How to prepare for a cruise

A cruise on the St. Lawrence is an unforgettable experience. Here are a few hints to help you get the most from your cruise.

For more information about accommodation, whale watching tours or other things to see and do during your voyage of discovery of the St. Lawrence:

When is the best time to go?

The answer may be found…in a crystal ball! Observations vary from year to year and even from day to day.

  • By consulting The whale news network. you can look up the main sightings of past seasons.
  • Come and meet the naturalists at the CIMM when you get to Tadoussac and ask them for the most recent whale news.

Certain companies offer whale watching tours from May to October. In high season (from the end of June to the beginning of September) there are departures throughout the day. The midday cruise is the busiest in the Tadoussac—Les Escoumins area.

The months of September and October are a good time for whale watching: the whales tend to be both numerous and active.

What boat to choose?

"Shop around!"

There are different types of boats offering whale watching tours. Which one should I chose? Small or large? And with what company? It is important to "shop around."

  • Ask if the company and its captains respect the whale watching code of ethics
  • Ask about the onboard interpretation service. Is it given by a naturalist? What is his or her training? Will the naturalist do the commentary in English?
  • Will the cruise itinerary be diversified? For example, will the captain take the time to observe seals, birds, lighthouses or other elements of historical importance?

What to wear

  • Dress warmly!
    • Sweaters
    • Pants
    • Windbreaker or raincoat
    • Hat, gloves, scarf
    • Warm socks
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Binoculars
  • Camera (protect it from humidity)

What to expect

Each cruise is unpredictable.

One shouldn’t expect to see all the same things that are shown in television documentaries. Some of these shows involve hundreds of hours, sometimes years, of shooting.

On the St. Lawrence it’s almost a sure bet that you will see a marine mammal. How many will you see? Will they be near or far? All of this depends on the animals themselves. A captain who respects the code of ethics will not actively approach marine mammals closer than 200 m.

A cruise on the St. Lawrence is a special experience no matter what happens, especially for someone with an adventurous nature!


Ask around!

Visit Le Québec maritime site to find out about the different excursions, hotels, inns, restaurants, and tourist attractions.



The Centre d'interprétation des mammifères marins (CIMM), located in Tadoussac, and the CRIMM of the Mingan Island Cetacean Study , in Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan, are a must for all to visit.

How to take good pictures.

  • Before taking a picture, take the time to observe the whales. How many are there? How often do they come to the surface? Where are they heading?
  • Concentrate on one individual when the whales are at the surface. It will be that much easier to frame and focus on your subject.
  • Frequently check the number of shots left on your film. Change film when the whales have dived for a few minutes.
  • Make the most of your cruise: if your pictures don’t turn out, you will always have lasting memories!

Caution:  Seawater and rain can damage photographic equipment.

Don’t get discouraged: pictures in books and on postcards are the result of hundreds of hours spent with the whales.