Québec City: Whale Watching Tour with Bus Transportation
Overview
Available languages
11 hours
Mobile ticket
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
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
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 our lunchbox service upon arrival at Baie-Sainte-Catherine (depending on availability). Our lunchboxes are also available for preorder.
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.
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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Expert and certified naturalist guide onboard
Waterproof jacket and pants (if choosing the Zodiac option)
All Fees and Taxes
2.5-hour or 3-hour whale-watching cruise
Bilingual commentary
Food and drink
Binoculars
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.
Options
Zodiac Cruise
A small, faster, open-air boat that holds either 24 or 60 passengers and allows you to get very close to the whales.
Big Boat Cruise
Boat Cruise: Whale-watching cruise on a large, three-level, 105-foot (32-meter) boat with a glassed-in main deck, observation platform and covered upper deck.
Reviews
414 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Take a change of clothes!
Sheila T,
Aug 26, 2025
- Viator
4.00It was a great experience! We took the zodiac... and got soaking wet!... part of the fun with this experience. However, although they do provide a waterproof jacket and pants, your clothes will still get soaked - wish that had been stated in description. Best to wear a waterproof hat and gloves too as gets cold, rubber boots and a change of clothes. Felt cold on way back to home port with damp clothes. Apart from that issue, it was a great time!
Prepare to get soaking wet if you select Zodiac option
FukLun K,
Aug 25, 2025
- Viator
5.00It indeed has a very high chance of seeing the whales; in fact, we even saw a pair of whales swimming. But if you pick the "Zodiac Cruise" like I did, don't entirely rely on the jacket and pants provided, be prepared that there will be a chance that you will get REALLY wet. I mean, soaking wet, as if you had just taken a shower. If you're planning to bring in your camera like I did. Your backpack will obviously be soaking wet. Get a fully waterproof one. But it's totally worth it. I had a fantastic photo shoot with the whales, despite some of them being out of focus since they move quickly and the boat is quite shaky due to the waves.
Good Experience
Patty R,
Aug 21, 2025
- Viator
4.00Bus trip up 3.5 hours and was comfortable. Stop at a local cheese store to pick up snacks or lunch was pricey but seemed normal for Québec. Rained that morning so meeting up people were drenched and cold, so a number of people had to buy a sweatshirt at cheese store, 77.00 each. Guide on bus was good, talked all the way up. Maybe spoke French more than English. On a zodiac so it was closer to see whales. Whales were small with no big tail flipping out if the water, but did see about 6 smoothly rolling in the water. Lots of seals, two different groups. The seals blended in with rocks but we were able to get close. Also a porpoise along the edge of a mountain eating. The captain of zodiac did not speak English, so didn't really get to learn anything. Fortunately however the first zodiac was full so a smaller group was on the second one which I think made the trip better. Be prepared for Captain to speed up in areas, put hood on and cover face or sea spray will cover you.
A Nice Break from the City Crowds!
Ed H,
Aug 17, 2025
- Viator
5.00Enjoyable ride and scenic falls! Gaby, our guide, was a wealth of history and local information. She led our group professionally and we appreciated her concern for our safety during the ride. We rode on normal bikes. We had no big problems, but my bike had a water bottle holder on the frame that was broken and the office could not repair it. Maybe 10 percent of the ride was in city conditions (lights, crossings, lotsa walkers), but most of the was on flat paved bike trails separated from the roads, so very safe conditions. Even the city portions had marked bike lanes that drivers seemed to respect. About a six mile ride each way. We felt the trip was time well invested for us.
Much seen, unfortunately...
Walter B,
Aug 16, 2025
- Viator
4.00Much seen, unfortunately few whales! Care was super effortful and very nice! Tour recommended, but no guarantee on whales!
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