It’s no secret, Tadoussac is the hub of whale watching adventures in Quebec. I think you’ve figured that out already! Tourists and locals alike flock to the town to observe the marine life from ashore or board boats to head out to sea for a close-up with mammals. Let’s check out the maritime scene and explore the different places you need to see to get your fix of surprising humpbacks and tails and get up-close and personal with whales and belugas while you’re whale watching in Tadoussac!
What Is the Best Time of Year to Go Whale Watching in Tadoussac?
First off, when’s a good time to visually hunt for the amazing mammals? In general, between May and October, as migratory whales make the Saint Lawrence their feeding grounds, but experts say whale sightings have been historically higher in September and October.
Chances that you see at least one are very high, no matter when you choose to go whale watching in Tadoussac, but keep in mind they are free-roaming animals, so there is no guarantee, ever, and that’s actually a good thing.
The temperature, tides, presence of food and time of day impact in various ways your chances of spotting them.
On one of my boat rides out on the water, I was lucky enough to see whales breaching (jumping out of the water) twice and catch a tail come out above the surface at least a dozen times. It’s simply magical, trust me! I’ve also observed this from the shore a few times, so everything is possible.
The Whales Online website will help you answer a lot of questions you might have about the best timing to observe whales in Tadoussac and surrounding areas!
What Kind of Whales or Marine Life Can I See in Tadoussac?
There are 13 species of whales that can be observed near Tadoussac if you’re lucky enough to spot them. Some are more “normal” to see than others. There are also dolphins and seals and tons of birds!
| Killer whale | Harbour porpoise | Sperm whale |
| Long-finned pilot whale | Northern bottlenose whale | Beluga |
| North Atlantic right whale | Atlantic white-sided dolphin | White-beaked dolphin |
| Blue whale | Minke whale | Fin whale |
| Humpback whale |
Is It Better to Go Whale Watching on Land, Shore or Sea?
There are so many ways to go out on the hunt for the perfect whale sighting in Tadoussac! Whether you’re whale watching from a boat (cruise on a bigger boat, zodiac, speed boat or with AML Cruises), from a kayak at water level or from shore on land in one of the optimal viewing spots, the experience is completely different (see further for details).
In my opinion, there is no better way, there are just different ways, and I think combining multiple whale watching ops is the best of the best!
- On the water: unless you get seasick on smaller boats, I would definitely go for the Zodiac experience or even more hands-on with a kayak excursion in Tadoussac or a surrounding expedition spot. Make sure you choose an outfitter/company that offers Eco-Alliance-friendly tours, respectful of marine life.
- On shore/land: you could basically spot some mammals and cetaceans from anywhere, even while driving along Quebec’s coastline. However, there are multiple places near Tadoussac to view whales. Check below to find out what the best places to whale watch are around Tadoussac.
How Much Does A Whale Watching Cruise in Tadoussac Cost and Which Companies Should I Book a Tour With?
A 3h boat ride will cost around $70-150+tx per adult. A 3h Zodiac ride will cost $75-140+tx, while a 2h outing is about $10 cheaper. There are kids, family and senior prices available.
Prices vary, but the main companies are all around the same price for the same boat sizes. You’ll most likely choose according to the schedule rather than the price.
The biggest boating compagnies are Croisières AML, Tadoussac Autrement, and Croisières Essipit (First Nations owned). Navettes du fjord offers boat tours along the Saguenay Fjord during which you may spot some wildlife!
As far as kayaking to whale watch, the most recommended company is Mer et Monde Écotours.
You’ll want to read my full kayaking in Tadoussac guide here.
Booking a whale watching outing ahead of time is a good idea in high season, although you might be able to secure a spot last minute as well. Most hotels and accommodation will be able to book tickets for you at no extra cost.
Best Places for Whale Watching from the Shore/Land in and Around Tadoussac
Cap-de-Bon-Désir Interpretation and Observation Centre (Centre d’interprétation et d’observation de Cap-de-Bon-Désir) in Les Bergeronnes
Prepare for mammal sightings at Cap-de-Bon-Désir Interpretation and Observation Centre, 23 minutes north from Tadoussac! After a look at the different buildings around the cute red and white lighthouse, walk through a wooded area on a relaxing very easy almost flat hike that will lead you to the shoreline where you can hang out. Surprises await!
The Ocean Encounters (30 pieds chez Neptune) activity lets kids of all ages interact with interpreters while they show sea life (urchins, crabs, starfish, etc.) they’ve just collected. The activity is held in both French and English.
If you want to visit Cap de Bon-Désir at the ultimate best time of day, I’d say really early or late in the day, during sunrise or sunset. These moments will let you enjoy better lighting and calmer waters. I was also told that the whales are more active during those times!
Parks Canada Marine Environment Discovery Centre (Centre de découverte du milieu marin) in Les Escoumins
Can you spot the whales from the viewing platforms and rocks along the water? Sit down and relax in awe until a whale’s breath piercing the surface startles you at the Parks Canada Marine Environment Discovery Centre (Centre de découverte du milieu marin) in Les Escoumins, 30 minutes north of Tadoussac.
Watch a movie about the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park you’re in and learn more about marine diversity. The St. Lawrence Live (Le Saint-Laurent en direct) activity enables you to see a live dive on a screen and receive information in real time as one of the interpreters of the park explores the underwater and multicoloured organisms!
The activity is conducted in French but very visual, so interesting even if you don’t speak the local language and questions can be asked/answered in English.
Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre (CIMM)
Curious about belugas and around downtown Tadoussac? The Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre (CIMM), part of a research and education group on marine mammals, is a good introduction to any whale-watching experience. Ask your questions about whales and practice all your senses while you hear belugas singing!
What Should I Wear and Pack to Go Whale Watching?
If you’re planning a road trip to Tadoussac or through the Côte-Nord region, you’ll need to think about your luggage, suitcase or backpack!
The North Shore has some changing weather, even in the hottest months of summer, so if you’re wondering what to pack for Tadoussac in summer, keep that in mind! You might also want to check out this packing list I prepared for you.
Also, whale watching might bring you out on the water where temperatures plummet, so layer up. You’ll need a warmer summer jacket or a fleece vest and most likely a windbreaker if it’s a windy day.
When you go on a cruise on a speedboat or zodiac, the outfitter will lend you gear to keep you dry and warm but layering up underneath is still recommended.
Closed-toe shoes are recommended for heat, but also as they are better in case of water! These are my absolute favourite to travel.
Hands and ears can also get chilly, so grab a set of light gloves you can leave in your pockets if you plan on taking a lot of photos and not being able to hide your hands away.
For your ears, a buff bandana is ideal, cause it’s not too warm for summer hikes and walks to protect you from the sun or sweat, but it helps break the wind on a whale excursion! A scarf will do if you don’t have a circular type buff headband.
Although you don’t absolutely need them, binoculars can come in handy to get a better look at the details of a whale popping out of the water. It’s hard, however, to actually spot them fast while using this tool, so they will turn out to be more practical for seals and bird watching!
Bring a reusable water bottle if you’re going out for a few hours (but don’t drink too much if there are not toilets on board!) as the salty air can dry your throat up. Make sure you lather up with sunscreen, as the nasty UV rays are reflected on water even on shady days! Sunglasses will be practical for the same reason.
If you’re anything like me, you’re gonna want to take tons of pictures, so make sure you have enough batteries and a special cloth to clean your lens from water droplets!
Which Whale Watching Tour to Choose From?
- Go out on a morning cruise or take a twilight tour!
- Head out on a boat tour from Tadoussac or Baie-Sainte-Catherine.
- Hop in a zodiac to watch out for whales!
- Get access to the upper deck for a VIP whale watching experience!
Have fun on your whale watching adventure and keep me posted if you saw anything!
Here are some other articles to prepare your trip to Tadoussac:
- Best Things to Do in Tadoussac and Around Town
- Whale Nation: Each of Them a Lesson, Each of Them a Wonder
- Kayaking in Tadoussac: Discover the Serene Beauty of Québec’s Coastal Paradise
- 20 Must-See Quebec Attractions to Add to Your Province Bucket List
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:
- Embark on a whale-watching cruise in Tadoussac
- Spend the night in a comfortable hotel in Baie-Comeau near the beach and the sea
- Enjoy a family trout fishing adventure near Tadoussac
- Stay in Sept-Iles, just steps from the marina and airport.
Preparing For Your Trip
When I look for things to do in my destination, I always have a look at Viator, GetYourGuide, Manawa, Civitatis 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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