Full-Day Whale Watching Cruise from Quebec City
4.5
Full-Day Whale Watching Cruise from Quebec City
By Croisières Aml
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About
Watch for beluga whales, seals, and other marine wildlife on a whale-watching cruise into Saguenay-Saint Lawrence Marine Park. After a scenic coach trip along the Saint Lawrence River, depart Baie-Sainte-Catherine aboard a whale-watching boat. With the option to choose between nimble zodiac speed boats and a roomier whale-watching vessel, you can tailor the experience to your preferences; buying tickets in advance means the extra security of booking online.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-99, max of 650 per group
Duration: 11h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Live guide: English, French
More
Highlights
- Enjoy views across rural Quebec and the Saint Lawrence River
- Cruise with a naturalist captain who can share wildlife info
- Choose your own whale-watching vessel
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- 2.5-hour or 3-hour whale-watching cruise
- Certified naturalist-captain
- Guided panoramic bus tour
What's not included- Gratuities
- Food and drink
- Pick-up and drop-off from home addresses / private residences / Air B&Bs.
- Start:
- fontaine de Tourny, Québec City, QC G1A, CanadaPlease arrive at 8h30 as the Bus depart at 9h00.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 3571Q_WW- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for pregnant travellers
- Not recommended for travellers with back problems
- Most travellers can participate
- Meals are not included. Passengers on the AML Grand Fleuve cruise may purchase food on board; passengers on the zodiac cruise are recommended to bring a lunch or snacks
- Please dress warmly, as it can be quite cold on the river. An insulated jacket, hat, gloves and closed-toes shoes are highly recommended.
- Minimum age is 6 years for the zodiac boat
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 650 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 3571Q_WW
From
C$241.42
per adult
Select date and travellers
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- Alcandriver0 contributionsIf you're doing one thing in Quebec City....Absolutely loved this tour! The vessel was great, the staff was awesome and the guide was top notch. He went back and forth in French and English...amazing. The views of this city are astounding from the water. The food on board was really good as well. This is a relaxing and stellar way to see this incredible city. Again, if you have time for just one thing to do.... do this! I will do it every time I return as well.Written November 12, 2024
- bettylI3154JO0 contributionsMontmorency FallsThis was supposed to be a beautiful way to see the Montmorency Falls. It doesn't tell you that you don't get anywhere near the falls, that you get a quick look at them as you go under a bridge. we were so disappointed; it was not at all what we expected.Written October 30, 2024
- Gabriela L0 contributionsAmazingThe experience is great, you can buy food and drinks and the narrator is great makes the experience more enjoyable! Totally worthyWritten October 30, 2024
- 315patricab0 contributionsPerfect introduction to Quebec City.Great introduction to Quebec City. The Guide the knowledgeable, entertaining, and very easy to understand. Loved seeing the Falls and being able to put the layout of the city in perspective.Written October 29, 2024
- joesZ4963EE0 contributionsSeeing city and fall colors.Nice river ride with excellent views of the city and water fall. Narrator spoke in both French and English and was easy to hear and understand. Very friendly and knowledgeable.Written October 15, 2024
- mkimikm0 contributionsInformative. Hot chocolate was cold.The guide was really knowledgeable and had great energy. It was super windy at times but one could be inside or outside. There was enough seating inside and out all together, but not for everyone just inside or just outside. That meant when everyone wanted to come inside because it was too windy, we had to stand because no seats were left. But it was still very pleasant. One bad part of the trip is we went to the bar and asked for hot chocolate because we were cold. And they gave us COLD chocolate. Never mind that it was water that was chocolate flavored, but we wanted something hot. We asked the person at the bar to microwave it for us and she did, but she seemed puzzled at the request. The gift shop was cute and not overly expensive.Written October 13, 2024
- David M0 contributionsAwesome Tour!The Louis Jolliet was very comfortable and the staff were quite attentive. The tour guide was absolutely exquisite in his delivery of information with expert timing and in very fluent French and English! Well done cruise people!Written October 5, 2024
- Wineloveralways0 contributionsNever use Tripadvisor or other travel intermediaryWe were delayed getting to Quebec City Guided Sightseeing Cruise. The cost was NOT refunded by TripAdvisor, nor would they rebook us another day. The ship holds 1,000 and not nearly full. Lesson: DON'T book thru and intermediary like TripAdvisor. Book only directly with the entity you are going to use.Written October 4, 2024
- Michelle M0 contributionsWell worth your timeExcellent guided tour and ferry ride. Interesting historical overview and architecture. Would highly recommend this tour. Good recommendation of additional points if interest to visit while in Quebec City.Written October 2, 2024
- GTL9990 contributionsExcellent river cruise at Quebec CityVery informative guided river cruise around Quebec, including Montmorency Falls and Ile d’Orleans. The guide’s English was good, the boat was well organised, clean and ran smoothly and to timetable.Written September 30, 2024
- CrisH6530 contributionsA great addition to any tripThe crew on the boat are wonderful and there are so many options to sit both inside and out with shade and sunshine options. The cruise is short but it shows you enough to be able to admire the beauty of the river, bridge and waterfalls.Written September 29, 2024
- laurie6550 contributionsScenic tour!It was a great excursion! The guide was super knowledgeable, no question too hard for him to answer. The views from the front deck were very good.Written September 24, 2024
- SeniorTravelTales0 contributionsSee Old Quebec, Quebec City, Montmorency Falls from the St. Lawrence RiveWe enjoyed the sightseeing cruise on on a windy Saturday afternoon. Boarding the boat we opted to sit outside on the front deck of Louis Jolliet. Wow! It was very windy but it felt good. It was so windy that chairs were moving and the tour guide had to move inside. We enjoyed the views and the dialogue of the history of the area that David (tour guide provided). We learned that the St. Lawrence is divided by an island where the best fruits and vegetables are grown. As we head to the left side of the island, David explains that the cruise ships will go the right for the wide open waterway. We can see farms and pastures on the island. As Louis Jolliet goes under the bridge to the island, we begin to see the massive Montmorency Falls. These are higher than Niagara Falls but not as wide. We visited the Falls earlier on our visit. As the boat gets closer to the Falls and makes it’s turn we have great views and can see the volume of water going over these beautiful Falls. We decide to seek a less windy spot and are rewarded on the opposite side. David, the narrator/tour guide, does a great job and we loved that he was in costume. Truly decked out for our sightseeing water adventure. It was a very good sightseeing cruise. The views from the water of Old Quebec, Quebec, the Montmorency Falls views, and the Island all add to our experience. We learned more about the amazing St. Lawrence River and more.Written September 22, 2024
- paulhZ6725UH0 contributionsExcellent commentary on river history and lore.The gentlemen who described the sights and sounds along and on the river was an excellent commentator and delivered an astounding amount of information about the Quebec City area.Written September 20, 2024
- Z1310GGvickyd0 contributionsVery Good but not the same as “being there”The tour guide was exceptional. We learned a lot and he was of course fluent in French and English. There was seating on the boat to be outside (windy) or inside and still have decent views. Food and beverage service was good. I liked being on the water. The views were nice but if you have to prioritize tours in QC, do the walking tour and maybe a trip to the Falls and Island.Written September 20, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
73 reviews
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These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
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Marie H
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Family
The tour leaves on time. Unfortunately we have to figure out parking for ourselves and we arrived the public parking lot had a broken machine and the park employee said the city will ticket. So we scrambled and arrived on the bus just for them to take off. I don’t speak French but my family members with me did. The guide is 80% French and 20% English for both the bus and boat.
We saw plenty of whales and one came right up to the boat. They are truly amazing to see and hear!
All food options were not good so I suggest you eat breakfast on your own and bring lunch. We got back to Quebec City a little after 7PM.
We saw plenty of whales and one came right up to the boat. They are truly amazing to see and hear!
All food options were not good so I suggest you eat breakfast on your own and bring lunch. We got back to Quebec City a little after 7PM.
Written August 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello,
Thank you for your kind comment!
We're glad you enjoyed your onboard experience!
We look forward to welcoming you again,
The Croisières AML team
Written November 8, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Geo13
Marseille, France33 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
Very nice cruise on the St. Lawrence with AML.
Have seen belugas, humpback whales, seals...
Check-out from Quebec City by very comfortable bus with Francophone Guide Arrival in Baie Sainte Catherine and Check-out by boat for almost 3 hours of cruising.
Return to Quebec City by bus.
One-way time: 3h Duration return 2h30.
Very nice boat and commentator of a very high professional quality.
We had a wonderful weather bonus.
We highly recommend
Have seen belugas, humpback whales, seals...
Check-out from Quebec City by very comfortable bus with Francophone Guide Arrival in Baie Sainte Catherine and Check-out by boat for almost 3 hours of cruising.
Return to Quebec City by bus.
One-way time: 3h Duration return 2h30.
Very nice boat and commentator of a very high professional quality.
We had a wonderful weather bonus.
We highly recommend
Automatically translated
Written October 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bonjour, Merci pour votre commentaire. Nous sommes très heureux de constater que votre expérience à bord a été à la hauteur de vos attentes. Nous travaillons fort pour vous faire vivre les expériences les plus uniques! Nous transférons vos commentaires à l'équipe. En espérant vous revoir bientôt!
Written October 22, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Douradinha
Pittsburgh, PA11 contributions
Sept 2022
For a start, remember you'll need luck to see anything. This trip basically goes to the places where humpback whales sleep and, when, they wake up, they do 3 or 4 spells and then the famous tail diving before swimming away, so depends on your luck. Binoculars are highly advised, as are persistence and lots of patience. Minke whales and porpoises can be easily observed, and we even got a seal promenading in front of the Zodiac, getting more attention from us then from the minke whales far ways, for much dismay and despair of the guide...overall, it is ok, some of the staff does not prime for their sympathy, and a negative point was that the tour (both bus and boat) was done in a mix of French and English. Although I studied and understand French, I am not fluent, and was missing some important information, like meeting points, information on historical monuments and landmarks, because the guides kept confusing themselves when swapping from one language to another. It is still a good, the Zodiacs get closer to the whales than the other cruise boats though.
Written September 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda S
Southend-on-Sea, UK12 contributions
Aug 2023 • Solo
This was a really great day out from Quebec (8.30 am - 7.30pm). Be warned that there is a long (approx 3 hour) coach journey each way close to the St Lawrence river from Quebec but I loved it as the scenery was fantastic even if we hadnt seen any whales. The coach climbed up and over the Laurentians giving great views of mountains, interesting houses, spruce forests and the eventual widening of the river. There was an interesting stop on the way up at a local cheese factory to buy packed lunch bits if anyone wanted them. The bus was well organised and we had a good guide although the commentary given on the bus was in both French and English and strongly accented so that it was quite difficult to understand. The embarkation point for the boats is quite small (no food, just a very small gift shop). The boarding was well organised and we had an excellent, knowledgeable and enthusiastic nature guide who had no trouble finding beluga whales, a humpback that circled the boat while spouting and diving, and an abundance of porpoises and seals. We were lucky that the weather was warm and the water flat calm, making whale spotting easy. Take warm clothes and expect that you may not be as lucky as we were if the weather turns! But enjoy the ride!
Written September 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello,
Thank you for your kind comment!
We're glad you enjoyed your experience on board and in the bus! Indeed, the whale-watching experience makes for great travel memories, it's really impressive!
We look forward to welcoming you back on board,
The Croisières AML team
Written November 8, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hercules R
Ullapool, UK539 contributions
Aug 2022
What a great trip. We met the bus at Place des Armes. It was well organised. The bus had no toilet but we stopped after about 90 minutes for a toilet break and purchased eats and drinks. The journey itself was very interesting. The architecture is so different from the UK but attractive. Boarding was efficiently done. We went on the large ship as I was keen to take pictures . We saw Minkie whales and also Beluga whales, absolutely amazing and fascinating. Grey seals and sea birds. It was a real treat. You could buy food and drinks on board and good toilet facilities. All the staff were helpful. It was a long day, taking about 10 hours in total, about 6.5 on the bus. Great value. We will do it again but use the zodiac option next
Written August 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
868victor
South Houston, TX99 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
3 hour trip by bus from Quebec. The closer you get to the river the more beautiful the scenery becomes. I was the first in line for the boat, but than a family arrived and the guide let them go first and asked me and others to step aside. Did not know you could book priority boarding... On the boat the guide talked French first but way too long. She than talked english but that info was way shorter. Why don't you talk in english first with several people from Europe and also Americans and Chinese people on board?
Written July 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello,
Thank you for your feedback.
Quebec is a French province of Canada, so French is the main language. In addition, we have a law stating that it is important to explain everything in French before translating into another language.
Still, we're glad you enjoyed your cruise.
We look forward to seeing you on board.
The AML Cruises Team
Written July 4, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Adrienne B
Pittsburgh, PA4 contributions
Poor communication. They didn’t tell you that you’ll be spending 6 hours on a bus and 2 on the water. I saw a fin whale and belugas and the landscape was beautiful but it wasn’t worth the drive. They also never sent me a confirmation email so I ended up going to the office instead of the bus location. I paid $22 to rush up to the bus area. I would not do this again and kind of feel like I wasted a day that I could’ve been in Quebec City.
Written June 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello !
Thank you for your comment and we are sorry that your experience did not live up to your expectations.
Indeed, the Whale Bus experience offers you the chance of discovering and observing all the marine mammals of the Saguenay - St. Laurent region from Quebec City in a one-day excursion!
Regarding the confirmation e-mail, we're sorry you didn't receive it. They sometimes slip into your spam folder.
Please don't hesitate to contact us next time if you have any questions about our excursions or cruises!
We look forward to welcoming you on board!
The AML Cruises Team
Written June 22, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DiaMia
Gurnee, IL17 contributions
Logistics were handled very well and we were well informed throughout the day. The guide, driver and crew were excellent. We did see whales and seals and beautiful scenery. What made it a 4 rather than 5 for us was that it was crowded on the boat, we didn’t have an opportunity to purchase access to the top of the boat, and food was limited to one sandwich choice (which one of us is allergic to).
Written July 11, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
priyanka t
1 contribution
Sept 2024 • Friends
It’s a moneymaking business. I have never seen anybody watching whale. They always say that you will get to see this or that however it 2hr 30 min ride where they will make you match an old ship. Seals sleeping. And a tiny waterfall.
Written September 3, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello,
Our captains and naturalists are qualified and meet Croisières AML's expectations. They are ambassadors for the whale-watching business, guardians of the environment and of these fascinating animals.
Please understand that every cruise is different and that, although our naturalists know their behavioral habits, whales are unpredictable. They need to move to feed, which is why they're never in the same place at the same time!
Written September 9, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ANIL HASSANALI V
2 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
We opted for the whale watching tour from Quebec City. The tour bus had seen better days, however the driver was very courteous, so was Gabriella our guide.
We did not see any big mammals, just some beluga whales from afar!! Without the binoculars we would not have seen any.
The experience was exciting, and we all agreed we would do it again 👍👍👍
We did not see any big mammals, just some beluga whales from afar!! Without the binoculars we would not have seen any.
The experience was exciting, and we all agreed we would do it again 👍👍👍
Written July 29, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bonjour je souhaite savoir si mes enfants de 9 ans et 6 ans doivent payer leur place sur le zodiac? Ou moitié prix ?
Written October 17, 2019
bonjour, oui vos enfants devront payer leur place, mais ils ont droit a une reduction, mais ce n'est pas moitié prix. Je suis desolé mais de mémoire je ne pourrais vous donner le tarif exact mais vous pouvez le trouver sur le site des croisieres AML
Written October 18, 2019
Hi! Do you provide waterproof clothes for the zodiac, like trousers or jacket?
Written July 30, 2019
Yes they have rest rooms on Grand Fleuve.
Written September 11, 2019
I noticed that the prices listed here thru Viator are cheaper than booking directly with AML. Did anyone that booked thru Viator have any issues? Thanks.
Written April 14, 2019
Or is the difference due to the exchange rate? AML purchases are non-refundable while Viator offers free cancelation.
Written April 14, 2019
Hello I tried to book a trip and my card is not going through. should I matter if it is coming in through he US?
Written April 5, 2019
Do the Zodiac boats have actual seats? Thanks.
Written March 30, 2019
Yes. You will be so much closer to the whales taking a zodiac. Wrap up to keep warm and dry, they travel quickly across the estuary so there is breeze and sea spray with temperatures cooler at sea than on land. It was an extraordinary experience. Michael
Written March 31, 2019
sunshine17_13
Texarkana, Texas
We will be there last week of Sept. what are the chances of seeing whales?
Written September 13, 2018
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