See whales, seals and seabirds near the shore in Les Bergeronnes.
Observe belugas, porpoises and other marine mammals from the shore: The Cap de Bon-Désir Interpretation and Observation Centre is an ideal place to observe whales and seals because these marine mammals often swim within a few hundred feet of the shore! Regardless of the time of day or the tides, your chances of spotting a whale are good during the period that the centre is open (see the schedule). A sheltered lookout allows you to take in the view while being protected from the elements. A guide is on hand to help you identify the animals you see and learn more about them. Access to the site is only possible when the centre is open.
Discover seabed animals: Have you ever seen starfish? You will be surprised by their colours! Participate in the “Ocean Encounters” activity, during which divers will bring up some of the mysterious animals that live at the bottom of the estuary for you to see. This activity is offered three times a week in July and August. You can also participate in “The Ups and Downs of the Seashore,” an activity that presents the impressive adaptations of small marine animals that live between low and high tide. Consult the schedule. (This activity is available in French only.)
Go on a picnic by the sea or at the foot of the lighthouse: Bring a picnic and make sure you wear warm clothes and closed shoes. The temperature can drop by 10°C (50°F) when the tide rises, even on a warm summer day. From mid-June to mid-October, the temperature can range from 4°C (39°F) to 30°C (86°F), depending on the wind, the tide and the presence of fog.
Visit the light station: In the lightkeeper’s house, an exhibition will prepare you to observe the whales and recount some of the history of the lighthouse and its lightkeepers. Play a game to test your talents as a ship’s pilot!
For children: Do your children love to explore? Request the Parks Canada Xplorers booklet. Children will enjoy the play area inspired by the whales.
Tickets include admission to other Parks Canada interpretation centres on the same day, including the Marine Environment Discovery Centre (Les Escoumins).
Opening dates
June 20 to October 12
Schedule
CENTRE: June 20 to September 7: daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; September 8 to 13: daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. September 14 to October 12: Wednesday to Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. OCEAN ENCOUNTERS: June 27 to August 15: Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Please arrive at least 30 minutes early. THE UPS AND DOWNS OF THE SEASHORE (in French only): June 27 to August 18 and August 19 to September 7: daily at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.; August 19 to Septembre 7: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.Cost
$7.90/adult (18-64), $6.90/senior (65+), free for child under 18, $16/family (maximum 7 people travelling in a single vehicle); annual passes available on site or onlineReservations
Recommended for groupsPayment methods
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Visa
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MasterCard
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American Express
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Interac
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Cheque
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Cash
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Travelers Cheque
Activities available
Services
- Childrens playground
- Picnic area
- Pets allowed on leashes only
- Boutique
- Free parking
- Guide services
How to get there
Take Route 138 to 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 Cap-de-Bon-Désir Interpretation and Observation Centre is located 30 km (18 mi.) from Tadoussac, 145 km (90 mi.) from Saguenay, 171 km (105 mi.) from Baie-Comeau and 245 km (150 mi.) from 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
