Route des Baleines

At the Marine Mammals Interpretation Centre, you can explore the world of whales through videos, games, a skeleton collection, and cetacean acoustics activities. Did you know that whales once walked on land? No? Well they did!

A number of whale-watching cruise companies depart from the Tadoussac quay, including small and large boats. Adventurers typically opt for the Zodiacs, while others prefer larger, well equipped boats.

Cap-de-Bon-Désir... even the name is magical! Just 30 m from shore, an underwater cliff plummets 200 m into the St. Lawrence, allowing the whales to come close to say hello. Tour the Centre’s exhibition to learn about a lighthouse keeper’s life.

Enjoy an afternoon of archeology, history and nature, the three main topics presented at the Centre d’interprétation Archéo Topo. Discover 8,000 years of human occupation: Paleo-eskimos, Inuits, Basque, English and French

Start your day with a peaceful kayak excursion in the St. Lawrence estuary, with Mer et Monde Écotours. Enjoy a larger-than-life experience, as you paddle along next to huge, granite cliffs, and get sprayed by the wet blast of whales.

Explore one of North America’s most beautiful underwater environments right here. Follow the divers live on a big screen or take the plunge yourself. Just off the shore, the whales will spray a hello to you.

The route continues on to the Portneuf sandbar and Pointe-des-Fortin. You’ll find a lookout, a marina, a restaurant, a bike path and trails: perfect spots to birdwatch and glimpse sea mammals.

This park gives you wings! Enjoy utter tranquility on the shores of the St. Lawrence, with nine different ecosystems, a sandy beach, trails and a variety of activities. You can even spend the night in a giant birdhouse. Unsual, you say?

Enjoy a day of activities with Attitude Nordique: zip lines, via ferrata, sea kayaking, SUP, snorkelling and rabascaw... tons to choose from! Enjoy some evening entertainment with Baie-Comeau : D’aventure et de culture.

Keeping watch over the St. Lawrence, the Pointe-des-Monts lighthouse offers a seven-storey exhibition on its history and that of the lighthouse keepers who lived there. Climb to the top for a breathtaking view. And why not spend the night!

This beautiful home on the shores of the St. Lawrence houses an exhibition on the shipwreck of Admiral Walker’s fleet in 1711, and another on the history of the Rivière-Pentecôte and Pointe-aux-Anglais villages. Enjoy a stroll on the sandy beach.

Spend the morning at the Musée régional de la Côte-Nord, where you will learn about the region’s history through ethnology, art, archaeology and natural sciences. Discover 8,000 years of history!

Head out on the water with Croisières du Capitaine to explore the archipelago and spot migratory birds. Stop at Île Grosse Boule to learn about sea farming, and at Île Grande Basque to admire the scenery from the lookout.

Stop at the Rivière-au-Tonnerre tourist office to stretch your legs. Take one of the two trails leading to the Manitou waterwall, which stands 35 m high. An impressive sight!

The cloudberry? Yes, it’s a tangy, orange Nordic fruit. Visit the Maison de la Chicoutai to learn about this berry and its by-products, including jam, coulis and vinaigrette. Take a bit of the Minganie region home with you. Yum!

A biologist will welcome you to the centre, amidst beautiful murals and life-sized whale models. Learn all there is to know about the whales of the St. Lawrence, our giants of the sea.

The Mingan Archipelago will dazzle you with its colossal limestone outcroppings and adorable Atlantic puffins! Take a boat excursion to explore this remote area, and spend the night in an oTENTik tent or at the lighthouse!

For this part of the route, listen to the audio road guide (CD) sold at the Havre-Saint-Pierre tourist information office. It describes the villages and local attractions between Havre-Saint-Pierre and Natashquan. It’s the perfect driving companion!

Gilles Vigneault was born in Natashquan. His former home and the school house showcase his life and the personalities who inspired him: Jean du Sud, Mademoiselle Émilie and Jack Monoloy influenced his songs, treasures of our folklore and heritage.