Thursday, July 16, 2009

The Whale Route - Quebec



From Tadoussac to Blanc-Sablon, Côte-Nord is really the Whale Route.
Most of the 13 species of whales found in the St. Lawrence are easily observable along this route, from the small harbour porpoise to the enormous blue whale, the largest mammal on the planet. This region is one of the five best places in the world in which to observe several species of whales each year. It is no coincidence that four internationally renowned research groups are based in this area.

Tadoussac Bay, a member of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club, is at the heart of the Saguenay-St.Lawrence Marine Park and is the home base of several companies offering sea excursions. While Tadoussac is the best known area for whale watching, several other sites in Côte-Nord, in both the Manicouagan and the Duplessis regions, offer exceptional observation conditions—even from the shore. Keep your eyes peeled from April to November, and remember that three species of seals and many species of marine birds will probably join in the show for your visual pleasure.

While exploring the Whale Route, be sure to stop at the new Garden of the Glaciers in Baie-Comeau. This attraction offers unique multisensory experiences that focus on phenomena associated with the last ice age, climate change and the migration of the first peoples. Located in a converted church, the Glacier Exploration Center features a multimedia show trail with spectacular projections and décors. Continue your adventure in the Maritime Adventure Park where you can observe how the surrounding landscape has been carved out by glaciers over 10,000 years ago. The park offers three interactive guided tours, including the Valley of the Seashells, a site that is unique in the world. Outdoor lovers will also want to visit the Adrenaline Zone, which offers a multitude of exciting activities. Finally, sea kayaking and hiking are also possible in the park.

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