A Funny Coincidence

In the St. Lawrence, belugas have also been seen near Les Bergeronnes. A little farther upstream, in Saint-Irénée, the appearance of a dozen or so white backs offers a superb backdrop for a local resident on her lunch break: “Yesterday around mid-day, we were enjoying a bite to eat when we saw a dozen or so belugas: some to the right, some to the left, but quite far apart. I may have also seen a mother with her calf.” On the opposite shore, a naturalist observed belugas in Cacouna earlier this week.

Big whales in the gulf

Observations of baleen whales have been rather sparse in the estuary, notwithstanding the presence of minke whales: one off Cap-à-L’Aigle in La Malbaie, another that returned several days in a row off Pointe Noire in Baie-Sainte-Catherine, and, lastly, an individual in Tadoussac Bay that approached the marina at low tide.

Another species, a humpback whale, was seen near Les Escoumins. Farther downstream, near Godbout, two visiting naturalists observed large blasts offshore on the morning of June 21. “Hard to tell whether it was a humpback or a fin whale. We’re not sure which species it was,” ponders one of them. From the ferry that connects Godbout and Matane, we observe what may be the same individuals. “That was really the highlight of my week: two humpback whales while setting out from Godbout. Everybody on board the boat saw them, huddling near the window to get a better look. It was most obvious: two big round spouts.

But the majority of large whales are being observed in the gulf. Indeed, a number of humpback, fin and minke whales are concentrated off the tip of Cap Bon-Ami in Gaspé. It’s a perfect site for whale-watchers. “We’ve been seeing breaching and lobtailing. We’ve also been treated to awesome seabird spectacles, which, combined with the whales, has been truly magnificent. All we can do is smile!” exclaims a naturalist and captain working in the area.

Here is the map of observations reported this week. It gives an idea of the presence of whales and does not at all represent the actual distribution of whales in the St. Lawrence. Use it for fun!

A tightly knit network of experienced observers who live according to the rhythm of the St. Lawrence throughout the year. On the waves or on shore, they scan the horizon with passion and patience, watching for the slightest spout. It is thanks to their sharp eyes and living words that we are able to write Observations of the week week in and week out. A big thank you to all of our precious collaborators!

Click on the whale or the seal icon to find out more about the corresponding observation (species, number of individuals, info, pictures). To enlarge the map, click on the top right corner icon.