The Best Places to See Marine Wildlife in Canada

Canada is home to diverse marine ecosystems teeming with fascinating wildlife. Here are some of the best places in Canada to witness and experience marine animals up close:

1. Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia

The Bay of Fundy is renowned for having the highest tides in the world, attracting a variety of marine species. Visitors can witness incredible whale watching opportunities, including sightings of humpback whales, fin whales, and the endangered North Atlantic right whales. Additionally, the bay is ideal for viewing seabirds, seals, and the famous Bay of Fundy lobster.

2. Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Vancouver Island is a mecca for marine wildlife enthusiasts. One of the highlights is the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, offering opportunities to spot gray whales, orcas, seals, sea lions, and porpoises. The island is also renowned for its thriving salmon runs, attracting bears and eagles that feed on these fish along the coast.

3. Churchill, Manitoba

Churchill, known as the polar bear capital of the world, also offers incredible marine wildlife viewing options. Along the Hudson Bay, visitors can observe beluga whales in their natural habitat. Thousands of these white whales gather here during the summer months, creating a unique opportunity for snorkelers to interact with them in the water.

4. Fathom Five National Marine Park, Ontario

Fathom Five National Marine Park, located near the Bruce Peninsula, is a must-visit destination for freshwater marine wildlife enthusiasts. The park is home to fascinating shipwrecks, underwater caves, and clear waters teeming with diverse fish species, including lake trout, walleye, and salmon. Snorkelers and scuba divers can explore this underwater world and observe the thriving aquatic life.

5. Baffin Island, Nunavut

Baffin Island, situated in the Canadian Arctic, offers a unique opportunity to encounter marine wildlife found in cold subarctic waters. Visitors can witness massive colonies of seabirds, polar bears, seals, walruses, and even narwhals—the unicorns of the sea. Expeditions to Baffin Island provide an unforgettable experience surrounded by stunning Arctic landscapes.

6. Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park, Quebec

The Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park provides an incredible marine environment for spotting whales and other marine mammals. Regular sightings include beluga whales, minke whales, fin whales, and porpoises. The park offers various observation points, guided cruises, and kayak tours, making it accessible and exciting for wildlife enthusiasts.