Magazine

Clear filters

Blue Whales in the Estuary: Pleiades and Bird of Prey

Without a doubt, the big stars of the estuary this week are blue whales! These giant visitors have been identified:…

|Observation of the Week 5/9/2024

Marine Life in Full Swing

A small adventurous rorqual, identified belugas, the arrival of several large rorquals... What more could you ask for in late…

|Observation of the Week 30/8/2024

Whales, Glitter and Local Fare

A bioluminescent night with belugas in Tadoussac, a humpback whale breaching during a meal in Les Escoumins, dozens of right…

|Observation of the Week 22/8/2024

White-sided Dolphin and Fin Whale Acrobatics

Whether it’s groups of white-sided dolphins breaking the surface in successive bursts, minke whales showing their bellies, or the humpback…

|Observation of the Week 15/8/2024

Cetacean Olympics

Just like the top athletes at the Olympic Games in Paris, cetaceans also hold a number of records! From blue…

|Observation of the Week 8/8/2024

Whales in All Their Splendour

Whether it’s a blue whale swimming off the coast of Matane, fin whales in Gaspé Bay, North Atlantic right whales…

|Observation of the Week 1/8/2024

Vacations in Whale Country

There is something romantic and relaxing about the seaside, which is perhaps why vacationers make a mad dash to the…

|Observation of the Week 25/7/2024

St. Lawrence Rorqual Grand Slam

Imagine having the chance to see all four species of rorquals that frequent the St. Lawrence in the same day!…

|Observation of the Week 18/7/2024

Whale Frenzy

From the smallest to the largest, whales of all sorts are currently gathered in the St. Lawrence! Harbour porpoises are…

|Observation of the Week 11/7/2024

Return of Siam and a Basking Shark in Gaspésie

Siam, the estuary’s oldest humpback whale, is back! Whales were swimming just about everywhere in the St. Lawrence, including good…

|Observation of the Week 4/7/2024

Gaspar, Piton and Blue Whales in the Gulf

It appears that whales have finally made a big return to the estuary and gulf! From one end of the…

|Observation of the Week 27/6/2024

Gala de la Terre Supports Three Environmental Organizations

The 2024 Gala de la Terre was a huge success! The third edition of this major event took place at…

|News 27/6/2024

A Hybrid Rorqual in the St. Lawrence?

With the heatwave of the last few days, the cool, refreshing winds blowing over the river were certainly more than…

|Observation of the Week 20/6/2024

Feet on the Ground, Eyes on the Water

Whether it’s the glistening white backs of belugas in the estuary, abundant minke whales, or the humpback whale Irisept eating…

|Observation of the Week 13/6/2024

Eating Their Fill

Whether they consume krill, fish or invertebrates, whales come to feed in the St. Lawrence and the immense smörgåsbord it…

|Observation of the Week 7/6/2024

Return of a Legend: Tic Tac Toe is in the Estuary

The humpback whale Tic Tac Toe was observed in the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park for the first time this year!…

|Observation of the Week 30/5/2024

Gala de la Terre: Belugas Given a Voice at Montréal’s Maison Symphonique

What if, for one evening, belugas were to become choir singers? Thanks to a composition by Claudie Bertounesque, which will…

|News 30/5/2024

Five fin whales in the estuary, including Orion and Bp913!

Fin whales are stealing the show this week, in large numbers. Individuals have even been identified, and some regulars are…

|Observation of the Week 24/5/2024

Belugas in color and minke whales in action!

This week in the St. Lawrence, beluga vocalizations accompany the northern lights, while minke whales attract attention with their spectacular…

|Observation of the Week 16/5/2024

Minke Whales Disguised as Orcas

Between the splashing waves, we spot a couple dark fins moving. We can definitely recognize the signs of a large…

|Observation of the Week 10/5/2024
Béluga du Saint-Laurent

The Excitement of White Whales

Increasing numbers of groups of belugas are being spotted in the estuary, swimming amongst the quietly returning minke whales. Harbour…

|Observation of the Week 2/5/2024
L’automne dernier, le rorqual commun Ti-Croche a été pourvu d’une balise pour suivre sa migration. © Pêches et Océans Canada

The Winter Migration of the Fin Whale Ti-Croche

The migrations of large rorquals still hold many mysteries. Where do they go in winter? How long do they stay…

|News 1/5/2024

Belugas and Migrating Birds

This past week, belugas have been seen from both shores of the estuary. Humpbacks, minke whales and seals were also…

|Observation of the Week 25/4/2024

Whales Return to the Estuary

Two fin whales, good numbers of belugas, several minke whales, a humpback… The tally of cetaceans observed in the waters…

|Observation of the Week 18/4/2024

Marine Mammals and the Eclipse

On April 8, the banks of the St. Lawrence were basked in sunset-like lighting during the solar eclipse. For those…

|Observation of the Week 11/4/2024

April Whales

“Fin whales in Les Escoumins,” remarks one avid yet impressed observer: “Their powerful breaths really hit you in the gut!” “A…

|Observation of the Week 4/4/2024

A Week of Large Rorquals

Large rorquals continuing to wow observers, a few belugas, harp seals resting on the ice and harbour seals... What more…

|Observation of the Week 28/3/2024

Blue Whales for the Start of Spring

“Seeing them breath when it’s cold is even more impressive! When we talk about 10 metres high, it’s really 10…

|Observation of the Week 21/3/2024

Gearing Up For Spring

A spring snow squall, minke whales slowly arriving, humpbacks breaching and river otters peering at the camera... The riverbanks were…

|Observation of the Week 14/3/2024

ROUND-UP OF 2024 NORTH ATLANTIC RIGHT WHALE NEWS

After being hunted for centuries, today’s North Atlantic right whales face many challenges, including entanglements with fishing gear, ship strikes…

|Hot Topics 14/3/2024

Meredith Sherrill: An Example of Tenacity for Working with Whales!

To work with whales, Meredith’s journey took her to California, Michigan, Scotland, and ultimately to Quebec! Meredith Sherrill is a…

|News 7/3/2024

Harp Seals, on the Ice and in the Water

In terms of marine mammal sightings, the week can be summed up by harp seals at several locations in the…

|Observation of the Week 29/2/2024

Blue Whale in Les Escoumins

It seems that the biggest giant of all has paid a little visit to Les Escoumins! In fact, several local…

|Observation of the Week 22/2/2024

Large Spouts Offshore and Seals on the Ice

Large rorquals continue to blow off the coasts of Franquelin and Godbout, making for some extraordinary winter observations. Elsewhere in…

|Observation of the Week 15/2/2024

When February Feels like July

Once again this week, blue whales have been on the prowl, with one spotted in Franquelin, others in Godbout and…

|Observation of the Week 8/2/2024

The Big Blue

Viewed from the window, a powerful blast erupts from the river’s murky waters. From the comfort of their own home,…

|Observation of the Week 2/2/2024

Large Rorquals Under the Winter Sun

If it weren’t for the snow-covered shoreline and the sub-zero temperatures, Franquelin residents could almost be forgiven for thinking it’s…

|Observation of the Week 25/1/2024

Winter Doldrums

Throughout the St. Lawrence, the snowfall of the past few days has put a damper on opportunities for watching marine…

|Observation of the Week 18/1/2024

Fin whales for the New Year

The presence of fin whales in the estuary surprised observers just in time for New Year’s. Harp seals have been…

|Observation of the Week 11/1/2024
Béluga du Saint-Laurent

Sparkling belugas

Across the St. Lawrence, it was the tranquility of sightings that marked the past week. Many observers reported seeing nothing…

|Observation of the Week 14/12/2023

Blue Whales and Fin Whales on the Horizon

What could possibly spark the interest of adults and children alike, drawing a crowd on the shores of Franquelin one…

|Observation of the Week 7/12/2023

A Late November with Dolphins and Rorquals Aplenty

Dozens of Atlantic white-sided dolphins, a late humpback, a minke whale here, belugas there... There’s so much marine fauna in…

|Observation of the Week 30/11/2023

Humpback Observed Earlier This Summer Washes Up in the Gaspé

On Wednesday, October 25, a humpback whale carcass washed up in Saint-Maxime-du-Mont-Louis in the Gaspé Peninsula. It was a male…

|Marine Mammal Emergencies 30/11/2023

Belugas Under the Snow

As November winds down, the snow gently reminds us that winter temperatures are right around the corner. With most of…

|Observation of the Week 23/11/2023

Small or Large, Marine Mammals Are Still Present!

Although sightings are beginning to taper off in the gulf, the estuary is still abuzz with the resonating spouts of…

|Observation of the Week 16/11/2023

A Beautiful End to the Season!

Notable sightings of the week included reports of little make-believe characters, from Nemo to the Little Mermaid to SpongeBob, parading…

|Observation of the Week 3/11/2023

Killer Whales in Basse-Côte-Nord

Rare visitors to the St. Lawrence were observed this past week in Quebec's Basse-Côte-Nord (Lower North Shore) region: killer whales.…

|Observation of the Week 26/10/2023

Winding Down the Season

Although the cruise season is drawing to a close, marine mammals don’t seem like they’re quite ready to leave! Almost…

|Observation of the Week 19/10/2023

Autumn in the St. Lawrence

New whales continue to arrive in the St. Lawrence and marine diversity is matched only by the palette of colours…

|Observation of the Week 6/10/2023

Dolphins Make Their Return to the Estuary

They swim in groups in successive leaps, a palette of colours radiating above the water surface. We can distinguish white…

|Observation of the Week 29/9/2023

Rorquals in the Fjord and Sperm Whales

A new species is visiting the Gulf of St. Lawrence for the first time this year: the sperm whale. In…

|Observation of the Week 7/9/2023

Whales at the heart of the St. Lawrence River

The magic of moments along the St. Lawrence is in abundance as August comes to a close. It's a graceful…

|Observation of the Week 5/9/2023

A blue whale in the Saguenay and Tic Tac Toe in Gaspésie!

What could be more impressive than a blue whale, the largest animal alive? Perhaps to see this immense whale make…

|Observation of the Week 24/8/2023

Cetacean Diversity in Full Swing

Blue whales? Up to three individuals have reportedly been observed in the estuary. Humpbacks? Several in Gaspé Bay, including a…

|Observation of the Week 17/8/2023

Lucky Eight?

Eight humpback whales were identified over the past week in the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park. At the other end of…

|Observation of the Week 3/8/2023

Right Whales in the Gulf

What did the waters off Percé and those near Anticosti Island have in common this past week? Both were visited…

|Observation of the Week 27/7/2023

A Blue Horizon

The fog lifts after having shrouded Gaspé Bay for several days, meaning observers can finally admire the colourful panorama... and…

|Observation of the Week 20/7/2023

Stars of the St. Lawrence

They exude an aura of magic that animates evening get-togethers along the shores of the St. Lawrence. Every year, visitors…

|Observation of the Week 13/7/2023

Gaspar, Guadeloupe and Aramis Put on a Show!

Although the start of the season has been a quiet one, whales seem to have finally arrived in the St.…

|Observation of the Week 6/7/2023

Whales Identified in Côte-Nord!

In the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park as well as in the Mingan and Sept-Îles sectors, humpback and fin whale sightings…

|Observation of the Week 29/6/2023

Fascinating Stories

The weekly sightings column is not only a bit of a summary of everything that has been seen in the…

|Observation of the Week 22/6/2023

Large Rorquals in the Gulf

This week, large rorquals were present all around the gulf. A blue whale made an appearance near Sept-Îles, minke whales…

|Observation of the Week 15/6/2023

Humpbacks in the Gaspé and Concerns in the Estuary

After a quiet start to the season, humpback whales are now making a long-awaited return to Gaspésie, with between six…

|Observation of the Week 8/6/2023

Spring is for Minke Whales

Even if the week was quiet in terms of observations, the presence of minke whales did add a little action…

|Observation of the Week 1/6/2023

Back on the Water

Tuesday, May 23, 2023. For amateur cetologist René Roy, this is his second time on the water this season. During…

|Observation of the Week 25/5/2023
Bp920 rorqual commun

Fin Whales Are Back!

This week, marine mammals were not deterred by the snow and wind from parading up and down the St. Lawrence.…

|Observation of the Week 18/5/2023

Arrival of Tic Tac Toe

While some communities are eagerly waiting for the ice to break up on the local river or for the tulips…

|Observation of the Week 11/5/2023

“The Humpbacks are Here!”

“You’ll see, tomorrow morning there will be humpbacks in Les Bergeronnes,” claims Renaud Pintiaux, a long-time observer forWhales Online. Gut…

|Observation of the Week 1/5/2023
Un groupe de marsouins communs

Little Porpoises, Large Spouts

Swimming in proximity to both a blue whale and a fin whale, the first harbour porpoises of the season made…

|Observation of the Week 20/4/2023

Round-up of 2023 North Atlantic Right Whale News

After being hunted for centuries, today’s North Atlantic right whales face many challenges, including entanglements with fishing gear, ship strikes…

|Hot Topics 13/4/2023

Solo or in groups, the cetaceans are back!

The list of marine species present in the St. Lawrence is getting longer and longer: blue whales and fin whales…

|Observation of the Week 13/4/2023
Béluga du Saint-Laurent

White Whales Mark the Return of Spring

This past week in the St. Lawrence, strong winds, inclement weather and rough seas did not make easy to observe…

|Observation of the Week 6/4/2023

Encounters with Giants

The mysterious series of spout sightings that began last week continues, only this time we might actually be able to…

|Observation of the Week 30/3/2023

Mystery Whales

This week, eyes are shifting to the Gaspé in the hope of solving a very particular enigma… Large rorquals have…

|Observation of the Week 23/3/2023

Blue Whale Spout on the Horizon

Off the coast of Sept-Îles, a huge blast rises into the air, then another. Clearly visible from shore, these blows…

|Observation of the Week 16/3/2023

Between Doldrums and Delirium

Last week’s sightings article may have inspired some of you... One marine mammal enthusiast wrote to us that she even…

|Observation of the Week 9/3/2023

Katak the Brave Beluga: An Eye-opening Film on the Beauty of the St. Lawrence and the Fragility of Belugas

In the thrilling journey of a young beluga in search of his grandfather, the animated film Katak the Brave Beluga,…

|News 2/3/2023

In Search of Wonder

Over the past week, harp seals, harbour seals and belugas have been sighted along the north shore of the St.…

|Observation of the Week 2/3/2023

Winter Pupping Season: A Risky Affair

The diminishing ice cover observed in the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence in recent years is having an impact…

|Marine Mammal Emergencies 2/3/2023

From Swimming Giants to Flying Gulls

Sunny days, seabirds flying gracefully over the river as they forage for food, reflections in the crystal clear water and…

|Observation of the Week 23/2/2023

Mirages and Blue Whale

A blue whale venturing near the coast, seals resting on blocks of ice, a solitary beluga that shows its tail…

|Observation of the Week 16/2/2023

Calm Before the Big Cold Front

On the horizon, on the ice and in the waves, every week is different than the one before. Few marine…

|Observation of the Week 2/2/2023

Winter Rorquals

It’s a white January morning and the wintry wind is blowing across the river when a local resident sitting cosily…

|Observation of the Week 26/1/2023

Goodbye whales, hello seals!

After causing a sensation two weeks ago with a remarkable presence in Percé and a few appearances in the Côte-Nord…

|Observation of the Week 19/1/2023

Ice and Surprises 

During the end-of year holiday season, the waters of the St. Lawrence quietly became cloaked in a sheet of ice…

|Observation of the Week 12/1/2023

Wintertime Seals, Whales and Belugas

This week, winter lovers were able to take advantage of the short, sunny days to admire seals, belugas, minke whales…

|Observation of the Week 8/12/2022

Big gulps in the bay

The day is calm with a quiet whisper of a wind, while out in the bay, a few dark spots…

|Observation of the Week 1/12/2022

Not one… not two… but six humpbacks!

This week, a few humpback whales were still present in the St. Lawrence and residents were even treated to an…

|Observation of the Week 25/11/2022

White as Snow… Or a Beluga!

As fluffy snowflakes invaded eastern Quebec and a white blanket quietly covered the ground, marine mammals continued on with their…

|Observation of the Week 17/11/2022

Between Mountains and the Sea: The Sounds of Cetaceans

Whether on a boat, at the docks or on shore, the echos of blowing whales can be heard. From humpback…

|Observation of the Week 3/11/2022

Action on the Horizon

Whether watching through their binoculars, through the lens of their camera or with their own two eyes while squinting from…

|Observation of the Week 27/10/2022

Cetaceans by the Dozen

A dozen or so humpback whales have been observed in Gaspé Bay over the past week. A few individuals approach…

|Observation of the Week 13/10/2022

Colourful Silhouettes

Whether it’s pods of white-sided dolphins repeatedly leaping out of the water, breaching minke whales or a blue whale blowing…

|Observation of the Week 6/10/2022

Autumn Winds

Mariners are well aware that in fall, storms often produce strong winds from the east or northeast. While some enthusiasts…

|Observation of the Week 30/9/2022

Humpbacks, seals and belugas

This week, all up and down the St. Lawrence, humpback whales are topping the lists of observations, along with other…

|Observation of the Week 23/9/2022

Fog-shrouded Waters

This past week was marked by the presence of fog almost all across the St. Lawrence. Mingan Islands, La Malbaie,…

|Observation of the Week 15/9/2022

White beaks, speckled grey backs and golden spouts

Out on the water, the mild conditions over the last few days have allowed for the observation of a number…

|Observation of the Week 8/9/2022

Dolphin, harbour porpoise or…fish ?

It is a beautiful evening of observation, a magnificent sunset, a refreshing breeze, a most grandiose panorama. The eyes turned…

|Observation of the Week 1/9/2022

Exceptional Tours in the Estuary

Everyone was surprised this week when not one, but two endangered species ventured into the St. Lawrence Estuary: one North…

|Observation of the Week 11/8/2022

A Drive Down the “Whale Trail”

Between Tadoussac and Kegaska, Route 138 hugs the coast of Quebec’s Côte-Nord region for over 850 kilometres. Dotted with magnificent…

|Observation of the Week 4/8/2022

Swimming against the current

After the pioneering belugas that ventured into Baie des Ha! Ha! last week, this week it is the humpbacks’ turn to…

|Observation of the Week 28/7/2022

Entangled Humpback – A Chronicle

On Wednesday, July 13, a humpback whale was spotted off the coast of Les Escoumins accompanied by a calf that…

|Marine Mammal Emergencies 26/7/2022
Béluga du Saint-Laurent

Exploratory Belugas

Belugas made headlines this week when a group of a dozen or so individuals was observed in Baie des Ha! Ha!…

|Observation of the Week 21/7/2022

A Day in Good Company

On Sunday, July 3, a minke whale carcass was found on Île Vertein Quebec’s Bas-Saint-Laurent region. This is practically the…

|Marine Mammal Emergencies 14/7/2022

Memorable Observations

When it comes to marine mammals, sometimes no two days are alike. For several weeks, a resident of Tadoussac had been…

|Observation of the Week 14/7/2022

Living According to the Rhythm of the Whales

There are enormous benefits to working and living in whale country.  Now my home base, Tadoussac is a tourist destination for…

|Observation of the Week 7/7/2022

“Now the season can start!”

A certain enchantment can sometimes develop between whales and the naturalists who observe them. For naturalist and wildlife photographer Renaud…

|Observation of the Week 30/6/2022

Spring 2022: A Busy Season for QMMERN 

Seal pups harassed on the beaches, discovery of pinniped carcasses along the shores, vagrant minke whales in Montréal: these are…

|Marine Mammal Emergencies 23/6/2022

A Funny Coincidence

Belugas took full advantage of their first day of calm in the Saguenay Fjord. Many light-coloured backs were present in…

|Observation of the Week 23/6/2022

Action Near the Coast

From the small harbour porpoise to the titanic blue whale: the wide range of sightings offered by the St. Lawrence…

|Observation of the Week 16/6/2022

Humpbacks Stealing the Show!

Exuberant, splashy, and ubiquitous, humpback whales sometimes tend to turn our attention away from other cetaceans. And not only when…

|Observation of the Week 9/6/2022

A spout to kick off the day

Sometimes you have to get up at the crack of dawn if you want to be rewarded with exciting observations.…

|Observation of the Week 2/6/2022

Seals That Don’t Need Our Help

Spring is here and the seal pupping season is in full swing. The Quebec Marine Mammal Emergency Response Network (QMMERN)…

|Marine Mammal Emergencies 30/5/2022