Newfoundland
Whale Watching Tours
From Bay Bulls to Twillingate to St. Anthony every major whale watching tour operator and location.
Newfoundland offers some of the finest whale watching in North America productive North Atlantic feeding grounds, shallow bays that bring humpbacks close to shore, and dedicated tour operators running from May through September. Here is every major option by location.
Whale Watching by Location
| Location | Operators | Species | Best Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bay Bulls / Witless Bay | O’Brien’s (22 Lower Rd), Gatherall’s (90 Northside Rd) | Humpback, minke | June-Sept | Largest puffin colony in North America on same tour |
| St. John’s Harbour | Iceberg Quest Ocean Tours | Humpback, minke | June-Aug | Departs from St. John’s harbour |
| Petty Harbour | Various operators | Humpback | Late summer | Just outside St. John’s, great land-based viewing |
| Trinity Bay | Trinity Eco-Tours | Humpback, minke | June-Aug | Sea kayaking tours also available |
| Twillingate | Iceberg Man Tours (709-884-2242), Twillingate Island Boat Tours | Humpback, minke | May-Sept | Combined iceberg and whale watching May/June |
| Bonavista Bay | Bonavista Puffin & Whale Tours, Discovery Sea Adventures | Humpback, minke, fin | June-Aug | Also offers puffin and iceberg tours |
| St. Anthony | Northland Discovery Tours | Humpback, minke, orca | May-July | Northern Peninsula orca sightings possible |
In May and early June, many whale watching tours also offer views of icebergs particularly in Twillingate and Bonavista. This triple play of icebergs, humpback whales, and Atlantic puffins on the same outing is one of the most sought-after wildlife experiences in Canada. The first two weeks of June represent the optimal window.
Shore-Based Whale Watching Free Options
You do not need a boat to see whales in Newfoundland. St. Vincent’s Beach on the Avalon Peninsula is famous for humpbacks feeding metres from the shoreline with no boat required (2-2.5 hours southwest of St. John’s). Cape Bonavista Lighthouse headland, Long Point Lighthouse in Twillingate, and the East Coast Trail near St. John’s all offer free clifftop whale viewing in summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning Whale Watching in Newfoundland?
Book your rental car to reach Bay Bulls, Twillingate, or Trinity from St. John’s.
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