Take to the waters of the St. Lawrence River on a small Zodiac to spot humpback, fin, minke, blue and beluga whales.
The confluence of rivers where the St. Lawrence River and Saguenay Fjord meet about three hours north of Québec City, doesn’t just draw people each year, but whales. The small villages north of Saguenay Fjord are known as some of the best spots of whale watching in the world, as a dozen whale species visit, including blue and beluga whales. This Zodiac tour is one of the best ways to spy these creatures in the river.
You’ll board the open Zodiac boat in Les Escoumins after being equipped with a full body waterproof suit to keep warm. Heading out into the water, you’ll begin to see signs of the whales. Keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse of white that signals a beluga, a puff of air or waterspout from a whale coming up for air, or tail flukes from them diving. Often, you’ll be surrounded by whales within just a few minutes of departure. You’re likely to see fin, humpback, minke, blue and beluga whales on this two-hour tour.
One of the best parts of this small-boat tour is that it departs from Les Escoumins, about 30 minutes north or Tadoussac, where most people will stay or take day trips. This region is much quieter but still has the same whale watching opportunities. The company is also owned by the Innu Essipit First Nation. The Zodiacs use low GHG emission engines to reduce their environmental impact, and in 2024 they introduced a new hybrid-electric boat.
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Canada specialists
These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities that will introduce you to the local ways of life.
Honey wine & spirits tasting
Québec has earned itself a reputation of gastronomic greatness, and this tasting offers a chance to sip some of the local flavors produced in part by bees, and in the local winery and distillery.
Huron Wendat museum tour
Just north of Quebec City, a dive into First Nations culture and history awaits. Tour the Huron Wendat museum’s gardens and exhibits, take a bite of indigenous Canadian fare in the restaurant, and take a guided tour to learn even more.
You can enjoy this activity as part of the suggested tours below, or we can weave it into a trip shaped entirely around you.
