(Photo: Mer et Monde Écotours)
Sea kayaking is fun. Doing it in the whales’ courtyard becomes an outdoor experience that will forever mark your imagination.
The good news is that you don’t have to go far to experience this thrilling adventure. The St. Lawrence River is among the world’s sought-after destinations for observing small cetaceans and other large colossi of the sea.
To maximize the number of encounters with these marine giants, head for the Bergeronnes sector, on the North Shore. A vast marine trench where plankton abounds, this part of the river is transformed – particularly from July to September – into a gigantic larder that a dozen marine mammals love. From the tiny porpoise to the giant blue whale.
Do you prefer belugas? Direction Tadoussac. This marine environment, located at the mouth of the Saguenay, favors meetings with the most sociable of cetaceans. Note, the St. Lawrence River is one of the rare places south of the Arctic Ocean where the charming little white whale comes to make its rounds. Minke whales are also among the mammals present in this area.
Obviously, seeing a whale emerge in the salt waters of the river provides its share of thrills. Even stronger palpitations when this spectacle occurs a few meters from your boat. You may wait impatiently for this moment, but the element of surprise grips you when the cetacean, small or large, surfaces. A moment of happiness to savor.
Where to go?
The guides from Mer et Monde Écotours, based in Les Bergeronnes, will take you paddling in the company of whales every day until the beginning of October. The one-day package includes a lunch break on the Baie des Anémones beach in Les Escoumins. Starting at $110.50 plus taxes, per adult.www.mer-et-monde.qc.ca
Azimut Adventure
Your schedule allows it – and three of your friends are ready to follow you – highly recommend the “Meeting the last giants” package offered by this company. On the program: five days of kayaking on the river and at the mouth of the Saguenay Fjord during which the sight of whales is guaranteed. Even between launches, at feeding time, the whales are visible from the base camp. Package cost: from $1,500 per person, including accommodation and meals. www.azimutaventure.com
