Northern Lands : Between forests, fjord and whales
A 14 days trip
Travel north and allow yourself to be led through Charlevoix, Saguenay, and the upper North Shore, three of Quebec's most stunning treasures. This 14-day trip invites you to explore a vibrant region where rivers, mountains, forests, and coastal villages all tell tales of pride, culture, and the natural world.
You will have the opportunity to see scenery sculpted by the St. Lawrence River and the magnificent Saguenay Fjord while you are there, amidst mountains and capes. Sail off the coast of Tadoussac to encounter whales, paddle the waters of the Fjord, and savor the regional flavors of a rich terroir, including Charlevoix cheeses, craft beers, northern berries, and meals shared around a friendly table..
Each day will immerse you more in the customs of Quebec: interactions with local artisans and producers, stays in cottage and moments of rest in the middle of nature. Here, you can take the time to breathe, to walk, to listen to the wind going through the fir and the song of the river.
This trip is an invitation to slow down, take in the scenery and observe the local way of life.
© Clément Proust
© Emmanuel Coden
© Charles Lambert
© CIMM
© Camille Némond
© Camille Némond
© Thomas Kelley
© Charlotte Collins
© Charles Lambert
© Charles Lambert
© Crédit La Pulperie de Chicoutimi Musée régional
© Charles Lambert
© Charles Lambert
Day 1
Welcome to Montreal (1 night)
First steps in Quebec! Settle into your shared apartment and take the time to discover Montreal at your own pace. Depending on arrival times, a stroll through the lively neighbourhoods or a delicious break at a local café will allow you to gently immerse yourself in the Quebec atmosphere. Welcome dinner and let the adventure begin!
A shuttle is provided for those whose arrival coincides with the group.
Day 2
Québec City : Heritage and enchanting stories (1 night)
Heading east to Quebec City! Let's explore one of the oldest fortified cities in North America after taking a poutine break. Discover its history, its cobblestone streets, and the surrounding European charm with the help of a local guide. Discover Quebec culture's inventiveness right from our cottage or city house with a themed dinner of stories and legends on a special evening with a guest.
Day 3
Scenic drive to Baie-Saint-Paul (2 nights)
You drive to Baie-Saint-Paul, a popular destination for regional craftspeople and artists. Stop at the striking 83-meter-tall Montmorency Falls en route. Baie-Saint-Paul is a charming village with galleries, alleyways, and regional goods. At the end of the day, a friendly dinner and lodging in a chalet for two nights.
Day 4
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 5
Tadoussac, where the river meets the fjord (2 nights)
Leave via the Route of the Mountains, or panoramic road 381. Grandiose views, gourmet stops and local discoveries will be waiting for you. Arrival in Tadoussac, visit of the village, the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre (CIMM) and walk on the beach. Accommodation in a chalet for 2 nights. Possibility of a festive evening after dinner.
Day 6
Whales, dunes and Innu culture
The day starts with a whale-watching cruise on a zodiac; seeing the giants of the St. Lawrence is an unforgettable experience. A meeting with the Innu community of Essipit, who will demonstrate their strong attachment to the area, are then scheduled. Then, a walk to the dunes of Tadoussac, a unique location in Quebec, A nice evening at the cottage.
Day 7
The beluga's natural nursery (3 nights)
Travel to the charming village of Sainte-Rose-du-Nord, known for it's local artisanery on the edge of the fjord . While traveling, take a hike to Baie Sainte-Marguerite, a place with the possibility of observing belugas in their natural habitat. Picnic by the water before settling in at the cottage, for three nights.
Day 8
Monts-Valin National Park
For a day of strolling in the middle of nature, visit Monts-Valin National Park. The trail passes through wide ridges sculpted by glaciers, wet valleys, and dense coniferous forest. You will be rewarded for your efforts with a 360-degree panorama of the mountains and the Fjord at the summit. Return to the cottage for a well-earned regional dinner.
Day 9
Break at the rythm of the Saguenay's Fjord
A peaceful day in a calm setting. Everybody enjoys it in their own way, whether it's for a swim, a quick stroll along the Fjord, or just to read on the terrace. Optional activities based on what the group wants to do.
Day 10
Blueberries and cultural heritage (2 nights)
Travel to Chicoutimi for a cultural morning that includes blueberry picking (depending on the season) and visits to the Pulperie de Chicoutimi and Petite Maison Blanche, two regional and historical museum. After a picnic, travel to L'Anse-Saint-Jean, a typical village on the fjord's edge. Two nights in a chalet and a pleasant evening.
Day 11
Kayaking on the Fjord and discovery of Petit-Saguenay
Paddle the fjord in a sea kayak with a guide in one of its most picturesque spots for an unforgettable day on the water. Overlooked by the mythical Cap-Trinité, you will be able to see the Statue of Notre-Dame and, if you're lucky, the local marine life, like seals, which are accustomed to visiting this area. We then visited the quaint village of Petit-Saguenay after meeting with local farmers at a vegetable farm.
Day 12
Charlevoix : terroir et 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. Check into the chalet and have a local meal, for one night.
Day 13
Drive to Montreal and memories of the trip (1 night)
The final significant trip to Montreal included a few gastronomic and cultural stops. Before the farewell dinner at the restaurant, arrive in the afternoon and take some time to unwind or explore Montreal. A final toast to friendship and Quebec's scenery.
Day 14
Goodbye Quebec
The final shared breakfast before leaving. There will be a shuttle service to the airport, depending on the flight schedule. The conclusion of a trip full of experiences, sights, and feelings.
Difficulty level
Intermediate
Between 3 and 6 hours of hiking
Between 50m and 550m of positive elevation gain
3 half-days of hiking
2 full days of hiking
The trip includes
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13 nights in cozy cottage based on double occupancy
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13 breakfasts
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11 dinners
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11 convivial dinners in the cottage
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1 local guide who is present with you at all times
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Comfortable van (15 passengers with high roof or similar)
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Carbon offset for van transportation
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1 shuttle bus to and from the airport
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Contribution to the compensation fund for customers of travel agencies (FICAV)
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Access fees in all national parks, including:
- Grands-Jardins National Park
- Saguenay Fjord National Park
- Monts-Valin National Park
- Montmorency Falls National Park
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Entrance fees for:
- Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre (CIMM)
- Blueberry picking (depending on the season)
- Weir fishing and geology activity
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Visits to market gardeners and local producers
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Visit of the Pulperie de Chicoutimi and the Petite Maison Blanche Museum
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Meet the locals
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Whale watching activity by zodiac.
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Guided tour of Quebec City by accredited local guide (2 hours)
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Sea kayaking trip on the Saguenay Fjord of about 3 hours (all equipment provided)
The trip does not includes
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2 lunchs (days 2 and 13)
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2 dinners (days 1 and 13)
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Single occupancy room (supplement of $1300)
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Alcohol
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Tips for guides during guided tours
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Tip for the guest at the storytelling dinner (in Quebec City)
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Plane tickets
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Personal and travel insurance
Price to be announced
Certain conditions apply
