Observation of the whale on land

The Côte-Nord region, and in some area of the Bas-Saint-Laurent and Gaspesie, offers a number of sites that offer great whale watching spots along the shoreline. What is unique about this area is the underwater topography and depth-changes. Here, the shoreline suddenly drops down to a few hundred metres allowing whales to stay quite close, making it a prime spot for this activity.

You can also take advantage of the presence of experienced naturalists at observation points, such as Pointe-Noire, Cap-de-Bon-Désir, or Parc Forillon. Don’t forget to protect yourselves from insect bites, especially in June and July.

Don’t ruin your whale watching experience by not dressing appropriately for the weather. Remember, it is always colder close by the water than on the mainland. The water in the St. Lawrence is around 5 celsius degrees, even during summertime! Here is a basic list of things you should take along with you:

• Warm clothing and even a blanket if you plan to stay at the same place for a long time
• Sunscreen (yes, even on a cloudy day!)
• A hat… one that will not fall into the water
• Polarized sunglasses are crucial on the water. They help reduce glare and protect your eyes
• Binoculars
• Camera (protected from moisture)
• Gloves
• Long pants
• Close-toed shoes
• A water-bottle

Note: Do not litter or throw anything in the water, including food scraps.