From the Arctic to Antarctica

Learn about Tadoussac’s rich history and diverse ecosystems while keeping watch for its marine wildlife. Meet your guide, board your motor coach and set off toward the St. Lawrence Marine Park to visit the Park Canada observation center. Here, look across the bay to the historic lighthouse station and learn how it safeguarded the sailors as they navigated the St. Lawrence River. After, step outside and walk to the rocky shoreline, where you can admire Tadoussac’s picturesque setting and keep watch for local marine life, including migrating whales and seals basking in the sun.After, return to your coach for a drive up the coast to The Dunes, two coastal terraces made of sand and sculpted by nature. Stand atop the dunes to enjoy a sweeping view over the surrounding landscape and visit the bird observatory to learn more about the migratory pattern of regional birds.

Embark on a journey to glimpse the majestic creatures that spend their summers in the waters of Tadoussac. Transfer to the dock, where you will meet your captain. Here, you will don your life jacket and listen to a short safety briefing before boarding your Zodiac rigid inflatable boat and casting off to explore the mouth of the St. Lawrence River. Revel in the pristine nature that surrounds you, taking in the expanse of water lined with lush pine forests and rocks that creep into the river. As you sail, keep watch for the spectacular sea creatures that visit this area. Thirteen species of whales spend their summers here, including blue, fin, minke and humpback. In addition to these incredible giants, harbor porpoises, dolphins and belugas can also be spotted here. After spending two hours in this picturesque setting, head back to shore, and walk back to your ship.

Set off on a scenic hike through the pristine landscape that surrounds Tadoussac to take in picturesque views. Meet your guide, a national park naturalist, at your ship before heading out on foot towards the Anse á l’Eau Hill. Navigate the rocky terrain as you ascend the hill, listening as your guide details both Tadoussac’s rich history and the diverse array of migratory animals that pass through the region, including whales and birds. At the top, admire the sweeping view over the town and the mouth of the St. Lawrence River before continuing toward the Le Fjord Trailhead. Set off on a 3.5 mile hike through verdant boreal forest, climbing up a steep trail and reveling in the tranquil atmosphere of your surroundings. Arrive at the stunning Anse à la Barque Bay, where you will pause to admire the natural splendor of the inlet before returning to Tadoussac along the trail.

Explore Tadoussac’s intriguing ecology and storied history as you visit some of its most renowned locations. Meet your guide and set off on foot to the Marine Center, where you will discover the thirteen species of whale that migrate to the area every summer and speak with local researchers to learn more about these giant creatures. Next, delve into Tadoussac’s storied history with a visit to Chauvin Trading Post, a reconstruction of the first establishment built in New France. Explore exhibits that detail contact between First Nations people and Europeans and the lucrative fur trade that drew people to the area. Continue to The Little Wooden Chapel, one of the oldest churches in North America, before visiting Hotel Tadoussac, where you can enjoy a refreshment. Finally, stroll along the boardwalk and choose to explore the picturesque town independently or return to your ship.

Grab your binoculars and call at the Tadoussac Dunes and Baie des Escoumins in search of local birds. Meet your guide and set out on a journey through Tadoussac to appreciate its diverse birdlife. Begin at the Tadoussac Dunes, a known migratory route for an array of bird species. Here, you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Brown Hawks as you learn about the ongoing research projects in this area, which seek to protect birds and better understand their migration patterns. Your guide will share insights with you about these birds and more, as you continue toward Baie des Escoumins, home to the Common Eider and Common Loon, as well as various waterfowl, including gulls and terns. Learn about these seabirds and their habitat, and stay alert for sightings of sea ducks in the water. You may also spot groups of nesting Cliff Swallows and Least Sandpipers, amongst others.