Whale Watching Worldwide

Nova Scotia and New Brunswick
Year Number of
whale
watchers
AAGR Number of
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
1998 140,000 N/A 57 $3,658,000 $22,774,000 $26,432,000
2008 135,000 ‐0.4% 43 $3,524,026 $15,551,123 $19,075,149
Whale Watch Locations:
01: Bay of Fundy
02: Halifax
03: Cape Breton
Nova Scotia and New Brunswick have large, established whale
watching industries that have maintained their size over the last ten
years. Operators and industry watchers suggest that 2005 and 2006
were busy years, while 2007 and 2008 have been relatively quiet
due to higher fuel prices and a slight decline in wider tourism.
The industry is focused on three main areas: the Bay of Fundy, the
area around Halifax, and Cape Breton. In spring, fin and minke
whales and harbour porpoises are seen first, followed by Atlantic white‐sided dolphins and humpback
whales that migrate to the area in June and remain until autumn. Whale watchers are always keen to see
the endangered North Atlantic right whale, as fewer than 400 remain.
As in other established whale watch areas, the number of operators has declined as businesses have
consolidated or specialised in other tours such as bird watching, for example puffin‐focused tours.
Operations are often family‐run, using one or two boats with the capacity for 20 – 50 passengers. Some
vessels are spectacular, historic yachts reflecting the maritime history of the area, while other operators use
inflatable boats for exciting trips around sea cliffs and water‐level viewing of whales. Kayaking and hiking
companies also promote their businesses with the chance of seeing whales.
Trips are usually from 90 minutes to four hours, with operators offering up to five trips per day in the peak
summer season. Most operators place an emphasis on informing guests about the whales, usually with
naturalists on board. Some operators in the Bay of Fundy assist research organisations to better understand
the cetaceans of the area, particularly the North Atlantic right whale.
Around 75% of whale watchers are from Canada, although this varies greatly within the region. On
Campobello Island, New Brunswick, most tourists are from the USA, as the island is connected by bridge only
to mainland USA and not to Canada. Some operators emphasise the cheaper Canadian dollar to attract
customers from the USA.
Main species: Large cetaceans:
fin whale, humpback whale, minke whale,
North Atlantic right whale
Small cetaceans:
harbour porpoise, long‐finned pilot whale,
Atlantic white‐sided dolphin
Tourists:
International 25%
Domestic 75%
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