Tadoussac/Charlevoix: Whale & Bear Wildlife Tour
Description
Start your adventure with a whale-watching cruise in the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park, a privileged place to admire these majestic creatures. At the end of the day, head to Ferme 5 Étoiles to observe black bears in their natural habitat and learn about conservation efforts to protect them. Embark on a whale-watching cruise to explore up to 13 species of whales, guided by passionate bilingual naturalists. Choose between a panoramic boat or Zodiac for an immersive experience. Expert guides ensure a respectful, non-intrusive encounter with marine wildlife, while all boats are Transport Canada certified for your safety. Experience a safe and unique black bear-watching adventure with an expert guide, and explore a sanctuary featuring rescued animals like bison, deer, lynx, wolves, and moose, immersing yourself in the region's rich wildlife.
Tour Options
Itinerary
A 3-hour boat or 2.5-hour zodiac whale-watching boat cruise led by a bilingual and certified naturalist guide
A free visit to the Ferme 5 stars, a refuge for many animal species in Canada. For the visit, the time is flexible on your reserved day, so you can arrive at the time of your choice.
Bear watching in the forest with an experienced guide. For this experience, the time is fixed and indicated on your confirmation. You must arrive 30 minutes before the activity starts.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Not suitable for Children under 6 years.
- Zodiac is not recommended for travelers with back problems or pregnant.
- Please present yourself 30 minutes before the departure in front of the Croisieres AML ticket office on the dock; to pick up your physical ticket (required for boarding).
Reviews(9)
Well organised trip out on the Zodiac rib. Saw Beluga whales and their calves and Minke. In the evening at 7pm we were taken into the forest to see black bears in their natural environment.
Hello Fiona, thank you for sharing such a lovely experience. We’re so happy to hear that your day was filled with memorable wildlife encounters, from belugas to black bears. It’s fantastic that both the Zodiac excursion and the evening forest visit stood out for you. Creating seamless and exciting experiences like this is what we strive for. We would love to welcome you back again soon. The Croisières AML Team
They sell us on whales, but in fact, it's a boat ride with no whales in sight for three hours. Avoid it. All that for $155 per person and no refund; it's pure and simple fraud (group trip on May 18, 2026, departing at 1 PM)
Bonjour, merci d’avoir partagé votre expérience. Nous comprenons votre grande déception face à l’absence d’observation lors de votre sortie. L’observation des baleines se fait en milieu naturel, où chaque excursion est différente et les rencontres peuvent varier. Nous sommes désolés que cela ait influencé votre appréciation de l’expérience. Votre ressenti est important. N’hésitez pas à contacter notre service à la clientèle si vous souhaitez en discuter davantage. — l’équipe de Croisières AML ⚓
The pre-watching talk by the guide was almost non-existent for English-speaking patrons whilst the talk for French-speaking patrons went for a good ten minutes. Ultimately, after waiting about 90 minutes in silence and the cold, we were rewarded by seeing 2 black bears.
Hello, Thank you for sharing your experience! Observing black bears with our partner, Ferme 5 Étoiles, provides a safe and unforgettable wildlife encounter. Combined with our expertly guided excursions and the stunning scenery, it makes for a truly unique day. Dressing warmly ensures you can fully enjoy every moment outdoors. — The Croisières AML Team
What a wonderful, peaceful location. Taking a ferry across the river (which is free) means its a world away. Be aware that July-September mid this place is jam-packed
Hello, Thank you for sharing your impressions! We’re delighted you enjoyed the peaceful setting and the ferry crossing. Summer is indeed our busiest season, but every time of year offers its own charm. We’d be happy to welcome you back for another visit! — The Croisières AML Team
Whale watching was a lovely experience and well arranged. The bear activity was a charade. We were sitting on a viewpoint watching a bear grab food that was laid more. Not what I expected of it
Hello, We’re glad to hear that you enjoyed the whale watching experience and found it well organized. The observation of whales in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park is indeed something very special. As for the bear activity, it is designed to offer a safe way to observe these animals in their natural environment. While food is sometimes used to encourage them to come closer, the goal remains to allow guests to witness them without risk. We’re sorry if it did not meet your expectations. We hope you will keep fond memories of your time spent discovering the incredible wildlife of Quebec. — The Croisières AML Team
Do not book !!!! Pure rubbish and the bears are tame !!!!! Waste of money and time !!!! AML also not good boat oversold no seats
Hello, We’re sorry to read that your experience didn’t meet your expectations. Our cruises are designed to offer authentic encounters with nature while ensuring the comfort and safety of all passengers. Seats are available on every departure, and we also offer the option of zodiac adventures for a more intimate experience on the water. We truly hope you’ll give us another chance to show you the best of the St. Lawrence and its incredible wildlife. — The Croisières AML Team
Both whale trip and bear trip were really well organised. Both tours had good guides with lots of interesting information
Hello, We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed both the whale watching and bear excursions. Our guides are passionate about sharing their knowledge, and it’s wonderful to know that their insights added to your experience. We’d be very happy to welcome you again for another adventure on the St. Lawrence River. — The Croisières AML Team
Amazing experience! The guide is on top, and we had the chance to see three different bears! A magnificent experience
Whales and bears, superb with the chance of sunny weather and calm seas. It was a beautiful day
Bonjour, Merci beaucoup pour votre commentaire ! Nous sommes ravis que vous ayez eu la chance de vivre une expérience aussi mémorable, avec des baleines et des ours sous un ciel ensoleillé et une mer calme. C’est en effet un cadre magnifique pour une telle aventure ! Nous espérons avoir le plaisir de vous accueillir à nouveau lors d'une prochaine sortie. — L'équipe de Croisières AML
