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This was my fourth trip on a whale watching tour and it just never gets old. It never does. One of my big goals of this family trip was to show my children the wonders of the St. Lawrence River and to be able to go whale watching. The sight of whales on the horizon playing in the water is still such a thrilling feeling. I’m often asked where to go whale watching in Quebec and I always answer – go to Tadoussac! Located on the North Shore of Quebec (Côte-Nord), it is three hours north of Quebec City on some of the most picture-perfect roads in Quebec.
Once you cross through the mountains of Charlevoix and approach the banks of the St. Lawrence River, you will be captivated by the fall colours of the trees and the deep, dark blue waterway. Arriving at Tadoussac, you must take a short ferry ride across the entrance to the Saguenay Fjords. If you are lucky enough, you may even see a pod of beluga whales playing in the warm water just off the bay.
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Be sure and stop off at the Pointe-Noire Interpretation and Observation Centre just before you get to the ferry. This viewpoint looks across towards Islet Point with Tadoussac just hidden behind the point.
Where to go Whale Watching in Quebec
As you enter the village of Tadoussac from the ferry terminal, stop by AML Croisieres store to pick up your tickets for your whale watching tours. Whether it is in a thrilling (and at times very wet) zodiac boat or the larger Grand Flueve vessel, you will not be disappointed.
I have tried out all the options with AML Croisieres (both in Montreal, Quebec City and Tadoussac) and enjoyed each tour thoroughly but I have to say, it was worth the treat to take the whale watching cruise in the brand new VIP St-Laurent Lounge of the AML Grand Fleuve.
Our tour took place in mid-October so the weather included blustery winds, plenty of cold water and a sizeable amount of rain. Although this may prove challenging for ‘humans’, this is not a growing concern for whales (as our interpreter pointed out).
We were able to scour for whales from the comfort of this intimate lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows situated on the upper deck.
Benefits of the VIP experience
- Priority boarding
- Two fully glazed-window indoor lounges
- Selection of fine local bites
- Wines, beers and spirits from Quebec
- Private outdoor terrace located on the top tier of the vessel
- Access to a private observation footbridge
- Private bathroom
- Conceirge-level service
The service was impeccable from our arrival on the pier (where we were whisked away for priority boarding). As we arrived at the private lounge we had our choice of the seating area in the or upper lounge. Decked out with very comfortable leather sectionals, there was plenty of space for the five of us to get a bird’s eye view of the front of the ship. Because you are located above the bow, you could see for miles without any obstruction.
Our server made us feel right at home offering us coffee with a special Coureur des Bois 100% pure maple syrup whiskey! Can’t get more Canadian than that! The beauty is with an open bar, you can enjoy a few to keep you warm. We also had wine with our late lunch.
Also a variety of local tidbits from the cheese to the smoked salmon. It was plentiful and very enjoyable. The cured and smoked meat was just the right amount with the bun and the wine to wash it all down was, once again, a great perk of the VIP Experience.
On your quest of where to go whale watching in Quebec, do not underestimate the value of going with an experienced tour company. Because AML Croisiere runs numerous whale watching tours a day, they have a better gauge for where to find the whale pods. You are never guaranteed seeing whales but in this particular area of the St. Lawrence River, you are more likely to see grey seals as well as at least one or two of up to 13 species found in these waters.
Bounus Activity – Visiting the Marine Mammal Intepretion Centre
There is no question, before you get on your memorable whale watching YOU MUST make a stop at the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre (CIMM – in French). Located right down the street from the pier in Tadoussac (Côte-Nord), visit the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre (CIMM), which will introduce you to the world of the whales via various exhibitions and activities. Study the skeleton of a sperm whale over 13 metres (40 feet) long or see its newest addition skeletons of a North Atlantic right and fin whales. It took nearly three years to raise the $1.5 million needed, two years to prepare the skeletons and nine months to complete the site.
Another fun addition is the “Whale Ballet”, an interpretive sound-and-light activity that showcases this unique collection of whale skeletons. In addition, you will find unique videos, sound recordings, games and exclusive film screenings in an air-conditioned room providing the perfect complement to our whale-watching excursion. Whale specialists are available on-site to answer your questions and provide ample of information on these majestic mammals
Be sure and stop off at the gift shop as all proceeds from your purchases help the whales. Visit the centre’s garden to admire local flora as well as five life-size sculptures of beluga whales (see image above). There is a viewing area just outside of the centre where, if you are lucky you may be able to spot some whales frolicking in the water.
Whenever you decided to go whale watching, be sure and have the correct gear: warm jacket, hat, gloves and binoculars! There is plenty to see from different decks and viewing areas. Taking a whale watching tour in Quebec is a must-do activity.
Lastly, once you disembark from the ship, walk towards Islet Point. It is an easy hike to the point where you can walk down to the boulders and watch the sun go down. You will see the Pointe-Noire Interpretation and Observation Centre across the water as well as the entrance to the Saguenay Fjords. I took the picture below on one of my other trips to Tadoussac on a beautiful spring day in 2018.
More posts to read about Quebec Maritime
- 10+ Quirky and Unique Accommodations in Quebec Maritime
- Quebec by the Sea – The Lighthouse Trail in Quebec Maritime – Detailed Itinerary
- 6 of the Best Road Trips in Quebec Maritime
- Family Travel in Quebec Maritime – Ferme 5 Etoiles Family Farm is a must-see
- A Comprehensive Guide to Whale Watching in Tadoussac, Quebec – Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park
- International Garden Festival – Large Scale Garden Installations in the Jardin Metis/Reford Gardens
- Percé Rock in the Gaspésie Region of Quebec–#QuebecMaritime
- From Working Farms to Futuristic Pods in the woods: Your Guide to Where to stay in Quebec
- Video – FB Live of Jacob the Wolf at Ferme 5 Etoiles in Quebec Maritime
- Video – Lighthouse Trail in Quebec Maritime Part One and Part Two
Disclosure: Our family was a guest of AML Croisieres and Quebec Maritime. This is part of a series written to introduce my readers to the beauty of this region. All opinions are mine and 100% genuine.
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