Discover the Atlantic Puffin, our extraordinary provincial bird, and keep an eye out for the largest population of humpback whales, along with other marine mammals, as they return each summer.
Atlantic Puffins
The Atlantic Puffin is the provincial bird of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Witless Bay Ecological Reserve is home to the largest Atlantic Puffin colony in North America, with over 260,000 pairs—more than half a million puffins!
Although often mistaken for penguins, Atlantic Puffins are actually seabirds in the Auk family. They spend most of their lives at sea, returning to land each spring and summer to breed. During mating season, their brightly colored beaks are a striking feature, fading to grey in the winter months.
Puffins are lifelong mates, spending the spring and summer together while nesting, and then heading off solo to the sea for the fall and winter.
Each spring and summer, the four islands that make up the reserve serve as a nesting ground for around 4 million seabirds. The islands host several species, including the world’s second-largest colony of Leach’s Storm-Petrels (620,000 pairs), along with Common Murres, Razorbill Auks, Black-Legged Kittiwakes, Great Black-backed Gulls, Black Guillemots, Northern Fulmars, Thick-billed Murres, and Herring Gulls.
A Birder’s Paradise!
For the ultimate viewing experience, join us on our 2-hour award-winning boat tour as we sail to the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve.
Whales
Each summer, the waters of Newfoundland and Labrador are home to seventeen species of sea mammals, including whales, dolphins, and porpoises.
Newfoundland and Labrador offers some of the best whale watching opportunities in the world. The largest population of Humpback Whales migrates to our waters every summer in pursuit of the massive schools of tiny fish called Capelin.
During the season, you can witness a spectacular display as Humpback Whales frolic, breach, and slap their pectoral fins right before your eyes. These magnificent creatures can grow over 70 feet long and weigh up to 65 tons! Other species you might encounter include Fin, Orca, and Minke Whales, as well as dolphins and porpoises. These incredible animals captivate visitors of all ages with their playful behaviour.
The best time to view Atlantic Puffins and other seabirds is from May to early September. Based on over 40 years of experience, we recommend July as the prime month for whale watching.