Whale Watching Cruises in Charlevoix
Whale watching became a major tourist destination in Charlevoix in the 1980s. A form of ecotourism emerged with the goal of observing cetaceans in their natural environment. Since then, there has been a boom in accommodations in Charlevoix. Hotels, motels, inns, tourist residences, and campgrounds have developed to support the growing tourism in the region.
The whale-watching cruise industry has developed in Tadoussac, a small village located at the mouth of the Saguenay River, on the border of the Charlevoix and North Shore tourist regions. It is important to note that in Tadoussac, the Saguenay River flows into the St. Lawrence River, and thus the construction of deep-water turbulence promotes a unique fauna and flora that attracts whales in search of food during the summer.
The seabed around Tadoussac has become the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park
The seabed around Tadoussac became the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park in 1998. From early June to late October, it is possible to observe the many species of rorquals off and downstream from Tadoussac. Among the 13 species that feed in the St. Lawrence River, tourists can observe minke whales, fin whales, humpback whales, and the endangered beluga (white whale). The beluga, unlike other species, resides in our waters year-round and can be observed in the Saguenay Fjord. As for the blue whale, the largest mammal on the planet, reaching up to 130 meters long, it mainly frequents the deeper waters off Tadoussac. If you take a Zodiac cruise, you can hear the powerful spouting of these marine mammals while approaching them to within a hundred meters. A regulation on the protection of marine mammals sets out the practices for marine mammal observation in Quebec. Along the coast, you can observe grey seals and harbour seals, which will gaze curiously at you.
Whether you opt for a whale-watching cruise on a comfortable vessel that can accommodate up to 300 passengers, a more sporty boat like a Zodiac, or a sea kayaking trip, you'll have a thrilling experience. By using the cruise lines that offer their service from Baie Sainte-Catherine and Tadoussac, you'll have the chance to better understand the grandeur and fragility of the marine environment and the life it supports. Cruise lines such as Croisières AML, Groupe Dufour, and Croisières 2001, based in Tadoussac, offer excursions with commentary from experienced naturalist guides and travel to the Saguenay Fjord, where you can discover extraordinary landscapes and even make a one-hour stop in the Saguenay National Park.
A partnership was recently established between biologist Jean Lemire, Croisières AML, the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park, and the Group for Research on Marine Mammals (GREMM) to establish a code of ethics for whale watching in this area. All permit holders will be invited to participate.