Nestled at the meeting point of the mighty Saint Lawrence River and the deep, mysterious Saguenay Fjord, Tadoussac is a gem of Quebec that calls out to those with a love for nature’s grandeur. Here’s a guide to travelling to Tadoussac! Imagine a village where the air is filled with the tang of the sea, and every turn offers a postcard-perfect view of rolling hills, dense forests, and the expansive blue of the river.

But Tadoussac isn’t just about pretty scenery, it’s a place where you can stand at the edge of the world and watch as giant whales breach the surface, their enormous tails slapping the water with a force that echoes through the fjord.

It’s a spot where the history of New France comes alive in its charming streets and where each day can start with a sunrise hike and end with a sunset that paints the sky in hues you didn’t know existed.

For the traveller who wants to experience the raw beauty of Quebec, Tadoussac offers an unfiltered glimpse into a world where nature reigns supreme, and the wonders of the wild are just a boat ride away.

So pack your sense of adventure, and get ready to dive into a place where the rhythms of the land and sea set the pace for a journey you’ll never forget.

First Off, Where’s Tadoussac?

It’s in Canada, in the province of Quebec, in the Côte-Nord region. As mentioned, Tadoussac sits where the Saguenay River flows into the Saint Lawrence River at the edge of the Saguenay Fjord, one of the world’s longest fjords.

Geographically, it lies about 215 kilometres northeast of Quebec City on the northern shore, making it a scenic drive along Route 138, with a short ferry ride across the Saguenay, at the Baie-Sainte-Catherine-Tadoussac ferry, which is free, frequent, and very short. Plan ahead though in high season as the lineup can get long.

• Montreal to Tadoussac: 475 km (295 miles) – 5.5 to 6 hours by car 
• Quebec City to Tadoussac: 215 km (134 miles) – 3 hours by car 
• Ottawa to Tadoussac: +600 km (+370 miles) – 7 hours by car 
• Boston to Tadoussac: +700 km (+440 miles) – 9 hours by car

What to do in Tadoussac and Around Town?

As a very important tourist destination in the region, Tadoussac offers tons of activities for every kind of traveller. I’ve created an article about my favourites and all the best things to do in Tadoussac and around town. Check it out!

Getting There: How to Go to Tadoussac

Now that you know that’s where you want to go, here’s how you can figure out how to get to Tadoussac:

By Car – Going on a Road Trip to Tadoussac, Côte-Nord

From Montreal (or Quebec/Lévis), there are a few ways to get to the Tadoussac region.

To get there as fast as possible, get to the north bank of the river along highway 40 and then take the 138 to Tadoussac and Les Escoumins (3h from Quebec/about 5.5h from Montreal). On the way, you’ll have to take the Baie-Sainte-Catherine ferry, but it’s quite short and fun!

You can also take highway 20 to Trois-Pistoles on the south shore (around 5 hours), take the ferry to Les Escoumins and take the 138 towards Tadoussac (around 30 minutes, without stopping). It’s a longer excursion, but you’ll get to see other amazing places so stretch out the trip.

You can also take the ferry from Rivière-du-Loup to Saint-Siméon then go up towards Tadoussac.

By Bus – Taking the Bus to Tadoussac

The Intercar bus company offers trips to Tadoussac from Montreal. Intercar Côte-Nord offers bus rides from Quebec City to Tadoussac in the morning, lasting a little over 4 hours. You can book your tickets with Busbus, a Montreal trusted company I always use to book bus tickets. The terminal is at the Maison Majorique (the youth hostel).

Getting Around Tadoussac

The village of Tadoussac is very small and totally walkable. You’ll discover souvenirs and gift shops (some are a little too Chinese-made for my taste, when we have lots of talented Quebec designers!), pretty ancestral homes and a magnificent view of the beach.

You’ll need a car to get outside of the village centre, though, as most activities are in the outskirts, but you’ll find everything you need in town for a night or two of fun if you’re open to walking!

If you’ve got a car, then you’ll be all set. Just make sure to check for parking signs, as most places charge for parking in town!

What and Where to Eat in Tadoussac?

Looking for some delicious places to eat in Tadoussac or the best restaurants for a bite? Here are some of my favourites:

• Chez Mathilde Bistronomique: gourmet place that was recognized by the Michelin guide and my absolute favourite restaurant from all of my many visits to Tadoussac: this is THE place to eat in Tadoussac! Tasting menu, refined and local bistro cuisine, magnificent presentations.
• À L’emportée Boulangerie: a pretty little bakery cooperative with breads, pastries, sandwiches, salads, cheeses, terrines and other regional products.
• Le Café Bohème: I have a crush on this most charming café located in the former general store of the town. Varied and fresh menu, relaxed atmosphere. Eat on the terrace to take the pulse of the village.
• Casse-croûte Le Connaisseur Food Truck: on the outskirts of town, you can chow down on delicious fries and typical Quebec fast food by the side of the road in a food truck, or what we call here, a shack à patates.

Where to Go for a Drink in Tadoussac?

Microbrasserie de Tadoussac: local craft beers to sip directly in front of the Tadoussac Bay on a pretty terrace or in the drinking room, a must-do stop on any North Shore Road trip.

Where to Sleep in Tadoussac

Now that you have at hand this ton of info about travelling to Tadoussac, the gateway to the Côte-Nord region, it’s time to get booking! You’ll see, once you get past its popularity, Tadoussac will rub off on you! 🙂

I prepared a list of suggestions on where to sleep in Tadoussac, it’s here!

Have you ever taken a trip to Tadoussac? Is this the kind of landscape that interests you?

 Here is other Tadoussac content to help you plan your trip:

• Where to Sleep in Tadoussac
• Whale Nation: Each of Them a Lesson, Each of Them a Wonder
• Whale Watching in Tadoussac – Complete Travel Guide and FAQ
• Best Things to Do in Tadoussac and Around Town
• Kayaking in Tadoussac: Discover the Serene Beauty of Québec’s Coastal Paradise
• Why Food-Loving Travellers Should Care About Quebec Michelin Restaurants

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