Pleasant Bay, on the northwest side of the Cabot Trail, is known for whale watching, and Capt. Mark's Whale and Seal Cruise has run tours from the harbour since 1994. The trips use 12-passenger Zodiac boats that get close to the water, with a guide who points out pilot, minke, finback and humpback whales, seals, bald eagles and other seabirds, along with sea caves, waterfalls and old settlement sites along the coast. An underwater microphone lets guests listen to whale sounds. Whales are wild animals and sightings are not guaranteed, though pilot whales are common in the area in summer. The cruise operates only in the warm season, so from October to May there are no departures, and it is best booked ahead because boats are small.
What to do
Dress warmly in waterproof layers, because the Zodiacs are open and the wind off the Gulf of St. Lawrence is cold even in summer, and bring a camera with a strap. The guide will look for blows and backs, follow pilot whale groups and take you along the cliffs to look at the sea caves and the coastline from the water. The microphone is a highlight, because you can hear the whales as well as see them.
Seasons and planning
The Tourism Nova Scotia listing gives the season as 1 June to 30 September, with departures at 10 am and 2 pm in June and at 10 am, 1 pm and 4 pm from July to September, and reservations are strongly recommended. Adult fares were around 100 Canadian dollars, with reduced fares for seniors and children aged 6 to 18.
The page does not state the length of the tour, so check with the operator when you reserve. Because the cruise is closed from October to May, a November visit is not possible, so plan for next summer.
Fitting it in
Pleasant Bay is about halfway around the Cabot Trail, so it is a natural stop on a two-day drive. Combine a morning cruise with an afternoon walk on the Skyline Trail, which is a short drive south, and consider staying overnight in Pleasant Bay or Chéticamp. The cruise is a single, concentrated product, so it is the one whale-watching experience we recommend on the island.
What to expect
The experience
A guided cruise on a small Zodiac boat from Pleasant Bay harbour with an underwater microphone to hear whales.
Best time
July to September for the most departures, with morning trips usually calmer.
How long
Allow about two hours including boarding, but confirm the length with the operator when you book.
Tips
Reserve ahead, wear waterproof layers and a hat, bring a camera with a strap and accept that sightings are never guaranteed.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travellers who want a close-up wildlife trip on the Cabot Trail.
- Families
- Children aged 6 and over have their own fare, but the open boat can be cold and wet, so dress them well.
- Couples
- Book the late-afternoon departure in July to September for softer light on the cliffs.
- Pair with
- The Skyline Trail, a Cabot Trail drive and a night in Pleasant Bay or Chéticamp.
- Time needed
- A morning or afternoon, including travel.
Good questions
When does the whale cruise run?+
The season is 1 June to 30 September, with departures at 10 am and 2 pm in June and at 10 am, 1 pm and 4 pm from July to September. It is closed from October to May, so it is not running in November.
What whales can I see?+
Pilot, minke, finback and humpback whales, plus seals and bald eagles, are all possible. Sightings are never guaranteed because the whales are wild.
What kind of boat is it?+
The tours use 12-passenger Zodiac boats, which are small, open and close to the water. Dress in waterproof layers.
How much does it cost?+
Adult fares were around 100 Canadian dollars, with lower fares for seniors and for children aged 6 to 18. Reservations are strongly recommended.
Where does it leave from?+
It leaves from Pleasant Bay on the Cabot Trail, with the business at 126 Harbour Road. Confirm the meeting point when you reserve.
