The Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre (CIMM) is a natural science museum dedicated to the whales of the St. Lawrence River, located on de la Cale Sèche in Tadoussac, Quebec. This 2026 visitor guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport or parking, accessibility, and practical visitor tips.
This guide was updated in March 2026, confirming the 2026 season operating dates running from 3 May to 1 November.
Quick facts
| Feature | Details |
| Opening hours | 3 May–12 June: 09:00–17:00. 13 June–1 November: 09:00–18:00 |
| Ticket prices | Adults $17. Children (17 and under) Free |
| Address | 108 de la Cale Sèche, Tadoussac, QC G0T 2A0, Canada |
| Nearest public transport or parking | Adjacent municipal paid parking lot |
| Typical time needed | 1 hour |
Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre opening hours
The Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre opening hours are seasonal, operating exclusively between May and early November. From 3 May to 12 June, the facility is open daily from 09:00 to 17:00.
During the peak summer and early autumn season, from 13 June to 1 November, the hours are extended to run from 09:00 to 18:00. The centre is completely closed to the public during the winter months from November to April.
Why book the Tadoussac Whale-Watching Cruise?
- 🐋 World-Class Whale Watching: Explore the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park, widely considered one of the best places on Earth to observe up to 13 different species of whales, including humpbacks, minkes, and the massive blue whale.
- 🛳️ Vessel Options: Choose your adventure by booking either a large, comfortable sightseeing boat with panoramic decks and indoor cabins, or a smaller, high-speed zodiac for a thrilling, close-to-the-water experience.
- 🎓 Certified Naturalist Guides: Gain deep insights into marine biology and conservation through live commentary provided by expert naturalist-guides who help you spot and identify the diverse wildlife.
- 🐳 Beluga Encounters: Get the rare opportunity to see the iconic St. Lawrence belugas, the white whales that reside in these waters year-round, in their stunning natural habitat.
- 🏞️ Dramatic Fjord Scenery: Sail past the towering cliffs and breathtaking landscapes of the Saguenay Fjord, where the freshwater of the river meets the saltwater of the Atlantic.
Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre ticket prices
General admission Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre ticket prices are $17 for adults, with all local taxes included. Children aged 17 and under receive free entry when accompanied by a paying adult. Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in March 2026.
5 great experiences around Tadoussac to book now
- 🐋 Spot whales on a Zodiac tour in the beluga whale-watching capital of the world.
- 🐻 Combine your whale-watching tour with a black bear-viewing experience.
- 🛶 See wildlife from the water on a Saguenay Fjord sea kayaking tour.
- 🏞️ Go on an ATV adventure to take in the best views of Saguenay Fjord.
- 🐕 Meet the gorgeous sled dogs on a behind-the-scenes kennel tour.
How to get to the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre
You can reach the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre by driving to the village of Tadoussac via Route 138. If travelling from Quebec City or the southern shore, this route requires taking the free, 24-hour Baie-Sainte-Catherine to Tadoussac vehicle ferry across the Saguenay Fjord.
There is no direct long-distance rail service to Tadoussac. Intercity bus services operate limited seasonal routes to the village, dropping passengers within walking distance of the museum.
Parking at the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre
Parking at the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre is available in a designated paved lot immediately adjacent to the museum building. This parking facility is managed by the municipality of Tadoussac rather than the museum itself, meaning municipal paid parking rates apply and spaces fill up rapidly during the peak tourist season.
How long to spend at the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre
Visitors typically spend approximately one hour at the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre. This provides sufficient time to view the central skeletal exhibits, read the informational displays, and interact with the resident naturalists.
Visitors intending to attend the scheduled researcher presentations or spend time observing the river from the outdoor gardens may require up to two hours.
Accessibility at the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre
Accessibility at the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre is supported by a single-level layout on the ground floor, allowing straightforward navigation for manual wheelchairs and mobility aids. The adjacent outdoor Jardin de la Grève features paved pathways providing accessible vantage points over Tadoussac Bay.
What to see at the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre
The Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre focuses heavily on marine biology and the ongoing scientific research conducted by the Group for Research and Education on Marine Mammals (GREMM).
The main exhibition hall houses the largest documented collection of whale skeletons in Canada. The central display features a 13-metre-long sperm whale skeleton suspended alongside other marine species native to the St. Lawrence estuary.
Interactive and tactile exhibits allow visitors to examine a narwhal tooth and baleen plates from a documented North Atlantic right whale named Piper. The centre also features an acoustic section where visitors can listen to underwater recordings of beluga vocalisations and other marine sounds.
The primary exhibition text is presented in French, but English-speaking visitors are provided with translated booklets, and bilingual naturalists are stationed throughout the hall to answer questions.
Outside the main building, the Jardin de la Grève features 5,500 native coastal plants and five life-size beluga whale sculptures. This area functions as an outdoor observation point for spotting wild belugas and minke whales entering the Saguenay River.
Practical visitor tips
| Category | Tip |
| Timing | Arrive at 09:00 to secure parking in the adjacent municipal lot before the daytime whale-watching tour crowds arrive in the harbour. |
| Crowds | The indoor exhibition space is compact and frequently reaches high capacity during the peak July and August tourist season. |
| Layout | Request the English translation booklet at the front desk upon entry if you cannot read the French informational panels. |
| Entry process | Advance reservations are not required for individuals or families, as standard admission tickets are purchased on arrival. |
| On-site logistics | Use the binoculars provided at the outdoor viewpoints to spot marine life from the shore, as the elevated position offers clear sightlines over the water. |
Frequently asked questions about the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre
| Query | Answer |
| Is the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre suitable for children? | Yes, the visual exhibits and large suspended skeletons are suitable for all ages, and children aged 17 and under enter for free. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre? | No, advance booking is only required for large parties of 12 or more people. |
| Is the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre open on Sundays? | Yes, the centre is open seven days a week during its operating season from May to November. |
| Are bags allowed at the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre? | Standard day bags and backpacks are permitted inside the exhibition hall. |
Things to do near the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre
- Sentier de la Pointe-de-l’Islet: A short coastal walking trail offering shore-based whale-watching opportunities on the rocky outcrops.
- Chauvin Trading Post: A historical replica of the first fur trading post established in Canada in the year 1600.
- Tadoussac Marina: The primary departure point for commercial boat and Zodiac cruises into the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park.
- Petite Chapelle de Tadoussac: A historic wooden church situated near the waterfront, noted as the oldest wooden church in North America.
- Saguenay Fjord National Park: A protected wilderness area offering extensive hiking trails and sea kayaking routes along the fjord cliffs.
More Quebec travel
Other Quebec travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- A complete guide to visiting Montmorency Falls near Quebec City.
- Watching black bears in Duchesnay Forest near Quebec City.
- Exploring the French influence on North America in Quebec City.
- Visit the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau.
- A visitor guide to the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal.
