- Home |
- Nature Getaways |
- Wildlife Observation
Wildlife Observation
Photo: Atlantic puffins in the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve of Canada ©Éric Le Bel
In addition to marine mammals, numerous other animal species can be observed in Québec maritime. For example, this region is home to the largest northern gannet colony in the world as well as many other bird species, the only herd of caribou south of the St. Lawrence and impressive concentrations of moose and black bears. A stay in Québec maritime will provide opportunities for safe encounters with these animals in superb wildlife observation sites.
Wildlife Observation Packages
Luxury Camping at Gaspésie National Park
Gaspésie National Park
Starting from $109.00
per night, taxes and park admission fees not included
Valid from May 18, 2010 to October 11, 2010
Salmon Fishing Package
Port-Daniel Wildlife Reserve
Starting from $183.52
for 2 people, per day, taxes and gratuities not included
Valid from July 15, 2010 to September 30, 2010
Testimonials about Wildlife Observation
-
April 2010
Explore Scenic Drives by Motorcycle!
"Discover a tourism destination where roads run alongside the sea, mountains, valleys and rivers in a region dotted with rest areas, scenic lookouts and great gourmet finds." Read more » -
A Small Bay among Giants
"The best thing about Tadoussac, however, is this feeling of well-being that comes over you when you are here. In these surroundings, between the water, the mountains and the village, the air you breathe is pure and you really feel as though you are living in the present moment." Read more »
Read all testimonials
Highlights
-
Bioparc de la Gaspésie
Among the species found in the Bioparc, observe the harbour seals at play in one of Québec's largest seal pools. Curious by nature, the harbour seal is the most common of the seal species found in the St. Lawrence. -
SÉPAQ Anticosti
A dozen species of marine mammals live around the island, including various whales and seals. You can observe them from a few sites on land or during an excursion at sea. -
Cap-de-Bon-Désir Interpretation and Observation Centre
The nutrient-rich marine park is an essential feeding ground for the whales of the St. Lawrence. Complying with marine activities regulations is a concrete way to not disturb these giants while they feed. Please keep this in mind during your visit!
See all wildlife observation companies (51) and plan my trip The whales of the St. Lawrence
Whale watching in Québec maritime
Observe the 13 species of St. Lawrence whales during a cruise on a passenger boat or by Zodiac or kayak. You can also see whales from various land-based observation sites.
Observe the 13 species of St. Lawrence whales during a cruise on a passenger boat or by Zodiac or kayak. You can also see whales from various land-based observation sites.
Photo: Marc Loiselle
Minke whale – 6-9 metres, 6-8 tonnes
The smallest of the baleen whales, minkes execute spectacular surface manoeuvres to catch their prey, displaying their pink underside. They are often spotted near the shore.
The smallest of the baleen whales, minkes execute spectacular surface manoeuvres to catch their prey, displaying their pink underside. They are often spotted near the shore.
Photo: Marc Loiselle
Fin whale – 18-21 metres, 40-50 tonnes
The world’s second largest animals and the fastest of the large cetaceans, fin whales can dive to a depth of 100 metres. Their loud blow in the shape of a column can reach 4 to 6 metres in height.
The world’s second largest animals and the fastest of the large cetaceans, fin whales can dive to a depth of 100 metres. Their loud blow in the shape of a column can reach 4 to 6 metres in height.
Photo: Pierre Rambaud/Le Cyclope
Blue whale – 21-26 metres, 80-210 tonnes
The St. Lawrence is one of the rare places in the world where blue whales—the largest animals on the planet—can be observed. Only a few hundred of these whales still exist.
The St. Lawrence is one of the rare places in the world where blue whales—the largest animals on the planet—can be observed. Only a few hundred of these whales still exist.
Photo: Marc Loiselle
Humpback whale – 11-13 metres, 25-30 tonnes
The best known of the large cetaceans, humpbacks show their tail with every dive. Their balloon-shaped blow can be up to 3 metres high. They are known for their acrobatics and songs.
The best known of the large cetaceans, humpbacks show their tail with every dive. Their balloon-shaped blow can be up to 3 metres high. They are known for their acrobatics and songs.
Photo: Christian Ramp/MICS
Beluga – 3-4.5 metres, 0.7-1.5 tonnes
Belugas have the widest vocal range among cetaceans. The only whales to live year round in the St. Lawrence, they are easy to recognize by their white skin and perpetual smile.
Belugas have the widest vocal range among cetaceans. The only whales to live year round in the St. Lawrence, they are easy to recognize by their white skin and perpetual smile.
Photo: Jean-Pierre Sylvestre
Atlantic white-sided dolphin: 2-2.7 m, 180-230 kg
These dolphins swim in pods of hundreds of individuals. Curious and playful, they love to surf in boat wakes. They occasionally visit the estuary, but are found in great numbers in the gulf.
These dolphins swim in pods of hundreds of individuals. Curious and playful, they love to surf in boat wakes. They occasionally visit the estuary, but are found in great numbers in the gulf.
Photo: Frédéric Paquet/MICS
Whale research activities
The Mingan Island Cetacean Study invites visitors to participate in whale research during one-day excursions or one- or two-week research sessions in the Côte-Nord and Gaspésie regions.
The Mingan Island Cetacean Study invites visitors to participate in whale research during one-day excursions or one- or two-week research sessions in the Côte-Nord and Gaspésie regions.
Photo: Christian Ramp/MICS
Whale photo identification
Scientists take photos of the whales and note their distinctive characteristics, such as pigmentation, flipper shape or scarring, which allows them to identify individual whales.
Scientists take photos of the whales and note their distinctive characteristics, such as pigmentation, flipper shape or scarring, which allows them to identify individual whales.
Photo: Marc Loiselle
Whales Online
Visit this reference and news site, managed by the Group for Research and Education on Marine Mammals (GREMM), for information about the St. Lawrence whales and their habitat.
Visit this reference and news site, managed by the Group for Research and Education on Marine Mammals (GREMM), for information about the St. Lawrence whales and their habitat.
Photo: Jean-Pierre Sylvestre
Ad
Find Wildlife Observation Activities
