Bonjour whales
Explore our roads along the majestic St. Lawrence River in Québec and enjoy the world’s best whale experience! The coastal and picturesque panoramas will lead you to the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, a unique destination where you can observe up to 13 species of whales in their natural habitat. Here, the enchanting smell of the sea accompanies you everywhere. Our cruise and specialized activity companies, along with our interpretation centers, will make your experience unforgettable. This summer, enjoy the various ways to observe the giants of the sea and come say Bonjour to Québec’s whales!
| On the way to the whales | Baie-Ste- Catherine Tadoussac | Les Escoumins | Baie-Comeau Godbout | Saguenay | Gaspé |
| Toronto | 1,021 km | 1,059 km | 1,220 km | 1,018 km | 1,467 km |
| Boston | 829 km | 866 km | 1,053 km | 818 km | 1,178 km |
| Ottawa | 654 km | 699 km | 859 km | 651 km | 1,110 km |
| Montréal | 468 km | 510 km | 671 km | 465 km | 915 km |
| Québec | 208 km | 252 km | 413 km | 211 km | 695 km |
| New York | 1,051 km | 1,088 km | 1,250 km | 1,039 km | 1,495 km |
Côte-Nord
You’ll be amazed by the feats of whales coming to feed. With its endless beaches, its gourmet circuit that will awaken your taste buds, its unique attractions, and its marine environment interpretation activities, the Côte-Nord offers you exceptional landscapes. Whether you’re a nature lover, a discovery enthusiast, or an adventure seeker, every moment here is an invitation to wonder. It’s an adventure all the way to the end of the road!
Tour + accommodation
Zodiac whale watching tour
Guided by our experienced bilingual captains, set off to meet the most majestic marine mammals! Humpback whales, porpoises, fin whales and many other species will take your breath away during this incredible 2.5-hour cruise.
Whale watching boat tour
Memorable moments await as you observe the whales in their natural habitat, amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the marine park and the Saguenay Fjord. You might even spot the iconic blue whale — the largest animal on the planet!
Essipit Cruises
Launching from the wharf at Les Bergeronnes, some 24 km east of Tadoussac, you’ll enjoy a two-hour excursion helmed by a captain/naturalist, to a place where whales frolic against a breathtaking backdrop.
Unmissable!
Charlevoix
Relax in sublime environments that are perfect for recharging your batteries. Indulge your taste buds by exploring the region through local food. Immerse yourself in the cultural richness of the charming villages. Every activity is a chance to take in all that Charlevoix has to offer. Located about an hour from Québec City, this region spanning 6,000 km2 boasts a unique terrain that was shaped by a meteorite 400 million years ago. A trip to Charlevoix is more than just a vacation—it’s entering a world filled with nature, art, culture, and gastronomy.
Where time slows, where emotion rises, where you feel good.
Tour + accommodation
With the exceptional view from the comfortable Croisières AML boat, you’ll enjoy a fascinating cruise in the heart of the Saguenay-Saint-Lawrence Marine Park. The package includes the whale-watching cruise, one night’s accommodation and breakfast.
Zodiac Whale Watching Tour
You’ll have the chance to capture spectacular photos and create unforgettable moments in the company of the most majestic creatures on the planet. A once-in-a-lifetime expedition you won’t want to miss!
Whale Watching Boat Tour
From May to October, you can encounter multiple whale species in a single outing—just one of the many reasons this marine park is internationally acclaimed. An unforgettable adventure that’s truly worth the trip!
Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park
By sea, take advantage of cruises guided by passionate naturalists, whose practices are regulated to better protect marine mammals.
Travel the coastline, where a variety of cultural and outdoor activities await you. Visit places offering spectacular vistas over the St. Lawrence and the Saguenay Fjord. Some of these vantage points will allow you to observe whales without ever going out onto the water.
On the way to the whales
Experience Québec City
Among the many benefits of spending a few days in the charming UNESCO heritage gem that is Old Québec is the fact that one can hit the road and go on a whale expedition further east – and come back to wine and dine in the city on the same day.
Visit Québec City and make it your starting point to the best whale experience in the world!
Full-day Bus Excursion and Whale Watching Boat Tour
During your day trip, a guide will take you in and share his passion for marine life.
5 Reasons to Spend Your Summer Vacation in Québec City
Must-See Attractions: Top 10 Things to Do
Montréal
Montréal is an exhilarating city, with so much to see and do. Discover it through long bike rides, picnics at the park, street art hunts, adventures on the water, festivals and visits to the museum. After enjoying the excitement of the city, set sail for whale watching.
Bas-Saint-Laurent
Gaspésie
Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean
Our roads and our circuits
Legend
Ferry crossings
Observation point
Heading Out to See the Whales and Enjoy Québec's Must-Sees!
9 days and 8 nights – Starting from $1,299 per person based on double occupancy.
Road Trip to Tadoussac, the Most Beautiful Village in Québec
5 days and 4 nights – Starting from $649 per person based on double occupancy.
Escape to Charlevoix, Between River and Mountains
5 days and 4 nights – Starting from $649 per person based on double occupancy.
The Route des baleines
St. Lawrence Route
The Route des Navigateurs
The Gaspésie Tour
The Lighthouse Trail
Route du Fjord
Our whales and partners
Événements Attractions Québec
Événements Attractions Québec understands the importance of giving a boost to tourism and culture in Quebec. This organization’s mission is to promote the province’s rich and diverse tourism offering. Its tourism portals, Quebecvacances.com and Quebecgetaways.com offer content that highlights new discoveries and activities that promise great moments to share.
Société des Traversiers du Québec
The Société des Traversiers du Québec invites you to discover the St. Lawrence Estuary through its gateways to the Côte-Nord, Charlevoix and Bas-Saint-Laurent. Our ferry crossings provide more than a passage from one region to another: they’re also the perfect opportunity to soak up the beauty of the St. Lawrence, where the river meets the sea!
Québec by the Sea
Côte-Nord, Bas-Saint-Laurent, Gaspésie and the Îles de la Madeleine shares one asset: the sea. You can discover the rich maritime heritage of these regions via a multitude of road trip routes on both sides of the St. Lawrence.
What to see: up to 13 species of whales, 10 national parks, islands, beaches, lighthouses and much more.
