3 Best Places to See Puffins in Nova Scotia

Discover everything to know about puffins in Nova Scotia, from the best times and places to see these adorable seabirds, as well as the best puffin tours in Nova Scotia. 

Puffins are adorable seabirds that are found in the North Pacific and North Atlantic. Known for their bright beaks and distinctive appearance, they spend most of their time at sea, but come ashore to nest for a few months. And while puffins are found in Iceland, Ireland and Newfoundland, they also call the rugged coastline of Nova Scotia home. 

From their small size to their interesting appearance, puffins are fascinating and seeing these cute birds is an incredible experience – one that my kids still talk about to this day.

Here’s everything to know about seeing puffins in Nova Scotia, including the best places and ideal times to spot them, as well as tips for making the most of your puffin viewing experience. 

Are There Puffins in Nova Scotia? 

Yes! Not as many as other places in the world, but there are puffins in Nova Scotia. 

Where to See Puffins in Nova Scotia

When it comes to spotting puffins in Nova Scotia, there are two main areas that offer fantastic opportunities to see these unique birds: Bird Islands in Cape Breton and Pearl Island on the South Shore. These locations not only provide ideal roosting spots for puffins but are also home to a variety of other seabirds. 

1. Bird Islands in Cape Breton 

The Bird Islands, off the coast of Cape Breton, are an official bird sanctuary and a prime puffin-watching location. These two uninhabited islands, Hertford and Ciboux Islands, feature rugged landscapes with 20-metre-tall cliffs and ledges, making them an ideal roosting spot for puffins and other seabirds.

This is one of the best places to see puffins in Nova Scotia, and many tours guarantee sightings of puffins during the summer months. 

While the Bird Islands are known for being a nesting spot for puffin colonies, they are also home to many other sea birds, such as common terns, cormorants, razorbills and northern gannets. 

2. Pearl Island on the South Shore

Pearl Island, located offshore near St. Margaret’s Bay and Mahone Bay, offers a different but equally fantastic experience to see puffins in Nova Scotia. This island has an automated lighthouse and is known for its rocky shores, which are great for puffin colonies and other seabirds. 

On Pearl Island, you can spot not only puffins but also grey seals, bald eagles, blue herons, razorbills and common terns. The colony here has over 200 puffins, making it a perfect opportunity to observe these unique birds in their natural habitat. 

3. Brier Island in Digby Neck

Brier Island, located on the western tip of Nova Scotia, is best known for its whale-watching experiences, however, it’s also home to plenty of seabirds, including puffins. 

While puffins aren’t as prevalent here as on the Bird Islands, they can occasionally be spotted along with other seabirds like razorbills, common terns, cormorants and northern gannets. 

How to See Them: Best Puffin Tours in Nova Scotia 

To see puffins in Nova Scotia, you’ll need to take a boat tour.

While puffins live on coastal cliffs in some areas of the Northern Atlantic, in Nova Scotia they are found on offshore islands, nesting in crevices among rocks.

Boat tours take you close to the islands where you can spot these incredible birds, and along the way, guides will tell you about puffins and other animals that you’ll see in the area. 

Here are the five best puffin tours in Nova Scotia.

1. Bird Island Tours: Cape Breton

Bird Island Tours has been leading puffin-watching experiences for over 50 years. Take a short 40-minute ride on the Puffin Express out to the island nesting area where you’ll have plenty of time to spot these interesting birds nesting on the cliff face. Sightings of puffins are guaranteed from mid-May to mid-August. 

Tours run three times a day and leave from Big Bras d’Or in Cape Breton, lasting just under 3 hours. Binoculars are recommended and available to rent, or you can bring your own. 

💲Prices are $52 for adults and $39 for kids. 

2. Donelda’s Bird Island Puffin Tours: Cape Breton

Located just 20 minutes from Baddeck, Donelda’s Puffin Boat Tours is another popular way to see the adorable Atlantic Puffins.

Tours take you out to the Bird Islands, where you will be able to see puffins nesting on the cliffs, as well as other seabirds along the coast. Tours leave from the wharf in Englishtown several times a day and last 2.5 hours.

Puffin sightings are guaranteed during the summer months, and you’ll also have a chance to see razorbills, Arctic terns, bald eagles, and other seabirds. Grey seals are also seen from mid-June to early October.

💲Prices are $57 for adults and $32 for kids. Kids under 6 are free.

3. Peggy’s Cove Boat Tours 

Peggy’s Cove Boat Tours, operating out of Peggy’s Cove, offers a daily 2.5-hour tour that heads out to Pearl Island, one of the most southern Puffin nesting colonies in Nova Scotia.

Tours depart every morning from Peggy’s Cove wharf and last 2.5 hours. After viewing the puffins on Pearl Island, the tour stops at Seal Rock to watch seals sunbathing or feeding, before returning to Peggy’s Cove. 

💲Prices are $80 for adults and $50 for children.

4. Freeport Whale & Seabird Tours – Brier Island

While Freeport Whale & Seabird Tours primarily focus on whale watching, their tours also offer the chance to spot dolphins, porpoises, seals, puffins and other seabirds.

These tours last between 3 and 4 hours, and guides provide an informative and educational experience about local sea life in the area. The tours also pass by a local colony of grey seals, where you’ll have the chance to see these fun creatures up close.

Tours run from July to mid-September, with three cruises a day and depart near the Ferryport-Westport ferry in Freeport.

💲Prices are $47 for adults and kids under 12 are $27. 

5. Brier Island Whale & Seabird Cruises – Brier Island

One of the longest-running whale-watching companies in Nova Scotia, Brier Island Whale & Seabird Cruises provides opportunities to see not only whales but also dolphins, porpoises and a range of seabirds, including Great Blue Herons, razorbills, terns and puffins.

Choose between two different types of boats: a zodiac, which gets you close to the water, or a larger boat that has seats and bathroom facilities for added comfort.

Tours run from June to October and are offered three times a day. The larger boat tours last between 3-5 hours, and kids of all ages are welcome.

💲 Prices are $50 for adults and $28 for kids. Zodiac tours are 2 – 2.5 hours in length and are not suitable for kids under the age of 8. Prices are $70 for adults and $45 for children 8 and older. 

When to See Puffins in Nova Scotia

The best time to see puffins in Nova Scotia is between the end of May and mid-August. This is when they are most active and the chances of seeing these adorable creatures are the highest. 

Puffins live mostly at sea and only come to shore to hatch eggs. The adults find a spot among the crevices and rocky shoreline to nest. The eggs take six weeks to hatch, and once hatched, it takes approximately 40 days for the young pufflings to develop and ready to begin ocean life. 

Fun fact: Puffins keep the same partner and always go back to the same nest every year. 

Other Places to See Puffins in Atlantic Canada

In addition to these three places to see puffins in Nova Scotia, there are several other places in Atlantic Canada where you can see them. 

Newfoundland:

Newfoundland has plenty of opportunities to see puffins, in fact, the puffin is their provincial bird. Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, just a few kilometres off the Avalon Peninsula, is one of the best places to see puffins, while the Bonavista Peninsula is one of the best spots for viewing puffins from the shore. Elliston offers the closest view of these seabirds, as puffins fly close to viewers and often land on the cliffs just a few feet away. 

New Brunswick: 

While this island is not technically part of New Brunswick (it’s located in disputed waters between Canada and the U.S.), Machias Seal Island is just 19km south of Grand Manan Island, New Brunswick and is known for its puffin colonies. 

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Tips for Seeing Puffins 

• The best time to see puffins is from the beginning of June until mid-August. Around the middle of the month, puffins begin to head back to the ocean, so while you may still see some, your best chances are earlier in the month. 
• Bring binoculars and a zoom lens. Since you can only view puffins from a distance, it’s best to use binoculars to see them. Some tour companies rent binoculars if you don’t have your own. And you might want to consider a zoom lens for your camera to capture close-up shots of these gorgeous birds. 
• Book boat tours early. Puffin tours are popular, especially during the summer months, so it’s a good idea to book your boat tour in advance so you won’t be disappointed! 
• Dress for the weather. Our Nova Scotia weather is known to be unpredictable, especially when you’re along the coast or on the water. Even in the summer, you might want layers and a waterproof jacket. A good idea is to wear a tee or long-sleeved shirt, with the option of a light sweater and waterproof jacket to go overtop if needed.

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Where to Stay to See Puffins in Nova Scotia

There are several great options for accommodations, no matter which area you are planning to see puffins in Nova Scotia. 

Baddeck in Cape Breton is a short drive to both tours that head to Bird Island. Telegraph House Motel or Auberge Gisele’s Inn are great choices in Baddeck. 

In Peggy’s Cove, on the south shore, Oceanstone Resort is only 5 minutes from the departure point, and also has an excellent Nordic spa if you’re looking to relax after your tour! 

Near Brier Island, there are several campgrounds and motels in the area, or Digby is only an hour’s drive away. Brier Island Lodge is near the Westport Harbour and in Digby, the Digby Pines Golf Resort and Spa is a great choice, featuring both rooms and private cottages, and an outdoor heated pool.

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10 Fun Facts about Nova Scotia Puffins

• Puffins are nicknamed ‘parrots of the sea’ because of their brightly coloured bills
• Their bright orange bills change colour throughout the year. During mating season, puffins’ bills are bright orange, however once the season is over, they shed their outer bill and it appears grey until the following season.
• A baby puffin is called a puffling
• Puffins are excellent swimmers
• Puffins can dive up to 60 metres down to catch prey
• Puffins spend 4-5 years at sea before finding a mate
• Puffins only weigh between 320 and 480 grams and are 26-29 cm long
• Puffins may be small but they eat about 40 small fish each day
• They can fit around 10 fish in their mouth at once!
• Puffins have a similar lifespan to penguins of around 20 years

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FAQ: Puffins in Nova Scotia

Are there puffins in Nova Scotia? Yes, there are puffins in Nova Scotia! While puffins are more predominant in Newfoundland, there are three main areas where you can view puffins in Nova Scotia. 

What is the best time of year to see puffins? The best time to see puffins in Nova Scotia is between mid-June to mid-August. During May and early June, puffins are nesting, and from mid to late August, the puffins are starting to head back out to sea.

What month is best to see puffins? July is the best month to see puffins in Nova Scotia, as they are the most active and visible. The last few weeks of June and the beginning of August are also great times to see puffins. 

Are there puffins at Peggy’s Cove? Puffins do not actually nest at Peggy’s Cove, but rather on an island just offshore from the village. You can see puffins on a boat tour that departs from Peggy’s Cove. 

Can I see puffins in the Bay of Fundy? Puffins can be seen in the Bay of Fundy near Brier Island at the western tip of Nova Scotia. 

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Final Thoughts: Where to See Puffins in Nova Scotia

With their striking appearance and charming behaviours, puffins are fascinating seabirds and will definitely capture your heart. 

Whether you take a boat tour to the Bird Islands in Cape Breton, from Peggy’s Cove or Brier Island on the western tip of the province, the chance to see puffins in their natural environment is an incredible experience and one that you won’t want to miss.

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