We left Tadoussac early to catch the tide and make the best of the current, and also to give ourselves some time to view any wildlife that might be hanging around. I don't think we were fifteen minutes out of the harbor when we started seeing belugas, and we happily slowed down to watch them roll and dive. When else will we get this chance? Dan said "I think they're coming right for us!" and put the boat in neutral. I was on the cabin top with the camera, watching some off the starboard side when Dan cried out excitedly "Come see this!! Come back here!!" Three beluga whales swam right up to the stern of Willie Dawes to check us out, or perhaps to bid us farewell. We were so awestruck I almost forgot I was holding the camera.
They each took a good look at us and after ten minutes or so, swam away. About half an hour later we were surrounded by minke whales and one finback whale, all of whom played around the boat for almost an hour. It was an amazing experience - we would be watching one or two playing off the port side and hear a large blow and turn to see one off the stern. There were five or six of them just hanging out with us. For about half that time a large grey seal watched all the frolicking.
What an incredible day! We will always remember this encounter. We reluctantly left the whales behind and started across the St. Lawrence. We've read many an account about how difficult this can be, given the strong and contrary currents, tidal range, and wind. However, we had a beautiful day and very calm seas, with light winds. It was an easy cruise across to the Southern side, where we dropped the hook in Anse a L'Orignal (Moose Cove), part of the Ile du Bic Bird Sanctuary park.
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