Between rocky mountains, green forests and breathtaking landscapes, Canada has no shortage of arguments to attract lovers of the great outdoors. There are also magnificent places to observe the passage of marine creatures such as whales. The CBC site has compiled a list of the best destinations to go to observe the 35 species of whales that pass off the Canadian coast. Here are three:
The Bay of Fundy
With the arrival of good weather, four species of whales pass off the Bay of Fundy, located between the provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, in the far east of Canada. From June to October, minke whales, then humpback whales, humpback whales and North Atlantic right whales follow one another on their migratory path towards warmer waters.
The town of Saint Andrews, New Brunswick, is a perfect starting point for hiking along the coast and observing large cetaceans amid the region’s resplendent landscapes. In addition to the whales, porpoises, seals, dolphins and even an orca accustomed to the region will pass pell-mell.
The estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence
The St. Lawrence estuary, in Quebec, is an exceptional observation site. And for good reason: twelve different species of whales pass there between May and October, not counting the group of belugas which live there all year round. Their observation is made from Tadoussac, north of Quebec City.
Covering an area of 1,245 square kilometers, the Saguenay-Saint Laurent Marine Park offers a breathtaking view of the fjord of the same name, where cetaceans frolic. On site, you can also observe 2,200 species of animals such as porpoises, seals, dolphins and splendid birds.
The Salish Sea
Between the mainland and Vancouver Island in the Pacific province of British Columbia, numerous pods of whales and orcas are visible throughout the year. Exceptional attendance which makes the reputation of the place. Boat excursions are organized there from March to October to observe marine animals.
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To maximize your chances of seeing humpback and gray whales, it is recommended to depart from Nanaimo on Vancouver Island and head north to Parksville and Campbell River, where the viewing points are located. departure of excursions. If you’re lucky, you’ll also be able to spot sea lions, porpoises and black bears.
Finally, it is also possible to go to Newfoundland and Labrador, on the east coast of the country, for the chance to see the largest population of humpback whales in the world as well as 21 other species of whales and whales. dolphins. Western Hudson Bay is also a favorite place for cetacean enthusiasts since it is home to more than 50,000 belugas.
