Québec City: Whale Watching Tour with Bus Transportation
Active
11h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
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
Available 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.
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
What's not included
Food and drink
Binoculars
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
FR
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.2
344 reviews
5★
184
4★
95
3★
33
2★
14
1★
18
Tripadvisor
4.2
82 reviews
5★
50
4★
14
3★
9
2★
4
1★
5
Important information
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.
Meeting point
The bus departs from the Fontaine de Tourny in Québec City at 9 a.m.
Please present yourself 30 minutes before the departure.
Important notes
The bus departs from the Fontaine de Tourny in Québec City at 9 a.m.
We recommend you arrive at the meeting point approximately 30 minutes in advance.
The round-trip bus journey from Québec City to Baie-Sainte-Catherine, Charlevoix takes approximately 3 hours each way.
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.
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.
We recommend that you dress warmly even in summer, as the temperature on the water can get cooler than on land.
For the zodiac, closed shoes (not sandals) are required. The provided jacket and pants are waterproof but not insulated, so we recommend layering warm clothing underneath.
We suggest bringing suncreen and sunglasses.
Cruises operate rain or shine unless weather conditions pose a safety risk to passengers. Rest assured, the boat features an enclosed area for your comfort.
To ensure your safety and in accordance with Transport Canada standards, cruise departure times may be adjusted if weather conditions or mechanical issues arise.
About Quebec City
Quebec City is a historic gem in North America, offering a unique blend of European charm and North American culture. With its cobblestone streets, historic sites, and stunning architecture, it feels like stepping into a European city. The city's rich history, vibrant arts scene, and delicious cuisine make it a must-visit destination.
Top Attractions
Old Quebec (Vieux-Québec)
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Old Quebec is the historic heart of the city with cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and charming shops.
Historical
Half day to full day
Free to explore, attractions may have fees
Château Frontenac
One of the most photographed hotels in the world, Château Frontenac offers guided tours of its historic interiors.
Historical
1-2 hours
CAD 20-30 for tours
Montmorency Falls
A spectacular waterfall taller than Niagara Falls, offering stunning views and outdoor activities.
Nature
Half day
CAD 15-20
Must-Try Local Dishes
Poutine
Fries topped with cheese curds and gravy, a Quebecois classic.
Snack
Vegetarian options available with different toppings
Tourtière
A savory meat pie traditionally made with minced pork, veal, or beef.
Main Course
Contains meat, gluten
Popular Activities
Hiking
Ziplining
Winter sports
Spa visits
Wine tasting
Strolling through historic districts
Museum visits
Art gallery tours
Best Time to Visit
June to August
This is the warmest time of the year, perfect for outdoor activities and festivals. The city is lively with tourists and locals enjoying the pleasant weather.
15°C to 25°C
59°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: French
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Time Zone
EST (UTC-5), EDT (UTC-4) during daylight saving time
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Quebec City is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
Getting there
By air
- Jean Lesage International Airport • 13 km from city center
By train
Québec Gare du Palais
By bus
Québec Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Affordable and convenient, with frequent services.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Taxi Coop Québec
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Petit-Champlain
Saint-Roch
Day trips
Île d'Orléans
20 km from Quebec City • Half day to full day
A picturesque island with farms, vineyards, and artisanal shops.
Mont-Sainte-Anne
30 km from Quebec City • Full day
A popular destination for outdoor activities, especially in winter.
Festivals
Winter Carnival (Carnaval de Québec) • Late January to mid-February
Festival d'Été de Québec • Early July to mid-July
Pro tips
- Learn basic French phrases to enhance your experience
- Visit the city in different seasons for unique experiences
- Explore beyond the historic district for local culture and hidden gems
- Try local specialties like poutine and tourtière
- Use the funiculaire to easily navigate the steep streets of Old Quebec
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
