As Dale Dunlop and Alison Scott say in their book "Exploring Nova Scotia," Nova Scotia is the most popular destination for whale watching in eastern North America. The waters there have a plethora of organic material that feeds the plankton that feeds 59 whale species. These species include fin whales, humpbacks and even the rare Atlantic right whale, as well as porpoises, dolphins and smaller minke whales.
While you're whale watching, you might see many whales blowing water out of their blowholes. You may see whales breaching, which means leaping out of the water--a spectacular sight. No one knows for sure why whales breach, but they may do it to remove barnacles and lice, or to communicate with other whales. You might see whales slapping their flukes on the water, or even lying still near the surface (called logging, perhaps because they lie motionless like driftwood). Whales often engage in spyhopping as well, lifting their heads out of the water to survey their surroundings.
In Nova Scotia, prime whale-watching season runs from spring to late fall, according to Dunlop and Scott. This gives you ample opportunity to see whales throughout the vacation season.
As the Whale Watching Tips website says, going earlier in the day also gives you a better chance of seeing whales and other marine mammals, since the sea is usually calmer.
The Bay of Fundy is perhaps the most popular whale-watching destination off the coast of Nova Scotia (and thus on the entire eastern seaboard of North America). The Gulf of St. Lawrence and Cabot Straight also offer ample whale-watching opportunities, especially for pilot whales, as Dunlop and Scott point out. Many whale-watching tour boat companies in these areas offer a money-back guarantee that their customers will see whales.
Going out to sea on a boat will give you the best chance of seeing whales close up, especially on misty days. Many whale-watching companies will take you out on the open sea. While it costs more than watching from the shore, you'll have a better chance of seeing the whales. If you decide to go with a tour boat company, choose a reputable one. Ask the town's visitors' center for recommendations. You may want to book your tour in advance to ensure a spot. You'll find information about touring companies below under Resources.
As the Whale Sightings website says, be sure that the company you choose uses respectful practices. If the company donates a portion of its proceeds to a conservation organization, that may be a sign that it has the best interest of whales and other marine life at heart.
Wear layers, with warm, waterproof clothing on top, such as a rain jacket or poncho, and bring a hat. It's bound to get breezy out on the open sea, or even along the coast of Nova Scotia, and you might get wet. Wear waterproof, non-skid shoes as well. Remember your binoculars and your camera. Keep them in waterproof cases, and wrap them securely around your neck. Or, if you prefer not to be behind the lens, leave the camera at home and record your experiences in a journal later. The Whale Watching Tips website lists other handy things to bring, like water, snacks, ginger ale (for motion sickness) and a change of clothes.
