Québec City: Whale Watching Tour with Bus Transportation in Quebec City, Canada
Quebec City, Canada

Québec City: Whale Watching Tour with Bus Transportation

Outty Ranking 67 4.2 · 459 traveler reviews11 hoursFrom $190
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Outty Ranking

67/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.2/5

Based on 459 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Québec City: Whale Watching Tour with Bus Transportation worth booking?

Québec City: Whale Watching Tour with Bus Transportation is a 11-hour experience in Quebec City, Canada, from $190 per person. It scores 67 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.2/5 rating across 459 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
67 / 100
Rating
4.2/5 (459)
Duration
11 hours
From
$190 per person

Embark on a hassle-free adventure from historic Québec City and journey to the stunning Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park for a breathtaking whale watching tour. Choose between a spacious observation boat or an intimate Zodiac ride and encounter up to 13 captivating whale species with guidance from expert naturalists. Sit back and relax with round-trip bus transportation, enjoying a scenic journey through picturesque landscapes along the St. Lawrence River. - Skip driving and enjoy comfortable travel by bus for this full-day adventure - Discover breathtaking Charlevoix landscapes on the journey from historic Québec City - Pick your adventure upon booking between boat or Zodiac, for a unique whale watching experience - Get the chance to observe up to 13 whale species with commentary by naturalist guides - Immerse yourself in the enchanting vistas of the Saguenay Fjord and its surrounding mountains

What you get

    About this experience

    Embark on a hassle-free adventure from historic Québec City and journey to the stunning Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park for a breathtaking whale watching tour. Choose between a spacious observation boat or an intimate Zodiac ride and encounter up to 13 captivating whale species with guidance from expert naturalists. Sit back and relax with round-trip bus transportation, enjoying a scenic journey through picturesque landscapes along the St. Lawrence River. - Skip driving and enjoy comfortable travel by bus for this full-day adventure - Discover breathtaking Charlevoix landscapes on the journey from historic Québec City - Pick your adventure upon booking between boat or Zodiac, for a unique whale watching experience - Get the chance to observe up to 13 whale species with commentary by naturalist guides - Immerse yourself in the enchanting vistas of the Saguenay Fjord and its surrounding mountains

    What's included

    Included

    • Expert and certified naturalist guide onboard
    • Waterproof jacket and pants (if choosing the Zodiac option)
    • All Fees and Taxes
    • 2.5-hour or 3-hour whale-watching cruise
    • Bilingual commentary

    Not included

    • Food and drink
    • Binoculars

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Quebec City

    The bus departs from the Fontaine de Tourny in Québec City at 9 a.m. Please present yourself 30 minutes before the departure.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    The bus departs from the Fontaine de Tourny in Québec City at 9 a.m. Please present yourself 30 minutes before the departure.

    Options you can book

    • Zodiac Cruise

      A small, faster, open-air boat that holds either 24 or 60 passengers and allows you to get very close to the whales.

    • Big Boat Cruise

      Boat Cruise: Whale-watching cruise on a large, three-level, 105-foot (32-meter) boat with a glassed-in main deck, observation platform and covered upper deck.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en, fr
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 10 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Croisieres AML

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Meals are not included. You can either pack a lunch and/or snacks, or you can buy a preprepared lunchbox from the tour operator's lunchbox service upon arrival at Baie-Sainte-Catherine (depending on availability)
    • Please note that yours meal is not allowed aboard our boats. A one-hour lunch break is scheduled before the cruise, where you can enjoy your meal.
    • Please dress warmly, as it can be quite cold on the river. An insulated jacket, hat, gloves and closed-toes shoes are highly recommended.
    • Minimum age is 6 years for the zodiac boat
    • Cruises operate rain or shine unless weather conditions pose a safety risk to passengers. Rest assured, the big boat features an enclosed area for your comfort.
    • Whale Guarantee: Our sighting rate is extremely high, but as the marine park is a natural environment, sometimes mammals can be more elusive. If no sightings are made, we'll offer you another whale watching tour (boat tour only)
    • The round-trip bus journey from Québec City to Baie-Sainte-Catherine, Charlevoix takes approximately 3 hours each way.
    • For personal expenses, only credit card payments are accepted on board (no cash)
    • For the Zodiac : Upon arrival, waterproof jackets and pants are provided, and you will have to sign a release form for the activity. Lifejackets are available for the Zodiac only It is recommended to bringing a change of clothes for after the activity. Does not have food or restrooms onboard.
    • Zodiac excursions are not advisable, and even prohibited for certain persons such as young children (under the age of 6), pregnant women, people suffering from articulation, back, or autonomy problems, or persons in wheelchairs. If you or any members of your group fall under these criteria, we recommend choosing our whale watching boat tour for a comfortable and equally exciting experience.

    Photos

    Québec City: Whale Watching Tour with Bus Transportation in Quebec City, photo 2Québec City: Whale Watching Tour with Bus Transportation in Quebec City, photo 3Québec City: Whale Watching Tour with Bus Transportation in Quebec City, photo 4Zodiac Boat, Québec City: Whale Watching Tour with Bus Transportation in Quebec CityQuébec City: Whale Watching Tour with Bus Transportation in Quebec City, photo 6Québec City: Whale Watching Tour with Bus Transportation in Quebec City, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 457 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    4 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    3 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Organization

    3 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Food and drink

    2 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Traveler reviews

    457 verified traveler reviews for Québec City: Whale Watching Tour with Bus Transportation. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    255
    4 star
    113
    3 star
    46
    2 star
    19
    1 star
    24
    Sort
    bj098451 · September 2026

    Highly recommend

    Great trip, all ran like clockwork with Danielle and Paul, saw lots of minky whales and were lucky with glorious weather so the views were superb. Highly recommend this trip

    Response from the operator: Hello, thank you for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that everything was well organized and that Danielle and Paul helped make your excursion run smoothly. It's fantastic that you were able to see so many minke whales and enjoy the beautiful weather and scenery. Thank you for your recommendation, and we hope to welcome you aboard again soon! — The Croisières AML team ⚓

    via Viator

    Holly_H · September 2026

    Great Tour and lots of Whales…

    We just left the dock and we were ready seeing whales. We saw so many Minky whales feeding with mouth opened and a huge pod of beluga whales, what an experience. The tour guide was super nice, it was Tia’s second day of being a guide but she sounded like a pro like she has been doing this for a long time. 10/10 experience. I would so do this tour again.

    Response from the operator: Hello Holly, thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear you had such an amazing experience and were able to observe so many minke whales and a large group of belugas. It's especially heartwarming to know that Tia helped make your day memorable. We'll be sure to share your kind words with her. Thank you for your recommendation, and we hope to welcome you aboard again soon! — The Croisières AML team ⚓

    via Viator

    Patricia_S · September 2026

    Whales were okay but other logistics lacking

    Whales were great, logistics poor. Pre-ordered lunch box was supposed to be available with time to eat 1 hour beforehand And was not until we sailed. Much more explanation in French than English.

    Response from the operator: Hello Patricia, thank you for sharing your experience. We're pleased to hear that you enjoyed the whale watching portion of the excursion. We also appreciate your comments regarding the lunch box availability and the balance of information provided during the tour. Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us. — The Croisières AML team ⚓

    via Viator

    Rose · September 2026

    Pleasant rainy day

    It was a rainy and foggy day, fortunately for us we saw 2 minke whales, some grey seals, and a bunch of birds. The bus ride a long but comfortable. Our tour leader, Eve was fantastic, she was always happy to answer any questions. It turned out to be a pleasant rainy day.

    Response from the operator: Hello Rose, thank you for sharing your experience. We're delighted that, despite the rainy and foggy conditions, you were able to spot minke whales, grey seals, and many birds during your excursion. We're also pleased to hear that Eve's enthusiasm and knowledge helped make the day enjoyable. Thank you for your kind words, and we hope to welcome you aboard again soon! — The Croisières AML team ⚓

    via Viator

    Kenneth_M · September 2026

    Bus Trip to see the Whales

    It was an excellent tour, very confortable ride on the big bus because it is a long trip. We got to see a few whales, no big splashes but those happen by chance. Our tour was excellent, very professional and very knowledgeable of the area and the history. She also did a great job of switching fro French to English. Very well done

    Response from the operator: Hello Kenneth, thank you for your wonderful review! We're delighted that you enjoyed the excursion, the comfortable bus ride and the whale watching experience. We'll be sure to share your kind words with your guide, who will be pleased to know that her knowledge, professionalism and bilingual commentary helped make your day so enjoyable. — the Croisières AML team ⚓

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    11 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $190 to $260
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    161
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Croisieres AML, who run 6 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 60.5.

    See everything Croisieres AML runs

    Why this scores 67

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)44
    Review evidence (18% weight)81
    Booking momentum (14% weight)78
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)0
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Québec City: Whale Watching Tour with Bus Transportation: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Quebec City.

    How much does Québec City: Whale Watching Tour with Bus Transportation cost?

    +

    Prices start at $190 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Quebec City usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Québec City: Whale Watching Tour with Bus Transportation take?

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    Plan for about 11 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Quebec City is not rushed.

    Is Québec City: Whale Watching Tour with Bus Transportation worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 67 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.2/5 across 459 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Quebec City, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Québec City: Whale Watching Tour with Bus Transportation?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Québec City: Whale Watching Tour with Bus Transportation suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 11-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Québec City: Whale Watching Tour with Bus Transportation?

    +

    Around 161 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Quebec City can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Quebec City and add a light layer if any part of the 11-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Québec City: Whale Watching Tour with Bus Transportation start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Quebec City within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Quebec City?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Quebec City experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Old Quebec Classique Walking Tour with Funicular, Uncover Old Quebec: Fun Walking Tour with a guide-Gratuity based, Quebec City Walking Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Quebec City?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Quebec City?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Québec City: Whale Watching Tour with Bus Transportation?

    +

    Included: Expert and certified naturalist guide onboard; Waterproof jacket and pants (if choosing the Zodiac option); All Fees and Taxes; 2.5-hour or 3-hour whale-watching cruise; and Bilingual commentary. Not included: Food and drink; and Binoculars. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Québec City: Whale Watching Tour with Bus Transportation?

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    The bus departs from the Fontaine de Tourny in Québec City at 9 a.m. Please present yourself 30 minutes before the departure. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Québec City: Whale Watching Tour with Bus Transportation offered in?

    +

    It is offered in English and French. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Québec City: Whale Watching Tour with Bus Transportation?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Québec City: Whale Watching Tour with Bus Transportation wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Zodiac excursions are not advisable, and even prohibited for certain persons such as young. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Québec City: Whale Watching Tour with Bus Transportation if the weather is bad?

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    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Québec City: Whale Watching Tour with Bus Transportation?

    +

    Across 459 reviews averaging 4.2 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    What booking options are available for Québec City: Whale Watching Tour with Bus Transportation?

    +

    There are 2 options to choose from, including Zodiac Cruise, Big Boat Cruise. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Québec City: Whale Watching Tour with Bus Transportation.

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