Observing whales from the shore, breathing in the salty sea air, scanning the horizon… You’re in for a memorable experience at the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park! Marine mammals swim surprisingly close to the shore here, which makes for unforgettable moments. Behind this accessible experience lies essential, often unseen work: protecting a rich ecosystem that’s critical to many species, including the endangered St. Lawrence belugas.

In these waters, which are frequented by visitors to the park, recreational boats and commercial vessels alike, every action counts. What you don’t see is a framework that makes all the difference in protecting whales and other marine mammals in the St. Lawrence: navigation rules, protected areas and scientific monitoring.

Beluga watching and protection: How to strike a balance

An excursion on the St. Lawrence Estuary may seem like a peaceful experience. However, engine noise and the presence of boats can disturb marine mammals and increase the risk of collisions. Sound travels even faster underwater.

This is why regulatory measures govern water-based activities in the marine park. For example, whale-watching excursions are not permitted to target belugas. If a beluga approaches a boat, the captain cannot stop their vessel.

Some rules may seem surprising such as mandatory speed limits, minimum distances that must be maintained between whales and boats, and access restrictions. However, these regulations are essential to protect belugas and other whales and help ensure that your visit is respectful, enjoyable and of high quality.

In other words, the goal is to strike the best balance between providing you with a unique observation experience and protecting the St. Lawrence belugas.

Four maritime sectors, four realities to explore

The various sites in the Marine Park Discovery Network provide concrete examples of how to balance the tourist experience with conservation efforts.

1. Tadoussac: Boats and whales sharing space

In Tadoussac, at Pointe-de-l’Islet, which overlooks the mouth of the Saguenay River, visitors can witness boats and marine mammals sharing the water. This is an ideal spot to observe belugas and minke whales, which sometimes swim very close to the shore. What you don’t see is that this is also an area where boats must slow down to reduce underwater noise and the risk of collisions.

To complement this observation experience, head over to the nearby Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre (CIMM), where you can learn more about all the whale species found in the St. Lawrence.

2. Sainte-Marguerite Bay: Belugas’ summer habitat

In Sainte-Marguerite Bay, the experience is quite different. After a hike of about 3 km (2 mi.) in Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay, you’ll reach the Halte du Béluga lookout, which overlooks the bay, where you can spot belugas often accompanied by their calves. Boating is prohibited here: this quiet zone serves as a true sanctuary for these marine mammals. Scientific monitoring of beluga activity in the bay has highlighted the importance of this protected area.

3. The Lower Estuary: Responsible whale watching

A whale-watching cruise will take you through the Lower Estuary. This is also where you’ll find sites like the Cap-de-Bon-Désir Interpretation and Observation Centre and the Marine Environment Discovery Centre, where you can watch whales from the shore and chat with passionate interpretive guides. Commercial vessels passing through the Lower Estuary voluntarily reduce their speed to help minimize disturbances and protect several species, including fin whales.

4. The Upper Estuary: A resting spot for belugas

The Upper Estuary is an essential area for belugas to feed, rest, calve and nurse; as a result, maritime traffic is restricted here. Whale-watching cruises are not permitted in this area, providing a peaceful haven for belugas. Along the shores of Bas-Saint-Laurent, sites like the Putep ’t-awt beluga observatory in Cacouna are great places to observe these marine mammals and learn more about them. If you’d like to be fully immersed in the marine park, consider visiting the Pot à l’Eau-de-Vie Islands and Île aux Lièvres.

Beluga conservation: Tangible results and an enriched experience

It’s encouraging to see that these concrete measures, which have been implemented since the creation of the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park in 1998, have had a measurable impact. In particular, there’s a high level of compliance with navigation guidelines, which helps reduce underwater noise and lower the risk of collisions.

For visitors, this also translates into a different and enhanced experience: observing belugas and other marine mammals is done in a more respectful, mindful and often more meaningful way.

Exploring the park… and behind the scenes

To learn more, an interactive narrative map invites you to explore the hidden side of the marine park. It highlights the concrete actions that have been implemented: scientific monitoring, collaboration among partners, etc. Take the time to explore this map before or after you visit the park.

Discovering belugas in Québec: Towards sustainable and responsible tourism

Now that you know more about sustainable and responsible beluga whale watching in Québec, you’ll see the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park in a whole new light: not only as a place to admire, but also as a living, protected area where humans and marine wildlife can sustainably coexist.

Start planning your visit to the various sites in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park Discovery Network now!