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Cap-de-Bon-Désir Interpretation and Observation Centre

Website
13, chemin du Cap-de-Bon-Désir
Les Bergeronnes (Quebec) Canada
G0T 1G0
Phone:
+418-232-6751 (in season)
Phone (2):
+418-235-4703 (off season)
Fax:
+418-235-4192
Toll free:
+1-888-773-8888
Email:
saguenay@pc.gc.ca

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Website

Observation of the marine flora and fauna

At the Cap de Bon-Désir Interpretation and Observation Centre, follow a hiking trail that will take you to an incredible view of the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park.

Sit on the rocks that plunge into the St. Lawrence to contemplate the horizon and admire the whales that will feed a few hundred feet from you. You can also listen to their powerful blows and observe seals and seabirds.

Discover surprising marine life during discovery activities with interpreter guides.

Be sure to bring a picnic!

Opening dates

June 17 to October 9, 2023

Schedule

June 17 to September 10: daily; September 11 to October 9: Wednesday to Sunday and public holidays

Cost

$8.25/adult (18-64), $7.25/senior (65+), $16.75/family, free for children under 18 (all tickets include admission to the Marine Environment Discovery Centre on the same day)

Reservations

Required for commercial groups

Payment methods

  • Visa  Visa
  • MasterCard  MasterCard
  • American Express  American Express
  • Interac  Interac
  • Cash  Cash

Activities available

Whale Watching
The Cap-de-Bon-Désir Interpretation and Observation Centre is one of the best places to observe whales from the shore. Keep your eyes and ears peels: you are likely to spot minkes and other whales.
Hiking
From the lightkeeper’s house, follow a 375-metre (1230-foot) trail to the edge of the water through a mixed forest. Listen to the wind, the birds and the blows of the whales.
Museums
The exhibition about the history of local lightkeepers will complete your visit to Cap de Bon-Désir.
Wildlife Observation
Along with whales, seals and seabirds, you can also find intriguing invertebrates hidden along the shore. To find out more, be sure to participate in the interpretive activities offered on site.
Interpretation Sites
Meet enthusiastic guides who will share their discoveries with you. Participate in interpretive activities that will help you identify the wide variety of marine life found in this area. Your guide will be happy to answer all your questions!
Bird Watching
As you listen to the blows of the whales from the rocky shore, you can also observe a wide variety of seabirds, including cormorants, scoters, eiders, loons, sandpipers and maybe even razorbills.


Services

  • Childrens playground
  • Picnic area
  • Pets allowed on leashes only
  • Boutique
  • Free parking
  • Other: electric vehicle charging stations
  • Guide services

How to get there

Head east on Route 138 towards Les Bergeronnes and follow the signs for the Cap-de-Bon-Désir Interpretation and Observation Centre (Centre d’interprétation et d’observation de Cap-de-Bon-Désir).

The interpretation and observation centre is about 30 km (20 mi.) east of Tadoussac, 145 km (90 mi.) south of Saguenay, 170 km (105 mi.) west of Baie-Comeau and 245 km (150 mi.) east of Québec City.

Affiliations and distinctions

Affiliations

  • Parks Canada
  • Tourisme Côte-Nord
  • The Whale Route
  • Réseau d’observation des baleines (network of land-based whale-watching sites)
  • Eco-Whale Alliance

Ask for more information

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