The maritime regions of Québec boast some of the best whale-watching sites in the world. The Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, the north shore of the St. Lawrence as well as Gaspé Bay and the area in the Gulf of St. Lawrence off Percé are all prime locations to observe a multitude of species of cetaceans, including minke whales, fin whales, humpbacks, common porpoises, belugas and white-sided dolphins. There are many options to see these giants in their natural habitat, whether you prefer to stay on land or want to head out to sea.

Whale watching from the shore

Located in Côte-Nord in the picturesque village of Tadoussac, where the Saguenay River flows into the St. Lawrence, the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre (CIMM) presents several permanent exhibitions that will introduce you to the characteristics and habits of the various species of whales found in this region. Experts on site will be happy to answer all your questions. After your visit, take some time to sit on the rocks just outside the centre to watch minke whales and belugas in action.

Heading east from Tadoussac along Route 138, you’ll find two observation sites along the shores of the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, both of which are managed by Parks Canada. In Les Bergeronnes, the Cap-de-Bon-Désir Interpretation and Observation Centre is one of the best places to watch marine mammals from the shore. Since the St. Lawrence is so deep in this area, you won’t even need binoculars to see them! A little further east, near Les Escoumins, you can use the telescopes at the Marine Environment Discovery Centre lookout, which overlooks the St. Lawrence. Stop here for a picnic and keep an eye on the water to observe the whales put on a show.

While you’re at it, why not take advantage of the idyllic environments found on the islands of the St. Lawrence to watch whales in complete peace and quiet? Located within the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park and protected by Société Duvetnor, both Pot à l’Eau-de-Vie (Brandy Pot) Island and Île aux Lièvres (Hare Island) are exceptional spots to observe belugas. You can even spend the night in the inn on Île aux Lièvres or camp on this island—and wake up to the sound of the whales! (Note that these two islands are accessible from Rivière-du-Loup in Bas-Saint-Laurent.)

A few kilometres further east along Route 132, the land-based Putep ’t-awt marine mammal observation site offers you an immersive experience into the world of beluga whales. From an observatory overlooking the St. Lawrence, you can admire these cetaceans in their natural habitat without disturbing them. Interpreter guides are also on site to tell you more about these fascinating marine mammals.

Further downstream, where the estuary turns into the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Sept Îles Archipelago in Côte-Nord offers you a great opportunity to observe impressive marine mammals during a hike on Grande Basque Island or while contemplating a stunning sunset, before heading to your tent.

Sea excursions aboard a sightseeing boat

If you have sea legs, you’ll want to set off to encounter cetaceans in their natural habitat, which means a sea excursion aboard a sightseeing boat will undoubtedly appeal to you.

Croisières AML offers excursions departing from Tadoussac in Côte-Nord to see the whales in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park. Your chances of spotting marine mammals during these excursions are so high that the company offers an exclusive “Whale Warranty”!

In Gaspésie, climb aboard the Narval III or the Rocher Le Vieux with Croisières Baie de Gaspé for an unforgettable experience in the waters off Forillon National Park, an exceptional whale-watching area. During the 2.5-hour excursion, a professional interpreter guide will tell you all about the whales found in Gaspé Bay and further out in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Whales and dolphins also commonly frequent the waters off Percé and Bonaventure Island. Croisières Julien Cloutier offers several departures every day during high season to take you out to see these marine mammals in the unique environment of Parc national de l’Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé.

Zodiac excursions

If you’re looking for an even more exciting experience, you’ll be happy to know that Croisières AML also offers Zodiac excursions, which will delight thrill seekers with safety in mind. By approaching whales at the surface of the water, you’ll enjoy unforgettable encounters with these giants. Dress warmly and be sure to breathe deeply the fresh air of the open sea!

Essipit Cruises in Les Bergeronnes also offer excursions aboard a Zodiac, which can accommodate up to 12 passengers. Accompanied by an experienced naturalist captain, you’ll have the opportunity to admire the various species of whales found in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park.

In Les Escoumins, Du Fleuve offers excursions in small groups of no more than 12 people to encounter the marine mammals of the St. Lawrence and discover all the beauty of this environment. The company even offers sound exploration cruises with a hydrophone as well as photo workshops at sea!

In Gaspésie, you can enjoy a Zodiac excursion in the waters of the Banc-des-Américains Marine Protected Area with an experienced Cap Aventure guide. A slightly longer excursion to Percé is also available. Unforgettable encounters await you during both of these adventures!

As you can see, there are many whale-watching opportunities in the maritime regions of Québec. Be sure to include at least one of these adventures on your itinerary during your next vacation in our regions!