14 Tadoussac Tours That Live Up to the Photos

1.Tadoussac/Charlevoix: Whale Watching Zodiac Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 2,716 reviews · 2 hours - 150 minutes · from $98Our pick

Cruise the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park in a 24 or 60-passenger Zodiac. Bilingual naturalists, including guides such as Catherine and Frederick on some departures, explain whale behavior as you search for minke, fin, humpback, and beluga whales. The 2 to 2.5-hour trip may also enter the Saguenay Fjord when weather and time allow.

“This was a must-have activity. We saw 4 different spieces and was wonderful. The only pain point are the raincoats a bit spoiled.”

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2.Tadoussac/Charlevoix: 3-Hour Whale Watching Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 2,179 reviews · 3 hours · from $122

Join AML Cruises for a three-hour whale watch from Tadoussac or Baie-Sainte-Catherine. A certified guide gives commentary in French and English while you search for belugas, minke, fin, and humpback whales. The large boat has outdoor decks, enclosed 180-degree viewing rooms, a bistro, and optional VIP or upper-deck access.

“We went on a three hour whale watching tour with AML Croisières out of Tadoussac. We saw many, many whales for an hour and a half. It was exciting! The boat had a lot people on it but we were able to get a great spot along the front edge of the boat on the second level. It was perfect for taking pictures with a long lens (500 mm). Sometimes the whales were so close that the whale’s tail filled the frame of the camera. Excellent adventure. Note: I was not able to understand the English speaking announcer, mostly because she talked so fast and the sound was muffled.”

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3.Tadoussac/Charlevoix: Whale Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 437 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $101

Spend about two hours searching for whales in the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park, one of the world's top whale-watching areas. Choose a large observation boat with washrooms and shelter, or a smaller Zodiac with waterproof gear. Bilingual naturalists explain whale behavior, and a free repeat cruise is offered if no whales are seen.

“Amazing trip on a zodiac boat, wich gives you an opportunity to get closer to the whales and seals. We saw several types of whales , swimming seals, amazing views. Great experience highly recommended”

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4.Tadoussac/Charlevoix: VIP Lounge OR UpperDeck Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 313 reviews · 3 hours · from $160

Spend three hours cruising the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park with bilingual naturalist guides, watching for up to 13 whale species. Choose Upper Deck access for 360-degree views or the Saint-Laurent VIP Lounge for floor-to-ceiling windows, priority boarding, drinks, and gourmet snacks. Depart from Tadoussac or Baie-Ste-Catherine.

“We had a group of 4 for the VIP experience. The VIP room and service was amazing. The floor to ceiling windows offered great viewing. The seating area was comfortable and the fact the room was temperature controlled was amazing as the weather was windy and 50.”

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5.15 min. Tadoussac : Black Bear Observation with Expert Guide

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 150 reviews · 2 hours · from $37

Meet your English or French-speaking guide at Domaine de l’ours noir, then ride five minutes by bus and walk five minutes through the forest to a secure viewing post. Over two hours, your guide explains Quebec black bear behavior and habitat while you watch for wild animals. Guide Sam has led recent outings, though sightings are never guaranteed.

“Mycket bra tur och en väldigt trevlig guide. Han förstod engelska bra och var mycket kunnig och hjälpsam. Vi hade turen och fick se en björn och den var framme en lång stund.”

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6.Tadoussac/Charlevoix: Whale Watching Tour & Bear Observation

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 123 reviews · from $144

Cruise from Tadoussac or Baie-Sainte-Catherine through the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, then make your own way to Ferme 5 Étoiles for a two-hour black bear watch at dusk. Bilingual naturalists explain the whales, seals, and fjord. Charles is one guide praised for his friendly, lively approach.

“The observation exceeded expectations! While expensive, we purchased this as part of a whale watching and visit to Ferme 5 Etoiles adventure and it was incredible. I would highly recommend this to any nature lover. Our guide, Charles, was friendly, fun and knowledgeable.”

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7.15 min. Tadoussac : Guided ATV tour excursion

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 94 reviews · 1h 30m · from $56

Join guides such as Charles or Benjamin for a 90-minute ATV ride from Sacré-Coeur. After safety training, you’ll handle forest trails, hills, and technical sections before reaching a Saguenay Fjord viewpoint. The route suits families, but expect dirt, physical riding, and possible changes between ATVs and side-by-sides.

“C’était incroyable, Benjamin était super gentil et nous avons passé une balade exceptionnelle. Il y a la possibilité de faire le tour de la ferme en plus. Franchement merci pour tout on a des souvenirs pleins la tête !”

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8.Saint Felicien: Admission to Zoo Sauvage

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 79 reviews · from $46

Visit Zoo Sauvage de Saint-Félicien for a walking tour through six animal regions and a train ride through the Nature Trails Park. The mesh Boreal Train places you inside wide open habitats where animals move, feed, and rest near naturally styled surroundings. Your ticket also includes hiking trails, animal snacks, and a multisensory film.

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9.Guided Sea Kayaking Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 61 reviews · 2 - 3 hours · from $58

From Anse-de-Roche, you’ll paddle a double kayak along Quebec’s Saguenay Fjord for two to three hours with an English- or French-speaking guide. Expect steep cliffs, quiet water, seabirds, seals, and a possible beluga sighting. Wetsuit, boots, flotation jacket, paddle, and safety gear are included.

“Activity was not bad but not the best kayaking”

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10.15 min. Tadoussac : Behind-the-Scenes Sled Dog Kennel Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 39 reviews · 1h 30m · from $20Best value

At Ferme 5 Étoiles near Sacré-Coeur, you spend 90 minutes with about 50 huskies and malamutes. A guide such as Fabienne explains kennel life, dog behavior, and mushing, then gives you time to meet the dogs and help distribute their food. Plan for a 10 to 20 minute walk from the meeting point.

“Magnifique. Beaucoup de respect de ses chiens donc des chiens equilibres, très affectueux. Je ne peux que recommamder”

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11.Descent of the Gouffre River in Baie-St-Paul, Charlevoix – La Familiale

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 27 reviews · from $54

Spend about 2.5 hours paddling 8 km down the Gouffre River near Baie-Saint-Paul. Choose a single, double, or triple kayak, follow a gentle current through forests and broad valleys, and stop at sandy river beaches. Katabatik provides the kayak, shuttle, instruction, safety gear, and waterproof bag.

“Gut organisiert. Landschaftlich schön, gut mit Kindern zu machen.”

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12.15 min. Tadoussac: Snowmobile Expedition in Saguenay Fjord

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 14 reviews · 90 minutes - 6 hours · from $90

You’ll ride a snowmobile through the snowy Côte-Nord or Saguenay region, with routes near Monts Valin and the Saguenay Fjord. A professional English- or French-speaking guide leads the way, stopping at scenic viewpoints for photos and local wildlife sightings. Choose a 90-minute introduction, half-day ride, or full-day outing.

“Un immense merci a Benjamin pour sa gentillesse et ses explications nous avons passé un super moment”

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13.La Bleuetière: A charming introduction to horseback riding

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 13 reviews · from $68

At La Bleuetière, you will meet the horses at the ranch, learn basic safety steps, and ride a quiet forest trail in Charlevoix. French and English guides lead groups of up to six. The ride lasts one hour, within an activity visit of about 1.5 hours. Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes.

“Beautiful horses, well loved, living in a natural environment. The trek was along tracks in the tranquil forest. Our instructor was friendly and considerate. Would highly recommend.”

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14.The Montagnarde: Guided horseback ride on mountain trails.

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 13 reviews · from $122

Meet your horse at the ranch and spend 2.5 hours riding rustic mountain trails in Charlevoix. An experienced French and English-speaking guide leads a small group of up to six, points out local plants and wildlife, and keeps the pace safe. Bring long pants and closed-toe shoes. Children under 12 and pregnant riders cannot join.

“My husband and I particularly enjoyed this beautiful hike, thanks to our guide who was great. I recommend this activity!”

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