TADOUSSAC

• CATAD
• Latitude: 48.1344
• Longitude: -69.72
• East Coast Canada
• Port in Canada

Location: Canada

Marine Port Description and Specifications: Tadoussac, Canada

Location: Tadoussac is a small village located in the province of Quebec, Canada, at the confluence of the Saguenay and Saint Lawrence rivers. It is approximately 200 kilometers northeast of Quebec City.

Geographical Coordinates: Latitude: 48.1431° N
Longitude: 69.7185° W

Port Type:

• Tadoussac primarily serves as a recreational and tourism port rather than a major commercial shipping hub.
• It is notable for its historical significance and as a gateway to the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park.

Historical Significance:

• Tadoussac is one of the oldest surviving settlements in North America, with a history dating back over 400 years.
• The port area has been designated as a National Historic Site of Canada.

Port Infrastructure:

• Marinas: Facilities available for pleasure craft and small boats. Tadoussac Marina provides docking services for visiting boats, often catering to tourists exploring the region.
• Passenger Services: The port accommodates seasonal ferries and tour boats, mainly focusing on whale-watching excursions, a popular activity due to the diverse marine life in the vicinity.
• Draft and Depth: Generally suitable for smaller vessels. The specifics of depth may vary; visitors should check local marina information.
• Piers and Docks: The port includes several piers and floating docks for mooring.

Key Features:

• Scenic Views: Tadoussac offers picturesque views of the surrounding waterscape, including vistas of the Saint Lawrence River and the entrance to Saguenay Fjord.
• Whale Watching: Tadoussac is renowned for its whale-watching opportunities, with regular sightings of belugas, minkes, and humpback whales.
• Accessibility: While not a major commercial port, Tadoussac is easily accessible to visitors traveling by car, with routes connected to major cities in Quebec.

Nearby Facilities:

• Tourist Services: Hotels, restaurants, and tourist information centers serve the needs of visitors.
• Lighthouse: The Pointe-Noire Interpretation and Observation Centre features a lighthouse that offers historical exhibits and whale-watching platforms.
• Nature Trails: Numerous hiking trails nearby, including those in the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park.
• Cultural Heritage: Tadoussac Chapel—one of the oldest wooden chapels in North America—as well as museums and historic sites.

Environmental Considerations:

• The region prioritizes the conservation of marine life and natural habitats, with several protected areas and regulations in place.
• Eco-friendly tourism practices are encouraged to minimize the impact on marine biodiversity, especially concerning whale watching and natural resource conservation.

Summary: Tadoussac is a marine port primarily dedicated to tourism and recreation, set against the backdrop of a historically rich and ecologically significant region. It offers various facilities for small boats and pleasure craft and serves as a major gateway for marine excursions and whale-watching adventures. The port’s infrastructure supports a vibrant tourism industry with a focus on preserving the natural environment and historical significance of the area.