Tadoussac is known as one of the best places in the world for whale watching. Passengers often see two or three marine mammal species, sometimes more, in a two- or three-hour tour. Embark on a tour boat to observe these giants and live an unforgettable experience.
A dozen whale species visit the Lower Estuary. Some are abundant, while others are endangered and can only be observed from a distance of 400 m. Rorqual whales (minke whales, humpback whales, fin whales and blue whales) come here to feed over the summer from May to October. The beluga whale is the only cetacean species to live in the St. Lawrence year round.
The first whale-watching excursions were organised in the Tadoussac and Les Bergeronnes area in 1979. This activity eventually expanded to the point where it now represents a major portion of the regional tourism offering and socioeconomic livelihood.
You Are in the Whale’s Pantry
Unique underwater topography stimulates the accumulation of whale prey: krill and small fish. The leviathans hunt all summer long in what amounts to a food storage area. Here they accumulate reserves before undertaking a several-thousand-kilometre-long fall migration to more temperate, but less nourishing waters, where they spend the winter.