Discover the birds of the Tadoussac area with experts
A birding experience in the region of Tadoussac
The Haute-Côte-Nord region ranks first among the top regions with the greatest diversity of bird species observed, and each year, exceptional rarities are spotted there during our research projects. But that’s not all; the number of birds you can observe is also exceptional in North America.
We offer personalized guided tours exclusively in the Haute-Côte-Nord region (between Tadoussac and Forestville, on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River), tailored to the species you wish to observe. We focus on the region’s best biodiversity sites: ponds, boreal forests, mudflats, and coastal areas rich in migratory and breeding birds.
If you’re passionate about birds and want to explore this region in a unique way this season, or if you’re an beginner birdwatcher, this offer is for you!
Complete the form below to book your birding tour!
Our rates
For a group of 1 to 3 people for a 4-hour tour, the rate range from $225 to $375, plus $40 per additional person (this does not include accommodation, transportation, meals, or tips).
This rate is before taxes, and children under 12 years of age are admitted free of charge.
We are also available to offer day trips and multi-day excursions.
Dates and informations
Book your birding tour, at the date and hour of your choosing. Although the region is primarily known for its spectacular spring and autumn migrations, its diverse habitats make it a prime destination in summer and winter as well.
If you have any wants or needs, species you want to see or places you wanna go, inform us when completing the form below.
Four tours offered
You can choose from the circuits proposed below. However, we are very flexible: if none of these options meet your expectations, we can create a customized itinerary to better suit your specific needs.
Simply let us know your preferences, the species or sites that interest you, as well as any special requests, by completing the form below.
Please also select the circuit that interests you the most in the form.
Biodiversity tour
The Grand Tour of the region. This exceptional circuit goes trough marine, lake, and forest environments. From coastal species to swamp sparrows, from dabbling ducks to forest raptors: in a single day, you’ll cover the entire avian spectrum of the region. A perfect circuit for both amateur and experienced birdwatchers. Between May 15 and June 15, it’s not uncommon to spot more than 100 bird species on this tour. Will you take on the challenge?
Possible target species: Bald Eagle, Sandhill Crane, Mourning Warbler, Rose-breasted Grosbeak.
Period: May 15th to August 20th
Fee: 1 to 3 people: $375 and $40 per additional person (before taxes; does not include accommodation, transportation, meals, or gratuities). Free for children under 12.
Schedule: Departure at 6:00 AM for a 5-hour duration
During the spring migration, Tadoussac transforms into a veritable highway for migratory birds. The region is world-renowned for its sheer numbers of birds. In North America, it’s the place where the largest number of warblers can be observed on the move, as demonstrated by the exceptional day of May 28, 2018, when more than 720,000 individuals were counted. From late April to early June, if conditions are favorable, a ”fallout” of birds and a mass migration are always possible. Will you be lucky enough to witness this phenomenon?
Possible target species: Blackburnian Warbler, Canada Warbler, Evening Grosbeak, American Pipit.
Period: April 20th to June 10th
Fee: 1 to 3 people: $300 and $40 per additional person (before taxes; does not include accommodation, transportation, meals, or gratuities). Free for children under 12.
Immerse yourself in the heart of the boreal forest and explore the region from a different perspective. The Haute-Côte-Nord region lies at the gateway to Quebec’s boreal forest. This tour will take you through several habitats rich in forest birds, including black spruce and jack pine forests, as well as a lake with marshes teeming with ducks, shorebirds, and rails.
Fee: 1 to 3 people: $300 and $40 per additional person (before taxes; does not include accommodation, transportation, meals, or gratuities). Free for children under 12.
Schedule: Departure at 6:00 AM for a duration of 4 hours
Ideal for introducing young explorers to birdwatching, this tour is suitable for all ages. Set off with a guide to the Bay of Escoumins and its rocky coastal headlands, brimming with surprises for both children and adults. Using a spotting scope and binoculars, you’ll learn to identify different bird families and gain insights into their ecology. You might even have the chance to observe marine mammals and carnivorous plants, sparking the curiosity of the whole family.
Possible target species: White-winged Scoter, Razorbill, Bonaparte’s Gull, Barrow’s Goldeneye.
Period: May 1st to August 20th
Price: 1 to 3 people: $225 and $40 per additional person (before taxes; does not include accommodation, transportation, meals, or gratuities). Free for children under 12.
"I couldn't recommend the observatory's guiding program more highly"
“I was lucky enough to participate in the bird guiding program at the Tadoussac Bird Observatory. My guide was Jesse, and he was just great! A very gifted birder, and especially gifted with the ability to bird by ear, more than anyone I’ve ever met. He can actually listen to recordings of bird song, with many different birds calling and singing all at the same time, and differentiate each bird that is on that recording! In the field, it really helps him to know what birds are around us, and to go in the direction of where the birds are that we are hoping to see. He’s very smart and funny, with many interesting stories, and a lot of knowledge about plants and mammals as well as birds. He is a biologist by training, and works at the observatory doing banding, and field work, and other important tasks, when he isn’t out birding or guiding. He speaks fantastic English, so if your French is terrible, or basically non-existent like mine, that is not a problem. I couldn’t recommend the observatory’s guiding program or Jesse more highly. I’m so grateful to have been able to participate, and for all of Jesse’s assistance in seeing all the birds I hoped to see.”
Miriam Bailah, Massachusetts, United-States.
"The warbler experience was unbelievable!"
“We birded in Tadoussac during the spring migration in late May. It was fantastic! We were able to see at least 15 different warblers, as well as many other species, including Swainson’s Thrushes, Long-tailed Ducks, a Ruff, Scoters, Kittiwakes, Brants, Iceland Gulls, huge flocks of Purple Finches, Chipping Sparrows, and so much more.
While birding in Colombia a month earlier, we saw the petite Blackburnian Warbler (4 to 5 inches in length), located one hundred feet up in the canopy. But in Tadoussac? The famished bird was constantly gathering food right in front of us! It was so close at times, that focusing with a 500 mm camera setting was challenging! The warbler experience was unbelievable!
Our guide Jesse made all of it possible. He led us to several hotspots and his impeccable sense of hearing identified the bird while his keen eye invariably found the bird. He is a pleasure to bird with and was always gracious and enthusiastic. Because our French was so abysmal, we really appreciated his ease with speaking English. His knowledge base was enormous. We were sorry when our time with him came to an end. ”
Patty and Richie, Vermont, United-States.
"If you love birds and want to experience the Boreal Forests with an expert, we highly recommend"
“We were in the Quebec area for an Audubon Conference, and made the trip up to Tadoussac after reading about the great birding there in migration. Athough we were there after the big migration push, we knew there were still a lot of birds in the area. We booked a tour from the website (easy!) and Alexandre Terrigeol met us at the famous dunes that morning and we spent the next several hours touring his favorite spots and finding a few lifers! Alexandre was knowledgeable about so much more than birds, and in between birds, we talked about plants, insects, conservation and always about the birds. If you love birds and want to experience the Boreal Forests with an expert, we highly recommend booking a tour. The price may seem, but the observatory does important work protecting habitat and doing research that will help birds. If you don’t do a private tour, highly recommend visiting Les Escoumins to see the great displays they have put up featuring local nature photography, and watching for birds, whales and more off the point. The whole area is beautiful and offers amazing nature we don’t see in the Lower 48! Thanks, Alexandre, for everything, we had a great time with you, and we will be back!”
Karen Carpenter, Texas, United-States
"perfect for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers alike"
“Join us on an unforgettable journey through two of Quebec’s most stunning natural landscapes—Tadoussac Dunes and Baie des Escoumins—perfect for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers alike.
Our adventure begins at the Tadoussac Dunes, famous for its breathtaking migratory passages, where you will observe a variety of bird species in their seasonal movements.
With the vibrant songs of Northern Parulas, Magnolia Warblers, and White-Throated Sparrows filling the air, we’ll discuss their fascinating behaviors and the critical role these ecosystems play in their life cycles.
Next, you will head to Baie des Escoumins, renowned as Quebec’s premier spot for observing gulls and terns.
Here, we’ll delve into the morphological differences and fascinating lifestyles of these seabirds.
Look out for the Cliff Swallows nesting nearby and the abundant sea ducks that call this bay home. As we stroll along the coastline, you’ll also have the chance to see a wide array of shorebirds, including the charming Least Sandpiper.
This tour is a perfect blend of natural beauty, wildlife, and education, offering a deeper understanding of the region’s rich biodiversity.
Whether you’re a seasoned birdwatcher or a newcomer to nature tours, you’re sure to be captivated by the sights and sounds of these extraordinary locations.”
Karin Gehrig from Destinations North America, La baie, Canada.
Under the night wings
As night cover the sky, a remarkable natural phenomenon unfolds silently—or nearly so—overhead.
In spring and autumn, thousands of birds—including thrushes, warblers, and sparrows—migrate under the cover of darkness, their flight calls barely audible to the human ear. Using advance tech equipments and the guidance of a ”flight call” expert, you will be able to “see” this phenomenon that is otherwise invisible to the naked eye. Does this activity appeal to you? Please indicate your interest when filling out the form.
Birdwatching cruise
We are pleased to collaborate once again this year with the company Du Fleuve, based in Les Escoumins, to offer you memorable seabird cruises lasting approximately 2.5 hours. This is a unique opportunity to enjoy this type of cruise outside of the Côte-Nord Migratory Bird Festival.
Board their 12-seat zodiac and let one of our professional ornithologists guide you to explore the seabirds that frequent the St. Lawrence River during their migration. The area is indeed an essential migratory stopover for tens of thousands of seabirds each year, while the Razorbill and the Common Murre, to name just a few, nest on the nearby islands.
For any questions regarding these cruises, we invite you to contact them directly at info@dufleuve.com.
