Every year, from mid-May to September, humpbacks, minkes, and other whale species migrate to the waters off Newfoundland’s coast, feeding on capelin and putting on spectacular displays. As many as 22 species of whales have been recorded in the waters of Notre Dame Bay, including fin whales, sperm whales, blue whales, minke whales, pilot whales and potheads. Twillingate is the home of North America’s largest population of humpback whales.

Humpbacks and minke whales are Twillingate’s most common whale species, but dolphins and fin whales are also occasionally seen. Humpback tails are as distinctive as human faces or fingerprints. Keep your camera ready because you may also encounter playful dolphins, eagles, ospreys and other seabirds.