Watching the Whales in Canada

This area of Quebec offers young visitors two unusual summertime thrills: low-cost whale-watching adventures and skiing 60-meter sand dunes.

Each year, starting in mid-June, up to 10 whale species swim up the St. Lawrence River to fertile feeding grounds at the mouth of the Saguenay River.

Several tour operators offer rides to see the whales at an average $30 Canadian (about $25 U.S.) for three hours. Species include minkes, finbacks, the little white arctic belugas and the mighty 90-foot, 140-ton blue whales.

The white arctic beluga, which has adopted the St. Lawrence as its year-round home, is threatened with extinction; the population has been reduced to only several hundred.

A special research center/museum has been opened to educate the public about the problem. You can reach it by taking the free 20-minute ferry ride from Tadoussac to the south side of the Saguenay River.

Bus From Montreal

You can use your own transportation or take a seven-hour bus trip here from Montreal. It costs $50 Canadian (about $45 U.S.) by bus.

For travelers who want privacy, some guest houses offer rooms for $25 Canadian (about $22 U.S.) single, $35 Canadian (about $30 U.S.) double, with breakfast.

The town’s youth hostel can accommodate up to 64 visitors at $8 Canadian (about $7 U.S.) per person a night. It’s at 158 Rue du Bateau-Passeur, phone (418) 235-4372.

There are no membership requirements at this hostel. It was once a private home. The atmosphere is friendly. However, it could use some sprucing up and repainting. Couples’ accommodations are available, but in very cramped quarters.

Campers can set up their tents in the backyard for $3 (about $2.60 U.S.); breakfast is available for $2 (about $1.75 U.S.), dinner for $5 (about $4.40 U.S.). There is a volleyball court. Next door is a cafe and a bar that features evening jazz and blues performances.

More than 80% of the hostel guests are European, with French the predominant language.

At the hostel you can arrange to join $30 Canadian (about $25 U.S.) whale-watching tours in inflatables for a close look at the giant mammals. Visitors also may borrow the hostel’s canoe to search for beavers or join day hikes to a log cabin.

The staff will outfit guests with skis and provide transportation to the sand bluffs (there’s no set charge; you simply pay what you can). Many go just to watch, finding the 30-degree angle just a little too challenging.

The government of India has announced that it will build 60 more youth hostels within the next five years.

Recent new hostel locations that may not be in your guidebooks include Mysore City; Sanjay Palace, Agra; Khuman Lampak, Imphal, Manipur; Shillong Youth Hostel near the Sports Stadium in Shillong; Dimapur, Nagaland, and Namchi, Sikkim.

A good investment for budget travelers heading for India is the 808-page “India--A Travel Survival Kit” (Lonely Planet: $17.95).

If you’re between 12 and 30 years you’re eligible for a 25% discount from regular fares for both domestic India travel and India-to-Nepal excursions on Indian Airlines. Fares must be paid in U.S. dollars.

There are no student/youth rates for India’s unlimited rail travel passes, but there are three price categories. Indrail Passes range from seven to 90 days. For example, a 21-day first-class pass that includes air conditioning (this service is not available on all routes) costs $280 U.S., the regular first-class pass is $140, a second-class pass $65.

The passes help you avoid long ticket lines and allow you to use special waiting rooms. If bought in India you must be prepared to pay in a foreign currency and to show your passport.

For more information on travel to India, contact the Government of India Tourist Office, 3550 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 204, Los Angeles 90010, (213) 380-8855.