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Cute BnB's are the way to stay in Tadoussac |
Tadoussac is a small town about three hours drive north from Quebec City deep in the heart of French Canada. Nestled in the hills where the St Lawrence waterway meets the only fjord on the east coast of North America, the Saguenay. Because of this ideal location Tadoussac was the first trading outpost set up by French explorers in New France. Nowadays tourists flock to the rugged village for its quaint beauty, easy hiking trails, and its facilities for whale watching.
The main draw for me of course is the whales. Even though I get to
see whales all the time in Alaska and Hawaii through my work I love
experiences different whales in different parts of the world. Here in
Tadoussac you can see not just humpbacks, but also blue, fin, minke, and
beluga whales. Most are here in the height of summer for feeding on the
upwelling just offshore, although the belugas live here year round. You can see the whales from shore but the best way to encounter them is to hop on a whale watching cruise for up close and personal encounters.
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Minke Whale Fin |
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Minke whale lunge feeding |
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Beluga surfacing |
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Beluga whale tail |
There are two main companies that take out the bulk of the whale watchers here. I have used
AML
both times I've visited with very good results. The naturalist onboard
answer your questions and give you a good idea of what species you are
watching and information about the different behaviors. They will
naturalize in both French and English. Both the big boat and the zodiac
are wonderful platforms for whale watching here. I would suggest trying
both, although if there is a chance of rain and you want to bring a
camera then the big boat is the only way to go.
Otis Excursions
is the other zodiac only option that sends out multiple whale watching
trips daily. I was surprised to see both companies heading out into
extreme foggy conditions and come back with reports of good whale
encounters.
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Humpback Caudal Peduncle |
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Humpback in front of zodiac tour |
The weather in summer can go from hot to cold, foggy to clear in a
matter of minutes. So be prepared for it all. It will always be cold
while underway in the zodiacs, although the companies do set you up with
pretty heavy duty survival suits and waterproof pants before you head
out. Taking care of your camera gear is top priority during inclement
weather. The companies suggest against taking out cameras but leave it
to your own discretion. Another option is to rent a kayak and head out
on your own to enjoy the beautiful coastline. Sometimes whales will pop
up a few yards off the rocks where spectators sit and picnic.
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Tide Pool Discoveries |
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Mink on the hunt |
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Hiking Trails above town |
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Hotel Tadoussac |
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Greater Yellow Legs |
Besides the whales there are fun hiking trails through and around
town which can give you wonderful views of the surrounding area. One trail that leads around the point from the main docks also leads to some wonderful tide pools at low tide. Sea stars, limpets, snails, and other small marine critters can be seen in the pools while shore birds and mink can also be spied.
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Seafood feast at Restaurant du Boise |
Plus
the food options in Tadoussac are to die for. Just outside of town the
Restaurant du Boise
serves up heaping portions of locally caught seafood like mussels,
lobster, salmon, crab, and tiny but tasty shrimp. Reservations and a
healthy appetite are recommended. In town
Le Cafe Boheme
serves up some of the best coffee and espresso around with some amazing
dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is a can't miss.
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Misty walkways |
The best part of visiting Tadoussac is the ability to drive a few hours
and feel like you are in a part of Europe. French is spoken all around,
although it is possible to get by with English. People are welcoming,
the helpings are generous, and the whales right offshore. If it is quiet
and peaceful in an exotic way that you desire, it is only a days drive
away.
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Common Loon |
Read about my first visit to Tadoussac back in 2013
here. And see some of the best whale pictures from here and around the world at
http://www.daimarsphotos.com/Wildlife/Humpback-Whales/
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