Québec City: Whale Watching Tour with Bus Transportation
Overview
Embark on a hassle-free adventure from historic Québec City and journey to the stunning Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park for a breathtaking whale watching tour. Choose between a spacious observation boat or an intimate Zodiac ride and encounter up to 13 captivating whale species with guidance from expert naturalists. Sit back and relax with round-trip bus transportation, enjoying a scenic journey through picturesque landscapes along the St. Lawrence River.
- Skip driving and enjoy comfortable travel by bus for this full-day adventure
- Discover breathtaking Charlevoix landscapes on the journey from historic Québec City
- Pick your adventure upon booking between boat or Zodiac, for a unique whale watching experience
- Get the chance to observe up to 13 whale species with commentary by naturalist guides
- Immerse yourself in the enchanting vistas of the Saguenay Fjord and its surrounding mountains
What's Included
- Waterproof jacket and pants (if choosing the Zodiac option)
- All Fees and Taxes
- 2.5-hour or 3-hour whale-watching cruise
- Bilingual commentary
- Expert and certified naturalist guide onboard
- Food and drink
- Binoculars
Meeting Location
Place de l'Assemblée-Nationale
Québec, QC G1R 3V9, Canada
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Your full-day journey begins with pickup from your accommodation before meeting your group at Fontaine de Tourny. Board a coach for a scenic drive along the St. Lawrence River to Baie-Sainte-Catherine, Charlevoix—home to the world’s top whale watching sites.
Majestic Whales: Our certified bilingual naturalist guides will share fascinating insights about the 13 whale species that frequent the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park. The best season for sightings is from May to October, so get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
Boat or Zodiac Option: Step aboard our state-of-the-art observation boats, designed for maximum comfort and optimal whale watching, or opt for one of our sleek Zodiacs, designed for an immersive experience and minimal environmental impact.
Whale Guarantee: Our sighting rate is extremely high, but as the marine park is a natural environment, sometimes mammals can be more elusive. If no sightings are made, we'll offer you another whale watching tour (boat tour only).
Relaxing Return: After your cruise, unwind on the motorcoach back to Québec City, soaking in the scenic landscapes along the St. Lawrence River as you reflect on your incredible adventure.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Zodiac excursions are not advisable, and even prohibited for certain persons such as young children (under the age of 6), pregnant women, people suffering from articulation, back, or autonomy problems, or persons in wheelchairs. If you or any members of your group fall under these criteria, we recommend choosing our whale watching boat tour for a comfortable and equally exciting experience.
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Meals are not included. You can either pack a lunch and/or snacks, or you can buy a preprepared lunchbox from the tour operator's lunchbox service upon arrival at Baie-Sainte-Catherine (depending on availability)
- Please note that yours meal is not allowed aboard our boats. A one-hour lunch break is scheduled before the cruise, where you can enjoy your meal.
- Please dress warmly, as it can be quite cold on the river. An insulated jacket, hat, gloves and closed-toes shoes are highly recommended.
- Minimum age is 6 years for the zodiac boat
- Cruises operate rain or shine unless weather conditions pose a safety risk to passengers. Rest assured, the big boat features an enclosed area for your comfort.
- Whale Guarantee: Our sighting rate is extremely high, but as the marine park is a natural environment, sometimes mammals can be more elusive. If no sightings are made, we'll offer you another whale watching tour (boat tour only)
- The round-trip bus journey from Québec City to Baie-Sainte-Catherine, Charlevoix takes approximately 3 hours each way.
- For personal expenses, only credit card payments are accepted on board (no cash)
- For the Zodiac : Upon arrival, waterproof jackets and pants are provided, and you will have to sign a release form for the activity. Lifejackets are available for the Zodiac only It is recommended to bringing a change of clothes for after the activity. Does not have food or restrooms onboard.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 300 travelers
- Operated by a business
Frequently Asked Questions
(9)Q: Do we get to swim with or touch the dolphins?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-3571Q_WW
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.27 out of 5 stars based on 371 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (9)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Destinations customers.
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As an active member of the Dolphin SMART program, we do not have physical contact with the dolphins on Québec City: Whale Watching Tour with Bus Transportation. We watch them in their natural habitat from the boat.
Dec 2022If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EDT).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Waterproof jacket and pants (if choosing the Zodiac option).
- All Fees and Taxes.
- 2.5-hour or 3-hour whale-watching cruise.
- Bilingual commentary.
- Expert and certified naturalist guide onboard.
- Food and drink.
- Binoculars.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Québec City: Whale Watching Tour with Bus Transportation is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Zodiac excursions are not advisable, and even prohibited for certain persons such as young children (under the age of 6), pregnant women, people suffering from articulation, back, or autonomy problems, or persons in wheelchairs. If you or any members of your group fall under these criteria, we recommend choosing our whale watching boat tour for a comfortable and equally exciting experience.
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Québec City: Whale Watching Tour with Bus Transportation will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Destinations. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024What's Included
- Waterproof jacket and pants (if choosing the Zodiac option)
- All Fees and Taxes
- 2.5-hour or 3-hour whale-watching cruise
- Bilingual commentary
- Expert and certified naturalist guide onboard
- Food and drink
- Binoculars
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Zodiac excursions are not advisable, and even prohibited for certain persons such as young children (under the age of 6), pregnant women, people suffering from articulation, back, or autonomy problems, or persons in wheelchairs. If you or any members of your group fall under these criteria, we recommend choosing our whale watching boat tour for a comfortable and equally exciting experience.
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Meals are not included. You can either pack a lunch and/or snacks, or you can buy a preprepared lunchbox from the tour operator's lunchbox service upon arrival at Baie-Sainte-Catherine (depending on availability)
- Please note that yours meal is not allowed aboard our boats. A one-hour lunch break is scheduled before the cruise, where you can enjoy your meal.
- Please dress warmly, as it can be quite cold on the river. An insulated jacket, hat, gloves and closed-toes shoes are highly recommended.
- Minimum age is 6 years for the zodiac boat
- Cruises operate rain or shine unless weather conditions pose a safety risk to passengers. Rest assured, the big boat features an enclosed area for your comfort.
- Whale Guarantee: Our sighting rate is extremely high, but as the marine park is a natural environment, sometimes mammals can be more elusive. If no sightings are made, we'll offer you another whale watching tour (boat tour only)
- The round-trip bus journey from Québec City to Baie-Sainte-Catherine, Charlevoix takes approximately 3 hours each way.
- For personal expenses, only credit card payments are accepted on board (no cash)
- For the Zodiac : Upon arrival, waterproof jackets and pants are provided, and you will have to sign a release form for the activity. Lifejackets are available for the Zodiac only It is recommended to bringing a change of clothes for after the activity. Does not have food or restrooms onboard.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 300 travelers
- Operated by a business
