Tadoussac — Whales in the St. Lawrence River

Tadoussac is a tiny village (800 inhabitants) at the mouth of the Saguenay Fjord into the St. Lawrence River — and one of the best places in the world to watch whales. Here, cold, nutrient-rich currents from the Arctic meet the waters of the St. Lawrence, creating an incredibly rich food supply. The result: Up to 13 whale species frolic here between May and October.

Whale Species off Tadoussac

• Beluga Whales: The white whales are the stars — a resident population of about 900 animals lives year-round in the St. Lawrence. They are curious and often come close to the boat.
• Blue Whales: The largest animals ever to have lived on Earth (up to 30 meters!). Sightings in August/September — an absolute privilege.
• Humpback Whales: Known for their acrobatic leaps. Common from July to October.
• Fin Whales: The second-largest whale species. Regularly seen, often in groups.
• Minke Whales: The smallest but most frequently sighted baleen whales. Sighting rate: nearly 100%.

Whale Watching

Three options, depending on budget and sense of adventure:

• Large Excursion Boat: 3 hours, from 80 CAD. Stable, warm, toilet on board. Good for families.
• Zodiac (Inflatable Boat): 2.5 hours, from 75 CAD. Closer to the water, more intense experience, wetter. Not for children under 6 or pregnant women.
• From the Shore: The Centre d'interprétation des mammifères marins in Tadoussac and the Pointe de l'Islet are excellent land viewpoints. Free! Belugas are often seen from the shore.