Whale Watching in Tadoussac: The Good, The Bad, The Wet

Wondering if whale watching in Tadoussac is worth the hype? I took an AML Cruise to find out.

Short answer: Yes, it’s worth it — especially if you want a good chance to see belugas year-round!

We spotted plenty of minkes too, though they don’t do the dramatic tail flips you might expect from other species. Even so, they tend to be more playful and come right up to the boat so you can get a really good look at them.

You wouldn’t think the St. Lawrence River would be one of the best places to whale watch in Canada, since people think of “rivers” are tiny. But this place is giant, and it houses some of the world’s gentlest swimming giants.

I packed into a 60-person zodiac, prepared for the cold and wind, which meant bundling up in layers and tying my hair back against the breeze. The boat’s back is the best spot to hang out if you want room to move and the perfect angle for photos. Don’t forget a waterproof cover for your camera because you’ll definitely get splashed.

The AML team does the talks and whale alerts in both French and English. So don’t worry, even if you’re an Ontarian who can only say “merci,” you’ll understand everything.

Thanks to Tourism Charlevoix and Bonjour Quebec for hosting me. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Why Tadoussac is the Best Place for Whale Watching

Most people think of Victoria or Newfoundland as the best places in Canada for whale watching. But Tadoussac is actually one of the best spots in Canada for whale watching, and it’s certainly the best in all of Quebec!

Why do whales love this part of Canada? It’s not the poutine!

It’s because the mixing of the cold waters from the Saguenay Fjord with the warmer St. Lawrence creates a nutrient-rich environment that attracts a wide variety of marine life. That in turn attracts the whales.

Belugas are one of the rare freshwater whale populations in the world and are found here year-round. The St. Lawrence Estuary is actually home to about 900 of these white whales, making it one of the largest beluga populations globally.

Apparently in the fall they are most active, but we still saw 4 or 5 in June!

Minke whales are regular visitors too. They don’t do those dramatic tail flips you might expect, but they’re curious and often come close enough to the boat to give you a great view.

On some trips, you might also spot humpbacks, fin whales, or even blue whales—the largest animals on the planet—though those sightings tend to be less common and more seasonal, peaking in late summer.

You could also catch glimpses of harbour porpoises and harbour seals, which add to the variety of marine life cruising these waters.

Besides the whales, the landscape is beautiful. The towering cliffs, dense forests, and waterfalls of Charlevoix and the Saguenay create a stunning backdrop that makes the whole trip feel like an immersive nature experience.

Seriously, if it hadn’t started pissing down rain, I’d have been pinching myself. It felt like I was in VR it was so pretty!

I really appreciated the AML Cruises staff—sorry I didn’t catch his name—who told me exactly where to stand to catch the surprise waterfall the boat drove up to. It was almost as exciting as seeing the wild belugas!

My AML Cruises Experience

First Impressions and Getting Ready

This was my first zodiac whale watching experience, so I was super excited but kinda terrified at how wet I was gonna get. I definitely thought it was going to be like that time I got waterboarded white water rafting in Alberta when I was like 12.

Spoiler: it wasn’t quite that intense, but if it rains, you will get soaked.

The Boat and Crew

The zodiac holds 60 people and we had a full house the day of our tour. There are seats at the front of the boat and behind the captain’s station. The crew told us the back would be best for our group of photographers and bloggers so we could move around more to get good pictures.

I really appreciated that they knew the best spots and were quick to point things out to us ahead of time so we could get videos ready.

Usually, boats make me sick. My first whale watching attempt in San Francisco ended with the contents of my stomach over the edge of the boat about 10x over.

The zodiac gave me no issues, though. I think the open air really helped the nausea. And the St. Lawrence is incredibly calm, so there were no crazy ocean waves.

I will say, the boat isn’t the comfiest. It has baseball stadium-esque seats, which hurt my back after about 20 minutes. You stand up a lot to see the whales, luckily, but it definitely required a hot tub visit at the Fairmont when we got back.

The crew speak amazing English so you’ll get the full tour whether you’re francophone or not. They also call out whales very quickly, and clearly. It’s not the clangy tannoy of a London tube. It’s properly audible so you know what they’re saying and where to look.

There wasn’t like a huge spiel being done. We got a bit of whale information on our way out, but the rest of the ride after the whale watching to see the waterfalls and the fjord were pretty quiet.

I would have loved a bit more history and information, since I love to learn. But equally, it was pissing it down by then, so I think they had bigger fish to fry.

AML Cruises is a partner of Green Marine and a founding member of the Eco-Whale Alliance so they adhere to all best practices for whale safety. That means you aren’t going to be like chasing whales with your boat or racing any dolphins.

Thank god! Those things are terrible for the animals, and we want to watch them, not disturb them.

Whale Sightings and Scenery

Once we left Tadoussac (we had to pick up guests since we had already been picked up in Charlevoix) it was about 20 minutes til our first whale sighting. After that, the minke kept popping up again and again!

Apparently Minke only go under for a short time, so it makes it a lot easier to see them re-appear on the same trip.

While they don’t do dramatic fluke shots or breaches like other whales I’ve seen before, they do a great arched back for a photo. And they came up often, and quite close to the boat. We got some great photos and videos of one coming right up near the front of the boat!

Don’t worry, the team had the engines off. The minke came up of its own volition.

We spotted a handful of belugas as well—4 or 5, I think—even though June isn’t their peak season. They kept their distance though, so no close encounters with the white whales this time, but just seeing them was still a real highlight!

I was so focused on watching them that I didn’t get great footage, but you can see the little flashes of white arcing through the water. That’s them!

As a bonus, the St. Lawrence River is beautiful. I was constantly taking photos of the mountains as we drove out to see the whales.

I seriously had no idea we had landscapes like this in Canada, and I’ve been coast to coast!

One unexpected treat was when the captain steered us close to a hidden waterfall tucked into the cliffs—a magical moment and a nice break from the whale hunt.

Weather and Comfort

We started with good weather, which made spotting and photographing the whales easier.

But then the rain came. And it came hard.

Because we had to drop off passengers in Tadoussac before continuing to the Charlevoix port, we spent quite a bit of time in the downpour on the way back. Despite the AML-provided orange jumpsuit, I was soaked to the bone!

The constant wind on the open zodiac made it feel colder than it was, so layering up is a must.

I took a scalding shower for like 10 minutes when I was back at the Fairmont just to feel my toes again!

Practical Tips and Accessibility

This tour isn’t for anyone chasing dramatic whale action with tail slaps and breaches—it’s a more chill, natural experience. It’s perfect if you want to see whales behaving like whales, not performing for tourists.

If you want good photos or video, keep your camera ready and zoomed in because whales pop up suddenly. Bring something waterproof for your gear. It can be as simple as a shower cap from the hotel!

I brought my Sony A7C and my Go Pro, so I only had to worry about tucking my camera under the orange jacket and my sweater for the rain.

Accessibility-wise, the zodiac isn’t wheelchair or service dog friendly, so if mobility is a concern, this probably isn’t the best fit.

But if you’re up for a sporty, close-to-the-water adventure with amazing natural scenery, it’s a solid choice. You can definitely still see whales sitting down up front, and the team can help you on and off the boat.

Tips for Whale Watching with AML Cruises

What to Wear and Bring

Layers are key, but think beyond just warm clothes.

Bring a good pair of waterproof gloves to keep your hands warm and dry while handling your camera, especially in the fall. A neck gaiter or scarf can be lifesaving against the biting wind.

Also, waterproof boots or shoes with good grip are a smart choice for the wet deck.

I wore sneakers that got truly soaked and I couldn’t wear them for like another 2 days because of it.

I found a fleece a little bit too cool once the rain hit, so maybe a fleece and a puffer jacket would be best.

Choosing Your Spot on the Boat

While the back is great for photos and space, don’t hesitate to explore the sides during quieter moments.

You might find unexpected angles and quieter spots away from the main crowd!

Staying Comfortable During Rain

Rain can come suddenly and hard.

Pack a compact, quick-drying travel towel in your bag. Bring extra plastic bags for wet gloves or gear. If you have a dry bag for your essentials, even better.

You can always store your backpack with them or leave it in your car so you have it to dry off with afterwards. I was ringing out my hair in the van for most of our drive back to our hotel.

Accessibility

While the zodiac itself isn’t wheelchair accessible, AML offers other boats that might work better.

It’s worth calling ahead to discuss your needs and find the best option. If mobility is a concern, plan extra time for boarding and disembarking.

Booking Your Tour

Weekday tours tend to be less crowded than weekends, giving you more space to move and better chances for quiet moments to enjoy the scenery.

Early morning tours often have calmer waters and softer light for photography, while afternoon tours can be more social and lively.

There is a special sunset tour that AML offers that I imagine is even more beautiful since you get the colourful sky, as well.

When I lived in New Zealand, they always told us to look for dolphins and whales first thing since they’re most active, so I’ve always just blindly followed that.

Book a tour for earlier in your trip. AML have a “whale guarantee”. If you don’t see any, you can come back for free! So leave some time in your schedule to rebook if needed if your first trip is on a whales’-day-off.

How AML Cruises Fits Into Your Charlevoix Trip

Whale watching is a must in Tadoussac. I know it’s an “adventurous” thing to do, but I actually found it quite relaxing. You get to connect with nature and see the beauty of the St. Lawrence from the water.

… although getting soaked wasn’t as relaxing.

There are a few different AML Cruises you can try when you visit, including more of a ferry that will keep you drier on rainy days.

After the ride, you’ll want a place that feels like a true retreat.

That’s why you should head to the Fairmont Manoir Richelieu, where I stayed post-whale watching. You’ll get 2 options for hot tubs (1 indoor, 1 outdoor) and 2 saunas to warm up. Plus, breathtaking views from your room, large fireplace lounges, and a spa on site to help rub out any sore muscles from the boat seats.

Plus, the most thrilling experience I had in Charlevoix came from the Fairmont. So if you need a little more adrenaline in your relaxation, you’ll want to visit.