Whale Watching in Newfoundland: A Guide to the Best Locations and Sightings
Tales from The Rock- Mar 12
- 3 min read
Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) is one of the best places in the world for whale watching. Every summer, thousands of whales, including humpbacks, minke, and orcas, make their way to NL’s waters to feed on capelin and krill. From boat tours to cliffside viewpoints, there’s no shortage of ways to see these awe-inspiring creatures up close.
Sometimes you get the magic of a 2-for-1 (or 3-for-1) bonus - alongside the whales, you might spot icebergs and puffins, making your NL trip an unforgettable adventure!
When Is the Best Time to See Whales in Newfoundland?
The prime whale-watching season in NL runs from mid-June to late August, though sightings can begin as early as May and last into September. According to NewfoundlandLabrador.com, humpback whales—NL’s most famous visitors—migrate here each year, with peak activity in July when capelin roll onto the shores.
Some of the Best Locations for Whale Watching in Newfoundland: Whales Watching Newfoundland Best Locations
1. Witless Bay Ecological Reserve
Home to the largest puffin colony in North America, this reserve is also a whale-watching hotspot. Boat tours from Bay Bulls provide unforgettable encounters with humpbacks and minkes.
2. Trinity Bay
A scenic area with regular whale activity, Trinity Bay is also known for its charming historic towns and stunning coastal trails.
3. St. Vincent’s Beach
Located on the southern Avalon Peninsula, this unique spot lets you see whales breaching just offshore from the comfort of the beach.
4. Bonavista Peninsula
Humpbacks often follow the capelin into Bonavista Bay, and the region’s rugged cliffs provide incredible whale-watching viewpoints.
5. L’Anse aux Meadows and St. Anthony
In the north, this area offers fewer crowds and a chance to see orcas and other whales up close.
Can You See Puffins and Icebergs Too?
Absolutely! Newfoundland is a natural wonderland where you can see multiple attractions at once:
Puffins: From May to August, puffins nest in large colonies along the coasts, particularly in Witless Bay and Elliston (known as the “Root Cellar Capital of the World”). A puffin tour is a must for bird lovers.
Icebergs: While iceberg season peaks in May and June, lingering icebergs can still be spotted in northern areas like St. Anthony into early July.
Combine a boat tour in late June or early July to maximize your chances of seeing whales, puffins, and the odd iceberg in one go.
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Travel Tips for Whale Watching in NL
1. Book a Boat Tour Early
Tours fill up fast in peak season. Book ahead with companies like Ocean Quest and O’Brien’s Boat Tours for an up-close experience.
2. Bring Binoculars and a Camera
While boat tours often get you close to the action, a good zoom lens or binoculars will ensure you don’t miss anything.
3. Dress for the Weather
Even in summer, the North Atlantic can be chilly. Layer up with windproof clothing and wear sturdy shoes.
4. Check Capelin Roll Reports
Capelin rolling (when fish spawn on the beaches) attracts whales closer to shore. Websites like Fisheries and Oceans Canada sometimes report on capelin activity.
"If your timing is good, when the capelin are rolling, you can see whales (almost) everywhere. One year, we hiked to the Cabot Tower, through The Battery, and we stopped half way up and sat on the rocks for a tea and a muffin. Wouldn't ya know it, but there were whales, right there, at the mouth of the narrows! Magical!!"
5. Go for a Scenic Hike
Trails like the Skerwink Trail on the Bonavista Peninsula offer panoramic ocean views, where you might spot a breaching whale or puffin colony from the cliffs.
"One year, while hiking the Skerwink Trail, my cousin and I witnessed the most amazing view of about a dozen whales along the Skerwink Trail! Everywhere you looked, you could see another one! I was convinced they were there just for me, but my cousin quickly brought me back down to earth and reminded me that they were actually there for the capelin!"
Plan Your Whale-Watching Adventure Today!
Ready to see whales, puffins, and icebergs all in one trip?
Newfoundland and Labrador offers it all, making it one of the top destinations for nature lovers. Check out NewfoundlandLabrador.com and local tour operators to start planning your unforgettable journey!
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Keywords: whale watching, Newfoundland, Labrador, icebergs, humpbacks, minke, orcas, boat tours, hiking trail, capelin, Skerwink Trail, whale breaching, whale breach, Whales Watching Newfoundland Best Locations
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