Whale Watching Full-Day Trip from Quebec City with Bus Transfer
Overview
This full-day shared trip takes you by air-conditioned bus from Quebec City to the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, one of the world's best whale watching areas, for a cruise among the whales. Choose a large boat with outdoor decks and a glazed panoramic interior, or a small Zodiac at water level. A certified naturalist guide gives bilingual commentary, and the route crosses the scenery of Charlevoix. It suits families, wildlife lovers and photographers looking for a hassle-free day without driving.
Highlights
- Whale watching in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park
- Choice of big boat or Zodiac cruise, depending on the option
- Certified naturalist guide with bilingual commentary
- Return transport from Quebec City by air-conditioned bus
- Scenic drive through Charlevoix and views of the Saguenay Fjord
- Waterproof jacket and pants on the Zodiac option
- Applicable local taxes and fees included
Full Description
The Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park
The Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park protects the place where the deep Saguenay Fjord meets the St. Lawrence estuary, an area rich in plankton and fish that attracts whales every summer. Minke, fin, humpback and blue whales pass through, along with belugas, and up to 13 species have been recorded.
Many travellers ask about the best time to go whale watching in Quebec, and the season runs from late spring to early autumn, with the peak in summer. Whale watching near Quebec City means a full day, because the park is around three hours by road, but the reward is a chance to see some of the largest animals on Earth in the wild. Sightings cannot be guaranteed, since the animals are wild.
Big Boat or Zodiac
On the big boat option, the vessel has outdoor decks for observation, a glazed interior with a wide panoramic view, restrooms and a cafeteria. It is comfortable for families, older guests and anyone who prefers a steadier ride.
On the Zodiac option, you sit at water level in a small inflatable boat and wear a waterproof jacket and pants that are provided. It is more adventurous and much closer to the water, but it is not suitable for young children under 6, pregnant women, guests with back or joint problems, or wheelchair users. If in doubt, choose the big boat.
Charlevoix, Baie-Sainte-Catherine and Tadoussac
The bus follows the north shore of the St. Lawrence through Charlevoix, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of forested hills, farms and river views, and reaches Baie-Sainte-Catherine, where the cruise begins. The drive takes about three hours each way, and the guide points out landmarks as you pass.
Nearby Tadoussac, at the mouth of the Saguenay, was the site of one of the first French trading posts in North America, and it is one of the oldest settlements in the country. You pass it from the water and see the dunes, lighthouses and headlands that frame the fjord.
Planning Your Day
The day lasts about eleven hours from the meeting point in Quebec City to the return. Meals are not included, so you can pack a lunch and snacks or buy a lunch box on arrival at the marine park if one is available.
Dress in warm layers even in summer, because the river is cold and the wind on the water is strong, and keep a windproof jacket within reach while you wait on deck. Wear comfortable shoes and bring sunglasses, a hat and a camera with a zoom lens. Binoculars are not included, and if you want a close look, bringing your own is worth it.
Itinerary
- Meet in Quebec CityGather at the bus meeting point in your voucher for the morning departure.
- Drive through CharlevoixAbout three hours by air-conditioned bus along the river with commentary.
- Baie-Sainte-CatherineA short break and boarding at the marine park.
- Whale watching cruiseSearch for whales in the marine park with the naturalist guide, by big boat or Zodiac depending on your option.
- Tadoussac and the fjordSee headlands, dunes and lighthouses from the water.
- Return to Quebec CityAbout three hours back by bus, arriving in the evening.
What's included
- Round-trip transportation by air-conditioned bus
- Whale watching cruise on a large boat
- Bilingual commentary
- Certified naturalist guide on board
- Applicable local taxes and fees
Not included
- Meals and beverages
- Tips
- Binoculars
Not suitable for
- Wheelchair users
- Children under 6, pregnant women and guests with back or joint problems on the Zodiac option
- Guests who cannot manage a long day of about eleven hours
Meeting point
The trip starts at a bus meeting point in Quebec City, confirmed in your booking voucher, with the departure time shown in the booking panel. Hotel pickup is not included, so please arrive at the meeting point about fifteen minutes before departure.
Important information
- Bring warm clothing even in summer, as it is cold and windy on the water
- Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a hat and, if you like, binoculars
- Meals and beverages are not included, so pack a lunch or buy one when available
- Zodiac guests receive a waterproof jacket and pants, and the option is not suitable for children under 6 or pregnant women
- Sightings are not guaranteed, since the whales are wild animals
- Pets, feeding animals and outside food and drinks on board are not allowed
- The whale watching season runs from late spring to early autumn
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the whale watching day trip cost?
The price depends on the option you choose, either the big boat or the Zodiac, and the booking panel on this page shows the current price for adults and for children.
Is hotel pickup included?
No, the trip starts from a bus meeting point in Quebec City, confirmed in your voucher.
How long is the trip?
About eleven hours from departure to return, with around three hours of driving each way.
What is the difference between the options?
The big boat has outdoor decks and a glazed panoramic interior and is comfortable for everyone. The Zodiac is a small inflatable boat at water level with waterproof clothing provided, and it has age and health restrictions.
Is the trip suitable for children?
Yes on the big boat, and the booking panel shows the age groups for child prices. The Zodiac is not suitable for children under 6.
What should I wear and bring?
Warm layers, a windproof jacket, comfortable shoes, sunglasses and a hat, plus a packed lunch.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Often yes, depending on availability. Choose your date and option in the booking panel.
Will I see whales?
Whale sightings are common in season, but they are not guaranteed because the animals are wild.
Is food included?
No, meals and beverages are not included. You can pack a lunch or buy one when available.
When is the best time to go whale watching from Quebec City?
The season runs from late spring to early autumn, and summer is the peak. Check the dates shown in the booking panel.
