Whale Watching Boat Tour on the St. Lawrence departing from Quebec City
Join this guided excursion from Quebec City and set off to encounter the whales of the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park with an expert naturalist guide!
Practical information
A day-long excursion combining a coach journey from Québec City with whale-watching from a comfortable boat in the Saguenay–St Lawrence Marine Park.
- Enjoy a comfortable return coach journey included in the price, departing from the centre of Québec.
- Set sail aboard a large ship featuring fully glazed indoor lounges with 180° panoramic views and observation decks (with on-board toilets, a shop and a café).
- Listen to the informative, bilingual commentary provided by expert nature guides.
Course of events
Please allow 11 hours on site for the entire experience.
- Meet the team and board the coach at the Fontaine de Tourny (30 minutes).
- Enjoy a guided panoramic coach tour through the magnificent Charlevoix region (3 hours).
- Arrive in Baie-Sainte-Catherine and complete formalities (30 minutes).
- Attend a full safety briefing delivered by the captain before boarding the boat.
- Set off on a whale-watching cruise accompanied by a nature guide (2 to 3 hours).
- Return to the quay and transfer back to the coach.
- Travel comfortably back to the Fontaine de Tourny in Québec, with arrival scheduled for approximately 8:00 p.m. (3 hours).
Activity requirements
Please arrive 30 minutes before the appointment time to ensure an on-time departure.
Special terms
‘Whale’ guarantee: the sighting rate is extremely high. However, as the marine park is a natural environment, these mammals can sometimes prove more elusive. Don’t worry! If no whales are sighted, Croisière AML will offer you another boat trip to go whale-watching.
Cruises go ahead whatever the weather, unless weather conditions pose a risk to passenger safety. Rest assured: the boat has a covered area for your comfort.
For personal expenses, only credit card payments are accepted on board (no cash).
You can either bring a packed lunch and/or snacks with you, or buy a ready-made packed lunch from the Croisières AML catering service on arrival at Baie-Sainte-Catherine (subject to availability). These packed lunches can also be ordered in advance.
We recommend that you wrap up warm, even in summer, as the temperature on the water can be cooler than on land.
To ensure your safety and in accordance with Transport Canada regulations, departure times may be subject to change in the event of adverse weather conditions or technical issues.
Pets are not permitted on this activity.
This activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.
Included
- Return journey by air-conditioned coach
- Certified expert nature guide on board the boat
- Whale Guarantee
- Quebec taxes
Excluded
- Food and drinks (can be bought on board)
- Binoculars
- Tips
- Picnic (see special terms)
Do not forget to bring
- Warm clothes
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Camera
- Credit card
- Picnic
- Water
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Practical information
About the activity
Dreaming of meeting the world’s largest mammals during your stay in Québec City? You can do exactly that without leaving the city centre! Croisières AML invites you to meet in front of the Tourny Fountain in the heart of Québec City before setting off on a full-day bus excursion to experience whale watching aboard one of their boats departing from Baie-Sainte-Catherine, near Tadoussac.
Your adventure begins with a comfortable coach journey from Québec City through the beautiful landscapes of the Charlevoix region. It is the perfect opportunity to discover the surroundings of Québec, with its forests, lakes and scenic countryside before heading out onto the St. Lawrence River.
Québec has countless treasures to discover, but whale watching remains one of its most unforgettable experiences. Every year, these extraordinary marine mammals travel thousands of kilometres to feed in the immense natural feeding grounds of the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, widely recognised as one of the world’s premier whale-watching destinations.
In the heart of this exceptional natural setting, your captain-naturalist will guide you in search of whales while respecting the strict regulations of the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, before ending the adventure with a memorable journey into the majestic Saguenay Fjord. Among the species most frequently observed are belugas, fin whales, minke whales, blue whales, humpback whales, harbour porpoises and grey seals.
Accessible to visitors of all ages, this cruise has been designed to offer maximum comfort throughout the experience. The boat features spacious outdoor decks with exceptional panoramic views, allowing you to fully appreciate the landscapes of the St. Lawrence. For those who prefer to relax and enjoy the atmosphere, an onboard bar-bistro serves a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks alongside light refreshments. To ensure comfort whatever the weather, the vessel also includes a fully covered indoor area where you can continue admiring the scenery in complete comfort.
However, if you are looking for a more adventurous and dynamic experience, the same excursion is also available aboard a zodiac for greater proximity to the water. While the zodiac offers fewer amenities (no toilets, covered spaces or onboard café), it is ideal for those seeking a more immersive experience in the natural environment of the fjord.
Choose comfort and accessibility by booking this whale-watching cruise on the St. Lawrence and set off from Québec City for an unforgettable encounter with these incredible marine giants!
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