Ethical Wildlife Encounter: A Tadoussac Whale Watching Trip

A Tadoussac whale watching trip is a highlight of things to do in the Quebec Province.  Tadoussac is easy to access, only a three hours drive north of Quebec City.  It’s a unique location due to the fact that the fresh water Sanguenay River & the salt water St. Lawrence River converge.  This area has an abundance of food like plankton & krill, that whales love to eat.  It’s one of the best spots for whale watching in Canada & throughout the world and I’ve given you everything you need to know to plan your own trip to Tadoussac.

What to You’ll See Whale Watching in Canada

Water sprayed up the side of the boat and made its way onto my orange rain coat.  I wiggled my fingers out of my mitten and adjusted my jacket.  Beads of water sneaked their way onto my face as my hood dropped over my eyes.  Cinching the drawstring close to my chin, I left a space small enough for my two eyes to have a slight vantage point over the wet, bobbing heads in front of me.

Even from the back you can tell everyone was shifting their gaze from starboard to port side of the boat.  The rattling of the motor created a white noise over the silence of the on lookers.

In the distance there is a slight movement along the water.  A fin quickly emerges and then sinks back into the river.  The left side of the boat stands as the right side leans over, as if pressing your body closer to the railing would make the whale appear sooner or swim closer.  After several moments which feel like an eternity, he emerges again a couple more times until he swims out of our sightline.

A minke whale!

You can see 13 different species of cetaceans, or aquatic mammals in the area.  That includes the Blue Whale, which is the world’s largest animal.  The coastline here is known for their “Whale Route” so that is the reason the population is abundant and diverse.  On the shore line, you can also spot different types of seals.  The harbor seal is the only one that is living in this region year round.

When to Visit Tadoussac 

The best time for whale watching in this part of Canada is from May through October.  We were on a tour in the beginning of the season so the weather & water was COLD.  You will be fitted for a thermal suit to keep you as warm as possible.  If you want it to be a little warmer and sunnier, consider going later in the summer.  Keep in mind that these are mostly migratory animals, so certain species will be around at different parts of the year.  Belugas and Blue Whales are the exception, they have a tendency to stick around longer than the others.  Remember, this is not a zoo or aquarium so seeing wildlife in their natural environment is never 100% guaranteed.

How to See the Whales

The most popular way to go whale watching is a day trip by boat.  This is a three hour excursion and during the busy season there are several tour operators to choose from.  This is the fastest and closest way to reach and observe any marine animals.  There are customarily two types of boats for whale watching, a zodiac or a more traditional cruise boat.  We took a zodiac tour and know you WILL get WET!  If you don’t mind a little fresh water on your face, I think I’d much prefer this over the larger ship tours.

During the busy season, you can also see whales occasionally from shore, but you have distance against you.  There are some look out points along the shore line, but I’m a little too impatient to stand at the waters edge looking and waiting.

Get a little more active and go kayaking in the lake, then you have a chance to see the whales up close to the water line.  Just remember, for as much as you paddle out, you have to return!

Why is Ethical Whale Watching Important?

We decided to book with Croisières AML, a reputable family run company that is committed to the safety of the wildlife in addition to the safety of the clients.  We know, for example that Beluga Whales from this region are currently endangered, so it’s important for tour operators to step up and adhere to rules & regulations.  When looking for a tour operator, you should be concerned with how close the boat gets to the wildlife, as well as other rules enforced by the marine park or conservation area.

• Does the tour operator contribute towards local or regional conservation efforts?
• How are they involved in tourism in the region and on a local level
• How environmentally friendly are their operations?

These are a few questions you can be asking before booking a tour to ensure that your money is going back into the community in an ethical way.  Learn more about the whales and other animals in this protected marine environment by visiting the Marine Mammal Interpretation Center (CIMM).  Go there first before your tour and you can get tips on what whales you’ll see.  You’ll be an expert fin spotter and have more knowledge about what other things you should look out for on your trip.  You can learn so much from the staff at CIMM that can prepare you for your excursion as well as give you better insight about things we can do to share our waters with local wildlife.

Where to Stay in Quebec Maritime Region

The Maritime area has some stunning landscapes and equally impressive accommodations.  After visiting Montreal or Quebec City, this is the perfect escape from the city and an ideal way to see the Quebec Province as a whole.  Dive into the region and all it has to offer. 

I’d recommend staying in the town of Tadoussac itself, in the off season it is quiet, but in the summer, the main street can be buzzing.  The Galouine Auberge & Restaurant has cozy rooms & delicious local cuisine.

If you’d like a more unique setting, spend a few nights at Ferme 5 Étoiles, a farm located just outside of Tadoussac.  They have a large property with apartment style accommodation right on the farm.

On this trip, we were guests of Quebec Maritime, but just like all of my posts, my thoughts & everything I share are my own personal opinion.

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