Do you want to go on whale watching cruises in Tadoussac?
Well, you’ve come to the right place for information because I took one of the best Tadoussac whale-watching cruises.
In this article, I’m going to tell you everything you need to know to have an amazing time for whale sightings – just like I did. I will tell you about my entire whale-watching experience and what to expect when you book.
First, I must confess I made a mistake by not booking in advance. When I arrived, I attempted to make a booking and found out many departures were sold out, so it was a good thing I was staying for a few nights. In the end, my friends and I were able to book an afternoon departure on a zodiac boat tour (inflatable boat).
Short on time?
My top recommendation for you is this Tadoussac whale-watching tour in a Zodiac.
Whale Watching in Tadoussac Itinerary
1. Meet at the docks
I was asked to be at the dock in Petite Bergeronnes (near Tadoussac) for our tour one hour in advance of our afternoon departure time for our whale-watching zodiac cruise. Some of the competitors depart from the port of Tadoussac and Baie-Sainte-Catherine for AML Cruises, which requires extra driving time as it requires a ferry across the Saguenay River.
2. Getting prepared for the voyage
At the assigned time, after checking our tickets, the tour members were briefed on getting dressed. We filed into a nearby room where the clothing was hanging in order by size. First came the rain pants, then the rubber boots and finally the yellow rain jacket. Children also had to wear a life jacket. Then a quick visit to the washroom, as there is none on the boat.
A bit clumsy with the rubber boots and other bulky clothing, we then walked down a set of stairs for the short walk to the pier. After the entire group of 36 had arrived (this cruise was sold out), we were briefed in English and French about how the seating worked and safety precautions.
We had been told that we were going to get WET, especially those seated in the front of the zodiac, a little less for those seated around the sides, and less for those seated in the middle. So I chose a middle seat, but as I mentioned, everyone got a little wet.
3. Boat Ride to the Whale Watching zone
Our zodiac headed out from our dock at Petites-Bergeronnes (near Tadoussac), with competitors from the town itself and the bigger Croisieres AML ship from Baie-Sainte-Catherine (on the other side of the Saguenay) all headed for the same area. As we rode over the rough water (at least it was during our voyage) with strong winds, the spray from the salt water got us a little wet. The people in the front seemed to be enjoying this.
The message on the loudspeaker on the zodiac provided information about the whales and the Saguenay area in French. The English-speaking people, including myself, were seated together, and a crew member explained the same details to us as well.
An abundance of food in the deep waters of the St. Lawrence estuary attracts the presence of several whale species, including the humpback whale, beluga whale, blue whale, fin whale, minke whale, the Atlantic white-sided dolphin, and seals. The estuary is where the waters of the Saguenay Fjord flow into the St. Lawrence River, creating the best whale-watching sites.
4. The Whale Watching Experience
The first thing I saw was not a whale but one of the other marine mammals, a curious seal poking its head above the water and watching us as we passed. I would see a total of 4 seals during this trip. What I liked was that the Zodiac provides more of a sporty experience and a unique feeling as you are so close to the water.
Our cruise was fortunate as we saw humpback whales and minke whales. I never saw an entire whale in the air, just the fins, tails, and their air blowing, but I was excited, and so were the other passengers.
Our boat and the competitors were all connected by radio, and one boat would report seeing a whale, and all the boats would dash over to the area. Our zodiac was fast, and we were usually one of the first to arrive, with the AML ship surprisingly quickly behind.
After about one hour searching for whales and finding a few, we headed back to port, the entire time on the water, taking about 2 hours. Note: There are no washrooms on board the Zodiac
Best Whale Watching in Tadoussac
There are several whale-watching excursions available to view them in the Tadoussac area, which are offered from early May to the end of October:
1. Croisières AML Whale-Watching Cruise
- Panoramic views
- A dedicated walkway is available at an additional cost
- You are higher up, so good view looking down
- The comfort of a big boat
- A guarantee may apply in some situations if whales are not seen
2. Zodiac Whale-Watching Tour
- Zodiac (Inflatable boat) – for 12 or 36 people, depending on the operator, so a smaller group
- You are at the water level, so an amazing view. You will get wet.
- Two hours of whale watching
- Guided tour with knowledge sharing from experienced captains
3. Sea Kayak
- Also, at the water level, exploring the Fjord of Saguenay and the St. Lawrence River
- Small group, so very flexible
4. View from shore
This is not as exciting an experience, but there is the possibility of seeing whales from the shore, as I did when in Gaspe. In this area, the best chances are the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park, in the village at Islet Point, and from the Dunes area.
Tadoussac Whale Watching Packages
Saguenay Fjord Family Sea Kayak Tour – includes one night of accommodation, some meals, an English-speaking guide, and more.
Saguenay Fjord Beginner Sea Kayak Tour – similar to the above tour, but for those just starting kayaking.
Wild Saguenay Fjord Sea Kayaking Tour – this is a 3-day tour
Whale Watching on a Zodiac – take a zodiac tour and maybe see minke and humpback whales, as I did when I went.
AML Whale Watching Tour Boat – view whales from the observation deck
Tadoussac Whale Watching Season
From May to October is the best time to see whales in Tadoussac, when you’ll have the best chance of seeing several species of whales, including minke whales, humpback whales, fin whales, and blue whales. You can only purchase a whale-watching tour at this time. The Beluga whale, however, can often be seen year-round, but cruises are only offered on a seasonal basis.
The best time of day to spot whales is early morning or late afternoon when whales are most active, and the waters are calmest, although on the day I went, we saw more in the afternoon than the morning group did.
How to get to Tadoussac?
By car – from Québec City, the most direct route to Tadoussac is Highway 138 on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River for a distance of 215 km, taking just over 3 hours.
Insider Tip: However, for a more scenic drive, I recommend, when arriving at Baie-Saint-Paul (with lots of shops and restaurants), taking Highway 362. Leaving town, you will climb a hill with a lookout stop at the top with great views of the coast. This route sticks closer to the St Lawrence River and is much slower as it winds and dips, but is more interesting. You will pass the Hotel Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu before arriving at La Malbaie, where you rejoin Highway 138.
When you reach the mouth of the Saguenay Fjord at Baie-Sainte-Catherine, you will need to take a ferry across the Saguenay River. As this ferry is part of the Quebec highway system, it is a free trip. I found in the evenings I did not need to wait long a the ferry terminal, but during the afternoon I did allow extra time for the 10-minute crossing. As you cross, this provides an opportunity to see a whale.
By bus – with Busbud, there is a service from Quebec City to Tadoussac taking just over 4 hours.
Driving from NB – If you are heading to or from New Brunswick, several ferries cross the St. Lawrence, and I drove the 97 km to Forestville and took the Catamaran to Rimouski when I went in 2022. The ferry is not operating in 2023 (not sure in 2024 either), so people are taking the Trois-Pistoles to Les Escoumins ferry instead.
Where to stay in Tadoussac
The most impressive is the Hotel Tadoussac, a distinctive hotel with a huge lawn by the water right in town and close to the restaurants and shops, although there are other hotels and motels in the area. For example, the Motel de l’Anse à l’Eau is more basic and cheaper, but with a fantastic location.
You can find other hotels, motels and accommodation options at booking.com.
I went to Camping Tadoussac up the hill, about 1 km above the town. Although there were many poor reviews about the campground and staff, that was not my experience. I loved the location, clean washrooms, and although I don’t speak French, I always found the staff helpful. The only issue is that the sites are small and packed close together.
Other Things to Do in Tadoussac
This is a resort town where you can take a walk along the boardwalk along the harbour to view the boats. It connects with the easy Pointe de l’Islet trail, which heads out to the point where the Saguenay and St. Lawrence meet and where you may see whales. Nearby is the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre, where the highlight is the largest collection of whale bones in Canada
In the small town of Tadoussac, there are some shops and restaurants which line the hilly streets. I dined at La Gulne Restaurant with an excellent seafood platter with sweet potato salad for $28.
I also drove a few kilometres east to the Tadoussac Dunes (free) to walk the trail to the lookout, see the waterfalls, and enjoy a picnic on the bluff overlooking the beach. Tadoussac is a great place for hiking, as there are several other trails in the area.
At the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park, which is jointly managed by Parks Canada and Sepaq (Quebec), you may be able to see whales from the shore or visit the Observation Centre.
I went to check out the Saguenay Fjord with a free viewpoint with picnic tables just past the village of Petit-Saguenay and then continued to the Parc National du Fjord-du-Saguenay (paid entrance) with numerous hiking trails, including the most popular one involving a climb, but where you are rewarded with commanding views of the fjord.
FAQs: Whale Watching Tadoussac
What is the best time to see whales in Tadoussac?
Cruises to see the whales in Tadoussac are offered from early May until the end of October, which is the best time to see the whales as well. The high season is in July and August.
What do you wear to whale watching on the Tadoussac cruise?
Even in summer, wear warm clothing and closed shoes as your cruise is on the windy St. Lawrence River. On some cruises, rubber boots, rainpants, and a raincoat may be supplied, but expect to get wet. A change of clothing is recommended after the cruise. Also, whichever cruise you are on, take a camera or binoculars.
Where is the best place to see whales in Quebec?
In Quebec, one of the best places is near Tadoussac, where the Saguenay and St. Lawrence Rivers meet, providing an abundance of food for humpback whales, beluga whales, blue whales, fin whales, minke whales, and seals.
Is Tadoussac worth a visit?
While the main attraction in Tadoussac is whale watching, you will want to check out the nearby Saguenay Fjord. There are plenty of hiking opportunities, including the Tadoussac Dunes and a beach.
Do I need to book my Tadoussac Whale Watching in advance?
Book your Tadoussac whale watching in advance, particularly in July and August, as it is very popular. There is more space on the Croisieres AML ship, with limited spots on the zodiac cruises or if you wish, a kayak.
Looking for Information on Other Regions of Canada
- There is more to do in Tadoussac than whale watching; see my post
- The Gros Morne Fjord in the National Park in Newfoundland
- The unique Hopewell Rocks in New Brunswick
- Sherbrooke Murals self-guided walking tour
- Cycling trip through the Laurentians on Petit Train du Nord
- Ile d’Orleans day trip from Quebec City
- Many people stop in Quebec City en route
Final Thoughts: Tadoussac Whale Watching
Very accessible as it is only a three-hour drive from Quebec City. Whale watching in Tadoussac was always a bucket list item and is an experience not to be missed. I would go again.
