Nova Scotia Whale Watching
 

We are going to be in Nova Scotia from June 20-30 and want to take a whale watching trip. Would whale watching be best from the Digby area, or farther north in the Cape Breton area?

We want a boat, not a zodiac. Any recommendations?

Not sure you will see many whales that time of year? I typically think the best time is August/Sept? However, check out this site http://www.novascotiawhalewatching.ca This operator is located in Digby Neck and appears to have the larger boat you are seeking. The water should be warmer in that area compared to Cape Breton - may be more whales?

Sorry to intrude, but a question for Tanya. It's been many years since I lived in Hfx but during those years I never remember N.S. being known as a location for whale watching - always thought of it as a Quebec/Nfld thing. Are they quite commonly spotted on tours in Aug/Sept? Thanks.

I hear Brier Island is suppose to be very good. There's a company there that guarantees you will see whales, or he will give you a voucher for another tour. Here's the link for that www.brierislandwhalewatch.com and a general link for info on Brier Island www.brierisland.org

Hi, thanks for the links - it certainly looks worth a visit.

Hi - I haven't taken the whale watching tours from Nova Scotia but have looked into them. The ones off Digby Neck go into the Bay of Fundy and target a number of the larger species. I have taken a whale tour into Fundy, but from Grand Manan Island off the New Brunswick Coast. We had a spectacular close-up encounter with a pair of humpbacks, saw several more as well as a couple of other species and lots of pelagic (sea) birds. But, as pointed out - that was later in the season - around mid August. However, Grand Manan is a famous location for whales and birds, otherwise quite off the beaten track. There were a couple of well-recommended operators - and we were on a "boat", not a Zodiac.

Off the coast of Cape Breton we have also seen the whale tour boats. In fact, we have often seen pods of Pilot Whales offshore while driving on the Cabot Trail.

I believe there are also Whale Tours from locations along the Lighthouse Route, e.g. Lunenburg.

Another spot good for whales is in Quebec (which may be sort of enroute for you depending on where you're coming from and if you're driving) - the Saguenay River where it meets the St. Lawrence is known for Belugas, Minkes and others. In fact, we've also seen these species right from shore in this area. Again that was later in August - so time of year is important for all locations, check that out.