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Some of the best whale viewing globally is from Quebec, and tourists come from everywhere worldwide to experience this magical landscape and its giant sea animals. There are over a dozen types of whales in Quebec, so taking a trip here is the best way to see these stunning creatures in their natural habitat.
While we took part in a whale-spotting adventure in Vancouver, there is no denying that Quebec provides one of the prime locations for whale watching in Canada. The Charlevoix region contains the St. Lawrence Estuary and the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, which is full of krill and little fish that draw in minke and fin whales, humpbacks, blue whales, belugas, harbor seals, porpoises, and other types.
Many tours take the “whale route” from Tadoussac to Côte-Nord, usually in an inflatable boat or kayak. There are plenty of cruise possibilities, so this guide will help you opt for the best whale-watching tour in Quebec. I’ll also share the best time period to go whale-watching in Quebec and the types of whales you might see!
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Quebec whale-watching tours
Generally, the best whale-watching in Quebec takes place in Tadoussac and Quebec City.
Tadoussac resides along the renowned “whale route” on the Côte-Nord (North Coast). Among the picturesque fishing hamlets and temperate woodlands, it is possible to spot different whale species. Sightings of whales are even achievable from the shores of Tadoussac along the Pointe-de-l’Islet trail or at the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre.
The stunning city of Quebec is another desirable location to view whales in Quebec. Most whale-watching excursions departing from Quebec City travel to the protected Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, where one can observe magnificent blue whales, belugas, minkes, porpoises, and more. On land back in the city, visitors may enjoy spending time in Old Quebec City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Whale-watching in Quebec City
Since Quebec City has such a lovely and historic character, I propose this full-day excursion to help you experience everything it offers. You’ll take a cruise vessel or zodiac boat to the St. Lawrence Estuary with the pristine Laurentian mountains in the distance. Off the Charlevoix coast, keep your eyes open for beluga and minke whales, porpoises, the big blue, and other whales in Quebec.
- Highlights: Beluga whales, blue whales, minke whales, other cetacean types
- Starting point: Quebec City
- Duration: 10 hours
- Price: $175
- Description: Depart from Quebec City and drive through the charming village of Baie-Sainte-Catherine. Then, take a excursion off the Charlevoix coast to observe a variety of cetaceans and other marine creatures.
Whale-watching in Tadoussac
This inflatable boat excursion will travel from Tadoussac to the Saguenay Fjord, where sightings of humpback whales and other marine mammals are highly probable. Venturing deeper into the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park, considered one of the prime locations to view fin, minke, and white whales native to Quebec.
- Notable Sightings: Beluga whales, fin whales, humpback whales, minke whales, harbor seals, and other porpoises can be seen.
- Starting point: The trip may begin at Tadoussac or Baie-Ste-Catherine Pier
- Duration: 2-2.5 hours
- Price: $71
- Description: On this two-hour excursion, you’ll travel by swift zodiac boat and get as near to the whales as safely possible. Enjoy the lovely sights from the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park while spotting several whale species.
Whale Watching from Montreal
If you’re interested in taking a snorkeling excursion in Padangbai and to the Blue Lagoon, this tour may suit you well. If diving is preferred, I suggest this tour. Additionally, it counts toward completing your PADI Open Water Diver course.
- Highlights include: sightings of humpback whales, orcas, and blue whales
- Starting Location: Tourist Information Centre of Montreal
- Duration: 2 days
- Price: $524
- Description: Spend two days exploring some of Montreal`s most scenic locales, including Baie-Ste-Catherine, Isle-aux-Coudres, and Canyon Sainte-Anne. Also included is a three-hour whale-watching tour off the coast of Quebec, where sightings of blue whales, humpbacks, and other sea animals may occur.
Quebec whale-watching season
If you’re wondering about the optimal time of the year for watching whales in Quebec, I would prioritize the summer months and early fall. You’re likely to see different types of whales in Quebec if you travel between May and October. Throughout this time, over a dozen species inhabit the waters of the St. Lawrence Gulf.
You can see huge blue whales and fin whales in the summer months, as well as humpbacks. The minke whale viewing season in Quebec extends from March to December, while belugas can be spotted year-round.
Types of whales in Quebec
While engaging in whale watching in Quebec, you’re likely to view more than one type of cetacean. Most trips include a natural science guide who can explain the differences between each species. Here is a brief profile of what you can expect to observe during whale watching in Quebec.
Humpback whales in Quebec
Whales with humps are one of the most thrilling marine mammals to witness because of their lively behaviors. When you spot these enormous whales leaping out of the water or slapping their tails, it`s one of the most awe-inspiring experiences.
Moreover, around 7,500 humpback whales travel through the St. Lawrence Estuary every season, drawn by the krill and plankton. So, your chances of observing these whales in Quebec are fairly high, regardless of the tour you select.
Blue whales in Quebec
The highly endangered blue whale remains one of the few that inhabits the Gulf of Saint Lawrence region. An opportune time to view these placid giants, measuring approximately 100 feet long, is through a whale-watching tour in Quebec throughout the months of August and September, affording some of the best prospects to glimpse these gentle leviathans considered the most substantial creatures to inhabit the earth.
Pilot whales in Quebec
There are two types of large oceanic dolphins known as pilot whales, and you’ll find the long-finned species in Quebec. Pilot whales are among the biggest oceanic dolphins in the world, surpassed only by orcas. They usually travel in groups of 10-30, but they’re difficult to locate in the St. Lawrence Estuary.
Beluga whales in Quebec
Belugas are one of the most generally seen types in aquarium indicates, and their imperiled status makes them more troublesome to discover in the untamed.
There are under 1,000 beluga whales in Quebec, most of which dwell in the waters year-round. You can easily distinguish them by their melon-shaped heads and their light-grey bodies, which turn white as they age.
Minke whales in Quebec
Some individuals may mistake minke whales for orcas, however, as you`ll learn on a whale watching trip in Quebec, minkes have smaller dorsal fins located further back on their bodies. You can see these types of cetaceans in Quebec from March to December in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Fin whales in Quebec
Every summer, dozens of majestic fin whales make their journey into the estuary of the St. Lawrence River. As the second largest creature after blue whales, seeing these gracefully swimming giants during a whale watching tour of Quebec is quite a magnificent sight. Their slender physique allows swift movement through the water.
Orcas in Quebec
While seeing killer whales in Quebec is improbable, it is not impossible. orcas are more ordinarily seen off the coast of Vancouver, however the region of Tadoussac in Quebec is home to various other marine mammal varieties. If observing orcas is truly a priority, you may be interested in my retelling of whale watching in Vancouver, which I`ve discussed in full here.
Dolphins in Quebec
You can observe dolphins on virtually any boat tour in Quebec.
The two species you’ll spot are the Atlantic white-sided dolphin and the white-beaked dolphin. Both can often be seen swimming playfully with pods of whales.
Harbor seals in Quebec
In addition to whales in Quebec, harbor seals can also be seen. These pinnipeds can weigh over 350 lbs and be brown, tan, gray, or silver-white. They are most likely to be seen in the St. Lawrence River.
That covers all the information needed to enjoy whale-watching from Quebec! I hope you now feel better prepared to take a Quebec whale-watching tour and see different types of whales in Quebec.
Of course, if you need any clarification, feel free to share your thoughts and I’ll do my best to assist. Enjoy exploring!
