Tell a whale of a tale this summer
Whale-watching has become known as a classic Atlantic Canadian tourist attraction, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the wonder of our own backyard as well.
If you want to cross whalewatching off of your staycation bucket list, here are a few great places to try your luck.
NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR
St. Vincent’s is one of Canada’s best whale-watching destinations, with humpback whales coming extremely close to the shore during early July. They make their way to St. Vincent’s in search of their favourite food — capelin.
One of the greatest things about this destination is that it includes paved parking and is fully wheelchair accessible, so everyone can enjoy the magic of being up close and personal with these magnificent creatures.
With or without a visit from the friendly giants, St. Vincent’s is home to a beautiful cove that will remind you of the beauty Newfoundland is known for.
“We spent two and a half hours at St. Vincent’s and the whales never stopped breaching the shoreline. It was amazing," says Terry Lynn Slaunwhite, from Halifax.
Madonna Martin, who lives in St. Vincent's, would recommend everyone come for a visit to see whales up close.
“The whales are a unique experience anywhere, but here in our scenic little town, they are a stone’s throw away from where you stand on the beach," she says. "There’s a sharp drop-off that allows these magnificent creatures to come so close to shore. Their stay is short but they bring so much excitement and life into our area. People from all over the world are in awe.”
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
The beach is located at Route 90, St. Vincent’s, NL Wheelchair accessible
Free and open to all members of the public
NOVA SCOTIA
Mariner Cruises offers a twofor-one special with their whale-watching and seabird tours that promise an exciting sea adventure.
Mariner Cruises has been offering whale-watching and birding tours in the Bay of Fundy for more than 27 years, and every tour is hosted by local naturalists who love to share their passion with visitors.
The waters off of Brier Island are a summer feeding ground, bringing large schools of herring and mackerel that attract whales, dolphins, seabirds, and even seals.
As an added bonus, all of Mariner Cruises’ captains and crew members are committed to the preservation of this important ecosystem, meaning they ensure the animals are not disturbed during your visit.
WHAT YOU
NEED TO KNOW
Mariner Cruises is located on Brier Island, which can be reached by East Ferry (now free of charge)
COVID-19 measures, such as hand sanitizing and masks in the indoor office space, are in place to protect visitors and staff
Standard tour tickets are $50 for adults, $42 for seniors and students, $28 for children and free for kids under three
For more information, call 902-839-2346 or email whales@novascotiawhalewatching.ca
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
With a whale watching tour from PEI Sea Adventures, you can join father and son duo Lucas and Darrell Lesperance on the sea adventure of a lifetime.
While keeping your eyes peeled for whales, you can also fish for mackerel, herring, cod, and halibut, which will be filleted by the Sea Adventures
team and sent home with you free of charge.
So whether you’ve got a group of two or 12, this is an experience you won't want to miss.
In addition to their whale watching tours, PEI Sea Adventures offers tuna charters, deep-sea fishing, sunset tours, a lobster trap haul demo, and more.
WHAT YOU
NEED TO KNOW
More information can be found at peiseaadventures. com
Adult tickets are $50, youth 12 and under cost $30, and kids under four years are free
Tours leave from Naufrage Harbour, PEI
Call 902-969-7873 or email info@peiseaadventures.com
NEW BRUNSWICK
Since 2004, Jolly Breeze Tall Ship Whale Adventures has helped more than 125,000 people from around the world experience an incredible whale-watching adventure on the Bay of Fundy. Will you be their next visitor?
Not only will you be surrounded by beautiful landscapes and have the chance to spot the majestic whales in the bay, but you’ll also get to check out some of the province’s best lighthouses as you sail.
Visitors can choose between the classic tall ship or one of the 12-passenger motor vessels to find an adventure that suits their preferences. Jolly Breeze combines humour and education to offer the perfect whale watching experience with a success rate of 96 per cent on their sightings.
Don’t forget to check out the onboard touch aquarium where you can get up close and personal with starfish, sea urchins, and crabs.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Jolly Breeze Whale Adventures is located at 4 King Street, St. Andrews
More information can be found at jollybreeze.com
Tickets are $75 for adults, $60 for students, and $50 for kids with group rates available
There is space for two wheelchairs onboard; however, there is a 10-inch step that is not wheelchair accessible. There are handrails available and staff is happy to assist all visitors to board comfortably.
Contact 506-529-8116 or email jollybreeze@hotmail. com
Planning a staycation to enjoy the best Atlantic Canada has to offer this summer? SaltWire is offering a travel guidestyle series to help you plan a trip, highlighting interesting activities for families, couples and more. Visit SaltWire.com for the full series.