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Beluga Whale in Canada: Subspecies & Sightseeing

Beluga Whale in Canada

The Beluga Whale lives in icy northern waters. Belugas have a round, bulging forehead called a “melon,” which helps them make different sounds. Due to their wide vocal range, these whales are often nicknamed “sea canaries.”

The Beluga whale, also known as the white whale, is a friendly and social marine mammal. They can be frequently seen in various places in Canada where they inhabit large water bodies.

Physical Features and Characteristics

Physical Features and Characteristics of Beluga Whale in Canada

Following are some of the attractive features that can catch the eye of tourists during their visit.

Features Relevant Information
Scientific Name Delphinapterus leucas
Life Span About 75 years
Diet Salmon, Arctic Worms, Greenland Halibut, Arctic Cod, Shrimp, Squid, and Lampreys
Length Males are about 3 to 5 meters

Females are about 2.6 to 4.5 meters

Average Weight In the range of 500 to 1500 kg. Males are heavier than females
Role in Ecosystem Role in Whale pump i.e., movement and distribution of nutrients underwater
Habitat Arctic and Sub-Arctic regions, River banks, and Frozen waters
Status of specie Somewhat Endangered

Fascinating Facts About Beluga Whales in Canada

Fascinating Facts About Beluga Whales in Canada

These whales are of genuine interest to many visitors and sea animal lovers because of their unique characteristics. Below are some of them that can also push you to see these whales;

1. Population Distribution

Canada is home to about two-thirds of the world’s beluga whale population.

2. Vocal Abilities

Belugas are also known as “sea canaries” due to their diverse vocalizations.

3. Unique Neck Structure

They are the only whale species that can move their neck because of unfused neck vertebrae.

4. Echolocation Adaptation

Belugas can change the shape of their “melon” (forehead) to direct their echolocation sounds.

5. Diving Capabilities

Belugas can dive to depths of over 1,000 meters in Arctic waters.

6. Cold Water Adaptation

They have a thick layer of blubber that can be up to 10 cm thick, helping them survive in cold Canadian waters.

7. Color Change

Beluga whales are born dark gray and gradually turn white as they mature.

8. Unique Swimming Ability

They can swim backward, which is unusual for whales.

9. Social Behavior

Belugas often gather in large pods, sometimes numbering in the hundreds or even thousands.

10. Tourism Impact

The Churchill River estuary in Manitoba is a popular spot for beluga whale watching in the summer.

11. Playful Behavior

Belugas have been observed playing with objects like seaweed or bubbles in their natural habitat.

12. Arctic Adaptation

Belugas lack a dorsal fin, which allows them to swim easily under ice.

Subspecies of Beluga whale in Canada

Subspecies of Beluga whale in Canada

Even though beluga whales are not officially classified into subspecies by scientists, there are distinct groups with unique characteristics found throughout Canada’s waters. These groups are often known as “stocks.”

 1. Arctic Beluga 

These are the most widespread subspecies spread across the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, including the Canadian Arctic Island and Hudson Bay.

 2. St. Lawrence Beluga 

This population is found in the St. Lawrence River creek in Quebec. It is considered a distinct population due to its geographic isolation and specific environmental conditions.

 3. Cook Inlet Beluga 

The Cook Inlet beluga which is mainly found in Alaska is a unique group closely linked to belugas in northern Canada and is frequently discussed when discussing North American beluga populations.

Sightseeing of Beluga Whales in Canada

Sightseeing of Beluga Whales in Canada

 

Certain places in Canada are known to inhabit a decent number of these beautiful sea animals. Here are some of those places where you can see these beluga whales;

Direction of the Country Waterbodies Where Beluga Whales are Found
Northern Territory Hudson Bay, James Bay, Arctic Archipelago, Beaufort Sea, Baffin Bay, and, Cumberland Sound
Eastern Territory St. Lawrence Estuary

Pro Tip: These locations span from the eastern to the western coasts of Canada’s northern regions.

Best Time and Month to See Beluga Whales in Canada

Best Time and Month to See Beluga Whales in Canada

The below-mentioned seasons are ideal for seeing the Beluga Whales in Canadian territory;

Season Months for Sightseeing
Early Summer April to May
Mid to Late Summer June to August
Fall September to October

FAQs

 What are the predators of Beluga Whale? 

Polar bears, Killer Whales, Greenland Sharks, and Humans pose a major threat to the species of Beluga Whales in the world because they hunt and feed on them.

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