Marine Environment Discovery Centre

41, rue des Pilotes
Les Escoumins (Quebec) Canada
G0T 1K0
Phone:
+418-233-4414 (in season)
Phone (2):
+418-235-4703 (off season)
Toll free:
+1-888-773-8888
Email:
saguenay@pc.gc.ca

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The Marine Environment Discovery Centre is a site you will not want to miss along the Whale Route! Discover the underwater world of the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park from starfish to the largest marine mammals.

Whale watching

Admire whales as they feed a few hundred feet from the shore! You can also observe seals and seabirds, enjoy a picnic with a sublime view of the St. Lawrence and participate in discovery activities led by interpreter guides.

Snorkelling and scuba diving

Dive into the cold salty waters of the marine park, which is recognized as one of the best diving destinations in North America. Whether you go snorkelling or scuba diving, you will discover varied and colourful marine life beneath the waves.


Opening dates

June 15 to October 14, 2024


Schedule

June 15 to September 2: daily. September 3 to October 14: Friday to Sunday and public holidays

Cost

$9/adult (18-64), $7.75/senior (65+), $17.50/family, free for children under 18

Reservations

Required for commercial groups

Payment methods

  • Visa  Visa
  • MasterCard  MasterCard
  • American Express  American Express
  • Interac  Interac
  • Cash  Cash

Activities available

Whale Watching
The Marine Environment Discovery Centre is one of the best sites to observe whales from land.
Scuba Diving and Snorkelling
Explore one of the most beautiful diving sites in North America. Snorkelling and scuba diving activities are offered for all levels of experience. Discover surprising marine flora and fauna!
Wildlife Observation
This discovery centre is an excellent place to observe whales, seals and seabirds as well as other marine life found in the underwater world of the St. Lawrence. Consult the other tabs for more details on the activities available here.
Interpretation Sites
Discover the underwater world of the St. Lawrence without getting wet during the “St. Lawrence Live” activity as well as other interpretive and discovery activities.
Museums
Visit the exhibition on the marine life found in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park and participate in the discovery activities offered by interpreter guides throughout the summer.
Bird Watching
Watch seabirds of all kinds from the comfort of the outdoor amphitheatre, which overlooks the St. Lawrence Estuary. You will see eiders and other diving ducks as well as cormorants, scoters and much more!


Services

  • Picnic area
  • Pets allowed on leashes only
  • Conference/meeting room
  • Free parking
  • Other: equipment rentals for snorkelling and scuba diving, electric vehicle charging station
  • Guide services

How to get there

Take Route 138 East to Les Escoumins and follow the signs for the Marine Environment Discovery Centre (Centre de découverte du milieu marin).

The discovery centre is about 35 km (20 mi.) east of Tadoussac (a 30-minute drive), 150 km (95 mi.) south of Saguenay (a 2-hour drive), 165 km (100 mi.) west of Baie-Comeau (a 2-hour drive) and 250 km (155 mi.) east of Québec City (a 3-hour drive).


Affiliations and distinctions

Affiliations

  • Parks Canada
  • Tourisme Côte-Nord
  • Whale Route
  • Réseau d’observation des baleines (network of land-based whale-watching sites)
  • Eco-Whale Alliance

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