by Becky Wolfe Majestic Beast on Both Coasts Orcas, humpbacks, belugas and more! Whale watching has become a popular activity in North America. Great tails of the humpbacks lifting out of the water, or leaping killer whales performing acrobats, it’s a sight and experience that will leave you in awe! Along the east coast on the Atlantic, to the west coast along the Pacific, whale watching opportunities are in abundance in North America, ready for you to experience.

Where and When If you’re going to the east coast to see whales, the best time to go is late Spring through Summer. This is when the mighty humpback whales make their annual migration north. These gentle giants are returning from their winter breeding waters in the south to feed on the plentiful quantities of fish and krill in the cooler waters of the north and to give birth to their calves. Along the north Atlantic coast of Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire there will be plenty of opportunities for humpback sightings but they are most densely populated in the waters around Newfoundland and Labrador during this time, especially in July and August. The Pacific coast is also a great place to see a diversity of whales, the most popular being orcas. Killer whales often live and travel in pods (think of it like herds) and you can see them in the greatest numbers in the coastal waters of British Columbia. Spend some time in Vancouver Island’s west side communities like Tofino & Uclulet and you’ll find that these towns pulsate with the whale watching business. The best time of year for whale watching on the Pacific is from April to October. During this time, many pods of orcas make their homes in the waters around Vancouver Island, up north through the Queen Charlotte Islands, and places like the Strait of Georgia and Juan de Fuca Strait. They will also be found all the way up in the waters around Alaska, especially in the Seward, Whittier, and Homer areas. During this time, you may also have the opportunities to see gray whales, minke whales and also humpbacks, making the same migration from the south similar to the Atlantic humpbacks. Gray whales tend to migrate a bit earlier and are popular for sightings around the Tofino area in March and April. Additionally, in Alaska in the summer, you may be lucky enough to see beluga whales in the Cook Inlet area. How to Get Out to the Whales There are various methods of travel for you to experience your whale watching expedition depending on your level of adventure. A coastal cruise ship can give you ample opportunities for whale viewing from a position of luxury and comfort. Whales like orcas tend to be a bit more playful & like to show off (much like dolphins do) so they aren’t as fearful even of the bigger vessels. However, smaller vessels can often get you closer to the action, providing more intimate encounters with these creatures of the deep. Yachts and boats of this size can accommodate several people, get you close to the whales and still provide a level of comfort and security. A highly popular and more adventuresome type of whale watching is to go out with large zodiac style boats. This allows you to get much closer to the whales, and requires that you the comfort of a cruise, but it can prove to be a very exhilarating encounter with the whales. Finally, for the highly brave and adventurous, nothing can compare with sea kayaking among orcas or humpbacks. Imagine fins and tails breeching the water within just a few feet of your paddles, humpbacks spouting beside you, or orcas nudging your boat. Sea kayak whale watching is not for the faint at heart! What to Bring Though many tour companies may provide you with the basics, like a life jacket and maybe even rain gear, it’s important to know that you have a good chance of getting wet (especially in the smaller boats), and so you should be properly prepared for that. Ocean air is often cooler and damper than on land so be sure to dress warmly. A jacket that is both water-proof and wind-proof is a good idea. Even if the sky is cloudy or the air is cool, remember to put on sunscreen, and don’t forget a hat or sunglasses. Also, if you have a tendency toward motion sickness, be sure to take your medication about an hour before your tour. By all means, don’t forget your camera and binoculars, but keep in mind that they can get moisture on them, and can get splashed. There are whale watching opportunities available for every type of traveler, whether you like to travel in comfort or love the thrill of an adventure. Humpbacks in the Atlantic or orcas and more in the Pacific, no matter which side you choose, a whale watching tour will be an experience you will never forget.