Northern Lands : Under the breath of the whales

A 8 days trip

Discover Charlevoix and Tadoussac, two of Quebec's treasures, by traveling north of the St. Lawrence River.

You will pass through quaint villages where producers, artists, and craftspeople showcase their skills and enthusiasm. You will enjoy Quebec's diverse cuisine, which includes seafood, handmade cheeses, craft beers, and meals shared in a cozy setting.

After that, you will travel to Tadoussac, the confluence of the Saguenay Fjord and the St. Lawrence River. Unforgettable experiences include whale-watching cruises, hikes with breathtaking views, and maybe hearing a beluga whale sing in the distance at a trail bend.

This tour strikes the ideal balance between exploration and introspection with hiking, local interactions, and leisurely moments by the water. Here, we live, listen, and be in awe.

A trip to the center of Quebec, where people, rivers, and mountains coexist.

© Clément Proust

Day 1

Arrival in Montreal (1 night)

Greetings from Quebec! Depending on the arrival times, settle into your shared apartment and begin your first free explorations of the city. Stroll through the streets of Old Montreal, try a local pastry or simply enjoy the warm atmosphere of the city. As a first meeting, welcome dinner.
For coordinated arrivals, an airport shuttle is offered.

Difficulty level

Intermediate

Between 2 and 4 hours of hiking

Between 50m and 500m of positive elevation gain

2 half-days of hiking

1 full day of hinking

Day 2

Scenic drive to Baie-Saint-Paul (2 nights)

We depart for Baie-Saint-Paul in the morning, which is located in the center of the Charlevoix region. Along the river, Route 138 offers views of forests, peaks, and charming villages. Before arriving at the destination, it is imperative to stop for a poutine. Settling in at a comfortable cottage and dinner of local products.

Day 3

Grands-Jardins National Park

A day devoted to the natural world of Quebec! Hike to Mont-du-Lac-des-Cygnes for a stunning view of Charlevoix's peaks and the boreal forest. As you move forward, the vegetation transforms into a true alpine tundra, complete with northern vegetation and lichen carpet—a remarkable ecosystem at this altitude. After an outdoor picnic, return to the cottage for a well-earned restful evening.

Day 4

Head to Tadoussac via the Mountains Route (2 nights)

Cross the magnificent Route des Montagnes on your way to Tadoussac. The peaks give way to rocky headlands that plunge into the St. Lawrence River as the kilometers pass. After arriving in Tadoussac, take a stroll along the beach, explore the village, and visit the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre (CIMM). Check-in in your cottage for 2 nights and have a convivial dinner.

Day 5

Whales and Innu culture

A highlight of the trip is an early departure for a whale-watching zodiac cruise, which brings you as close to the St. Lawrence's giants as possible. Meeting with the Essipit Innu community in the afternoon, who will discuss their strong ties to the area. Take a hike on the dunes and visit the Tadoussac Bird Observatory to observe birds (depending on the season).

Day 6

Artisanery, fishing and celestial traces (1 night)

Drive to Sainte-Irénée and Les Éboulements region. Visit regional producers and craftspeople while traveling through charming villages like Port-au-Persil. An introduction to weir fishing, an ancient method in which fish are guided to a natural enclosure by palisades of branches placed in the river, is planned, depending on the tide times. The day continues with a discovery hike on the Astrobleme of Charlevoix, the location of Canada's third-largest meteorite impact and the foreshore of the area's geological legacy. For one night, check into the chalet and have a local meal.

Day 7

Quebec City, heritage and tales (1 night)

We are heading to Quebec City, a real historical gem, this morning. When you get there, you'll eat dinneron your own at one of the city's many eateries or cafes. Discover the wonders of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its cobblestone streets and fascinating tales, on a guided tour in the afternoon. A themed dinner honoring Quebec's myths and legends in the evening, attended by a preferred guest, promises a flavorful cultural immersion.

Day 8

Drive to Montreal

Travel to Montreal after breakfast, with an early afternoon arrival planned. Dinner on your own before the return flights.
Your guide may offer a shuttle to the airport, depending on the schedule.