Do you ever dream of maritime scenery and adventure? Then set a course for Tadoussac, a picturesque village standing at the edge of the boreal forest, near the Saguenay Fjord and a stone’s throw from the sea. Tadoussac was successively a major trade area for Aboriginal people, a whale and beluga hunting ground, a safe harbour for explorers Cartier and Champlain and a vacation resort as early as 1864! The Tadoussac Hotel, with its whitewashed walls, maritime colours, red roof, dormer windows and cupola marking the centre of the building, calls to mind an enormous lighthouse standing not quite a cable’s length from the magnificent sandy beach nearby. The hotel’s silhouette is like a beacon; for generations, navigators have been using it as a landmark when piloting their vessels in the St. Lawrence. The building’s architecture testifies to the close bond between Tadoussac and the sea. As you look out from the hotel terrace, you will see an ocean of green, marsh hay, sails, boats, sea foam and, in the distance, whales. This prestigious vacation destination, long treasured by wealthy American tourists, was little-known by Quebecers until the early 1980s. Since coming under the administration of the Groupe Dufour, the Tadoussac Hotel has seen its popularity steadily increase, drawing tourists, specialists and naturalists from around the globe who come to watch whales in a superb natural setting. And the charming coastal village casts its own spell over our guests… Couples on a romantic getaway, outdoor enthusiasts, ecologists and amateur photographers set out on the St. Lawrence, heroically braving the elements, for a chance to see whales up close! A stay with us is what you want it to be: a haven of tranquility, your springboard to adventure, the perfect place for a tête-à-tête with that special someone or a great family vacation. Great Hall Long considered the jewel in the crown of Canada Steamship Lines (a company specializing in deluxe cruises and hotels), the Tadoussac Hotel showcased a fabulous collection of Canadian furniture and traditional Montagnais objects. Under the leadership of William Hugh Coverdale, president of Canadian Steamship Lines and an avid ethnographer, the Tadoussac Hotel became what was undoubtedly the first hotel/museum in Quebec. Acquired by the Quebec Government, this sizable collection doubled the number of heritage artifacts owned by the province. Fortunately, the Tadoussac has kept certain pieces of the original china used at the hotel, in addition to a collection of illustrations and photographs taken over the past hundred years. These items, presently exhibited in the Great Hall, testify to the hotel’s prestigious past. The historical cachet of the Tadoussac Hotel inexorably draws history buffs fascinated by the site of the first French settlement in the Americas. Other artifacts recognized as part of Quebec’s cultural heritage are preserved and, if required, carefully restored by the Groupe Dufour. The Hall is the nerve centre of the hotel, whose lifeblood ebbs and flows with the tides. The 19th century décor in the Great Hall creates an inviting, relaxing atmosphere conducive to making conversation. Enjoyable and discreet mood music is provided by our pianist who plays well-known melodies. Who would have thought a hall could be so welcoming? One thing is certain: When you walk through the Hall just before checking out of the hotel, you will feel the pang of loss associated with leaving a dear friend—this riverside community. But don’t worry. On your next trip to Tadoussac, you will feel a rush of emotion upon seeing the bay, the village and its friendly inhabitants. In your heart, it’s like you have come home. The Tadoussac Hotel has the white, overlapping siding and bright red metal roof typical of 19th century hotels on the Eastern American seaboard. Even today, it has retained the appeal of a summer hotel of yesteryear. Enjoy the rustic comfort without the noisy gadgets of modern society. Unwind in a beautiful natural setting, away from the rat race of the city. You will feel like you have been deliciously marooned at the far end of the Earth. Tranquility you can savor. Our 149 rooms have all been renovated, though they still have the cachet of a more romantic era, with floral and nautical touches that are pleasing to the eye. Some rooms have a balcony with a view of the sea, where you can relax with your cup of morning coffee or a night cap while watching the whales swim in the river or the cargo ships and cruise boats sail by. In Tadoussac, you plan your day around the ebb and flow of the tides.