Camping in Quebec takes on a whole new dimension when whales enter the equation. And the best place to experience this phenomena is at the Mer et Monde Ecotours in Bergeronnes, part of the Quebec Maritime region, just 20 minutes east of Tadoussac , a few hours outside Quebec City.
Most visitors come for the professionally guided sea kayaking adventures on the St. Lawrence River where it meets the Atlantic Ocean and the Saguenay Fjord. Baby belugas, curious about the motion of the rudder, will approach the kayaks. For those not interested in braving the 4 degree celsius water (in summer!), currents and winds, camping is the better option.
Sites are wooden platforms built onto the rocks overlooking the water so that whale sightings are guaranteed. Minkes, belugas, humpbacks and blues can all be seen - and heard as they regularly emit water through their blowholes.
For those who prefer whale watching without paddling a kayak or camping, take a zodiac boat tour with Croisieres AML in nearby Tadoussac, the region's tourist hot spot. Stay at the attractive Hotel Tadoussac, the stand in for the famous "Hotel New Hampshire". Before embarking on your high speed whale chasing cruise, visit the nearby Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre to learn all about the 13 species of marine mammals that inhabit these waters.
To further explore the natural history of this glacial region, head to the newly opened Jardin des Glaciers, 200 kilometres east in Baie Comeau. A $10,000,000 state of the art multimedia presentation takes visitors back 20,000 years under the ice in a beautifully converted church, that is now the Glacial Exploration Centre. More active visitors will want to fly along the zipline as it crosses a warm water glacial lake a few kilometres from the Centre. read more
