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The Whale Route
While following the Whale Route...
Your initiation to the lifestyles of a profusion of species found in the
St. Lawrence River. Punctuated by an impressive number of marine and land
observation sites, this officially recognized tourist route follows Route
138 and runs along the whole coast. The region is among the five best places
in the world where you can admire and follow the progression of a wide
variety of marine mammals. Search for the blue signs with the smiling beluga
whale effigy, and embark on the Whale Route!
Giant Creatures in Migration
Each spring, hundreds of whales turn their back on the Atlantic Ocean to
relax in the St. Lawrence Gulf waters. Then they take the actual Whale
Route, which borders the Côte-Nord from Blanc- Sablon to the mouth
of the Saguenay, passing through the Jacques-Cartier Strait and the Laurentien
Channel.
Delicious Stopover
Apparently, the whales have never shown any difficulty finding food in
the waters of the St. Lawrence where the fish and plankton are abundant.
Therefore, they return, always attracted by this lavish source of food.
Krill is the main source of food for whales as well as for different types
of fish such as capelin, herring, mackerel and sand lance. These fish also
serve as meals for cetaceans, seals and seabirds. Under the effects of
the currents, the tides and the topography of the sea floor, this “manna”
accumulates in areas that are well-known to whales. Thus, feeding becomes
their primary activity. However, summer flies by quickly and each bite
counts, so they have a whale of a time and eat their hearts out!
The River is an Observation Field...
Most whale watching cruises leave from Manicouagan, in the Saguenay–St.
Lawrence Marine Park sector. To ensure the security of the passengers and
to preserve this unique treasure, whale watching is done under regulations,
which you must adhere to as a cruisepassenger. Since blue whales can be
seen breathing from several kilometres away, you can also admire them from
the shore, as well as minke whales and humpback whales that give a show
that is always appreciated. Keep an eye out from April to November, because
the rest areas, the ferries and the excursions out at sea offer numerous
occasions to see one of the thirteen species that travel the Whale Route.
Get to know them better
In order to get to know these fabulous giants of the sea, and to fully
take advantage of your whale watching experiences, come and meet specialists
on the subject at the Centre d’interprétation des mammifères
marins (CIMM) in Tadoussac or at the Centre de recherche et d’interprétation
de la Minganie (CRIM) in Longue- Pointe-de-Mingan. In-season, the Internet
site www.baleinesendirect.net
gives you the opportunity to follow their daily movements almost in real-time.
The Whale Route and the Call of the Sea
The sizable whale population off the coast of the North Shore testifies
to the bountiful food in the sea. Visitors will enjoy seeing these majestic
animals up close, including blue whales, the largest animals on the planet,
mink whales, gentle belugas (which can be seen at Baie-Sainte-Marguerite)
and spectacular humpback whales, in addition to countless seals playing
in the water. You can head out on a whale-watching expedition with a small
group in a zodiac or on a larger vessel able to accommodate up to 600 passengers.
Both are very popular for family vacations. You can also see the whales
from shore at Cap-de-Bon-Désir. A whole undersea universe awaits
intrepid scuba divers, notably at Escoumins.
The receding tides unveil mysteries of their own, like the salt marshes
at Longue-Rive or Pointe-aux-Outardes, a lush, 175-hectare habitat that
is home to many species of birds. The many shipwrecks in the area, including
a vessel from General Phips' fleet, are haunting images of Canada's maritime
history. Lighthouses throughout the area stand resolutely against wind
and waves, stalwart defenders defying the might of the fickle seas. At
Île Rouge and Pointe-des-Monts, you can stay at a lighthouse and
let the sound of the waves rock you to sleep. These same waves gently lap
the beaches and sand bars of white sand where you can go swimming in the
sea.
Heading North on the Trans Quebec-Labrador Highway
The impressive Manicouagan forest extends through the hinterland all the
way to New Quebec, over territory dotted with mountains, lakes and rivers.
Thirty-five years ago, Hydro-Québec began tapping the region's energy-making
potential, building nine major hydro-electric installations in the process,
including the famous Manic 5. The water of the reservoir above the dam
forms a perfect circle, in the centre of which is René-Levasseur
Island. The reservoir itself is one of the biggest meteor craters on Earth.
Formed 214 million years ago, this gigantic crater is even visible from
space. Rock climbing enthusiasts love to test their mettle by conquering
one of the thirty peaks in the Groulx Mountains standing over 1000 m (3300
feet) above sea level. Admire the wondrous landscape, whose ecological
diversity is far greater than meets the eye. The region has undertaken
the steps required to have the vast spaces around the Manicouagan crater
and the Groulx Mountains be designated a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
Manicouagan
Experience the way of life on the North Shore that ebbs and flows with
the tides. You will be warmly greeted by the region's friendly yet stoic
residents, descendants of settlers who arrived in the area by ship several
centuries ago. The many villages in the area all have a special maritime
charm.
Today, the region's economy forced the local population to move away from
the coast and head inland to tap the abundant natural resources of the
hinterland.
Come to Manicouagan to get away from it all. The bracing sea air, relics
of a fascinating maritime past and magnificent wildlife have a soothing
effect on the soul. Unwind amid scenery of unparalleled beauty, 80% of
which is accessible to the public. Manicouagan, the destination of choice
for whale-watching cruises, also offers excellent site-seeing opportunities
by boat or romantic walks along the soft, sandy beaches stretching for
miles along the shore. A wonderful paradise on Earth.
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© Tourisme Côte-Nord 1999-2008
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