Bay of Fundy Whale Watching: Species, Seasons & What to Expect

The Bay of Fundy, stretching between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, is one of the most productive whale watching destinations on Earth. Its record-breaking tides — the highest in the world, rising and falling up to 16 metres twice a day — stir cold, nutrient-rich waters to the surface, creating an immense feeding ground that draws whales, seals, porpoises, and seabirds every summer. Whale watching tours depart from the historic seaside town of St. Andrews-by-the-Sea, New Brunswick, putting guests within minutes of some of the bay's most reliable feeding areas.

The whale watching season in the Bay of Fundy typically runs from late June through October, with July, August, and September offering the most consistent sightings. During these months, humpback whales, minke whales, and enormous fin whales feed in the bay, while the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale occasionally visits in late summer and fall. Harbour porpoises, grey and harbour seals, bald eagles, and colonies of seabirds round out an outing that feels less like a tour and more like a wildlife documentary.

Cruisin' With The Whales runs family-friendly whale watching charters aboard Bub's Bounty and private excursions aboard Mildred's Melody, all led by experienced captains who know where the whales were feeding yesterday — and where to find them today. Tours last roughly two to three hours, and onboard guides share facts about whale behaviour, bay ecology, and the local history of St. Andrews along the way. Whether it's your first time on the water or your fiftieth, the bay's combination of dramatic tides, abundant wildlife, and coastal scenery makes every trip unforgettable.