The river, the fjord, the great lakes and the gulf: in Quebec, part of the scenery can only be seen from the water. Whale-watching cruises in Tadoussac and the Gaspé, excursions in the Saguenay fjord, crossings to the islands, sightseeing boats on rivers and dinner cruises in the cities. This guide gathers Quebec’s cruises and boat excursions, with each one’s listing, duration, season and prices.
The whales
The season runs from May to October, with the best sightings from July to September, when fin whales, minke whales and belugas move up the estuary. Zodiac for the close approach and the thrill, big boat for comfort, the cafeteria and the kids; both respect the same regulated distances. Dress as for November: on the water it is ten degrees colder.
Booking
July and August departures are booked one or two weeks ahead; morning outings often have the calmest sea. Cruises are cancelled in high wind: keep a spare day in a regional trip.
With kids
A big boat with a covered deck, washrooms and a snack bar makes a three-hour cruise easy from age three; the zodiac waits for the age shown on the listing, often six. Binoculars for each child, a snack, and a mission: count the blows.
🐋 Cruises by region
QuebecCharlevoixCôte-NordSaguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean
Quebec
2 places
Charlevoix
6 places
Côte-Nord
14 places
Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean
1 place
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