Why Tadoussac, you may ask? It’s all about whales, nature, and a culinary adventure!
Beautiful Tadoussac: a whaling country, nature, or a culinary experience? Before this trip, I had never expected Tadoussac to be a fascinating photography destination.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!However, I was pleasantly surprised! This charming and hospitable village, known for its whaling history and natural beauty, offers many enjoyable activities, including nature walks, exploring the Dunes, and taking in the stunning views of the Saguenay Fjord.
Be sure also to remember the welcoming hotels, enticing restaurants, and breathtaking natural scenery. And the sunsets? They’re amazing! I couldn’t decide which sunset picture to share so that you can see both. The museum in front of the hotel is also known as the Church Museum. Quebec Maritime website
On the road to Tadoussac
To reach Tadoussac, located in Côte-Nord Region, it’s an 8-hour drive from Ottawa and about 6 hours from Montreal by car. Nevertheless, we decided to take our time to savour the fall foliage’s beauty fully.
We planned a stopover in Baie St-Paul for a night at Les Germain Hotel and Spa. This break allowed us to relax and rejuvenate to kick off our exploration of Tadoussac with renewed energy the following day. Explore my visual storytelling to uncover the beauty we’re excited to share from Tadoussac.
The Historical Tadoussac Hotel
Moreover, we spent two nights at the Tadoussac Hotel, located at 165 Rue du Bord de l’Eau, in the centre of it all. This charming, historic establishment is adorned with antique furniture and exudes the welcoming local charm that instantly makes you feel at home. Notably, the region is renowned for its ecotourism and whale-watching opportunities, earning it a spot as one of the country’s most beloved destinations.
The Hotel Tadoussac provides the warm ambiance of a boutique hotel while offering a delightful culinary journey amidst the heart of nature. Considering all this, is it worth a visit? You should secure your booking for 2024 right away.
Our hotel patio was incredibly close to the boardwalk and the beach, making it possible to throw a rock there. Notably, the hotel’s location is super convenient. You can stroll to various places, including the pier for whale tours, the Interpretation Centre, and the summer ice cream shop.
Furthermore, the area has evolved into a seasonal culinary hotspot. Each establishment offers mouthwatering dishes crafted from local produce. It’s a beautiful way to support the community.
The Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre
We only saw outside the Interpretation Centre, as its opening hours didn’t match our schedule for that morning. Located next to the Fjord and the St Laurence River, it is the hub and an essential centre for protecting Marine Mammals.
The trail from The Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre to the wharf is just under 1 km long, flat, and has some built-up sidewalks. It’s a unique access point to observe the whales or for a picnic.
MMIC’s Location: 108, de la Cale Sèche, Tadoussac, QC G0T 2A0 418-235-4701
Croisière AML Cruise
I’ve been talking about whales for a while now, and the time has come. I’ve been on a mission to capture a breaching whale with my camera, but it’s been challenging. It’s like, “Oh my goodness, what’s the issue?” Maybe I should invest in an “IWhale Phone” or something! I witnessed a breached whale this summer and was so stunned that I didn’t even lift my camera to capture it!
However, we did get to see some beautiful whales and had a fantastic time on a tour with a friend. They swam underneath our boat and popped out of the water right next to us after a 15-minute dive. It was an incredible feeling, but they were so close that my camera lens was too big to capture it all.
A bit about the tour company from Croisiére AML Cruise: they offer three ticket levels on the boat – top deck, VIP, and regular fares; call for more information at 1-866-856-6668 or their website
OMG, we went to the top deck, where we saw everything: whales, belugas, white-belly dolphins, puffins, and many ocean birds. It was the best view of the tour.
Tadoussac Ferry
Surprisingly, the sole route to Tadoussac is via ferry. The complimentary crossing made our journey memorable. It offered a fantastic 10-minute adventure from Baie-Ste-Catherine to Tadoussac and vice versa, with unlimited beluga viewing during our excursion.
The stunning Fjord (in the bottom right photo) added to the incredible experience, even with some haze. Whichever direction you approach this village from, it’s undeniably beautiful. If you select a whale tour, you may just come out to the entrance of the Fjords.
Cap-de-Bon-Desir Interpretation and Observation Centre, Parks Canada
We began our day bright and early with a visit to the Cap-de-Bon-Désir Interpretation and Observation Centre by Parks Canada. It is located at 13 Chemin du Cap-de-Bon-Désir, Les Bergeronnes (Québec), or 30 km east of Tadoussac on Route 138. Luck shone through as we enjoyed a private tour with a knowledgeable guide. She astounded us with her wealth of information, effortlessly identifying and naming the birds soaring above and each whale that graced us with a splash.
Don’t forget to use the binoculars supplied or bring your own and share the moment’s thrill with the other guests, like at “noon” or “2 o’clock” to warn them of a sighting. During our visit, we enjoyed encountering beluga whales, exceptional migratory birds, and a friendly companion who seemed to be watching us.
As you explore the area, you’ll notice numerous kayak tours on offer, and we were fortunate to witness a red tuna leaping just 800 feet from us. It was a brief splash, and then it vanished, but to our delight, it resurfaced.
Walking from the parking lot to the water’s edge takes approximately 15 minutes, allowing you to discover your perfect vantage point and fully immerse yourself in the experience. This exceptional adventure unites bird and whale enthusiasts, allowing them to admire nature at its absolute best.
Tadoussac Dunes
“I didn’t have the opportunity to delve into an outstanding location that deserves mention—the Tadoussac Dunes. Although we couldn’t visit this time, I wanted to emphasize its natural splendour. For more information about this extraordinary place or to plan your staycation on the dunes, follow the link.
Au revoir Tadoussac
Beautiful Tadoussac: a whaling country, nature or a culinary experience? It was a delightful surprise, and I’m already eager to return. What about you? Quebec Maritime graciously directed our journey, and I’m genuinely grateful for the remarkable experiences that come my way daily.
Roland
