Province of Nova Scotia Travel Forum

Has anyone seen whales while on the Blue Nose II? I'd like to do a whale watch and go on the Blue Nose II, but was wondering if that was too much for 2 days in a row.

I have never been, but I would suggest Digby - Brier Island (in the Annapolis Valley) if you have the time. There are some great operators in the area and I have never been disappointed with seeing Whales! It is quite a ways out of the way however unless you are visiting around Annapolis Royal area.
Lunenburg is a beautiful area. A great town to walk around (quite hilly however).

We went on the Bluenose II in September and saw no whales. I don't know if that was because whales are scarcer (is that a word?) in September or if that was because no whales go where the Bluenose typically sails.

You realize that getting sailing tickets to the Bluenose is somewhat difficult. They presell most of the tickets, and have a few (maybe 25 or 40) "rush seats" (no one actually gets a seat) each day. We had to stand in line for 2 hours (made sure we were in the first 25) to go sailing the day we went.

Typically the Bluenose II does not sail where you will see whales, unless the cruise is specifically marked as a whale watching experience. Though the Bluenose II is a great sailing experience, it is meant as a schooner sailing experience and not as much for sightseeing. I would not miss up the chance to go for a sail with them, but if you want to see whales you should head to Brier island. Lunenburg is on the eastern coast, and the water is deeper there with stronger currents. More whales congregate in the Bay of Fundy where there is warmer and shallower water, good schools of fish to eat.

Hope this helps and have a great time in Nova Scotia!

If you can get tickets for the Bluenose, great.

Check out: http://museum.gov.ns.ca/bluenose/include/schedule.htm

that's the schedule, and you can at the same site order advance tickets.

After that you can cross the province down near Bridgewater, (Route 10) and come out at Middleton. From there it's not far to Annapolis Royal on Highway 101, and some really great B&B's. Or Digby, hotels etc. Or go directly to Brier Island and stay at:

Brier Island Lodge -- www.brierisland.com - 1.800.662.8355
Brier Island Hostel -- www.brierislandhostel.com - 902.839.2273
Dock and Doze Motel -- 902.839.2601

NOTE: Brier Island is a teeny little island. From Digby you go down Digby neck, catch a ferry to Long Island, drive the length of this, and another ferry takes you to Brier Island. These ferries are interesting. kind of like floating platforms.. You drive on, and a few minutes later you drive off. You can see the land on both sides. There's no fee to get on the islands, but when you want to get off you have to pay! (HA! HA!) It's not much, but I'm serious!