Do you dream of observing whales, seals and seabirds up close? Bordered by the Charlevoix, Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean and Côte-Nord regions, the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park will make you see all the colors!
Whale watching is a unique activity that you have to take part in at least once in your life and the good news is that you can do it by taking a vacation in Quebec!
When choosing an excursion, you can count on the members of the Eco-Whale Alliance to respect the highest standards with regard to eco-responsible practices. Without further ado, head for whale country!
Discover one of the best places in the world to watch whales
From May to October, the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park is the favorite haunt of many marine mammals that come to rest and, above all, to feed. It is thanks to this large pantry that Quebec is recognized throughout the world for whale watching.
Through a network of 21 discovery sites, the St. Lawrence estuary offers you many opportunities to encounter marine wildlife.
From Charlevoix to the Côte-Nord via Bas-Saint-Laurent and Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, several activities will allow you to satisfy your thirst for curiosity. It’s up to you to create your personalized itinerary!
3 must-see places to watch whales from the shore
The Pointe-de-l’Islet trail: in the Tadoussac sector, this boardwalk offers the luckiest the chance to see whales and belugas.
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The Cap-de-Bon-Désir Interpretation and Observation Center: on the Whale Route, this is a great place for a picnic where you may be able to spot whales and seals near the shore.
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The Marine Environment Discovery Centre: Parks Canada invites you to Les Escoumins to explore the marine life and, for the lucky ones, observe the passage of whales and seals in the area.
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Credits: ©Tourisme Côte-Nord / ©Marc Loiselle / ©Parks Canada, Marie-Isabelle Rochon / ©Renaud Pintiaux
Plan a zodiac cruise for maximum adrenaline
If you are a fan of thrills, opt for a zodiac cruise which will give you the chance to experience an immersion in the grandiose environment of whales.
Able to accommodate 12 to 60 passengers (depending on the model), the zodiac allows navigation at water level and thus offers you a closer look at the natural environment of whales.
From Baie-Sainte-Catherine or Tadoussac, several sea excursions are organized with a team of experienced captains in the direction of the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park.
Credits: ©Tourisme Côte-Nord / ©Marc Loiselle / ©Renaud Pintiaux / ©Croisières AML / ©Catherine Dube
Book a boat cruise for a peaceful experience
To contemplate the blue of the sea and the most majestic creatures on the planet, opt for a panoramic excursion.
In compliance with the regulations of the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, Croisières AML offers you different formulas for observing whales in an eco-responsible way, while benefiting from the personalized comments of a naturalist guide.
From Tadoussac, Baie-Sainte-Catherine and even Quebec City, several departures are offered aboard comfortable boats – in classic or VIP formula – which will lead you to discover a marine site of exceptional beauty. Book your place from now!
Credits: ©Croisières AML / ©Pascal Duchesne / ©Tourisme Côte-Nord, Marc Loiselle / ©Catherine Dube
This summer, set sail for the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park to observe the giants of the sea up close. Do not miss the column of the travel expert at Salut Bonjour and book your stay for that experience you won’t soon forget! Lodging and cruise packages are available starting at just $99/person/night. To find out more, watch the tv segment to Hi Hello.