The Whale Route

Côte-Nord – Manicouagan and Côte-Nord – Duplessis border the St. Lawrence for 1250 kilometres (775 miles), from Tadoussac to Blanc-Sablon. The coastline of these regions has been designated the Whale Route, since 13 different species, including the blue whale, can be found in the waters of the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence. From several locations, you can participate in sea excursions by boat, Zodiac or even sea kayak to observe these fascinating mammals. Whales can also be seen from the shore. Here is further proof that this region is one of the best in the world for whale watching: four world-renowned research groups are based here, some of which offer sea excursions with their researchers.

The Whale Route takes you across a land of extremes, where distances, rivers, forests and even the hearts of the residents are larger than life.

On the return journey, several ferries can take you to the “south” (as we say here) to give you a taste of Gaspésie and Bas-Saint-Laurent. You won’t regret it!

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Tadoussac to Longue-Rive 66 km (41 mi.) Tadoussac Bay is a member of the very select Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club. The site of Canada’s first trading post (built in 1600), Tadoussac is also recognized by the Association of the Most Beautiful Villages of Québec. The village's many attractions and friendly accommodations make Tadoussac a great place to stay. Visit the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre (CIMM), which provides an excellent introduction to the fascinating world of the whales and is the perfect complement or alternative to a whale-watching cruise. The Tadoussac sector is also at the heart of the Saguenay – St. Lawrence Marine Park. Visit the park’s interpretation sites to learn more about the region’s maritime environment. Two such sites are the Cap-de-Bon-Désir Interpretation and Observation Centre, which is a great place to observe whales from the shore, and the Marine Environment Discovery Centre, where you can interact with diving naturalists as they explore the underwater world. Fjord-du-Saguenay National Park also offers several interpretive and outdoor activities. One of the major attractions of Northeastern North America, this park’s hiking trails offer stunning views of the Saguenay Fjord.

Longue-Rive to Baie-Comeau 134 km (83 mi.) Pointe-aux-Outardes is a dream come true for bird watchers: some 200 bird species can be observed in this world-renowned area. It also boasts the warmest swimmable waters in Côte-Nord – Manicouagan!

Baie-Comeau to Pointe-des-Monts  98 km (61 mi.) From Baie-Comeau, head north on Route 389 to tour Manic-5, the largest multiple-arch-and-buttress dam in the world—you won’t believe your eyes! Those who love the north will want to keep driving all the way to Fermont and Labrador. Enjoy unique activities in this exceptional environment: hiking in the taiga, observing northern lights and more!

Pointe-des-Monts to Sept-Îles  159 km (99 mi.) In Pointe-des-Monts, one of Québec’s most beautiful lighthouses awaits you in an enchanting setting. Exhibits within tell the stories of the lighthouse keepers and their families. Rooms and meals are available in the lighthouse keeper’s house.

Sept-Îles to Havre-Saint-Pierre  220 km (137 mi.) Further east is the Sept-Îles Archipelago where you can enjoy sea excursions, hiking, bird watching and whale watching.

Havre Saint-Pierre to Natashquan  151 km (94 mi.) In Havre-Saint-Pierre, explore the wonders of the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve. Several companies can take you to the islands where hiking and interpretive activities await you. Home to many different species of seabirds, the archipelago is the best place in Québec to observe the famous Atlantic puffin. ALTERNATIVE Offshore is Anticosti, an island the size of a small country, which is home to one of Québec’s magnificent national parks. Almost uninhabited by humans, this island features breathtaking landscapes, such as the Vauréal falls and canyon. White-tailed deer are so abundant that in Port-Menier, the island’s only municipality, they are spotted on the streets and even on people’s doorsteps! Several package tours to the island are available, with departures from Montréal, Québec City or Mont-Joli.

Natashquan to Blanc-Sablon  Route 138 ends in Natashquan, the birthplace of poet and singer/songwriter Gilles Vigneault. Here is where the most unique part of the region begins, in what is known as the Lower North Shore. The Relais Nordik supply boat will take those who want to get off the beaten track from village to village all the way to Blanc-Sablon, Québec’s easternmost town, on the Labrador border.  Contact Voyages Coste, which specializes in this destination, to plan your stay in the Lower North Shore!