Witness Giants Up Close!

Humpback Whales at St. Vincent’s Beach

Just a scenic drive from The Keeper’s Kitchen Inn lies one of Newfoundland’s most extraordinary wildlife spectacles on St. Vincent’s Beach. If the wild caribou, seals, foxes and seabirds haven’t filled your camera roll yet, the humpbacks surely will.

Every summer, the waters off this windswept coastline become a stage for one of nature’s most intimate and breathtaking encounters.

Thanks to an unusual twist of human engineering — a man-made causeway that creates the perfect underwater trap for capelin, the humpback’s favorite snack — these ocean giants come so close to shore you can hear the sound of their exhale before you ever see them. On a calm day, you can even hear them ‘talk’ to one another.

It feels surreal to watch these massive whales breach, dive, and feed just meters from the landwash, often in plain view of stunned beachcombers and photographers. No need for binoculars here. The whales bring the show to you.

The sheer proximity and reliability of these sightings have earned St. Vincent’s a global reputation among wildlife watchers. It’s not every day you can sit on a beach with your coffee and watch a humpback roll in the surf like a carefree swimmer. But here, it happens often (usually from the end of June to early August) and is an absolutely magical sight, even for locals!

The best part? When the day’s whale watching is done, you’re just a short drive from The Keeper’s Kitchen Inn, where stories of the day are best paired with a glass of wine, or one of our signature ‘wild-infused’ cocktails as the sun sets with a spectacular glow over the barrens.

Making the Most of Your Whale Watching Trip

To ensure a successful whale-watching trip, keep the following tips in mind:

Dress Appropriately: The weather can change quickly, so wear layers. Bring a waterproof jacket, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself.

Be Patient: Wildlife is unpredictable. Sometimes you may need to wait for a while before encountering a whale. Use this time to enjoy the scenic surroundings.

Leave No Trace: We encourage responsible behaviour to preserve natural areas for future enjoyment. Please take your garbage with you or place in appropriate bins.

Photo Credit: Clifford Doran

Experience the Magic of Newfoundland's Whales

Whale watching in Newfoundland is not just an activity – it's a comprehensive experience that connects you with nature and the incredible marine life that inhabits these waters. With so many breathtaking locations to explore, you're sure to find the perfect spot to witness these magnificent creatures in action.

By planning your trip thoughtfully and considering the best times and places to observe whales, you will create memories that last a lifetime