It was sad to leave but the docking fees in the old city were enough to push us on toward Tadoussac.  The seaway changed its character dramatically past Quebec city.. The landscape changed from heavily populated metro and urban development to very rural.  We luckily decided to top up our supplies in Quebec city in anticipation of the change.

The seaway has dropped from a Summery 23°C to a meer 8°C over the course of the day as tides bring in the frigid North Atlantic sea.  Our progress is altered hour by hour due to the effects of the tidal currents.  We reached a peek speed of 11.6 knots during tidal ebb and dropped to 3 knots on tidal flood.  The water here is brackish as the sea water mixes with the fresh great lakes water.  Here there be whales!

We have started our whale watch as we approach Tadoussac.  There are up to 13 species of whales in the waters of the St. Lawrence including Blue whales, the largest animals on the planet.  The Right whale is an endangered species with only 300-350 whales.  If we are lucky enough to see one, we will report the sighting so the pod can be tracked.  Our chances are good since there are quite a number of successful whale watch boats operating out of Tadoussac – a town of only 900.

Just in case anyone is wondering about the cuisine on board while under way, trust me, we are not suffering.

We are safely anchored in Tadoussac Bay tonight ready for a full day to explore the town.