The smallest whale species, beluga whales are incredibly social animals with expressive faces that often display their characteristic smile. Charismatic, graceful, and communicative, it’s no wonder so many of us put seeing them at the top of our bucket lists. There aren’t many places to see beluga whales, other than a handful of aquariums. And captive facilities just cannot compare to their vast natural environment, so I don’t recommend supporting them.
One of the most elusive whales, they primarily reside in sub-Arctic and Arctic waters above the 50th parallel. It’s going to take some effort to encounter the animals in the wild but the reward is worth the trek.
If seeing beluga whales in their own natural environment is something you’ve been dreaming of, read on.
Churchill, Manitoba, Canada
Arguably at the top of the best places to see beluga whales, Hudson Bay in Northern Manitoba, Canada is home to the world’s largest population during the summer months. Between June and September, roughly 3,000 of the white cetaceans visit the Churchill River basin, while some 60,000 inhabit the Hudson Bay area, enjoying the warmer waters following the ice break.
Both Zodiac and larger passenger boats offer excursions. And, not only can you see them, but you’ll hear their conversations via hydrophone. The more adventurous can even kayak among them. That’s something that I did as part of a package staying at Lazy Bear Lodge, but you don’t have to stay there to join a tour with multiple options available.
The Svalbard Archipelago, Norway
Svalbard, an archipelago that lies between mainland Norway and the North Pole, is one of the best places to see beluga whales and other Arctic wildlife like walruses. The polar wilderness of the islands provides a haven for belugas. While the exact number of the population here is unknown, they’re frequently seen between pack ice and in groups along the coast.
The best way to see belugas in this region is to take an expedition cruise from May through September. Some of the most popular include Lindblad, Quark, PolarQuest, and Svalbard Adventures. Occasionally day trips are available in the summer on vessels like the MS Polargirl.
Turnagain Arm, Alaska
A 127-mile stretch of Seward Highway between Anchorage and Seward offers the chance to spot belugas just offshore. Turnagain Arm Drive is one of the most breathtaking in Alaska, winding through unspoiled wilderness. You’ll see the towering craggy peaks of the Chugach Mountains, blue-tinged glaciers, and magnificent waterfalls.
Stop at the aptly named Beluga Point, jutting out into the waters of Turnagain Arm just south of Anchorage. From here you can marvel at the scenery while watching for the belugas as they make their way up and down the inlet. They’re most often seen between mid-July and August when the salmon are running.
Tadoussac, Quebec, Canada
Remember when I mentioned that belugas primarily reside in sub-Arctic and Arctic waters above the 50th parallel? Well, the St. Lawrence River in Quebec is the exception.
The St. Lawrence Estuary extends from the eastern tip of Île d’Orléans, just downstream from Quebec City, to the Atlantic. It serves as a breeding, calving, and breeding ground for belugas. Females return to the warmer waters to give birth and raise their offspring. They inhabit the area year-round but the peak time for sightings is summer.
Whale watching can be enjoyed right from the shore near the small village of Tadoussac. It sits along the St. Lawrence River where it meets the Saguenay River, providing one of the best vantage points. Not only can you see belugas, but minke whales, humpbacks, and even blue whales. Your best chance comes by getting out on the water as part of a tour led by a naturalist guide.
This is a continuing series featuring the best places to see all types of whales around the world. If you’re interested in orcas, be sure to check out my post on the Best Places to See Orcas in the Wild.
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