Tadoussac is a dream vacation destination for many people. If you’re wondering why this small village in Côte-Nord is so popular, read on! These five good reasons to visit Tadoussac will give you a glimpse of what awaits you there.

1. See the whales

Near the mouth of the Saguenay Fjord, the waters of the St. Lawrence are a particularly rich feeding ground for marine mammals, making this area a great location to observe a variety of cetaceans from minke whales to blue whales. You can often spot these giants of the sea from the shore, but to see them up close, it’s worth going on a sea excursion in a Zodiac or sightseeing boat. To find out more about the whales, visit the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre (CIMM) in Tadoussac.

2. Discover one of the most beautiful bays in the world

Did you know that Tadoussac Bay is a member of the select Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club? Go for a stroll along the boardwalk and you’ll soon see why! You’ll fall under the spell of the village as you take in views of the sea, marina and sailboats… Be sure to walk to the end of the wharf where you can admire the immensity of the St. Lawrence and the mouth of the majestic Saguenay Fjord.

3. Set foot in one of North America’s oldest villages

Founded in 1600, the village of Tadoussac was the first French settlement in North America, a site that was visited by several of the great explorers including Jacques Cartier, Pierre de Chauvin de Tonnetuit and Samuel de Champlain. Given its ideal geographical location, Tadoussac served as a fishing post as well as a hub of the fur trade between Europeans and the Innu. Today, you can immerse yourself in the village’s rich history by visiting sites such as the Tadoussac Chapel (the oldest wooden church in North America) and the Chauvin Trading Post.

4. Admire the Saguenay Fjord

Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay was shaped by the passage of colossal glaciers. Hike along the top of the park’s cliffs and admire the fjord, which was created 10,000 years ago during the last ice age. In addition to hiking, you can cycle in the park in the Baie-Sainte-Marguerite sector. Water activities are also available including sea kayaking, which is a great way to discover the fjord’s marine environment and experience the park’s scenery from another angle.

5. Eat well and enjoy a good night’s sleep

Many good restaurants and comfortable lodging establishments await you in Tadoussac. For example, La Galouïne Inn offers cozy rooms as well as a line of products made on site that you can take home with you: smoked salmon, marinated smoked duck, confits made with local berries and more. Want to sleep in a famous hotel? Book a night at Hôtel Tadoussac, a landmark white building with a red roof that often appears in travel magazines and was featured in the film The Hotel New Hampshire. If you’d rather stay in a cottage or campground (or even a teepee!), Domaine des Dunes is located in an enchanting setting and also offers treetop trekking! Go for a stroll through the village and you’ll come across charming cafés and friendly restaurants where you can discover the flavours of the region. Wherever you decide to stay, you’re guaranteed a warm welcome!

Has this blog post inspired you to visit Tadoussac during your next vacation? I’ll bet that once you get here, you won’t want to leave! But keep in mind that a host of adventures await you along the Whale Route as well…!