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Best Things to Do in Tadoussac and Around Town

Now why would you actually spend a weekend in Tadoussac when it’s in reality quite a small place?; I hear you asking… Actually, yeah, this Côte-Nord town is small and entertains only 800 residents, but it’s not only GORGEOUS, it’s in a perfect spot…

Nestled between the St Lawrence River and the Saguenay fjord, it has always been a meeting place for First Nations and, much later on, Europeans as they disembarked in North America.

OK, but how does that make it worth staying 48 hours or over a weekend in Tadoussac? Well, there’s so much to do in and around the Tadoussac Bay! It’s mostly renowned as the best whale watching spot in Quebec, but wait, it’s not just about a zodiac boat ride and then moving on, you need more than a day to enjoy it properly!

Let me tell you about the essential attractions and ultimate spots I’ve discovered on my multiple trips there these past years, especially on my assignment updating chapters of the Lonely Planet guide to Quebec Province! Here’s a list of the best things to do in Tadoussac and around town for your next trip!

Whale Watching in Tadoussac

Tadoussac is one of the best places in the world for whale watching and definitely THE best place for whale watching in Quebec province.

The St. Lawrence River and Saguenay Fjord are home to various whale species, including belugas, minke, and blue whales.

You can take a boat tour, zodiac excursion, or even observe from the shore at places like Pointe-Noire Interpretation and Observation Centre (see below).

Red chairs of Parks Canada at the Marine Discovery Centre

Kayaking to See the City from Another Angle

Get in your rented kayak and follow a guide or explore on your own if you’re experienced. You can leave right from the town beach and you’ll quickly see why Tadoussac is a good kayaking spot. Read my complete guide on kayaking in Tadoussac here.

Kids Kayaking - Tadoussac - Nevena Djidara - Pixabay
Photo credit: Nevena Djidara from Pixabay

Visiting the Tadoussac Little Indian Chapel

Across the street from the huge Hôtel Tadoussac, you’ll find a cute little red and white chapel called the Little Indian Chapel. Built in 1747, it’s considered the oldest wooden church still existing in Canada.

Tadoussac church red roof

Exploring the Chauvin Trading Post

This log reconstruction of Pierre Chauvin’s 1599 trading post is reminiscent of Tadoussac’s important trade history as the gateway to the North Shore.

Tadoussac Museum Chauvin Trading Post

Marvelling at the Dunes of Tadoussac

Not far from the main road, 5 km east of Tadoussac, this natural site is simply magical. At the dunes of Tadoussac, you are entitled to an infinite view overlooking the St. Lawrence River. The bravest can even descend to shore (phew … watch out for the ascent, however, as there’s no other way out!). This part of town is also the starting point for the Sentier du Belvédère that enables you to see the Saint Lawrence from above.

Roadtrip travel to Tadoussac

Discover Conservation Efforts at the CIMM

The CIMM, which stands for Centre d’interprétation des mammifères marins, is located right in Tadoussac. It offers an educational experience about the region’s marine life. Discover fascinating exhibits on whales and other marine mammals, learn about their habitats, and understand the importance of conservation efforts.

It houses the largest collection of whale skeletons in the world!

Oh, and did I tell you they offer whale singing courses? Yup. You read right. A must, part of the best things to do in Tadoussac for sure.

Centre d'interprétation des mammifères marins de Tadoussac

Visiting Pointe-Noire Interpretation and Observation Centre

Want to watch belugas from shore? Pointe-Noire Interpretation and Observation Centre is the perfect place for this! You’re gonna love the biodiversity.

It’s located 4.2 km (2.6 miles) outside of Tadoussac back in Baie-Sainte-Catherine, where you took the ferry or will take it!

Road trip weekend in Tadoussac - Grandes-Bergeronnes

Hanging Out at Cap-de-Bon-Désir Interpretation and Observation Centre

Within the Saguenay—St. Lawrence Marine Park, this interpretation site is a protected area in Grandes Bergeronnes where the Saguenay River meets the St. Lawrence. It’s an excellent spot for wildlife observation and offers a variety of hiking trails.

It has a lighthouse station, a short trail to the shore (375 m) and cool rocks to hang out on for a lookout for sea creatures. They offer interpretation activities that are quite interesting!

It will take you 22 minutes to reach this place from Tadoussac, about 30 km (18.5 miles) north of town.

Learning about Marine Life at Marine Environment Discovery Centre

Another place where your binoculars will be put to good use for bird, seal and whale watching is the Marine Environment Discovery Centre. They organize diving and snorkelling activities and live interpretative events like the St. Lawrence Live. During this show on a screen, you can follow a live diver down below to explore the marine life.

This place is located about 26 minutes north of Tadoussac along the Route 138, about 36 km (22 miles) north of town. It’s only 7 minutes away from the previous attraction, at Cap-de-Bon-Désir, so you can easily combine both.

Jennifer in front of St Lawrence river in Tadoussac

Shopping and Exploring the Local Québécois Culture

Tadoussac has a vibrant cultural scene with local artisans, music festivals, and unique Québécois charm. Visit local shops, enjoy Quebecois cuisine at a local restaurant, or attend the Tadoussac Song Festival if visiting in June.

You’ll find all kinds of souvenirs to bring home from Quebec, amazing local artisan products and foodie treats alike!

Cute turquoise house in Tadoussac village

Hiking in Tadoussac and Walking in and Around

There are so many paths to go walking and hiking around Tadoussac if you have time to stay a little bit longer in town. Pass by the tourism bureau for a map and information about the different paths. The most popular trails are:

  • Sentier de la Pointe Trail (800 m — 0.5 miles), in a loop shape from the marina.
  • Sentier de la Coupe Trail (1.2 km — 0.75 miles) leading to a beautiful viewpoint, starting from the end of the Coupe-de-l’Islet street.
  • Sentier du fjord, a much longer hike, lasting 3 days and 47 km (29 miles) between Tadoussac et Baie-Sainte-Marguerite. You can also only try certain segments, for example L’Anse-à-la-Boule (1 day) or L’Anse-de-Roche (2 days). The Auberge de jeunesse Maison Majorique organizes shuttles if you need them, just like the Sacré-Cœur-based Ferme 5 Étoiles. Keep in mind there is a fee for this trail
View from Hotel Tadoussac

Enjoying a Local Beer at Tadoussac’s Microbrewery

Enjoy a visit to Tadoussac’s microbrewery, Microbrasserie Tadoussac, where you can sample locally brewed craft beers inspired by the surrounding nature. Don’t miss their seasonal brews, which highlight regional flavours, making it a must stop for beer enthusiasts and travellers alike. Another one of the best things to do in Tadoussac, undoubtedly.

Meeting the Animals at Ferme 5 Étoiles

At Ferme 5 Étoiles, the whole family can dive into farm life in Tadoussac. Hang out with friendly animals, explore the scenic countryside, and enjoy activities like dog sledding in winter or horseback riding in summer. It’s a laid-back spot where you can get a taste of rural Quebec life and have some fun.

They also organize quad excursions, observing black bears in the forest, dog-hiking with sled dogs in the winter, pond fishing, visiting the sled dog kennel, etc.

Chilling out at Tadoussac Beach

Tadoussac Beach is a great spot to kick back and enjoy the stunning views of the bay. With its sandy stretch and calm waters, it’s perfect for a relaxing day in the sun right spanking in the middle of town.

Whether you’re swimming, picnicking, or just soaking in the scenery, it’s a low-key place to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

Tadoussac bay boardwalk

Hanging out at the Gibard Cafebar

When night falls, it’s time to listen to some live music with local bands and musicians and have a good drink with new-found friends. The Gibard Cafebar is kind of like an institution in Tadoussac, so it’s the place for local entertainment!

Playing a Round of Golf

Are you into this popular sport? If so, you’ll want to play a round of golf at the Tadoussac Golf Course. It’s a 9-hole par 33 course with a few ravines and a pond, but also some really nice views on the St. Lawrence. Interesting fact: it’s part of the oldest golf clubs in Quebec.

Now that you know what I consider the best things to do in Tadoussac, you’re in for a great weekend trip or even a week’s explorations, depending on how you choose to travel through this city and its surroundings. You’ll eat, sleep and play well in Tadoussac and never run out of places to see, attractions to discover and activities to book!

Here are some other practical articles to start your planning right:

What to Do in Côte-Nord region and How to Organize Your Trip

Curious about how to spend your day in Côte-Nord region? Here’s a list of the top activities to consider adding to your plans:

Preparing For Your Trip

When I look for things to do in my destination, I always have a look at ViatorGetYourGuideManawaCivitatis and sometimes even Expedia.

It’s first off a great way to find out what there is to do, but always a quick and easy method to book cheaply and efficiently with these renowned platforms.

Need a place to sleep? I find most of my accommodations on Booking.com but I also use Hotels.com for their rewards program (11th free night) as well as Expedia. When booking smaller places in Quebec, you might not find them here and need to contact them directly.

Looking for a cheap flight to Côte-Nord region through Montreal or Quebec City? Have a look on Cheapoair or Skyscanner I use regularly.

Once you’re there, rent a car to roam free with DiscoverCars, AutoEurope or RentalCars or hop on a bus around Gatineau, Montreal, Quebec, and surrounding cities with Busbud.

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Côte-Nord / Quebec Destinations / Trip Planner / What to See and Do
About Author

Passionate about travel and food, Jennifer Doré Dallas is a freelance travel writer, author and creator since 2010. On top of this amazing Chasing Poutine blog, she also founded Moi, mes souliers in 2010 and she is the author/co-author of around two dozen Lonely Planet, Ulysse and Parfum d'encre travel guidebooks, in addition to having contributed to other books and hundreds of tourism and Web platforms, magazines, DMOs and Websites over the years. As a lecturer in Web writing and SEO for a Quebec college and consultant for various companies and DMOs, she loves combining technological advances with the classic beauty of words, and is a member of TMAC, SATW, NATJA and IFTWTA!

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