A Hilltop Family Inn Above the Whale-Watching Bay
Hôtel Sous la Croix is a small, owner-operated inn at 3 rue Sous-la-Croix, perched on the hill above the village of Tadoussac with the St Lawrence Estuary stretching out below. Three floors, half-basement, ground and first, house 19 rooms across six categories, from a queen-bed half-basement room to a two-bedroom suite for families. The property is registered with the Quebec government under CITQ tourist-accommodation registration No. 152725, the legal trust signal that has replaced the old star rating system since Quebec abolished mandatory hotel classification on 31 August 2023.
The location does most of the heavy lifting here, five minutes downhill on foot to the village, the chapel, the marina and the whale-watching cruise quay; about a kilometre to the free 24-hour Tadoussac–Baie-Sainte-Catherine ferry. Guests consistently rate the location and the staff among the property's strongest points, and single out the front-desk lady, Léona, for a warm Quebec country welcome.
Two Shared Self-Catering Kitchens, A Tadoussac Rarity
Two shared kitchens, one in the half-basement and one upstairs, give every guest a real alternative to restaurant dinners. Each is fitted with sink, fridge, oven, microwave, toaster and the usual cookware; you bring the groceries, the property supplies the kit. Café Bohème and Café l'Abri Côtier are a five-minute walk down the hill for fresh pastries and coffee in the morning; Chez Mathilde and La Galouïne are around 750 yards away for a sit-down dinner. The shared kitchens are a genuine money-saver during whale season, and a feature the Tadoussac competition (Hôtel Tadoussac, Le Béluga, Le Pionnier) doesn't offer.
Free outdoor parking sits at the door, a real saving versus the paid lots in the village core in July and August. Free Wi-Fi covers every room, every room is air-conditioned and non-smoking, and the property runs a summer transfer service to the whale-watching quay at the foot of the hill.
Open 1 May – 31 October, Plan Around Whale Season
The property is seasonal, open from 1 May through 31 October only, in line with Tadoussac's whale-watching season (rorquals, minkes, humpbacks, fin and blue whales feed at the confluence of the St Lawrence and the Saguenay fjord; belugas are year-round). July and August are peak; June includes the Festival de la Chanson de Tadoussac (11–14 June 2026, 42nd edition) which transforms the village; September and October tend to be the best months for reliable whale sightings and lighter crowds.
The property does not have an elevator, three floors connected by stairs only. Guests with mobility needs should request one of the ground-floor rooms (Chambre rez-de-chaussé or Chambre vue mer). The host is primarily French-speaking, in keeping with Tadoussac's francophone character, bring a translation app or basic phrases for the warmest welcome, or pre-arrange anything important by email at souslacroix@hotmail.com.
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Interesting Points About Hôtel Sous la Croix 152725
- Quebec CITQ tourist-accommodation registration No. 152725 is publicly listed against the property, the provincial Ministry's record of compliance with Tadoussac's seasonal-accommodation operating rules.
- Seasonal operation 1 May to 31 October only, with the building closed for the off-season; a structural-supply detail that materially shifts year-round availability (no winter-quiet-time bookings) and which guests on the late-season fringe (mid-October) should pre-book around to avoid the closing-week service rampdown that 2025 October reviews reference.
- Two shared self-catering kitchens across the 19-unit inventory (rare for a Tadoussac small inn, where most peers ship as room-only); the practical implication is that families and longer-staying whale-watching guests can self-cater, with the nearest village grocery on a flat 5-minute walk down the hill.
- Located on a hill above the village with views over the St Lawrence Estuary, the property sits a 5-minute walk down to the whale-watching marina; that hilltop position is a genuine trade-off between the view and the uphill return trip, a detail the standard listing flattens but which mobility-limited travellers should plan around.
Rooms & Accommodation at Hôtel Sous la Croix 152725
Double Room
Sleeps 2 · 18 m² · Private bathroom · Queen bed
The standard category, an 18 m² double with one queen bed, hardwood floors, air conditioning and a private shower bathroom. A clean, no-frills room for one or two guests. Access to both shared self-catering kitchens (basement and upstairs) is included with every booking.
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Budget Double Room
Sleeps 2 · 18 m² · Private bathroom · Queen bed
The cheapest category, an 18 m² half-basement queen with a private bathroom, ideal for solo travellers and couples on a Whale Route stop who don't need a window view. A few steps from the basement shared kitchen. The lowest published rate at the property and the most-booked option for a one-night stay.
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Double Room with Balcony and Sea View
Sleeps 2 · 18 m² · Sea view · Private balcony
An 18 m² ground-floor queen with a private balcony looking towards the St Lawrence Estuary, the highest-converting room at the property. Wake up to belugas in the bay if the season and tides cooperate. Hardwood floor, air conditioning, private bathroom and free Wi-Fi. No stairs to reach this room, which makes it the practical choice for guests with mobility needs.
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Double Room with Single Bed
Sleeps 3 · 18 m² · Family layout · Double + single
The 1st-floor Chambre famille, an 18 m² triple with one double bed and one single, a desk and a private shower bathroom. Sleeps three. The rear orientation keeps it quiet at night. Stairs only. There is no elevator. Access to both shared self-catering kitchens.
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Double Room with Two Double Beds
Sleeps 4 · 18 m² · Two double beds · Family-friendly
An 18 m² quadruple with two double beds and a private bathroom, the practical family-of-four configuration with hardwood floors, air conditioning and access to both shared self-catering kitchens. The most-booked family room at the property during whale season.
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Two-Bedroom Suite
Sleeps 6 · 46 m² · Two bedrooms · Kitchenette
The flagship, a 46 m² half-basement two-bedroom suite sleeping up to six. Main bedroom has a queen bed with windows and private bathroom; second bedroom is windowless and quiet, set up with additional beds for children. Includes a small kitchenette in addition to the two shared kitchens. The best layout for a family or two couples sharing the Whale Route trip.
Check PricesIs Hôtel Sous la Croix Right for You?
Best Suited For
- Whale-watching travellers in May–October who want a five-minute walk to the Croisières AML / Otis / Mer et Monde quay
- Budget couples and families on a Quebec road trip after honest, no-frills value near the whale-watching quay
- Self-caterers who want a real kitchen: two shared kitchens (basement + upstairs) are a Tadoussac rarity
- Free-parking seekers: outdoor parking is free at the door, saving the village's paid lots in July and August
- Solo travellers and kayakers basing themselves a short drive from Saguenay Fjord National Park trailheads
- Festival de la Chanson de Tadoussac visitors (11–14 June 2026): book months ahead, the entire village sells out
- Ground-floor seekers: the Sea View Balcony and ground-floor categories sidestep the property's stairs entirely
- Guests happy to practise a little French: the host is primarily francophone and Tadoussac is a francophone village
Worth Considering Alternatives If
- You need an elevator: there isn't one; three floors connected by stairs only. Request a ground-floor room or look elsewhere
- You're travelling November through April: the property is closed (1 May – 31 October only). For winter try Hôtel Tadoussac
- You want a full hotel breakfast served by the property: it isn't on offer; you self-cater or walk down to Café Bohème / Café l'Abri Côtier
- You need polished, modern finishes: this is a homespun, family-run inn with hardwood floors and individually decorated rooms, not a refit
- You're bringing a pet without prior arrangement: pets aren't generally allowed; small pets only on case-by-case approval with a fee. Email first
- You need American Express: only cash, Visa and Mastercard are accepted at check-in
- You want a quiet 1st-floor sleep: guest reviews note thin walls in some rooms; request a quieter unit or pick the rear family room
- You're a unilingual anglophone uncomfortable with a French-first welcome: pre-arrange anything important by email at souslacroix@hotmail.com
Amenities & Facilities
Self-Catering & Food
- Two shared self-catering kitchens, one in the half-basement, one upstairs
- Each kitchen with sink, fridge, oven, microwave, toaster and basic cookware
- Coffee available at reception (paid, around CA$2 per cup), bring your own for self-catering
- Café Bohème (1,000 yd) and Café l'Abri Côtier (a few minutes' walk) for fresh pastries and coffee
- Chez Mathilde, La Galouïne and Auberge du Lac for sit-down dinner, all within walking distance
- Not available: On-site restaurant
- Not available: Breakfast served by the property
Room Amenities
- Air conditioning in every room
- Heating
- Flat-screen TV
- Private bathroom in every room, shower or bath/shower combo
- Free toiletries, hairdryer
- Hardwood / parquet floors throughout (no carpet, allergy-friendly)
- Soundproof rooms claimed; some 1st-floor rooms have thin walls per guest reviews
- Allergy-free rooms available
- Cot available on request, confirm with property
- Not available: In-room kitchenette
- Not available: Mini-fridge in standard rooms
Property-wide
- Free Wi-Fi in all areas
- Common room with public computer station
- Outdoor lawn with Adirondack chairs and picnic tables, St Lawrence views
- Concierge / reception (16:00–20:00)
- Smoke alarms and fire extinguishers
- Non-smoking throughout, designated outdoor smoking area
- Family rooms (Chambre famille and Two-Bedroom Suite)
- Not available: Elevator
- Not available: On-site swimming pool
- Not available: Gym or spa
Parking & Transport
- Free outdoor parking on-site, no reservation required
- Summer transfer service to whale-watching quay (subject to availability)
- Tadoussac–Baie-Sainte-Catherine free ferry (Route 138), ~1 km / walkable
- Intercar coach Quebec City–Tadoussac (~4 hrs, ~CA$45–60) drops at Motel Chantmartin (~1 km)
- CFB Bagotville (YBG) airport, 146 km / ~1h 40 min drive
- Quebec City Jean Lesage International (YQB), 217–230 km / ~3 hrs drive
- Not available: Train station
- Not available: Airport shuttle
- Not available: Taxis in town
Services & Policies
- Check-in 16:00–20:00 · check-out by 11:00
- Reception is staffed 16:00–20:00, pre-arrange any late arrival by email
- Cash, Visa and Mastercard accepted (no American Express)
- Children of any age welcome, cot and extra-bed costs subject to room category
- Pets generally not allowed, small pets case-by-case with prior approval and a fee
- Non-smoking throughout (outdoor smoking area only)
- CITQ Quebec tourist-accommodation registration No. 152725 (valid until 30 November 2026)
- Open seasonally 1 May – 31 October only, closed in winter
- Host is primarily French-speaking, bring a translation app or pre-arrange by email
Tadoussac, Five Minutes Downhill to the Whale-Watching Bay
Tadoussac sits where the salt-water St Lawrence Estuary meets the fresh-water Saguenay fjord, a nutrient-rich confluence that draws up to 13 cetacean species each summer (minkes, fins, humpbacks, blue whales come to feed; belugas are year-round). It's also the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in Canada (founded 1599–1600) and a member of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World club. The Innu (Montagnais) name Totouskak means "bosom", a reference to the rounded sand hills that frame the bay.
Hôtel Sous la Croix sits on the hill above the village at 3 rue Sous-la-Croix, a five-minute walk down to the whale-watching marina, the chapel and the village shops, and a slightly longer walk back up. The 1747 Petite Chapelle de Tadoussac (the oldest surviving wooden church in North America, a Parks Canada National Historic Site) is around 1,000 yards away, and the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre (CIMM) is about 0.9 mi / 15-min walk. The free 24-hour Tadoussac–Baie-Sainte-Catherine ferry across the Saguenay fjord is around 1 km from the property, keep an eye out for whales from the deck on the 10-minute crossing.
- Petite Chapelle de Tadoussac: ~1,000 yd · a few minutes' walk down. 1747 chapel, the oldest surviving wooden church in North America. Parks Canada National Historic Site.
- Tadoussac Marina & Whale-Watching Quay: ~5-min walk down. Departure point for Croisières AML, Otis Excursions, Mer et Monde Écotours and Tadoussac Autrement. May–October season.
- Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre (CIMM): ~0.9 mi · ~15-min walk. The Group for Research and Education on Marine Mammals' visitor centre on the bay.
- Sentier de la Pointe-de-l'Islet: ~15-min walk · 1.3 km loop. Free shore whale-watching trail with rocky outcrops and benches, a Tadoussac classic for sunset belugas.
- Saguenay–St Lawrence Marine Park: ~0.7 mi. Visitor area for the marine park protecting the cetacean feeding grounds at the fjord mouth.
- Tadoussac Ferry Terminal (free Route 138 ferry): ~1 km · walkable. Free 24/7 STQ ferry to Baie-Sainte-Catherine, 10-minute crossing. Whales sometimes visible from the deck.
- CFB Bagotville Airport (YBG): ~146 km · ~1h 40 min drive. The closest commercial airport, domestic Canadian flights.
- Quebec City Jean Lesage International (YQB): ~217–230 km · ~3 hrs drive. The main international gateway, paired with the scenic Route 138 north.
Getting to Key Locations
Photo: Selbymay, CC BY-SA 3.0
Sentier de la Pointe-de-l'Islet
5 min walk
A 1.3 km free shore-whale-watching loop on a rocky promontory five minutes' walk from the village marina. Belugas, minkes and the occasional humpback come close enough to the rocks for a binocular-free view at high tide. Benches, interpretive panels, and one of the best Tadoussac sunset spots, locals time evening walks here for the alpenglow on the fjord cliffs.
View on Map
Photo: Jean-Christophe BENOIST, CC BY 4.0
Petite Chapelle de Tadoussac
Built in 1747 and a Parks Canada National Historic Site, the Petite Chapelle is the oldest surviving wooden church in North America, a small, square red-roofed chapel a few minutes' walk down the hill from the hotel. The white-and-red exterior has become Tadoussac's defining visual along with the Hôtel Tadoussac roofline, and the modest interior is open to visitors during the summer season.
View on Map
Photo: Selbymay, CC BY-SA 3.0
Tadoussac Bay & Boardwalk
The crescent of Tadoussac Bay with its sand beach, the boardwalk along the foreshore and the iconic red-roofed 1864 Hôtel Tadoussac at the head of the village, a five-minute downhill walk from the hotel. Sit on the Adirondack chairs at sunset and you'll see the whale-watching Zodiacs return from the open St Lawrence; the same beach has hosted gatherings since the village's 1600 founding.
View on MapHow to Get to Hôtel Sous la Croix from Quebec City
- Take Route 138 north out of Quebec City: From Quebec City, follow Route 138 north along the St Lawrence shore for about 217 km. The most scenic alternative is Route 362 from Baie-Saint-Paul, which hugs the river. The drive is approximately 3 hours.
- Cross the free Tadoussac ferry: At the end of Route 138 you'll reach the free 24-hour STQ ferry to Tadoussac. The crossing of the Saguenay fjord takes 10 minutes, keep an eye on the water, as whales are sometimes visible from the deck.
- Drive into Tadoussac village and turn uphill: From the Tadoussac ferry slip, follow signs into the village. The hotel is uphill from the village core, turn off rue du Bord de l'Eau and climb to rue Sous-la-Croix. The property is signed.
- Arrive at 3 rue Sous-la-Croix: Hôtel Sous la Croix is at 3 rue Sous-la-Croix, pull into the free outdoor car park. Reception is staffed 16:00–20:00; pre-arrange any later arrival by email at souslacroix@hotmail.com or by phone at +1 418-235-2022 (toll-free +1 866-247-2022). From CFB Bagotville (YBG) airport the drive south on Route 172 / 170 / 138 is about 146 km / 1h 40 min.
Tadoussac & Quebec at a Glance
Tadoussac is one of the world's premier whale-watching destinations and the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in Canada. The village sits at the meeting of the salt-water St Lawrence Estuary and the fresh-water Saguenay fjord, a nutrient-rich corridor that pulls minke, fin, humpback and blue whales to feed each summer alongside the year-round beluga population. Around 800 people live here, in painted wooden houses framing a sand-edged bay, with the iconic red-roofed 1864 Hôtel Tadoussac at the head of the village and the 1747 Petite Chapelle a few hundred metres up the road.
Best time to visit. Whale season runs late May through end of October; July–August are peak; June includes the Festival de la Chanson de Tadoussac (11–14 June 2026, 42nd edition) which transforms the village; September–October tend to be the best months for reliable whale sightings and lighter crowds. The village effectively closes for winter from November through April, and so does Hôtel Sous la Croix. The video below is a general Canada destination overview, useful background context for travellers piecing together a wider Quebec or Canadian itinerary; Tadoussac itself is not specifically featured.
Watch: Tadoussac and the whales
A short visit to Tadoussac that heads straight out onto the Saint-Laurent for the whale watching the village is known for, then works back through the dunes and the waterfront. The clearest picture of what a stay here actually looks like.
What Guests Say About Hôtel Sous la Croix
Scores and review counts are aggregated from verified guest bookings on major travel platforms.
Good
Hôtel Sous la Croix earns its reputation the honest way, guests overwhelmingly praise the cleanliness, the hilltop St Lawrence view, the free parking, and Léona's warm Quebec-country welcome. The property's two shared self-catering kitchens (one in the basement, one upstairs) are a Tadoussac rarity that show up as a stand-out in review after review, and couples particularly like the location. The gap to a top score is consistently explained by three things: thin walls in some 1st-floor rooms (request a quieter unit), the uphill walk back from the village (a real Tadoussac caveat for everyone), and the language gap for unilingual anglophone guests, bring a translation app or pre-arrange by email.
Good value for money, would have loved a fridge in the room, but the shared kitchen made up for it. Quiet, clean and comfortable.
Sylvie
Nice room with a river view and a friendly host, not too far on foot down to the centre of the village. The bathroom was a little small but everything was clean and tidy.
2025-09-17The owner was kind and cheerful, and the price was good for Tadoussac. Clean and comfortable for a short stay; the only issue was footsteps from the room above being a bit loud.
2025-09-04Good value for money, would have loved a fridge in the room, but the shared kitchen made up for it. Quiet, clean and comfortable.
2025-08-29Beautiful view of the St Lawrence Estuary from the property and a great location for whale-watching adventures. Two flights of stairs are the only catch, wear comfortable shoes.
2025-08-16A most beautiful location in a charming town. Staff were courteous and helpful, and walking down to the marina took five minutes. One small in-room niggle was sorted promptly.
2025-08-16Comfortable simple hotel for a couple of days. The bed was comfortable, the bathroom small but functional, and water was always available in the common kitchen.
2025-08-12Very good for a short Whale Route stop. No breakfast offered by the property but Café Bohème down the hill was a quick walk away in the morning.
2025-08-30Loved sitting on the Adirondack chairs on the lawn looking out over the bay. The room was small but the balcony made up for it; the location is the real selling point.
2025-09-16Good to Know Before You Book
The property is closed November through April
Hôtel Sous la Croix operates seasonally, open from 1 May through 31 October only, in line with Tadoussac's whale-watching season. Off-season bookings aren't accepted. For a winter Tadoussac stay, look at year-round alternatives in the village or in Baie-Sainte-Catherine across the fjord.
There is no elevator, three floors connected by stairs
The half-basement, ground floor and first floor are linked by stairs only. Guests with mobility needs, heavy luggage or anyone who'd rather avoid steps should request a ground-floor room (the Sea View Balcony or the standard ground-floor double). The Sea View Balcony category is also the most popular for the same reason, no stairs, plus a private balcony.
The host is primarily French-speaking
Léona, the front-desk lady, is welcoming and helpful, but speaks limited English, in keeping with Tadoussac's francophone character. Bring a translation app or basic phrases for the warmest welcome, and pre-arrange anything important (late arrivals, special requests, pet enquiries) by email at souslacroix@hotmail.com or phone +1 418-235-2022 / toll-free +1 866-247-2022.
Pets aren't generally allowed, small pets case-by-case only
Pets are not blanket-allowed at the property. Small pets may be considered on prior approval and an additional charge, please contact the hotel directly before you book to confirm. Don't show up with a pet expecting a same-day exception.
No on-site breakfast, self-cater or walk down the hill
The property doesn't serve a breakfast buffet. Instead, you have access to two shared self-catering kitchens (one in the half-basement, one upstairs) with sink, fridge, oven, microwave and toaster. For coffee and pastries, Café Bohème (1,000 yd) and Café l'Abri Côtier (a few minutes' walk) are the local picks.
Cards or cash, no American Express
The property accepts cash, Visa and Mastercard at check-in. American Express is not accepted. Photo ID and a credit card are required. Reception is staffed 16:00–20:00; pre-arrange late arrivals by email or phone.
CITQ registration No. 152725, your legal trust signal
Hôtel Sous la Croix is registered with the Quebec government under tourist-accommodation registration No. 152725, valid until 30 November 2026. Quebec abolished its mandatory star-rating classification on 31 August 2023, so the registration number, required by law on every Quebec accommodation listing, is the current legal compliance and trust marker.
Photos of Hôtel Sous la Croix 152725
Frequently Asked Questions
About 5 minutes downhill on foot to the village, the Petite Chapelle and the whale-watching marina (around 650 yards). The walk back up is the catch, the property is at the top of the hill, which is the consistent caveat in guest reviews. Bring comfortable shoes. The free Tadoussac–Baie-Sainte-Catherine ferry across the Saguenay fjord is around 1 km away and walkable.
Check-in is 16:00–20:00 and check-out is by 11:00. Reception is staffed only during check-in hours, so pre-arrange any late arrival by email at souslacroix@hotmail.com or phone +1 418-235-2022 / toll-free +1 866-247-2022. The property is seasonal, open 1 May through 31 October only. It's closed November through April.
Yes, free outdoor parking is available on-site with no reservation required, a real saving versus the paid lots in the village core during July and August. Free Wi-Fi covers the whole property and guests consistently rate the connection well. Some materials list a paid Wi-Fi option; in practice the free network is what guests use.
No. The property has three floors, half-basement, ground floor and first floor, connected by stairs only. Guests with mobility needs, heavy luggage or a preference to skip steps should request a ground-floor room (the Sea View Balcony or the standard ground-floor double).
Yes, and this is one of the property's stand-out features. There are two shared self-catering kitchens, one in the half-basement and one upstairs, each with sink, fridge, oven, microwave, toaster and basic cookware. Bring your groceries from the village shops and you can prepare every meal at the property. The Tadoussac competition (Hôtel Tadoussac, Le Béluga, Le Pionnier) doesn't offer this.
Every room has a private bathroom, hardwood floors, air conditioning, heating, a flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi. The Double Room with Balcony and Sea View has a private balcony looking towards the St Lawrence (the highest-converting room and a common upgrade pick). The Two-Bedroom Suite includes a small kitchenette in addition to the shared kitchens. Half-basement rooms (Budget Double and Suite) are the cheapest categories.
Children of any age are welcome, cot and extra-bed costs depend on room category. Pets are not generally allowed; small pets may be accepted on a case-by-case basis with prior approval and an additional charge. Email souslacroix@hotmail.com or call +1 418-235-2022 before you book if you're travelling with a pet.
152725 is the property's official Quebec tourist-accommodation registration, issued by the Corporation de l'industrie touristique du Québec (CITQ) and required by law on every accommodation listing in the province since the Tourist Accommodation Act (Bill 25) came into force in 2023. The registration is valid until 30 November 2026 and confirms the hotel is legally registered, insured and compliant with Quebec's accommodation legislation. Quebec abolished its mandatory star-rating classification on 31 August 2023, so the registration number is the current legal trust signal, not a star rating.
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Ready to Book Hôtel Sous la Croix?
Six room categories sleeping 2 to 6, two shared self-catering kitchens, free outdoor parking and Wi-Fi, summer transfer to the whale-watching quay. Open 1 May – 31 October only. Guests single out the cleanliness, the staff and the location. CITQ Quebec tourist-accommodation registration No. 152725.
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