Quebec
Quebec, particularly the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, is one of Canada’s most well-known whale-watching destinations. The area is home to minke whales, fin whales, belugas, and even the occasional blue whale, and there are strict regulations in place to minimise disturbance to these animals. However, despite these rules, we were very disappointed by the reality of whale watching in the Tadoussac area. The sheer number of boats surrounding the whales creates a stressful and sometimes dangerous environment, with operators not always following the regulations as they should.
One particularly alarming incident occurred a few years ago when a boat traveling at high speed collided with a blue whale. The impact ejected several passengers into the water, including the captain. Rather than acknowledging the reckless behaviour of the boat, the media misrepresented the event, portraying the whale as aggressive when, in reality, it was simply swimming in its natural environment. While organisations such as GREMM and other NGOs are working to improve the situation, the lack of consistent enforcement makes Tadoussac an unsuitable destination for responsible whale watching. WiseWhale do not recommend it for those who prioritise ethical wildlife experiences.
