Enjoy a self-drive whale watching tour to New Brunswick, where the Bay of Fundy’s huge tidal range brings with it potential for a baleen bonanza in the most scenic of surrounds. See minke, fin, humpback whales and if you're lucky, North Atlantic right whales.
Over the summer months, whale watching experiences in New Brunswick and the Bay of Fundy abound as ocean giants stop here to feed and raise their young. Humpback, fin, minke and extremely rare North Atlantic right whales may be seen along with dolphins, harbour porpoise, seals and a plethora of birds. From your base in St Andrews, embark on daily whale watching excursions into the bay, binoculars and cameras at the ready in the hope to witness these incredible creatures. Afterwards, a dose of scenic splendour awaits, exploring sea caves by kayak and the iconic Hopewell Rocks. Car hire is included on this self-drive break, so you can explore the area at your leisure. Whale, dolphin and bird watching in New Brunswick has never been so good!
Should you prefer to extend your time in the Bay of Fundy, please consider our Whales of the Bay of Fundy Self-drive, which incorporates Nova Scotia too.
Welcome to New Brunswick!
On arrival at Saint John, collect your hire car and make your way to your overnight accommodation. The rest of the day will be at leisure to explore the city or relax after your journey.
Saint John (known in French as Ville de St Jean), is the largest city in the province, and the second largest in the maritime provinces after Halifax, Nova Scotia. Situated on the north shore of the Bay of Fundy, at the mouth of the Saint John River, it has a population of around 70,000.
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Saint John Harbour Side, 1-night
Your adventure really begins today as you drive down the coast towards St Andrews, around an hour and a half away.
Should you wish to, why not build in a visit to the scenic island of Grand Manan, the largest of the Fundy Isles, en route? Regular ferries depart from Blacks Harbour (just 45 minutes from Saint John) and the 90-minute crossing is essentially a whale and bird watching opportunity with baleen whales, dolphins, harbour porpoise and seals all possible. The island itself is ruggedly beautiful, its cliffs adorned with lighthouses, its bays alive with working harbours, and its views sublime. Primarily though, it's a bird watcher's paradise, a migratory flyway (April – June and August – October) and nesting haven, with over 360 species having been recorded here.
Later, take the ferry back to the mainland and continue to St Andrews, just over half an hour away. Settle into this relaxed coastal community, that's home for the next four nights.
Situated right at the tip of a promontory, beside the border with the United States, St Andrews by-the-Sea - as it's sometimes referred to - was founded in 1783 by United Empire Loyalists. The town is well-preserved and many of its original wooden buildings still grace the old centre. Some of these were brought by barge from Castine, Maine at the end of the American War of Independence (1775-1783). Today the town (population around 1,800) is a dynamic, prosperous community.
Accommodation: The Algonquin Resort, 4-nights
Throughout your time here, go on whale watching tours out into the Bay of Fundy. Joining other passengers for two exciting Zodiac rides and one catamaran cruise, your target species are migratory baleen whales including minke, humpback and fin whales that spend the summer months here. Arriving mid-June and staying until early autumn, you may even come across the critically endangered and extremely rare North Atlantic right whale too. Of course, all will have a supporting cast of pinnipeds, harbour porpoise and a splendid array of birds. Whilst bald eagles soar overhead, other wildlife including resident and migratory species may be busy along the shorelines, riverine estuaries and surrounding forests.
After two to three hours in your boat on the water enjoying whale sightings, the rest of your time may be spent exploring the history of the town (it was established in 1783 and many of its old wooden buildings still grace the centre), sampling local cuisine, soaking up the bay views or exploring further afield with your car.
As the next part of your journey begins this morning, leave the cetacean hotspot of St Andrews behind you, contemplating the memorable experiences you have had there, and drive up the bay to St Martins. Break your journey with a sea kayaking adventure here, exploring its famous sea caves, and discovering how the highest tidal range in the world continuously affects the geology and geography of the area.
Afterwards, continue to Moncton, your base from which to explore the north-western Bay of Fundy.
Accommodation: Rudd Muncton, 2-nights
Connect with wildlife in its natural environment. Abundant bird species are present here – from Atlantic puffins to bald eagles – as well as mammals such as moose, black bear and whales. The Bay of Fundy is a haven for fin, minke and the rare right whale, seabirds, and harbour and grey seals. Find Out More about {acc:title}
One of the marine wonders of the world, the Bay of Fundy boasts the world’s highest tides, a distinctly scenic coastline, and one of the North Atlantic’s highest concentrations of whales and seabirds. Humpback, minke, and the rare North Atlantic right whale are amongst the species to be seen here. Find Out More about {acc:title}
Canada’s oldest seaside resort is a charming, small town directly on the banks of the Bay of Fundy. With numerous whale watching operators based here, it's the ideal base from which to search for these incredible creatures of the deep, along with seals, birds and other wildlife. Find Out More about {acc:title}
The perfect base from which to explore Hopewell Rocks, the Bay of Fundy National Park and Mary’s Point Bird Sanctuary, Moncton also offers attractions closer to home with its tidal bore, parks and trails. Evenings in this fast growing city may be spent enjoying its vibrant arts and foodie scene. Find Out More about {acc:title}
Located in St Andrews-by-the-Sea, with views of the Bay of Fundy, the legendary Algonquin is one of Canada’s most luxurious resorts. Rich in history, meticulously restored to its original splendour, the iconic building and its grounds are an oasis of peace, combining contemporary amenities with every modern comfort. Find Out More about The Algonquin
