride to and from the cruise ship pier was safe and comfortable with a great guide telling us what we were seeing and what to expect at the boat.”

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