Cap-de-Bon-Désir Interpretation and Observation Centre

Observe whales, seals and seabirds near the shore. Belugas, porpoises and other whales often swim past Cap de Bon-Désir. Our guides are there to answer your questions. Bring a picnic and a windbreaker.

Have you ever seen starfish? You will be surprised by their colours! Participate in the feature activity, “30 Feet into Neptune’s World,” during which divers will bring up some of the mysterious animals that live at the bottom of the estuary for you to see. This activity is offered three times a week. Consult the schedule for details.

In the lightkeeper’s house, observe whales and learn about the history of the lighthouse and its lightkeepers.

Do your children love to explore? Request the Xplorers booklet at the reception centre.

Activities and services: whale watching, interpretive activities, exhibit room, lighthouse.

Opening dates

From June 22 to October 14, 2013

Schedule

CENTRE: June 22 to September 8: Daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; September 9 to October 14: Wednesday to Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 30 FEET INTO NEPTUNE’S WORLD: June 29 to August 24: Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Please arrive at least 30 minutes early.

Cost

Individual, family and group rates available.

Reservations

Recommended for groups

Payment methods

• Cash
• American Express
• MasterCard
• Visa

Activities available in summer

Hiking

From the lighthouse, hike along a short trail through a mixed forest to the coastline. All through the summer you can listen to the birds. The 8-km (5-mi.) species at risk trail will take you all the way to the Marine Environment Discovery Centre.

Interpretation Sites

Enthusiastic guides will share their knowledge with you. Participate in the “30 Feet into Neptune’s World” activity to learn more about the life of marine animals, and be sure to visit the exhibit in the lightkeeper’s house.

Lighthouses

The Cap-de-Bon-Désir Lighthouses is one of the most recent lighthouses to be built along the St. Lawrence. Visit the exhibit in the lightkeeper’s house and see period photos of the lightkeepers and their families.

National Parks and Wildlife Reserves

Breathe in the sea air and observe marine wildlife! The Cap-de-Bon-Désir Interpretation and Observation Centre is located on the shore of the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, which is jointly managed by Parks Canada and Parcs Québec.

Whale Watching

Cap de Bon-Désir is one of the best coastal sites to observe the whales and is part of a network of land-based whale-watching sites in Côte-Nord. Watch the whales swim and feed. With any luck, you will hear the blows of the whales as they surface!

See what this partner is offering in fall.

Services

• Picnic area
• Pets allowed on leashes only
• Boutique
• Free parking

How to get there

Take Route 138 to Les Bergeronnes and follow the signs to the Cap-de-Bon-Désir Interpretation and Observation Centre (Centre d’interprétation et d’observation de Cap-de-Bon-Désir).

Affiliations and distinctions

Affiliation
Parks Canada manages a network of national parks, historic sites and marine conservation areas. Discover for yourself the many wonders, adventures and learning experiences that await you in such sites. Visit parkscanada.gc.ca to plan your next vacation!