Oshan Whale Watch

Whale watching at the very northern tip of Cape Breton, out of Bay St. Lawrence. This is wild, exposed water — the cliffs of Cape North on one side and the open Gulf on the other — and the wildlife shows up.

What to expect

• A roughly 2.5-hour cruise on a covered tour boat
• Pilot whale pods, minkes, fin whales, and dolphins in season
• Sea-bird colonies along the cliffs
• A captain who's been working these waters for years

Don't miss

• The Money Point cliffs from the water
• A pilot whale spy-hop if you're lucky
• The drive in along the Cabot Trail's wildest stretch

Good to know

• Operates roughly June through September, weather-dependent
• Bring serious layers; the wind here is no joke
• Reservations essential
• Drive carefully — moose are common in this stretch

Pair it with

• A drive to Meat Cove for chowder and cliffs
• A stay at Markland Coastal Beach Cottages
• A hike on the Coastal Trail in the park