Vast and wild, Côte-Nord borders the St. Lawrence all the way to the eastern edge of Québec by the Sea. Home to breathtaking scenery, this region is also a great place to observe wildlife.

Many marine and land species can be found in this region, which you can explore along the coastline via the Whale Route, a world-famous whale-watching drive. Below you’ll find a round-trip itinerary between Tadoussac and Blanc-Sablon (or vice versa) along Route 138 that also includes an excursion to the Lower North Shore aboard the Bella Desgagnés supply ship.

Tadoussac

Located at the confluence of the Saguenay Fjord and the St. Lawrence Estuary, the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park is one of the best places in the world to admire humpback, fin and minke whales both at sea and from the shore. If you’d like to go on a whale-watching excursion from Tadoussac, opt for a cruise with Croisières AML and you’ll be in for quite the show!

To immerse yourself in the world of the cetaceans, visit the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre (CIMM) where you can admire the largest collection of whale skeletons in North America. Nearby, you can also head to the dunes in Tadoussac to observe boreal owls, which are some of the smallest owls found in the province of Québec. You can also learn more about this rare species by visiting the Tadoussac Bird Observatory.

Worthwhile detour

Take Route 172 towards Sacré-Coeur, where a unique experience awaits you at the Ferme 5 Étoiles holiday resort. This farm gives you the opportunity to encounter several land-based wildlife species, including American bison, fallow deer, moose, wolves and lynx, as well as various farm animals. A refuge for injured animals, the farm also allows you to participate in their care. For an unusual experience, take part in a safe black bear-watching activity in the company of a guide.

Next, you can explore the hiking trails along the Saguenay Fjord in Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay. Be sure to stop at the Halte du Béluga lookout to scan the horizon for belugas, a protected species in Québec.

Tadoussac to Baie-Comeau

In Les Bergeronnes, Essipit offers several whale-watching experiences as well as the opportunity to stay at the Mer et Monde Écotours campground along the majestic St. Lawrence. You may even be woken up in the morning by the blow of the whales! For a truly exhilarating adventure, go on a whale-watching tour aboard a Zodiac to admire marine mammals near the surface of the water. The company also offers a guided and safe black bear-watching activity in the Tadoussac area.

Also located in Les Bergeronnes, the Cap-de-Bon-Désir Interpretation and Observation Centre is a great place to observe whales in the waters of the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, right from the shore! The naturalist guides on site will be happy to answer all your questions.

In Les Escoumins, stop to visit the Marine Environment Discovery Centre, which offers a variety of shore-based observation and interpretive activities. Also in Les Escoumins, Du Fleuve offers Zodiac outings in small groups to observe whales as well as seabirds and migratory birds.

In Longue-Rive, stop to see the second largest salt marsh in Québec, where you can observe many species of birds, including Canada geese, brant geese, snow geese and several species of ducks. Read the interpretive panels to learn more about these wetlands.

In Pointe-aux-Outardes, near Baie-Comeau, visit Parc Nature de Pointe-aux-Outardes, where you’ll find nine distinct ecosystems that are home to over 200 bird species, including golden eagles, pomarine jaegers, clay-coloured sparrows, Baltimore orioles and other rare species. The nature park offers many fun activities to discover the natural world, as well as giant birdhouses where you can spend the night!

Baie-Comeau to Sept-Îles

Godbout is an excellent place to observe whales, seals and seabirds in Godbout Bay from the shore. Further east, in Baie-Trinité, the Chemin du Vieux-Phare will take you to the Pointe-des-Monts Lighthouse along the St. Lawrence. Keep your eyes peeled for ospreys and northern gannets, two species that like to put on an aerial show. You’re also likely to see mourning doves and common eiders along the coast.

Worthwhile detour

From Port-Cartier, you can head north to the Réserve faunique de Port-Cartier–Sept-Îles to observe several species of raptors. The wildlife reserve offers several hiking trails, including the Chute-MacDonald trail, that will take you through breathtaking scenery!

Sept-Îles to Havre-Saint-Pierre

From the port of Sept-Îles, go on a sea excursion around the Sept Îles Archipelago to see mammals and seabirds. Razorbills, black guillemots and common eiders are all to be found here. The area around Corossol Island, one of the most important bird sanctuaries in Eastern Canada, is a great place to observe these birds. Blue whales, humpbacks, fin whales and harbour seals can also be spotted in this area.

Havre-Saint-Pierre to Kegaska

A must-see attraction in Havre-Saint-Pierre, the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve is home to the largest concentration of erosion monoliths in Canada. Whales and seals (both grey and harp) can be spotted offshore, and you can also admire several colonies of birds, including magnificent Atlantic puffins (which are known as sea parrots).

Worthwhile detour

From Sept-Îles or Havre-Saint-Pierre, hop aboard the Bella Desgagnés to go to Anticosti Island. You may even spot whales along the way! The island’s fauna, flora, caves, waterfalls and giant cliffs will amaze you, not to mention the 115,000 white-tailed deer!

Kegaska to Blanc-Sablon and back

From Kegaska, board the Bella Desgagnés for a cruise that will take you to the villages along the Lower North Shore, all the way to Blanc-Sablon. At sea or during your stopovers, you’ll have many opportunities to admire various species of birds and marine mammals. Between mid-May and mid-June, you may even see icebergs!

Kegaska to Rivière-au-Tonnerre

In Natashquan, the birthplace of famous poet and singer-songwriter Gilles Vigneault, follow the boardwalk to Les Galets, a heritage site where you can visit buildings that bear witness to the area’s cod-fishing past. If you’re lucky, you’ll also spot whales!

Located along Route 138, near Lake Salé in Baie-Johan-Beetz, the Johan-Beetz marsh is a must-see for birdwatchers. The marsh is home to American bitterns, green-winged teals, common goldeneyes, ospreys, merlins and various species of ducks and passerines.

Rivière-au-Tonnerre to Pointe-des-Monts

Stop in Rivière-au-Tonnerre to stretch your legs and observe more wildlife. A boardwalk will lead you to a picnic area where you’re likely to spot marine mammals!

Pointe-des-Monts to Les Bergeronnes

In Franquelin, follow the Vieux-Quai trail and you may be surprised by the presence of fin whales, humpbacks or minke whales close to the shore.

Made up of vast, unspoiled natural landscapes, Côte-Nord is a dream destination for wildlife lovers. Would you like to encounter some of this region’s many species on your next vacation in Québec by the Sea? Start planning your road trip now!