This Admirable Canadian Village Is One Of The Best Whale-Watching Spots In The World
Canada is a captivating country filled with stunning landscapes that are worth experiencing for yourself no matter how long you have to spare in the name of vacation fun. Whether you're lucky enough to be road-tripping through Canada or only have a few days set aside to explore, there's no shortage of options for adventure. If you're longing to connect with nature and wildlife while you're here, you won't want to miss out on the world-class whale-watching opportunities that are waiting for you in Tadoussac.
Located along the north shore of Quebec, Tadoussac is home to just over 800 residents according to a 2021 census by Statistics Canada. While the year-round population remains low, the diversity of marine wildlife in the area is vast thanks to the village's location at the convergence point of the Saguenay Fjord and the St. Lawrence River. Whale-watching enthusiasts will be thrilled to learn that the waters here are home to around 13 species of whales to observe. Whether you're looking forward to spotting humpback whales or blue whales, you'll find them swimming up through the Saguenay Fjord to feed in the waters that surround Tadoussac in impressive numbers each year as they follow their set migratory path. Species like beluga whales live in the St. Lawrence River year-round giving travelers unique whale-watching opportunities no matter when you happen to arrive.
Enjoy whale-watching with local experts
Organized whale-watching has been popular in Tadoussac since 1979. Today, it remains a fan-favorite experience in the region and an important aspect of local tourism. It's not hard to see why the interest remains high when there's the tantalizing possibility of viewing everything from minke whales and sperm whales to orcas and fin whales during an outing alongside a naturalist guide. Prime whale-watching season in the area runs from May through October as whales head in this direction to feed before heading south.
The possibility of spotting one of these incredible creatures in its natural habitat is thrilling and there are plenty of local companies happy to help you book your place on an organized observation tour. One of the premier providers of whale-watching excursions in the area is Croisieres AML. They offer a variety of tour options ranging anywhere from two to three hours at a time. No matter what vessel you select, you can count on panoramic views from the deck, a helpful naturalist guide interpreting the experience, and an outing that adheres to eco-responsible observation standards that are put in place by the local Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park.
Tadoussac Autrement is another notable company offering whale-watching tours in the area. You'll be invited to step onboard a Zodiac boat with 24 seats available as you enjoy whale-watching around the fjord and St. Lawrence River. Tadoussac Autrement vessels come with convenient sliding windows and a captain-narrated experience from start to finish.
Spot amazing marine creatures from the shore
Even if you don't book an official whale-watching tour, there are opportunities to spot whales traveling through the Tadoussac region right from the shoreline. Head over to the Pointe-de-L'Islet Trail at the marina and you'll increase your chances of observing whales breaching in the surrounding waters. If you plan to spend time at the Parc National du Fjord-du-Saguenay, you might just find yourself observing Belugas swimming around with their young near Baie-Sainte-Marguerite. It's an area that's become known locally as a charming Beluga nursery.
For more shoreline whale-watching, head over to the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park and make time for a stop along the shorelines of Cap-de-Bon-Desir. This interpretation and observation center is a wonderful place to settle in on the rocks and watch whales swim by just a few hundred feet away. There are plenty of hiking trails that wind through the area as well so you can find just the right vantage point over the water.
A great way to round out your whale-watching adventure while visiting Tadoussac is to spend an afternoon visiting the local Marine Mammal Interpretation Center. It's a one-stop resource for whale education where you can explore exhibits that cover everything from whale migration patterns and diet to life spans and behaviors. It can be a truly breathtaking experience to stand next to whale bones in the center and see just how massive these creatures are up close.