Whale-watching cruises (July–October)

The St. Lawrence, at the latitude of Charlevoix, is no ordinary river. It is a corridor of marine life so dense that even biologists reach for superlatives to describe it. Where cold, saline waters from the gulf rise to the surface upon meeting the river's rocky bed, an upwelling phenomenon generates concentrations of krill and plankton that draw the planet's largest mammals here every summer. Welcome to the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, internationally recognized as one of the world's finest whale-watching sites.

Croisières AML: the reference operator

Croisières AML operates departures from Baie-Sainte-Catherine, which avoids the Tadoussac ferry and saves valuable time. The season runs from May 2 to October 30, with multiple daily departures — typically at 10:15 AM, 1:30 PM, and 4:30 PM for boat cruises.

Up to thirteen species of marine mammals are observable: fin whales, minke whales, humpback whales, belugas, harbour seals, harbour porpoises, and sometimes — when luck and season align — the blue whale, the largest animal ever to have existed on Earth.

Choosing your vessel

The choice of vessel radically transforms the experience.

The classic boat offers a roughly three-hour cruise, with exterior decks and a 180-degree panoramic glassed-in salon. It is the comfortable choice, ideal for families or when the offshore wind picks up. From $124.99 per adult. For those seeking exclusivity, the AML Grand Fleuve offers captain's upper bridge access (maximum 30 passengers, from $169.99) or the VIP Saint-Laurent Lounge (maximum 20 passengers, from $209.99) — an experience that approaches private sailing.

The Zodiac is another matter entirely. Lower on the water, faster, more exposed to spray — this is the adventurer's choice. Two options exist: the two-hour Aventure (from $99.99) and the two-and-a-half-hour Expédition. Zodiacs of 24 and 60 passengers are available, and private Zodiac charters start at $2,399.99. Waterproof gear is provided — wise, as one rarely returns dry.

An ecoresponsible commitment

Every cruise is accompanied by certified naturalists who provide real-time scientific commentary. The operator is a member of the Green Alliance and the Eco-Whale Alliance, and all crew hold Transport Canada certification. This is not spectacle — it is serious marine education, delivered with genuine passion.

And if the whales decide to stay shy? The whale guarantee applies: no sighting, and your next cruise is complimentary.

Practical information

Baie-Sainte-Catherine is approximately a ninety-minute drive from the chalet Le Littoral in Cap-à-l'Aigle, La Malbaie, Charlevoix. Whale watching is one of the region's must-do experiences — discover all the things to do in Charlevoix to plan your stay. We recommend the 10:15 AM departure, which brings you back by mid-afternoon — just in time to enjoy the villa's heated pool or spa while replaying the moment a fin whale surfaced twenty metres from your boat.

For those who prefer to stay closer, beluga and seal sightings are possible from Port-au-Persil and Saint-Siméon, just fifteen to twenty-five minutes from the chalet. And if you want to explore the north shore, excursions at Tadoussac offer a complementary perspective with other outfitters.