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Whales are found in all the world’s oceans, but nowhere on the planet can you observe such a variety of large whales and smaller cetaceans than in the St. Lawrence River. The urge to get out and discover these marine mammals is hard to resist – especially given the fact that the Charlevoix and Manicouagan regions are some of the best places anywhere for whale observation. A number of cruises and excursions are available, providing a rare chance to see these majestic creatures up close.
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 Several cruise operators feature photo safaris – they include Croisières Groupe Dufour and Croisières AML Cruises. Naturalist guides will accompany you on your expedition and provide a host of information about the whales. |
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| The Whale Route is a tourist circuit whose itinerary follows Route 138 along the north shore of the St. Lawrence. The whales can be seen from shore, so a number of roadside stops and observation sites have been built to allow you to better appreciate the wondrous sight of the whales blowing. |
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| The Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park is a conservation park covering a territory that is exclusively water, and is dedicated to preserving the natural habitat of the whales. A regulation is enforced throughout the park territory to ensure that boats keep a safe distance from the mammals. |
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| Tadoussac Bay was the first bay in North America to become an official member of the World’s Most Beautiful Bays Club. A visit to the Centre d’interprétation des mammifères marins provides an excellent introduction or complement to your whale-watching trip. |
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| To properly plan your excursion, log on to the website Whales-Online.net, where you’ll find a host of news items with regular weekly updates. Among other information, you’ll find news on whale movements and find out the best spots for observation. |
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| A whale cruise is a great way to beat the heat on the hottest days of summer. The temperature change once you get out onto the water is surprising. Be sure to put on a pair of long pants and a warm sweater before you head out. |
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| Ferry crossings also provide a good opportunity to get a glimpse of some whales. From the ferry between Baie-Sainte-Catherine and Tadoussac, belugas are a fairly common sight, and on the crossing between Saint-Siméon and Rivière-du-Loup, whales and seals can often be spotted. |
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| One great option for travellers visiting Québec City who would like to get to Baie-Sainte-Catherine and go on a whale cruise: Croisières AML Cruises offers a package called Bus & Baleines, which includes transportation by motor coach, with a guide, through the picturesque Charlevoix region. |
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| Did you know that the whales travel approximately 5,000 kilometres (3,100 miles) each year, from the Caribbean Sea to the St. Lawrence Estuary, on their way to feed on waters teeming with krill and fish? |
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See other must-see attractions: |
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