Whales, Wildlife and Outdoor Adventure; 11 Cool Things to do in Tadoussac, Québec

Québec’s maritime coast is a magical place, and the north shore region is a destination full of unique wildlife experiences, fun outdoor activities, and stunning natural beauty. Located a scenic 3-hour drive from Québec City, Tadoussac is a charming village surrounded by rocky shorelines, majestic fjords, giant sand dunes, quaint local shops, tasty restaurants and plenty of French-Canadian culture.

Known as an outstanding destination for whale watching in Canada, the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park provides unparalleled opportunities for whale watching, and the annual Côte-Nord Migratory Bird Festival is a popular stop for birders and wildlife enthusiasts. Plan your next adventure to this beautiful region of Québec with our top things to do in Tadoussac, QC.

Whale-Watching Boat Cruises in Tadoussac

Known as one of the best whale-watching destinations in the world, Tadoussac is the place to go if you’re looking to spot whales. 13 different species of whale frequent the waters of the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, making this small village the perfect jumping off point to view some of the largest mammals on earth. Whale-watching season runs from May to October, with September and October being prime months, as whales are actively feeding in preparation for their winter migration down south.

There are several options for whale-watching excursions in Tadoussac, from water-level Zodiacs ranging in size from 12-60 passengers, to larger cruise boats equipped with exterior decks, interior viewing areas, food options and washrooms. Whale-watching cruises are generally 3 hours in length, giving you plenty of time to spot humpback whales, fin whales, minke whales, belugas, harbour porpoises and blue whales, the largest animal on earth!

There are two main companies offering whale watching excursions from the central dock in Tadoussac including Croisières AML (large boat and Zodiac options), as well as Tadoussac Autrement (24-seater covered Zodiacs and kayaking trips).  With all boat cruises you’ll have an experienced guide spotting whales as you cruise along the coast, while providing fascinating facts on all the marine life you’ll spot along the way.  

Explore the Village of Tadoussac

Over 400 years old, the charming village of Tadoussac is a beautiful town to explore on foot. Get your camera ready as you stroll past colourful bistros, cute cafés and shops, and be sure to visit heritage sites like the majestic Hotel Tadoussac, the Chauvin Trading Post and La Petite Chapelle de Tadoussac, the oldest surviving wooden church in North America.

Tadoussac’s waterfront boardwalk gives you breathtaking views of Tadoussac Bay and the Tadoussac Marina, and a stroll along the beach at low tide is a great way to explore the shoreline and maybe even spot some wildlife in the waves.

Stroll Beneath the Giant Tadoussac Dunes

Created over 10,000 years ago at the end of the last ice age, the Tadoussac Dunes, often referred to as “les dunes”, are a spectacular place to visit in Tadoussac. Located just a short 10-minute drive from the centre of town, these gigantic sand dunes are where the village of Tadoussac was first established, and were even a popular spot for sand skiing in the 1940’s!

The dunes are a hotspot for birding, acting as a waypoint for thousands of birds as they migrate south for the winter, and are also home to the annual Côte du Nord Migratory bird festival each September. Take the trail 280 steps down (and then back up!) to the beach below, and stroll along the foot of these towering dunes on the peaceful shoreline, while keeping your eyes peeled for shorebirds, raptors soaring overhead and even marine life off the coast.

For the ultimate photo op, make the 800m in-and-back trek up the De l’Estuaire Trail to a stunning observation point high above the beach, with panoramic views of Moulin à Baude Bay, the dunes, and the St. Lawrence Estuary.

Spot Whales at the Cap de Bon-Désir Interpretation and Observation Centre

A Parks Canada gem, located only 20 minutes from Tadoussac in les Bergeronnes, the Cap de Bon-Désir Interpretation and Observation Centre is a must-visit. Recognized as one of the best places in the world for whale watching, you can spot up to 13 different types of whales in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park right from the shore, sometimes only meters away. The whales are so prolific here, you can even hear their blow holes on the path as you approach the observation point!

A Parks Canada interpretive guide is present on the observation point to help direct your binoculars, while also providing interesting details on the species spotted offshore. This is a great spot for a picnic lunch, so bring a chair, blanket, and some snacks to enjoy the show as you watch blow holes, fins and tails popping up from every direction.

Visit the Côte Nord Migratory Bird Festival

Every September thousands of migratory birds pass by the Tadoussac Dunes, and thousands of birders and wildlife enthusiasts flock to Tadoussac for the annual Côte Nord Migratory Bird Festival. The weeklong festival is held by the Tadoussac Bird Observatory (Observatoire d’Oiseaux de Tadoussac), the most northerly observatory in Eastern North America and the first in the province of Québec. The festival is an amazing opportunity to see hundreds of species of birds from tiny passerines to giant raptors, pass by the Tadoussac Dunes; a natural stopping point for birds travelling south for the winter.

The festival is full of fun educational activities and demonstrations (many of which are free), including an up-close look at the bird banding process; an important step in monitoring the health of bird populations in North America. The festival also offers guided hikes and Zodiac excursions, film screenings, family activities, conferences, and a unique nocturnal owl activity to witness researchers in action as part of the Northern saw-whet owl and boreal owl migration survey program.

Go Whale-Watching in les Escoumins

If you’re looking for whale watching experiences further up the coast, head north to les Escoumins, a hub for whale-watching activities just 25 minutes north of Tadoussac. This section of the St. Lawrence is known for its abundance of whales, and you’ll have amazing opportunities to spot all kinds on a boat tour on the river.

Several well-established whale-watching tour operators offer tours in les Escoumins including Du Fleuve, Croisières Neptunes and Croisières Escoumins. With smaller Zodiac boats, these tours are great for those wanting a smaller, more intimate group experience.

Admire the Shoreline on the Point de l’Islet trail

An easy 1km trail located directly in town, the Point de l’Islet trail is a must-do for anyone visiting Tadoussac. Meander on the scenic boardwalk with views of the Saguenay Fjord, hike the rocky shoreline and admire the scenery at the confluence of the St. Lawrence and Saguenay rivers, go tide pool hunting at low tide, and keep your eyes peeled for whales, belugas, seals and marine birds that can often spotted from the shore. The Point de l’Islet trail is also a great place to catch the sunset, with lovely views as the sun dips below the majestic rocky clifftops of the Saguenay Fjord.

Visit the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre

Home to the largest collection of whale skeletons in Canada, the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre is a wonderful place to learn about whales before you embark on a whale-watching adventure in Tadoussac.

This centre was founded in 1985 by the Group for Research and Education on Marine Mammals (GREMM) whose mission is to study, raise awareness and protect the whales of the St. Lawrence. Explore the spectacular collection of 15 complete whale skeletons including an enormous North Atlantic right whale whose mouth you can even walk inside! The centre is full of interesting and educational exhibits and the interactive multimedia presentations highlighting the life cycle, unique characteristics and intriguing behaviours of these majestic marine mammals are truly fascinating.

Kayak the St. Lawrence Estuary

Whether you’re a seasoned paddler, or getting your feet wet for the first time, the St. Lawrence estuary is a great place to explore by kayak. Start your paddling adventure directly from the calm waters of Tadoussac Bay with a beginner’s class, take a guided tour along the rocky coast to the Tadoussac Dunes, or opt for a half-day tour down the St. Lawrence to take in breathtaking views of the Saguenay Fjord. For experienced sea-kayakers, there are also options for longer 2–5-day expeditions to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the region.

Tadoussac Autrement and Mer et Monde Eco-tours are the go-to paddle operators in Tadoussac, and Mer et Monde also offers departures from les Bergeronnes, just a 20-minute drive north of town.

Dive into the Local Culinary Scene

While Tadoussac is a small town, it’s culinary scene packs a punch. With vibrant bistros, elegant fine dining, lively pubs, quaint cafés and casual family restaurants, there’s something for everyone.

Located in a fantastic region of Canada for seafood, no visit is complete without indulging in some locally-caught seafood straight from the St. Lawrence River. Try a mouthwatering lobster roll, freshly-caught shrimp, fish, snow crab, scallops or clams, delicious moules et frites or classic fish and chips. If you’re looking to taste some authentic French-Canadian food, many restaurants offer traditional Québecois cuisine including the always delicious Canadian classic, poutine.

Go Hiking or Camping in Parc National du Fjord-du-Saguenay

For nature lovers and those who want to dive further into the rugged wilderness of the Saguenay Fjord region, a trip to Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay is a must. The Baie-Sainte-Marguerite sector of the park is located just a short 25-minute drive from Tadoussac, and has several beautiful well-maintained trails of various lengths. The Sentier Le Fjord trail is perhaps one of the most stunning, with 3 hiking options available; the 6km round trip to L’Halte des Belugas, the 10km round-trip to the Saint-Louis lookout, or the challenging 13.6km one-way hike to Anse à Pierrot (with shuttle bus return).

If you’re looking to spend an overnight in the park, there are car camping sites available as well as several rustic walk-in backcountry sites, accessible by the Sentier Le Fjord trail. Choose a site next to the water and wake up to the sound of waves lapping against the shore, and maybe even spot some belugas from your camping chair.