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Full-Day Whale Watching Cruise from Quebec City

Quebec City, Canada

From $180.56

Select Date and Travelers

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

11 hours
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

When visiting Quebec City, meet the world’s most fascinating and majestic creatures on a guided, full-day whale-watching cruise. Travel along the Saint Lawrence River to the town of Baie-Sainte-Catherine, then choose from two distinctly different boating experiences—a small, speedy zodiac or a large, 3-level observation vessel. Enjoy an exceptional view on your cruise in search of whales, seals, and belugas.

Bus tour and whale-watching cruise from Quebec City
Beautiful scenery on the bus ride along the St. Lawrence River
Choose either a speedy zodiac or a large boat for whale-watching
Enjoy a cruise to spot whales, seals, and belugas
Certified naturalist-guide provides information on the wildlife

What's Included

Air-conditioned vehicle
2.5-hour or 3-hour whale-watching cruise
Certified naturalist-captain
Guided panoramic bus tour

Gratuities
Food and drink
Pick-up and drop-off from home addresses / private residences / Air B&Bs.

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

fontaine de Tourny
Québec City, QC G1A, Canada
Please arrive at 8h30 as the Bus depart at 9h00.

Start time

09:00 AM

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Escape from the hustle of Quebec City and enjoy an exciting adventure on the water. This full-day whale-watching excursion begins with a pickup from several accommodations in Quebec City to Fontaine de Tourny to meet the guide and the rest of the tour group. Hop aboard a deluxe motorcoach and travel along the Saint Lawrence River to the town of Baie-Sainte-Catherine, widely considered to be the main entrance to the most beautiful whale-watching site in the world.

Upon arrival, board either the tri-level AML Grand Fleuve observation boat or a much smaller, speedy zodiac for your whale watching adventure (option chosen at checkout). The AML Grand Fleuve is known as the best observation boat in Canada. With glassed-in panoramic decks, several terraces and an observation platform, the boat provides exceptional visibility. The upper deck is covered for protection from the sun and inclement weather. There’s even a bistro and gift shop. The Zodiac, on the other hand, provides a much closer experience with the whales and the various marine species of the St. Lawrence River. It’s smaller, speedier—a more intimate nature excursion.

Both vessels depart from the north shore of the Saint Lawrence River in the heart of the Saguenay-Saint Lawrence Marine Park and include an educational and entertaining narrative on this history and nature of this eastern Canadian region.

At the end of the cruise, the voyage ends with a return trip to Quebec City and a drop-off.

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Meals are not included. Passengers on the AML Grand Fleuve cruise may purchase food on board; passengers on the zodiac cruise are recommended to bring a lunch or snacks
Wheelchair accessible
Please dress warmly, as it can be quite cold on the river. An insulated jacket, hat, gloves and closed-toes shoes are highly recommended.
Minimum age is 6 years for the zodiac boat

Stroller accessible
Near public transportation
Transportation is wheelchair accessible
Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 650 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Featured review

Amanda_D

Fantastic experience with friendly, fun and knowledgeable guide. The Zodiac was so much fun and we saw whales and seals everywhere. We were incredibly lucky with beautiful autumn weather...unforgettable. Many thanks to the fabulous guide.

Reviews

4.5

350 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

We perform checks on reviews

Showing 1-10 of 350 reviews

Unforgettable!

Amanda_D, Oct 2023

Response from Host, Nov 2023

Hello, Thank you for your kind comment! We're glad you enjoyed your experience on board and in the bus! Indeed, the whale watching experience makes for great travel memories, it's truly memorable! We'll pass on your comments to our teams, who work hard to provide you with the best possible experience. We look forward to welcoming you back on board, The Croisières AML team

Unforgettable experience sailing by the whales

John_W, Oct 2023

Great tour guides. The drive was beautiful. When we arrived we saw a "school" of seals. It was amazing. Then, we started seeing the spouts from the whales. It's not always like this, but this day the whales were everywhere. Absolutely amazing and wonderful experience. The highlight of a great trip. Remember to bring some food with you.

Response from Host, Oct 2023

Hello, We'd like to thank you for your kind comment and are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your whale-watching cruise! Indeed, the marine mammals of the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park put on a show throughout the whale-watching season. It's an experience to remember! We look forward to welcoming you back on board! The Croisières AML team

Not a good experience

EdwinDavid, Oct 2023

We had chosen the zodiac tour but we were advised that there would be no whales to be seen in the zodiac but when we took the cruise we saw the zodiacs closer to the whales. Also, we had enquired before and they said that they will provide us with jackets but since we did not get zodiacs we were not provided with jackets and we had to stand in cold when it was raining. They filled the boat to full capacity and there were too many people at any time to have a proper look at the whales. The speakers were not loud enough to listen to what the presenter was saying. Overall not a good experience

Response from Host, Oct 2023

Hello, Thank you for your comment and we are sorry to read that your cruise did not live up to your expectations. Our passengers' comments are always appreciated and heard, with the aim of providing them with the best possible experience. As the boat has covered decks, we do not provide rain gear for our boat passengers. We advise all our passengers to bundle up as the weather can be chilly, right from the time of booking. We look forward to welcoming you back on board! The Croisières AML team

Unforgettable 🍁🐋🐳

Jana_B, Sep 2023

I feel so humbled to share how grateful I feel to have watched whales constantly for the entire time being on the water ! I hoped for one gentle giant to spot but to see so many different kinds of those beautiful creatures - I cannot still believe it ! The organization was wonderful from start to end ! I highly recommend the journey - the drive is also very stunning! Thank you so much to the entire team !

Response from Host, Nov 2023

Sick and out of pocket

Philippe_S, Sep 2023

We’re on our honeymoon and was looking forward to it. Unfortunately my wife took ill that morning and we were not able to go or get a refund.

Response from Host, Nov 2023

Hello, Congratulations on your wedding! We advise you to consult Viator directly regarding cancellation conditions. We look forward to welcoming you on board, perhaps for a wedding anniversary? The Croisières AML team

The excitement of all of...

Marie_E, Sep 2023

The excitement of all of us to catch a glimpse of these mammals . In a changed world of social connections, it was nice to talk and smile with strangers

Response from Host, Nov 2023

Missed Tour Due To Weather! 😞

Larry_G, Sep 2023

Unfortunately our tour was cancelled the night before our visit. Understandably it was due circumstances beyond their control, weather.

Response from Host, Nov 2023

Hello, Thank you for your comment. We're sorry you weren't able to take part in your experience. Indeed, sometimes the excursion is cancelled in case of very bad weather and navigation conditions. We're sorry you weren't notified. We look forward to welcoming you back on board! The Croisières AML team

Managed to see whales in the wild.

Gillian_L, Sep 2023

Well organised with good driver, guide on coach and on the boat. Managed to spot whales, difficult to photograph but wonderful to see.

Response from Host, Nov 2023

Hello, Thank you for your kind comment! We're glad you enjoyed experience! We look forward to welcoming you back on board, The Croisières AML team

Spectacular

Dawn_B, Sep 2023

The drive from Quebec City to Baie St. Catherine was beautiful. The scenery is stunning. I went on the Zodiac which did not disappoint. Smooth ride, our guide provided lots of information about the area and the whales. We were lucky to see so many whales, seals porpoises up close. A spectacular day all round.

Response from Host, Nov 2023

Hello, Thank you for your kind comment! We're delighted that you enjoyed your experience both on board and on the bus! We look forward to welcoming you back on board, The Croisières AML team

Great Whale Watching boat tour

Marianne_H, Sep 2023

Knowledgeable boat tour guide on the Zodiac., saw several types of whales- mostly just the backs & only 1 tail as it was diving, But I would recommend this Whale Watching tour! The bus trip is 3 hours Each Way from Quebec! The guide was Terrible & few could understand her French OR English ! No place to buy food or drink at the “Whale” dock & NO stopping on the return trip. Next time I would rent a car & drive myself for the flexibility!

Response from Host, Nov 2023

Hello, Thank you for your kind comment! We're glad you enjoyed your experience on board! Please be assured that we will be following up on the bus trip with the relevant teams. We look forward to welcoming you back on board, The Croisières AML team

Humpback, Beluga, and Minke!

Amy_S, Aug 2023

Wonderful zodiac experience. The bus ride is long and could have done with some additional commentary. Felt that the guide, while nice, was of little use and a driver alone could have handled what he did. Timing was also a bit off with having to stand around for 45 minutes before the excursion began. Overall small details in what was an amazing and beautiful day on the water.

Response from Host, Nov 2023

Hello, Thank you for your feedback, it is always appreciated and listened to in order to offer you the best possible future experience! Please be assured that we will follow up with the relevant teams, We look forward to seeing you on board! The Croisières AML team

Fabulous up close experience

Johanne_P, Aug 2023

It was exciting being on a small boat and getting close to the whales. It was a smooth ride and a great day

Response from Host, Nov 2023

Hello, Thank you for your kind comment! We're glad you enjoyed your experience on board and in the bus! Indeed, the whale watching experience makes for great travel memories, it's truly memorable! We look forward to welcoming you back on board, The Croisières AML team

Decent cruise but would do some things differently

David_M, Aug 2023

The experience on the ship was great. The narrator was very knowledgeable and explained nicely how they would alert everyone when whales appeared and where to look for them. I would recommend bringing your own lunch aboard as the food was expensive but mediocre. The bus ride from Quebec City was 3 hours one way in an under powered bus that had difficulty making it up some hills. Drive yourself and save an hour or so on the bus for the round trip

Response from Host, Nov 2023

Hello, Thank you for your feedback, it is always appreciated and listened to in order to offer you the best possible future experience! Please be assured that we will follow up with the relevant teams, We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed your onboard experience! We look forward to seeing you on board! The Croisières AML team

Worth it

RohitKumar_D, Aug 2023

We were able to catch some glimpse of whales, seals, and a waterfall during the trip. The small boat is recommended to a big cruise.

Response from Host, Nov 2023

Hello, Thank you for your kind comment! We're glad you enjoyed your experience on board and in the bus! Indeed, the whale watching experience makes for great travel memories, it's truly memorable! We look forward to welcoming you back on board, The Croisières AML team

OK Not Great.

James_M, Aug 2023

Great bus trip, however, we only saw back of whales and fin. Too many people on boat. We should of done the Zodiak boat.

Response from Host, Aug 2023

Hello, Thank you for sharing your experience with us and we are sorry that it did not live up to your expectations. Please understand that every excursion is different and that although our naturalist guides know the behavioral habits of whales, they evolve in their natural habitat and are sometimes unpredictable. We look forward to welcoming you on board again! The Croisières AML team

Less than memorable experience.

Brian_H, Aug 2023

Whale watching is overrated and overpriced. The boat must remain a distance from the whales and so all I could see were some occasional white spots and vague forms in the water. I know, you could be fortunate to see breaches but how often does it really happen ? First time I went whale watching some years ago had similar results. The bus trip is comfortable and the scenery both on the bus and on the ship is beautiful. But do this with your eyes open since the cost is high.

Response from Host, Aug 2023

Whales and more!

Jeffrey_T, Aug 2023

This was awesome. We watched about 6 Minke whales feed for half an hour, from super close on the zodiac. Fantastic. It’s so much more than just whales too. They took us through the gorge and showed us the old lighthouse. It was fantastic all around.

Response from Host, Aug 2023

Hello, We would like to thank you for your kind comment and we are happy to read that you enjoyed your whale watching cruise! Our team is working hard to give you the best experience possible! We'll be sure to pass on your compliments! We look forward to welcoming you back on board! The Croisières AML team

Tour guide sucked

Casey_H, Aug 2023

The lady that did the tour was bad. She did not speak English well. She gave me a lunch ticket then embarrassed me at the lunch counter in front of my family. She is the one who gave it to me. She should have pulled me aside and said she wanted t back in private.

Would not recommend

Barbara_B, Jul 2023

Advertised indoor panoramic views. However, the condensation was so extreme on all windows could not see outside. Many guests were wiping windows in an attempt to see outside but they would cloud up again as soon as wiped. Very overcrowded. In some areas people were shoulder to shoulder.

Response from Host, Jul 2023

Hello, Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We're sorry that it didn't live up to your expectations. Your feedback is always appreciated and heard as it allows us to evolve and provide you with the best possible future experience. Please be assured that your comments will be followed up. We look forward to seeing you on board! The AML Cruises team

Bucket-List Experience

Daniel_F, Jul 2023

It was a bucket-list experience. It’s the furthest north I think we’ll ever go. We DID get to see some whales (humpbacks and belugas) and a dolphin and a few seals. We didn’t get one of those AMAZING views of the whales, like when they breach or flip up a tail fin, but it’s hit or miss, It’s not the zoo, but maybe you will. It’s a bit of a crap-shoot.

Response from Host, Jul 2023

Hello Daniel, Thank you for sharing your experience with us, and we're glad to hear you enjoyed your cruise! Indeed, every experience is different, and although our naturalists know the behavioral habits of whales, they remain unpredictable! Did you also know that whale habits such as jumping or showing the tail when diving also depend on the species of whale and the individual whale? The Parc Marin du Saguenay - St. Laurent is home to up to 13 species every year! We look forward to seeing you on board! The AML Cruises team

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