Autumn on the river: a season to discover
As Simon says, “Autumn is the best time of summer.” The light is softer, the forests are an explosion of color—it's the perfect time to embark on a cruise and enjoy this spectacle from the river. Here's what you need to know for an unforgettable experience.
Weather conditions: tie on your hats!
With the arrival of autumn, fog no longer invites itself onto our cruises, but it is the wind that becomes an element to watch out for. When the Nordet (northeast wind) blows in autumn, it can make sailing a little less comfortable, or even force us to postpone or cancel trips. That said, we still have beautiful sunny days, with clear skies and pleasant temperatures, which is ideal for whale watching. To fully enjoy your cruise, check the weather forecast and be prepared: bring several layers of warm clothing and stay on site for a few days , in case we have to postpone your cruise to the next day.
A fauna in motion
Autumn is also a time of change for marine wildlife. Although many whales appear to have already left the cold waters of the St. Lawrence, several individuals were still in the area in recent days, enjoying their last few weeks of feeding before heading to warmer waters to return to their breeding grounds. This is the case of the fin whale Zipper (BP097) and the humpback whale Baobab (H917) , which have offered us superb observations in recent days.
In search of white-sided dolphins
Fall is also a good time to spot Atlantic white-sided dolphins. While they aren't present every year and usually only spend a few days in our area, recent sightings in Matane suggest they might make an appearance in the estuary in the coming days. Keep your eyes peeled during your cruise—luck can strike at any time!
Last sailings of the season
In a few days, our company will be the last to sail on the Escoumins River. There will be fewer boats on the river, which will give us more opportunities to take out our hydrophone and hopefully intercept some whale conversations. Come experience this with us!
Whether you're a nature enthusiast or simply looking for a quiet getaway, autumn offers the perfect blend of beauty and serenity. Come aboard the Harfang 3 and be enchanted by the wonders this season has to offer!
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