Bas-Saint-Laurent borders the St. Lawrence Estuary for nearly 200 km (125 mi.). If you love maritime landscapes, islands, lighthouses and marine mammals, you’ll be charmed by this region’s coastline. Here are some of the best places to see whales in Bas-Saint-Laurent.

For a whale-watching experience just two hours east of Québec City or four hours east of Montréal, head to the Rivière-du-Loup area. For starters, belugas can be spotted swimming along the south shore of the St. Lawrence every day from the marina and ferry wharf. You can also see belugas and minke whales around Île aux Lièvres (Hare Island), so keep your eyes peeled as you hike on this island!

In Cacouna, the brand-new Putep ’t-awt land-based marine mammal observation site will give you the opportunity to admire belugas from an observation deck as you learn more about this endangered species from an interpreter guide. As an added bonus, you can soak up a breathtaking view of the St. Lawrence Estuary!

Finally, Île Verte (Green Island) is one of the best places to see whales in the region. During the summer months, minke whales feed just a few metres from the island’s western point, as do belugas and harbour porpoises. You can also spot minkes and sometimes fin whales and humpbacks near the Île Verte Lighthouse. Nearby, on the island’s south side, you can learn all about whale and dolphin anatomy at the Musée du Squelette (Skeleton Museum).

So what do you think? Will you add whale watching to your agenda on your next vacation in Bas-Saint-Laurent?