From Quebec City: Whale Watching Excursion Full-Day Trip

Embark on an unforgettable whale watching adventure from Quebec City. Priced from $177.30 per person, this full-day excursion takes you on a scenic 3-hour bus ride to the Saguenay-St-Lawrence Marine Park. Choose between boat or Zodiac options to spot whales while enjoying expert commentary. The tour ensures a memorable and environmentally conscious experience. But what exactly can you expect on this once-in-a-lifetime journey? Let’s dive in and find out.

Key Points

• A full-day whale watching excursion from Quebec City, priced from $177.30 per person with free cancellation up to 2 days in advance.
• 11-hour tour duration with live guides in English and French, offering a choice between boat or Zodiac tours for whale watching.
• Scenic 3-hour bus ride to Baie-Sainte-Catherine and whale observation in the Saguenay-St-Lawrence Marine Park, with potential sightings of up to 13 whale species.
• All vessels certified for safety, with trained crews prioritizing passenger safety and marine conservation, and strict environmental guidelines to minimize disturbance.
• Meeting point at Fontaine de Tourny in downtown Quebec City, with nearby paid parking and a suggested packing list for the tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and Pricing

The full-day whale watching excursion from Quebec City offers an immersive experience in the Saguenay-St-Lawrence Marine Park.

Priced from $177.30 per person, the 11-hour tour provides free cancellation up to 2 days in advance. Live guides lead the tour in English and French. Smaller group options are available.

The tour includes a 3-hour bus ride to Baie-Sainte-Catherine, where participants can choose between boat or Zodiac tours to observe up to 13 whale species.

The tour returns to the starting point at Fontaine de Tourny in Quebec City after the whale watching adventure.

Itinerary and Travel Details

The excursion departs from the Fontaine de Tourny in Quebec City.

A 3-hour bus ride takes guests to Baie-Sainte-Catherine, where the whale watching activities begin. Along the way, travelers will enjoy scenic views of the Saguenay-St-Lawrence Marine Park, the town of Tadoussac, and the Pointe-Noire Interpretation Centre.

After the tour, the bus returns everyone to the starting point at the Fontaine de Tourny.

The itinerary includes:

1. Departure from Fontaine de Tourny in Quebec City

2. 3-hour bus ride to Baie-Sainte-Catherine

3. Whale watching in the Saguenay-St-Lawrence Marine Park

4. Return to Fontaine de Tourny in Quebec City

Whale Watching Experience

Guests can choose between boat or Zodiac tours for their whale watching experience.

The boat option offers panoramic views, indoor and outdoor seating, restrooms, and a cafeteria. The Zodiac option provides close-up views at water level.

Both tours feature expert commentary and the opportunity to observe up to 13 whale species. The high whale sighting rate ensures an impressive display. If no whales are spotted, a free boat tour is offered as compensation.

All vessels are certified by Transport Canada, and the trained crews prioritize safety and marine conservation throughout the non-intrusive experience.

Safety and Environmental Considerations

All vessels used for the whale watching excursions are certified by Transport Canada, ensuring the highest safety standards.

All vessels for the whale watching tours are Transport Canada certified, ensuring top-tier safety.

The trained crews prioritize both passenger safety and marine conservation, offering a non-intrusive experience that respects the whales’ natural behaviors.

Participants on the Zodiac tours are provided with waterproof jackets and pants to keep them comfortable and dry during the close-up whale viewing.

The tours adhere to strict environmental guidelines, minimizing any potential disturbance to the whales and their habitat within the Saguenay-St-Lawrence Marine Park.

1. All vessels are certified by Transport Canada.

2. Trained crews prioritize safety and marine conservation.

3. Non-intrusive experience respecting whale behavior.

4. Waterproof gear provided for Zodiac tours.

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Meeting Point and Parking

The meeting point for the whale watching excursion is Fontaine de Tourny, a landmark located in downtown Quebec City.

Nearby paid parking is available for those driving to the departure point. Participants should arrive at the Fontaine de Tourny 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time to ensure a smooth start to the tour.

The meeting location is conveniently situated, making it easy for guests to access the bus that will transport them to the whale watching site in Baie-Sainte-Catherine, about a 3-hour drive from Quebec City.

Suggested Items to Bring

Participants are advised to dress warmly and wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes for the whale watching excursion. The day can be chilly, especially out on the water, so layering is recommended.

Plus, the following items are suggested:

1. Waterproof jacket and pants

2. Hat, gloves, and scarf

3. Sunglasses and sunscreen

4. Binoculars to get a closer look at the whales

These essentials will help ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience on the tour.

Bringing snacks and a refillable water bottle is also a good idea, as there’s limited food service during the excursion.

Restrictions and Considerations

Though the whale watching excursion is suitable for most participants, there are a few key restrictions and considerations to keep in mind.

The tour isn’t recommended for wheelchair users, young children under 6, pregnant individuals, or those with certain health issues.

Bringing pets or outside food and drinks isn’t allowed. Visitors should dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes.

A lunchbox service is available at Baie-Sainte-Catherine, but guests are also welcome to bring their own.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

Customers have overwhelmingly praised the quality of the whale watching excursion, rating it 4.3 out of 5 stars based on 637 reviews.

Customers have overwhelmingly praised the quality of the whale watching excursion, rating it 4.3 out of 5 stars based on 637 reviews.

The top highlights from the customer feedback include:

1. Excellent tour guides who provide informative and engaging commentary in both English and French.

2. Comfortable transportation to and from the whale watching site, allowing for a relaxing experience.

3. High whale sighting rate, with customers often spotting up to 13 different whale species.

4. The option to choose between boat or Zodiac tours, catering to different personal preferences and comfort levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Request a Specific Type of Whale to See?

While you can’t request a specific whale type, the excursion offers high sighting rates of up to 13 different whale species. The expert guides provide commentary to help identify any whales observed during the tour.

Is There a Minimum Group Size for the Small Group Option?

The small group option doesn’t have a minimum group size. Customers can book a whale watching tour in a small group, with the ability to enjoy a more intimate experience with personalized attention from the guide.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The tour doesn’t explicitly mention senior or student discounts. However, it’s worth checking with the operator as they may offer reduced rates for certain age groups or student IDs to make the experience more accessible.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

No, outside food and drinks are not allowed on the tour. However, you can pre-order a lunchbox service at Baie-Sainte-Catherine before the tour starts. There’s also a cafeteria on the boat option for purchasing food and drinks during the excursion.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

There’s no option to extend the tour duration. The full-day whale watching excursion is fixed at 11 hours, as stated in the overview. Guests can’t add extra time to the tour.

The Sum Up

This full-day whale watching excursion from Quebec City offers an unforgettable adventure. Guests will enjoy a scenic bus ride, explore the Saguenay-St-Lawrence Marine Park, and choose between boat or Zodiac options for optimal whale sightings. With expert commentary, safety measures, and an environmentally conscious approach, this tour provides a memorable and immersive experience for nature enthusiasts. The convenient free cancellation policy and reasonable pricing make this excursion a must-consider for those visiting the Quebec City region.

You can check availability for your dates here: