Tadoussac: A Gateway to Nature, Whales, and History

Located at the entrance of Quebec’s Côte-Nord region, the village of Tadoussac is famous for its whale watching and stunning natural surroundings. Thanks to its unique position where the Saguenay Fjord meets the St. Lawrence River, the area attracts a wide variety of marine life, including belugas and minke whales. An underwater ledge traps large amounts of food, creating an ideal feeding ground for these majestic animals.

To reach Tadoussac by car, you’ll need to take a short, free ferry ride from Baie-Sainte-Catherine. The crossing is quick and scenic, and the village is located just next to the ferry landing.

One of the first landmarks you’ll notice is the iconic red-roofed hotel, a well-known spot ideally located for exploring the area. Nearby stands the oldest wooden church in North America, built in 1747. Known as the Indian Chapel, Chapel of Tadoussac, or Église de la Mission de Sainte-Croix-de-Tadoussac, it reflects the region’s rich Indigenous and colonial history.

Another must-see is the Chauvin Trading Post, which recalls Tadoussac’s origins as a center of the fur trade. The museum showcases artifacts from both Indigenous cultures and New France settlers.

Along the boardwalk, you’ll find restaurants, local shops, and ice cream parlors facing the beach and the departure point for whale-watching cruises. While you may be lucky enough to spot whales from shore or along the Pointe-de-l’Islet trail, your chances are better from a boat. The trail itself is a beautiful and easy walk, accessible from the end of the pier or beside the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre.

We booked a tour with Tadoussac Autrement, and it was a great experience. Their small, covered, and heated 12-passenger boat offered a cozy and flexible outing. The smaller size allows the captain to adapt the route based on sightings. Keep in mind, though, that nature is unpredictable—one day you may see playful belugas and feeding fin whales, and the next, nothing at all.

We also visited the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre. While not large, it’s very informative, offering insights into the whales’ habitat and behavior, as well as a massive whale skeleton on display. Be sure to speak with the staff—they’re full of helpful, behind-the-scenes information. If you don’t have time to finish your visit, let them know and you may be able to return later the same day with the same ticket.

Things to Do in Tadoussac:

• Whale watching tours
• Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre
• The oldest wooden chapel in North America
• Chauvin Trading Post Museum
• The iconic red-roofed hotel
• Beach and waterfront
• Jardin de la Grève (local garden)
• Pointe-de-l’Islet trail
• Dining, local shops, and ice cream