Tadoussac is located at the mouth of the Saguenay Fjord, where it meets the St. Lawrence River. This is one of the best places in the world to go whale watching. Initially, we thought the Hôtel-Motel Le Béluga was primarily a place for people just passing through. But after spending three nights here, we can safely say: It is the perfect starting point for exploring this beautiful spot in Quebec.
Whether you’re just dropping by for a quick Zodiac tour or staying a bit longer like us, the Hôtel-Motel Le Béluga is our top accommodation recommendation for the area. Here are our impressions of this hotel in Tadoussac.
Arrival and First Impressions: Welcome to the Fjord
The journey there is an experience in itself. Since there is no bridge crossing the fjord, you have to take the ferry. It is free of charge, and the ride takes about 10 minutes. That was just enough time to step out on deck and let the wind blow through our hair. With a bit of luck, you might even spot a whale right then and there.
After the ferry crossing, you are already on the outskirts of Tadoussac. We drove up the hill onto Rue des Pionniers and could spot Le Béluga from afar.
Check-in was a breeze: A large parking lot right next to the reception makes arriving easy. The property is divided into two distinct areas: a classic hotel building and several motel units.
The Location: Quiet, Yet Right in the Middle
The hotel is located in the “upper center” of Tadoussac. This means you aren’t right in the middle of the tourist hustle and bustle down by the harbor, giving you a slightly quieter environment. Nevertheless, everything is close by:
- To the center: The tourist heart with the beach, the marina, and the famous Hotel Tadoussac is only about 400 to 700 meters away.
- On foot: In just 5 to 10 minutes walking downhill, you will reach the restaurants and the departure points for the whale-watching tours. The walk back uphill is a great way to digest your dinner!
Hotel or Motel? Spoiled for Choice
Le Béluga offers both concepts on the same property. We found understanding the difference very important when booking:
The Motel Area (Our Choice)
This area offers a true North American road trip vibe. These are one- or two-story wooden buildings, and access to the rooms is directly from the outside.
- Advantage: You can park right in front of your door—super practical for hauling luggage.
- Rooms: They come in various sizes (for 1 to 6 people), and many feature a balcony.
- Who is it for? Ideal for families, road-trippers, and anyone who wants quick access to their gear.
| Room Type (Motel) | Bed Configuration | Capacity | Features |
| Motel Triple | 2 Queen, 1 Double | 4-6 People | Balcony |
| Chambre 2 lits queen avec balcon | 2 Queen | 1-4 People | Balcony |
| Chambre 1 lit queen avec balcon | 1 Queen | 1-2 People | Balkon |
The Hotel Area
This is a multi-story building featuring a central entrance and internal hallways.
- Important to know: There is no elevator. If you have heavy luggage or mobility issues, you should definitely request a ground-floor room.
- Advantage: You are more protected from the weather when leaving your room.
The hotel area offers several different room categories:
| Room Type (Hotel) | Bed Configuration | Capacity |
| Room (2 Double Beds) | 2 Doppelbetten | 1-4 People |
| Room (2 Double Beds) with Balcony | 2 Doppelbetten | 1-4 People |
| Room (1 Queen + 1 Double) | 1 Queen, 1 Double | 1-4 People |
| Standard Attic Room | 1 Queen | 1-2 Personen |
| Superior Room with Balcony | (nicht spezifiziert) | 1-2 People |
Shared Amenities for Motel and Hotel
Regardless of which room you choose, all guests have access to:
- Picnic tables and patio furniture scattered across the grounds.
- Free Wi-Fi provided throughout the entire complex.
Our Room: Motel Charm with Heating
We booked a room in the motel section. It is slightly cheaper than a room in the hotel area, though according to the hotel’s website description, it is also more simply furnished. We were able to park our car in a reserved spot right in front of our room’s entrance.
The room was large, simple, and functional, but we instantly felt comfortable. Besides the cozy bed, there was a table with chairs, which we found very practical. The bathroom included a bathtub.
A personal highlight: Even though we visited in June, I was incredibly grateful for the working heating! After a wet and windy Zodiac tour out on the water, we were chilled to the bone. It can get crisp at night in an uninsulated wooden building, but thanks to the heater, we and our clothes warmed up and dried off in no time.
Amenities at a Glance (Motel + Hotel):
- Air conditioning (AC) and heating
- Private bathroom with a hairdryer and complimentary toiletries
- Small refrigerator
- Coffee and tea making facilities
- Flat-screen TV
- Wi-Fi
- Hypoallergenic bedding/furnishings
Dining: No Breakfast and No Restaurant
Le Béluga focuses strictly on lodging—there is no breakfast buffet or on-site restaurant. For us, this wasn’t a drawback at all, but rather a great excuse to explore the town. Thanks to the coffee maker and fridge in the room, you have plenty of flexibility.
One morning, we picked up supplies at the Boulangerie À l’Emportée coop (about 160m away). While they do have a few tables to eat inside, the concept is really geared towards people grabbing viennoiserie (croissants, chocolate bread), fresh bread, and pastries to go. Armed with takeaway coffee and delicious croissants, we headed back to the small veranda in front of our room for breakfast.
On our second day, we grabbed breakfast on our way to the beach at Café l’Abri Côtier. Along with a large veranda, they have a fairly spacious indoor dining area. The coffee was excellent, and the display case featured a great selection of freshly prepared breakfast items. It was a bit pricier than the bakery, but we were able to sit comfortably and ease into the day.
Conclusion
The Hôtel-Motel Le Béluga might not be a luxury resort, but it is a clean, exceptionally well-located place to stay. We were especially won over by the easy parking situation and the cozy motel rooms. We would definitely check in here again for our next whale-watching trip.
Travel Information
Address
191 Rue des Pionniers,
Tadoussac, QC G0T 2A0, Kanada
Webseite
How to get there
by the Tadoussac–Baie-Sainte-Catherine ferry
There is no bridge spanning the Saguenay Fjord where it flows into the St Lawrence River. The ferry forms part of National Route 138 and is free to use. The service is free for all types of vehicles (cars, motorbikes, campervans) as well as for passengers and cyclists.
The ferries operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The frequency varies depending on the time of day:
During the day: Departures are frequent, often every 13 to 20 minutes. In peak season, two or three ferries are often in service at the same time.
At night: In the late night and early morning hours (e.g. 00:00 to 05:00), the frequency is reduced to hourly departures (e.g. 01:00, 02:00, 03:00).
Journey time: The actual journey time is just 10 minutes. However, there are additional waiting times for boarding.
By bus
The bus service is the only direct public transport link to Tadoussac.
The service to Tadoussac is part of a long-distance bus network linking the Montréal metropolitan area with the remote outposts of the Côte-Nord. The bus runs once a day from Québec City to Tadoussac. During the high season (summer), additional buses are occasionally provided.
Parking
Tadoussac suffers from a severe shortage of parking spaces during the high season, and public car parks often charge a fee.
Le Béluga offers free parking for its guests. Parking spaces are allocated to specific rooms.
Check-in and check-out
Check-in time: from 14:30
Check-out time: 11:00
Reception opening hours: The reception is staffed daily from 09:00 to 17:00. As the reception closes at 17:00, there is a key collection system in place for guests arriving later. It is essential to inform the hotel in advance (by telephone or email).
Accessibility
The hotel building does not have a lift (stairs!). Guests with mobility difficulties should book a room on the ground floor (motel).
Language
The main language is French, but you’ll have no trouble getting by at reception using English.
FAQ
Until when can I cancel free of charge?
Cancellations are permitted up to 5 days before arrival. For cancellations made within the 5-day period, the cost of the first night (including taxes) will be charged. The remainder of the booking will be forfeited.
What payment methods are accepted?
We accept Visa, Mastercard, debit cards and cash. American Express (AMEX) is not accepted.
Is there a smoking ban?
The entire hotel is a non-smoking area. Violations will result in a cleaning fee of $200.
Can I bring my pet?
Pets are not permitted at Le Béluga.
What is the noise level like?
Due to the central location on the main road and the building’s design, there may be some noise disturbance.
Published 31 July 2026
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