The ideal time to visit Tadoussac, the fjord, and the surrounding area is in May and June until Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, then immediately after Labor Day.
If travellers decide to go there during the summer anyway, they will see tourists everywhere.
If you can, book one or two nights at the Tadoussac Hotel, preferably with a room overlooking the river. In the morning, the space will be much brighter than a room facing the backyard. The hotel has undergone extensive renovations, which will continue discreetly in 2025.
The hotel is close to everything, and you can explore many local attractions without having to use your car. The docks are also a ten-minute walk away when it’s time to take a whale-watching cruise.
Below is a photo of the beluga whale sculpture in front of the Tadoussac Marine Mammal Interpretation Center (CIMM).
Numerous chairs on the grounds in front of the hotel Tadoussac allow guests to enjoy magnificent views of the surrounding landscape and the St. Lawrence River. The hotel restaurant is decent and features a beautiful glass roof. However, don’t expect the same level of culinary experience as Chez Truchon in La Malbaie.
As for the tourist attraction of booking a cruise on the St. Lawrence River to watch humpback whales and beluga whales on the AML Grand Fleuve, I would advise you to pay the extra fee that gives you exclusive access to the upper deck of the boat. You will be much more comfortable there and able to take pictures of the marine mammals than if you find yourself crammed in with dozens of other curious people on the main deck.
However, I don’t think it’s worth paying extra to sit in the VIP lounge and have a glass of wine. If alcohol is your priority, skip the cruise and stop at one of the bars along the beach instead. You’ll save a lot of money.
Another tip: a cell phone won’t be very userul for taking pictures. In general, belugas and whales are not close enough to the ships for cell phones to capture them clearly. If you want to bring back a high-quality digital souvenir, bring a decent camera with a telephoto lens that can crop images without too much degradation.
Cloud formations near Tadoussac and the Saguenay River 2025
I can’t stress this enough: even if it’s warm or cool in Tadoussac when you set out on the river, the temperature will drop significantly once you’re out on the open water, sometimes by as much as 10 degrees Celsius. A hat and several layers of clothing will allow you to truly enjoy the experience and stay outside the cabin throughout the trip. Those who are less well-dressed focus on protecting themselves from the cold, stay inside the cabin, and see practically nothing.
Click on the link for more photos of the province of Quebec on my blog.