The complete guide to whale watching in Tadoussac

Many of you dream of being able to see whales on your Canada self drive holidays.

Where to see whales? What is the best season? What to choose between boat, zodiac or kayak to observe these giant mammals?

Find all your answers in this guide to whale watching in Tadoussac.

Where to observe whales in Tadoussac ?

Tadoussac village
Tadoussac is one of the best places in the world for whale watching

Tadoussac, in addition to being a charming village, is the primary destination for whale watching in Quebec.

Located at the limit of the Saguenay Fjord and the St. Lawrence River, whales find all the food they need here to stock up on their fat reserves for the winter.

Departing from Tadoussac, you will have several choices of cruises, whether aboard a large boat, a zodiac or even a kayak.

If you don't have the sea legs or if don't have the time to go on a whale watching safari, you still have every chance to see them from the shore.

In all cases, don't forget your binoculars!


How to observe whales in Tadoussac ?
 

#1. Whale watching by boat

Whale in Tadoussac
Whale watching by boat during the summer season in Tadoussac

This whale watching boat tour is ideal for people who tend to be seasick as the size of the boat allows for a less choppy cruise.

We also recommend this option for families with young children because you can move around easily, go to the bathroom, have a bite to eat, choose to be outside or inside... etc.

The whale watching cruise departs from Tadoussac marina, but tickets can be purchased in the village. Ask the Tadoussac tourist office on your arrival if you have not already purchased your tickets online, they will tell you where to find the ticket office.

Some boats have an underwater camera, which gives you another perspective and allows you to see the whales directly in the water.

 Approximate duration of the cruise: 3 hours

 

#2. Whale watching by zodiac

Whale watching season Tadoussac
Whale watching in a zodiac in Tadoussac

Departing from Les Escoumins, a nearby village, another type of excursion is available: this Quebec whale watching zodiac cruise offers a completely different experience.

A zodiac can approach within 200 meters of a whale that is not endangered or threatened.

This activity is not recommended for pregnant women and people with back, joint or autonomy problems, as the boat can hit the water pretty hard.

Children 2 and under are not accepted, and if you're seasick, the zodiac is probably not your best choice :;): emoji.

 Approximate duration of the cruise: 3 hours

 

#3. Whale watching in a Kayak

Kayak whales Tadoussac
Whale watching in a kayak in Tadoussac

Whale watching aboard a kayak is certainly the most exciting, but also the most ecological way to observe marine mammals in Tadoussac.

With no surprise here, a minimum of physical fitness is required to partake in the activity. It will however be one of the highlights of your eastern Canada holiday.

Also note that departures are weather dependent. Indeed, the activity may be cancelled in the event of bad weather (rain or strong winds).

Several companies offer departures during the summer season. Don't hesitate to shop around for prices and different types of cruises to suit your needs.

 Approximate duration of the cruise: 3,5 hours

 

#4. Whale watching from the shore

Can I see whales from the shore in Tadoussac
Whale watching from the shore

Can't take a cruise? It does not matter because you have all your chances of seeing whales in Tadoussac while staying on dry land.

In the village, the best place to see whales is undoubtedly the Pointe-de-l'Islet trail. The start is near the marina and the trail is very easy to access. Allow 20 minutes to complete it.

The shores of Cap-de-Bon-Désir near Les Bergeronnes and Baie Ste-Catherine are other great option for whale watching.

 

When can I see whales in Tadoussac ?

observing whales in Tadoussac
Whale watching cruise in Tadoussac | Photo credit: Photo credit :

The whale watching season in Tadoussac begins in May and stretches until the end of October.

Whale sightings can vary during the summer as they track their food, but in recent years the trend has seen that they are more numerous and active in September and October. The months of July and August remain good choices.

There is no better time during the day to see these magnificent sea creatures. However, the busiest cruises are the mid-day departures. So if you can, opt for the morning depatures for a quieter experience.

 

Tips to locate whales

See whales in Tadoussac
Whale off the shores of Tadoussac

Form a team and sweep your eyes across the water. One person patrols with a pair of binoculars and the other with the naked eye.

Look for the whale breath that forms a white column above the water. It looks a bit like an explosion of water on the horizon.

Sometimes you will hear the sound of a whale's breath before you even see it.

From the first breath, you will have the chance to observe them a few times before they plunge back in for a few minutes.

 

Do I need to book my Tadoussac cruise in advance ?

Whale in Tadoussac
Whale in the St. Lawrence

Going on a cruise to observe whales in Quebec will certainly allow for unforgettable moments. Obviously, the cruises are very popular and will fill in quickly during high season.

If you are visiting in July or August, it is preferable to book in advance to ensure availability. For the rest of the summer, you don't necessarily have to, but be prepared to have less departure options to choose from the day of. 

 

And there you have it!

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them in the comment box below.

Karolane Lessard

An enthusiast of both our vibrant cities & great oudoors, my life revolves around travel & adventure. It's a no brainer that I have to share the wonders & secrets of my neck of the woods with other travelling souls. Enjoy the journey!

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24 comments

Anna February 27, 2024, 09h40
Hello Karolane,
I hope you're doing well!
I'm planning a whale watching trip to Tadousacc from May 1 to May 4th or so.
Will the whale watching tours be available at this time? If so, which tour should we choose?
Where would you recommend three adults to stay for this period?
Thank you,
Anna
Answer
Karolane Lessard February 28, 2024, 10h38
Hi Anna,
Early May is a tad early for whale watching, most tours only start mid-May or early-June.
Since you are outside of peak season, I would look into Hotel Tadoussac or Condos Natakam if you want a self-sufficient lodging.
I hope this helps !
Answer
Linda February 17, 2024, 14h46
trying to get more information on where to stay in taducac to watch the whales.
Answer
Karolane Lessard February 20, 2024, 16h53
Hi Linda,
To see whales from your lodging, Condos Natakam is the way to go! They tend to book fast, thought.
If you're camping, Mer et Monde offers amazing wooden platform right on the shores.
I hope this helps!
Answer
Patricia Montgomery January 13, 2024, 17h35
Bonjour Karolane,
I hope to travel from Ontario to Tadoussac with three of my grandchildren (7-15 and) I want to take them whale watching. Are there hotels close to the bay that can accommodate 5/room? I have been to tadoussac 4x but not for 12 years now.
Answer
Karolane Lessard January 16, 2024, 11h36
Hi Patricia,
That is such a great plan !
Hotel Tadoussac and Mon coins de pays offer rooms with an additional sofa bed, but we most of the time don't opt for them for comfort and availability reasons. I think your best bet would be to look into a more self-sufficient option, like Condos Natakam or Ferme 5 étoiles. The latter is quite fun if you're travelling with children or teenagers, as there are plenty of activities offered, from feeding the animals to 4x4 rides. A great complement to whale watching.
I hope this helps !
Answer
Angelica August 31, 2023, 23h22
We are heading to Baie Saint Catherine and were torned between getting on a ferry to Tadoussac or embark in a zoadiac in a dry dock at Baie Saint Catherine as we want to save time.
This blog did not just answered one of my questions.
You gave me a clear picture.
Keep it up.
Answer
Karolane Lessard September 4, 2023, 14h32
Thank you for your kind words, Angelica !
I hope you had a wonderful experience :)
Answer
Sarah July 11, 2023, 09h36
Hi Karolane
Thank you for all this information! It’s very useful.
Any chance you know a great company for whale watching in a kayak ?
Answer
Karolane Lessard July 18, 2023, 09h32
Hi Sarah,
Thank you for your kind words. I strongly suggest Mer et Monde (meretmonde.ca), they are very knowledgeable.
If you are planning in advance, they also offer the possibility of camping by the St Lawrence. Truly magical :)
I hope this helps!
Answer

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