Planning your summer adventures… Go whale watching in Nova Scotia.

You won’t be disappointed.

A few summers ago we were travelling along the South Western Shore of Nova Scotia and decided to take a whale watching tour. Although my husband and I both grew up in Nova Scotia and have seen a few whales in the distance from the shore or while out on boats neither of us had ever gone on a tour and experienced seeing the beautiful giants up close. Our girls had also never seen whales in nature and since we were visiting one of the best areas of the province to view whales, it seemed like the perfect time. We had an amazing day!

During the summer months, whales use the waters off Nova Scotia as a feeding ground, playground and nursery.

Types of Whales seen in Nova Scotia

Most Common: Humpback, Minke, Pilot and Fin

Humpback Whales:

Humpbacks have huge appetites – eating 1 800 – 2 500 Kg (4000-5500 Lbs)	Weight: Up to 40 823 Kg (90 000 Lbs)	Length: Up to 17.4 m (57 feet)	Found mostly in the Bay of Fundy
Return to the Bay of Fundy mid-June.	The Humpback gets it’s name from the way it arches it’s back out of the water before diving	Spout is bushy – up to 3m (10 feet) tall

Minke Whales:

Usually travel near the surface – great for whale watching	Weight: Up to 9 072 Kg (20 000Lbs)	Length: Up to 9 m (30 feet)	The Minke is a baleen whale
can dive for up to 25 min. without surfacing for air (voluntary breathers)	Minkes have V-shaped, pointed snout	Travel in small pods of 2-3	Minkes feed on krill, plankton and small fish

Pilot Whales:

Pilot whales are known for stranding themselves on beaches	Weight: Up to 1 300 Kg (2 900 Lbs)	Length: Up to 7.6 m (22 feet)	Travel in pods of 7-15
Pilot Whales are actually the 2nd largest Dolphin in the world	pilot whales eat up to 32 Kg (70 Lbs) of food each day	Pilot whales like to eat squid but will also eat fish	Pilot Whales off Cape Breton – YouTube Video

Fin Whales:

Second longest Cetacean on earth (after the blue whale)	Weight: Up to (120 202 Kg – 265 000 lbs)	Length: Up to 24m (79 feet)	Seen mostly in the Bay of Fundy
Fin or Fin-Back whales were also known as Herring Whales or Razor-Back Whales	Sleek, slender body	Can reach up to 40 Km (25 miles) / hour	A baleen whale that feeds on krill and small fish

A little less common: Blue and North Atlantic Right

Blue Whales :

The largest mammal on earth	Weight: Up to 200 Tons (181 437Kg – 400 000 lbs)	Length: Up to 30m (98 feet)	Seen mostly off Cape Breton Island but have been seen in the Bay of Fundy
A Blue Whale calf is born about 8m (26 feet) long and weighs 3 600 Kg (8000 Lbs)	Baby Blue whales feed on their mother’s milk for the first year and can gain 113 Kg (250 Lbs) . day	Blue Whales are endangered	CTV News clip of sighting off the Eastern Shore of NS

North Atlantic Right Whales

Endangered as of 2005 and have not shown signs of recovery	Weight: Up to 45 Tons (40 823 Kg – 90 000 Lbs)	Length: Up to 17.4 m (57 feet)	Found mostly in the Bay of Fundy (where they feed) but since 2017 large numbers have been sighted in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence between Cape Breton and Newfoundland
Only 300-350 believed to be left on the planet	Has no dorsal fin	Slow moving whale – gets it’s name from 19th century hunters – it was the “Right” whale to hunt!	It’s long baleen plates were used for combs, umbrellas and corsets.
Migrates between the Southeastern US and Canada	Bay of Fundy – Highest summer population Georgia & Florida – Highest winter population	Internationally protected since 1973	V-Shaped water spout

Infrequent Visitors: but can be seen (if you are lucky): Sei, Sperm, Beluga and Orca

Sei Whales:

Sei Whales live approximately 70 years	Weight: Up to 28 000 Kg (68 343 Lbs)	Length: Up to 19.5M (64 feet)	The Sei is a baleen whale
Sei Whales are endangered	Sei Whales were spotted in NS in 2018 – the first time since the 1960s (Check out the Global News coverage here)	The Sei Whale swims on it’s side through swarms of prey to consume up to 900 Kg (2 000 Lbs) each day	May be the fastest marine mammal capable of swimming up to 55 km (34 miles) / hour

Sperm Whales:

Sperm Whales are the world’s largest toothed animals	Weight: Up to 57 000 Kg (125 500 Lbs)	Length: Up to 18m (59 feet)	Sperm Whales have an enormous square shaped head
Moby Dick was a Sperm Whale (In Herman Melville’s classic novel)	A sperm Whale’s head is about 1/3 of it’s body	Sperm Whales are deep divers and feed on squid and fish	Spend most of their lives deep down in the water and rarely rest near the surface

Beluga Whales:

Belugas are very social and switch up the pods they swim with	Weight: Up to 1 600 Kg (3500 Lbs)	Length: Up to 5.4m (18 feet)	Belugas turn pure white between 5-12 years of age
belugas are a toothed whale but they prefer to swallow their meal (of fish) whole	Once called “Sea Canaries” because they like to squeal, squeak and chirp	Port Hillford, NS is the chosen sight of the new Whale Sanctuary for Belugas and Orcas	Like to travel in large pods

Orcas / Killer Whales:

Orcas are not really whales – like Belugas they belong to the dolphin family	Weight: Up to 6 600 Kg (14 550 Lbs)	Length: Up to 9m (30 feet)	Diet: Salmon
Orcas are actually the largest dolphin in the world	Orcas have been roaming oceans for approximately 6 million years	the new Whale Sactuary for Belugas and Orcas is behind schedule – CBC News	Killer Whales spotted off Cape Breton – CTV News Coverage

How to go Whale Watching in Nova Scotia

There are three ways to see whales in Nova Scotia:

From the Shore – If you are very lucky, you can sometimes spot whales from the shore. You can’t really set a time, go out and expect to see a whale or two, but while walking along a shore trail or out on a wharf you may see spray in the distance or a whale surfacing.

Report of a bottlenose Whale in Spry Bay, NS – YouTube Video

Whales in the Canso Causeway, Cape Breton, NS – You Tube Video

On a Whale Watching Tour – A tour definitely gives you the best chance of seeing whales. The operators know the migration paths and feeding grounds and know where to look. Tour guides also are well versed in whale knowledge and share a lot of interesting information about the different species in the area and most can tell a “Whale of a Tale”, so you’ll most likely hear some interesting stories!

Some tour boats may also be equipped with a hydrophone which will allow you to hear the whales.

Whale Watching Tour – Bay of Fundy, NS – YouTube Video

Zodiac Whale Watching Tour – Cape Breton, NS – YouTube Video

While Sea Kayaking – Again there is no guarantee that you will see a whale while out kayaking, but if you do – WOW, you are definitely in for a once in a lifetime adventure and maybe a little scary one – they may be gentle giants but they are BIG!

Kayaking with Whales and Dolphins – Canso Causeway, NS – YouTube Video

Kayaking with Baluga’s – Ingonish Harbour, Cape Breton NS – YouTube Video

Kayaking with a Baluga – Liverpool, NS – YouTube Video

When to go Whale Watching in Nova Scotia

Late Spring, Summer and Fall – Whales start to arrive in Nova Scotia in late spring and leave early October. The best whale watching months are June to October with August being the best and busiest. June can often be foggy and make viewing difficult but the photographs are often amazing!

Each tour group has a different schedule, depending on the migration patterns in their area.

If you are looking to see a specific species, check with the tour operators. They know the species and migration patterns of the whales in their area and often throughout the province and can help guide you to the perfect location.

Nova Scotia is a popular destination for whales to breed and feed during the summer months.

It is best to pre-register to avoid full boats and disappointment – especially in August.

Where to see Whales in Nova Scotia

The two main places for whale watching tours are: The Bay of Fundy and Cape Breton, although you can also pick up a tour in Lunenburg and Halifax and may be able to see whales from the shore anywhere along the coastline.

Find a list of Nova Scotia Whale Watching Tour Operators at novascotia.com and a Lunenburg operator here!

Types of Whale Watching Tours in Nova Scotia

There are two main types of whale watching tours in Nova Scotia. By boat (usually a 30′-40′ fishing boat) or by zodiac. The type of experience you want and your physical limitations will help decide which option you choose. Both are great options giving you amazing views of the whales. The chart below can help you decide the best option for you!

ZODIAC	BOAT
Closer to the water (and; therefore, the whales)	Higher off the water, GREAT viewing
More exposed to the spray and weather (you may get wet) Some operators provide wet-type flotation suits.	Often have a covered area to get out of the weather
Not suitable for young children, those with mobility issues or pregnant women	Suitable for all passengers
No washroom	May have a washroom
Less crowded – often under 12 participants	More comfortable – often have benches to use while moving to and from the sightings and more room to move around
Can be very exhilarating – zodiacs move faster in the water and the whales can get very and even nudge the craft.	The deck area is much larger and can accommodate more participants which can mean it is a little harder to get a great spot along the edge of the boat during sightings
Tours tend to be shorter on the zodiacs as they get to and from the sighting grounds faster – 2-2.5 Hrs	Boat tours tend to run a little longer as they travel slower than the zodiacs. 3-4 Hrs
If you have the appropriate camera equipment and can keep it dry – you can get some amazing close ups	Steadier and often better for photographers – a little dryer for your camera equipment (but again, it depends on the pictures you want)
There is not much time for chatting with your tour guide while moving but questions can be asked and information given when stopped at a sighting	There is more time to talk with your guide and hear their stories

What to Expect on a Whale Watching Tour

Once you have chosen your tour operator, type of watercraft you prefer and have booked your time slot, what should you expect?

You should arrive early, usually at least 1/2 hr. before your sail time – this time is usually used for safety demonstrations, boarding and last minute to do’s.

Once you set sail, your guide will point out interesting sights and regale you with stories and information on the whales, other sea creatures and birds you may see.

You will sail / motor out to the feeding grounds – the tour guides are very experienced and know where to look. Once a pod or individual whale is spotted, the captain will slow the boat and approach quietly – staying in place near the whale(s) for an extended period giving everyone time to see the whales, interact with them (wave, etc.) and take pictures. The captain may then move on to another sighting or depending on the number of whales and timing – head back to shore.

The sail back is usually much quieter, everyone is happy and chatting about the sighting and watching for more whales or other sea life.

What to Bring Whale Watching in Nova Scotia

• Dress in Layers – even on a hot summer day an extra sweatshirt or jacket may be needed on the water. In the fall hats, mitts and scarves may also come in handy.
• Rain Gear – It can get pretty windy and wet out on the water – even if it isn’t raining, rain gear might be a good idea. – When booking your whale watching tour ask about the operations cancellation policy, most will not cancel for rain – if a cancellation is necessary due to extreme weather or unforeseen circumstances some tour operators may offer a free ride on another tour.
• Sunglasses (polarized will cut down the glare off the water)
• Camera / cell phone / video camera
• Binoculars
• Snacks
• Motion Sickness medication – better safe than sorry!
• Note: If you are touring on a zodiac they often provide floatation suits

The Ethics of Whale Watching in Nova Scotia

If not done properly, whale watching can be dangerous to both the whales and the watchers. Boats going too fast around surfacing whales can get into trouble and those going too close to breeding grounds can be disruptive to nursing whales. The noise of a boat can also harm the whales and force them to change their natural behaviour.

In Nova Scotia, all whale watching tour operators follow Canadian Marine Mammal Regulations which dictates the distance boats must stay from a whale in order to keep it safe and stress free. Distances can vary in different parts of the country and province and are outlined on the Marine Mammal Regulations page linked above.

As a general rule keeping a minimum of 100m away from most whales is now the law.

Other Things You May See

• White Sided Dolphins
• Harbour Porpoises
• Basking Sharks
• Harbour Seals
• Atlantic Blue Fin Tuna
• Atlantic Puffins
• Black and White Razor Bills
• Northern Gannets
• Great Black-backed Gulls
• Cormorants
• Bald Eagles – Check out our post on How & Where to Photograph Eagles in NS
• Leatherback Turtles
• Osprey – The official bird of Nova Scotia

Fun Whale Facts

• Whales take good care of their young and teach them life skills
• A Sperm Whale’s brain weighs approximately 9Kg (almost 20 Lbs)
• Whales are voluntary breathers, can hold their breath for a long time and surface when they want to breathe.
• Whales are very social and often travel in pods, bonding, singing and playing together – they also like to show-off for humans
• A Blue Whale’s heart pumps 5 300L (1400 Gal ) around it’s body
• Whale’s are air breathing mammals that feed their babies with their own milk
• All whales, porpoises and dolphins are known as Cetaceans – derived from the Greek word Ketos meaning Sea Monster!

Have you been whale watching in Nova Scotia? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!