Best Times and Locations to Spot Whales in Newfoundland
- FancifulRoamer
- Jan 17
- 5 min read
Every year, humpback whales come up around Newfoundland to feed on capelin. Locals and tourists alike are eager to see them breach out of the water and show their tails.
Read on to find the best tips on spotting whales in Newfoundland, directly from locals. All the spots I list, I have been to and personally watched the whales frolic.
Best Times for Whale Watching in Newfoundland
The whale feeding season in Newfoundland stretches from June to September. The whales usually arrive in June, and they are gone in September.
The best month to whale watch in Newfoundland is July, which is when whales are at peak activity.
You need to keep an eye on the forecast for clear days with maximum visibility. Newfoundland is known for foggy, drizzly days, so plan accordingly.
Choose a day with clear skies, no precipitation, and low winds. This is vital when you choose to go on a boat tour. Most tours will not go out if the visibility is low, anyway.
The time of day is not so relevant as long as you have a clear day. The fewer waves, the better views you will have.
Top Locations for Whale Watching
The humpback whale's feeding itinerary stretches from the southeast of the Avalon Peninsula to the northwest corner of Newfoundland.
So here are the best places to watch whales this summer:
St. John's
You may spot whales from Signal Hill or on coastal hikes. It's best to have binoculars with you.
You have a high chance of spotting whales on a boat tour from Bay Bulls. You do have to keep in mind that nobody can guarantee that you'll see whales.
The whales go where the fish are, so they move around every day.
Even if you don't see any whales, it's a fun and unique activity. You will see birds and maybe other marine life.
My first boat tour was with O'Brien's, and I didn't see any whales. But we did see puffins, and we saw an iceberg melting right in front of us. The boat captain even fished out a piece of ice for us to try and nibble on. We got to take photos in front of an iceberg, as well as hold a piece of ice frozen for at least a few thousand years.
Go to the Bay Bulls Lighthouse for stunning views and a challenging hike, with a chance of whales.
Conception Bay
The next whale hangout on the map is the Conception Bay area. So you could have hikes or a road trip and keep your eyes on the water.
Stop at the Newfoundland Distillery for a snack, and don't miss Some Good Market for local crafts.
Then, stop in Brigus for fish and chips, cute shops, and lovely strolls. You'll get a great view from the Brigus Lighthouse.
Trinity Bay
The next stop is Bonavista Peninsula, which offers a few days' worth of cool places and attractions.
We always visit Trinity, Port Rexton, and Bonavista town.
You must stop in Elliston to see the puffins. Binoculars are recommended for this as well.
You can often spot whales from the Elliston area.
Last year, we saw quite a few whales from the Cape Bonavista Lighthouse. They put on a great show, flapping their fins and tails. It was amazing to see; we were very lucky.
You may spot whales all the way to Twillingate and Fogo, if you're going that far. It makes for a beautiful road trip, with lots to see and wonderful hikes.
St. Vincent Beach
St. Vincent Beach is a long, pebbly beach on the south side of the Avalon Peninsula. It is a bit out of the way, but if you're close by, it's worth a visit.
The water level drops very deep, very quickly, so the whales get pretty close while eating fish.
You should bring a picnic and sit for a while. It's rare to be able to see whales up so close from a beach.
Types of Whales Commonly Seen
There are several types of whales roaming around Newfoundland, but the Humpback whale is the most majestic.
Here is what to look for. The first time I watched whales, I didn't see anything. I didn't know what to look for.
For Humpback whales, look for sprays of water just over the ocean. They also show their tail and turn to the side with the flipper out. They make splashes when breaching, coming up out of the water, and then crashing back in. That kind of display is breathtaking.
Keep in mind that you have the best chance to spot whales when there are no waves, no wind.
Minke whales are fairly common; you usually see their backs with a small dorsal fin.
Pothead whales look a lot like dolphins, and they travel in large packs.
Sperm whales have a small dorsal fin and a long head. They won't be splashing with their small side fins either. They love deep water and hunting squid.
The blue whale is a lot like the humpback, but way larger.
Obviously I'm no whale expert, but it's cool to know what the whales are like in appearance and behaviour.
Any whale spotted is an incredible sight to see, but the Newfoundland journey is just as fun.
How to Experience Whale Watching
Hike
The more you hike along the coast, the more time you have looking out for whales.
Luckily, a lot of attractions are also on the coast. So, visiting Newfoundland as you would, you may come across whale sightings.
Book boat tours
There are several boat tours in Newfoundland, mainly from Bay Bulls and Trinity.
Check the weather conditions and pick a nice, clear day with no wind or fog.
Sea Kayak
You can rent a kayak and have an adventure. Operators will guide you to whale sighting sites. Be safe and keep your distance from any wildlife.
Have a road trip
Going on a road trip around Newfoundland is a great way to chase the whales. Whenever you stop at a cliff or a lighthouse, take your binoculars out and check the water.
What to bring
No matter what you're doing in Newfoundland, be prepared with layers of waterproof and warm, breathable clothes. Wear waterproof, comfortable hiking boots. Wear long pants to protect yourself from prickly plants and boat gear.
Always have binoculars with you.
If you get motion sick, you might need seasickness remedies for the boat tour. Dress warm for the boat, as it is way cooler out on the water. Some boat tours even have special jackets that you wear over everything else you have on, it's that cold.
Do not throw anything overboard or try to attract marine life with food. Food for us is garbage for them.
Never ask to get closer to the whales; we never want to disturb them.
Extra tip
Join social media groups that make note of sightings and current whale locations.
I hope you have a pleasant trip. Book everything as much in advance as possible, and be flexible. Enjoy Newfoundland, and I hope my tips help you see some whales!
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