Of all the reasons people give for staying in Charlevoix, the whales are the one they remember longest. Tourisme Charlevoix places the whale-watching departures at Baie-Sainte-Catherine "less than an hour" from La Malbaie, and the marine park "about an hour" away. The Manoir is an excellent base for it: you can leave after breakfast, spend the middle of the day on the water, and be back at the hotel's outdoor pool by evening.
The marine park
The Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park was created in 1998 as a marine protected area, and Parks Canada calls it one of the best places in the world to watch whales. Its administration is at 182 rue de l'Église in Tadoussac (418-235-4703). Parks Canada runs shore-based interpretation centres staffed by naturalists, including the Pointe-Noire centre, with a panorama over prime beluga habitat at the mouth of the Saguenay fjord, and Cap-de-Bon-Désir. These are excellent for anyone who would rather not go out on a boat.
On the water
The largest operator, Croisières AML, published its 2026 whale-watching boat tour from Tadoussac harbour for the season from 9 May to 1 November 2026, with the departure listed at 1 p.m. and a duration of three hours to three and a half, depending on tides and conditions. AML also offers departures from Baie-Sainte-Catherine, on the Charlevoix side, and points out that boarding there saves crossing on the Tadoussac ferry — a useful tip if you are driving from the Manoir.
- Species
- Up to 13, according to AML: minke, fin and humpback whales, porpoises, harbour seals, belugas, and sometimes the blue whale
- Guides
- Narrated by certified naturalist guides
- On board
- Outside decks for viewing, glazed interior lounges, a bistro, washrooms
- No sighting
- AML says it will offer a free return cruise if no marine mammals are seen
- Distances
- Under the marine park's regulations, as AML summarises them: at least 200 metres from whales such as fin and minke whales, 400 metres from blue whales and belugas
Prices change with dates and options, so we do not print them; AML's site has the current list.
The ferry at the mouth of the fjord
Between Baie-Sainte-Catherine and Tadoussac, the Société des traversiers du Québec runs a ferry across the mouth of the Saguenay. Its published schedule (the edition we read covered April 2024 to March 2025) shows the crossing as free of charge and taking about ten minutes, with departures every 20 minutes for much of the day. Check the current timetable on the STQ site before you rely on it.
A whale day, step by step
- Breakfast at the hotel, then east on Route 138 towards Baie-Sainte-Catherine.
- Either board a cruise at Baie-Sainte-Catherine, or cross on the free ferry to Tadoussac and walk the village before an afternoon departure.
- Three hours or so on the water. Take a warm layer even in July; the wind off the estuary is cold.
- If time allows, the Pointe-Noire shore centre for belugas at the mouth of the fjord.
- Back west to Pointe-au-Pic, the outdoor whirlpool, and dinner at Le Saint-Laurent.
The hotel and the belugas
The Manoir's sustainability page says the hotel has partnered since 2005 with the GREMM to support whale conservation in the St. Lawrence through the "Adopt a Beluga" program, and that the GREMM gives talks to Charlevoix residents. It is a small but genuine thread between the hotel and the animals people drive out to see.
Which nights to ask for
If the whales are the reason for your stay, book at least two nights so that a day of fog or high wind can be swapped for another. Tell us on the request sheet which day you plan to go out, and we will look for a room around it.
Sources: Parks Canada, Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, Croisières AML, Société des traversiers du Québec, Tourisme Charlevoix.
- When is whale-watching season?
Croisières AML published its 2026 Tadoussac boat tour from 9 May to 1 November 2026. Dates for 2027 had not been published when we checked.
- Do I need to take the ferry to Tadoussac?
Not necessarily. AML also departs from Baie-Sainte-Catherine on the Charlevoix side, which avoids the crossing. The ferry itself is free and takes about ten minutes, according to the STQ schedule we read.