Highlights of this self-drive itinerary in Quebec include watching the charismatic beluga whale, together with blue, minke, fin and humpback whale, and the biodiversity and delights of Tadoussac and nearby Saguenay Fjord.
A plethora of cetaceans, from beluga to blue and fin to humpback, await on this easy self-drive from Quebec City. Whale watch from land and sea before exploring spectacular Saguenay Fjord.
With mornings spent whale watching by Zodiac or from sea kayaks in the Saguenay - St. Lawrence Marine Park, revel in the number of species it's possible to observe, and your proximity to these majestic creatures. Dolphins, seals and seabirds complete the picture, with afternoons left deliberately free for you to explore this stunning region at your own pace. A few nights overlooking the incredible Saguenay Fjord with its breathtaking views and wild animals will have you embracing Quebec’s great outdoors with aplomb!
Fly from London to Quebec City. On arrival, collect your hire vehicle and drive to your overnight accommodation in the city.
Accommodation: Hotel Clarendon, 1-night
If you wish, you can amble along the cobbled streets of Quebec City's old town. Visit the beautiful Chateau Frontenac, the Vieux-Port, Petit Champlain quarter, La Citadelle or stroll along the banks of St Lawrence River.
At your leisure, drive on to Tadoussac at the confluence of the Saguenay and St Lawrence Rivers, settle into your accommodation and start to explore the village. A visit to the Centre of Marine Mammal Interpretation (CIMM) to check their daily whale sightings board will, no doubt, whet your appetite for your whale watching boat tour tomorrow.
Accommodation: Hotel Tadoussac, 3-nights
For the next two mornings, you can enjoy whale watching excursions by Zodiac and then by sea kayak. Setting off from Tadoussac Marina into the Saguenay – St. Lawrence Marine Park, you may come across beluga, humpback, blue, fin and minke whales (and others) in addition to harbour porpoise, Atlantic white-sided and white-beaked dolphins, seals and seabirds. There can be few places in the world that support the sheer number of marine mammals found in these nutrient-rich waters over the summer months. The ability to observe whales in their natural habitat is not only confined to boat based excursions, however, as afternoons can be spent sitting on sun warmed boulders, overlooking the water, watching for ocean giants gliding past.
As afternoons are left deliberately free, explore Tadoussac itself and its surrounds, perhaps enjoying one of the many boardwalk trails lining surrounding coves or use your hire car to venture further afield.
This next morning is at your leisure, and you can opt for more exciting marine activities, such as another whale watching cruise out into the Saint Lawrence by Zodiac inflatable. Or you may prefer to spend time on a trip to Les Dunes for some birding.
When you’re ready, leave Quebec’s cetacean capital behind you and head for the splendour of Saguenay Fjord National Park. Spectacular views of North America’s only navigable fjord will be on offer as you traverse the north shore en route to your base at Sainte-Rose-du-Nord, just 90 minutes away. Soak up the scenery from your clifftop accommodation and lose yourself in nature.
Accommodation: Pourvoirie du Cap au Leste, 2-nights
With hiking, cycling, canoeing and almost every outdoor pursuit possible on offer here, get out there and explore this incredible wilderness. Charming villages can be explored by car or take to the fjord on a cruise from Sainte-Rose-du-Nord. Alternatively, grab your binoculars, take a seat, and enjoy your dramatic surrounds.
A morning sea kayak on Saguenay Fjord is a wonderful start to the day before meandering back towards the familiarity of Tadoussac for an afternoon at leisure. Black bear viewing is a possible evening activity if you can tear yourself away from the marine life.
Accommodation: Hotel Tadoussac, 2-nights
Today is at leisure, and you can do as little or as much as you like; there are many hiking options or more water-based activities.
As your time here draws to an end, there's still an opportunity to get out on the water for a final whale watch if you wish … or perhaps, a lie in instead! In due course, re-trace your steps back to Quebec City, allowing time to drop off your vehicle at the airport before commencing your trip home.
This small town on the Saint Lawrence, beside its confluence with the Saguenay River, was once a major fur trapping centre. It lies inside Canada’s first marine national park, where the rich environment attracts numerous whales – including belugas – and is home to CIMM (the Centre of Marine Mammal Interpretation). Find Out More about {acc:title}
Located in Quebec’s Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region, this national park runs along the eastern end of the Saguenay River where it adjoins the Saguenay – St. Lawrence Marine Park. The combination of fresh water from Lac-Saint-Jean and the St Lawrence River‘s salty waters makes it ideal for marine and wildlife. Find Out More about {acc:title}
This monument to North American history perches high above Cap Diamant overlooking the Saint Lawrence River. Having prospered as a fur trading post in the early 1600s, it is now a dynamic port and a thriving research centre. The Old Town was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. Find Out More about {acc:title}
Being the first hotel opening in Tadoussac and welcoming holiday makers almost two centuries ago (1864), Hotel Tadoussac hasn’t lost any of his authentic and atmospheric look while offering a high level of comfort. It is is now known as the most famous landmark in the bay and surroundings. Find Out More about Hotel Tadoussac
Located in the heart of the Canadian wilderness, bordering the boreal forest and overlooking the Saguenay Fjord, this charming traditional wooden chalet offers comfort and tranquillity. Designed in original Acadian style with a spectacular view of the fjord, Cap au Leste offers the finest Quebecois hospitality. Find Out More about Pourvoirie du Cap au Leste
British Travel Awards
Awarded Silver in Favourite Tour Operator for Nature & Wildlife 2024 & 2025
Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards
Awarded Bronze in Best Travel Company for Wildlife & Nature Holidays 2024
