Tadoussac was France's first trading post on the mainland of New France (now in Quebec, Canada). It was established in 1600 by Pierre Chauvin. He built an "habitation" but only five out of 16 men with him survived the first winter. Tadoussac remained the only seaport of the Saint Lawrence River for 30 years.

The modern village of Tadoussac lies not very far from the original settlement, at the mouth of the Saguenay River. It is known as a tourist destination, mostly because of its facilities for whale watching and because of the rugged beauty of the Saguenay fjord.

The entire area is either rural or still in a wilderness state, with several federal and provincial natural parcs and preserves competing for prestigious spots. The nearest urban agglomeration is Quebec City about 210 km (130 miles) southwest.