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 Our
motel room in San Simeon literally backed into a babbling brook.
Unfortunately, due to its general disrepair, we could not sleep with
the window open, but we certainly could start our day with some
pretty pictures.
We were up early, because we had a 25 mile drive to Tadoussac to
catch the Whale boat that itself was leaving 8am with or without us
aboard. 6:30 found us tooling eastward while Jesse napped in back. |
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 My
translation abilities are a little rusty before breakfast, but this
sign caused me to do a four wheel skid to stop and read it
(dictionary in hand). Yes, indeed, it was telling us that Dynamite
may be blasting, and that a signal would be given. Oh, and "Thank-you".
Now I respect the Francophones as much as the next man, and do not
wish to oppress anybody's cultural roots, but would common decency
call for this sign to be printed in BOTH official Canadian
languages? There would be Quebecois marching in the streets if
this particular sign appeared in Winnipeg in only English, that's for sure. |
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 We
arrived early enough to purchase tickets and then enjoy a hot
breakfast. We had some fun, misidentifying Apples (Pommes) and
Potatoes (Pommes de Terra): "Fried Apples?" "Potato
Muffins?" but everything was, of course, what you would expect,
not what you thought you read. |
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We boarded the whale boat and enjoyed our 3 hour tour (shades of
"Gilligan's Island"). It was chilly and damp on the outside
viewing decks, but coffee was available and there were plenty of
comfortable seats inside the out of the elements. Our tour guide gave
each explanation in both French and English, pointing out that she
alternated which I went first (to be fair). Her heavy French accent
was delightful and difficult to follow, but that trip was a delight. |
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 The
St Lawrence around Taddousac is a popular location for whale
watching, and we were not disappointed. Several whales made their
appearance. When the announcement was made, half the passengers would
immediately move, point, or look, with the other half repeating a few
moments later. |
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 This
is a different whale from the one above, but you get the idea. While
they "all look alike", you don't go on a whale boat for the
pictures. Obviously, the sight of these immense creatures, lumbering
around, alongside your boat, is a breathtaking experience.
By the way, the industry is heavily regulated to minimize the
historic harassment of the poor whales. We took the more sedate boat,
although we saw smaller groups, decked out in wet suits and life
vests taking the "extreme" version in Zodiac rafts. They
were close enough to smell the blubber, not my idea of fun. |
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 Along
with the whales, we were given a small boat tour of the inlet, with
the Taddousac Inn being very picturesque. We were told several
colorful stories about various inlets, and rock formations, and some
of them were probably even true. What a delightful morning.
We gave Jesse control of the one camera, and he rewarded us with two
full rolls of distant blurry whale fins. It was quieting to watch him
grow up in front of us. |
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  We
had a boring drive from Taddousac back to the Ferry at San Simeon
and onto Evanston, New Brunswick. There was a lot of confusion about
getting a hotel, but it all worked out well. After leaving Quebec,
the signs began to appear in both French and English (English first),
so the adventure, however small, was over. |
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Original Web Upload December 2000
Last Update: August 5, 2001 |
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Whale Watching in Taddousac
