Day 1: Saint-Maurice River
Travel east along the St. Lawrence River toward Montreal, to the confluence of the Saint-Maurice River and the St. Lawrence. Stop for overnight accommodation and get to know your fellow travellers during a welcome dinner.
Stay:
Shawinigan, QC
Nights:
1
Day 2: Val-Jalbert, Arrive in Saguenay
Scenic vistas abound while heading north through the rocky Canadian Shield and the Laurentians. Explore local history at Val-Jalbert, a restored lumbering village from the 1920s. This genuine company town has forty original period buildings, including a convent-school, general store and pulp mill. While there, enjoy an included lunch and a guided trolley tour of the village. This was an ultramodern village in its time: they had the luxury of electricity and running water 25 years before the rest of the province! The reason is the powerful Ouiatchouan Falls, which can be viewed from a glass overlook. Arrive in the Saguenay region this evening and stay in Jonquière.
Stay:
Jonquière
Nights:
1
Day 3: Tadoussac
Travel to the waterfront community of Ste-Rose du Nord and cruise along the precipitous cliffs of the Saguenay Fjord. Learn about the history of the area and see the statue of Notre Dame du Saguenay., keeping a lookout for the fjord’s abundant wildlife on this 2-hour cruise. Disembark in picturesque L’Anse-Saint-Jean for lunch. The panoramic journey continues along the Saguenay’s south shore to Tadoussac, France’s first trading post in Canada established over 400 years ago. Enjoy your stay at the Hotel Tadoussac, a landmark resort on one of the nation’s most beautiful bays.
Stay: Hôtel Tadoussac, Tadoussac
Nights: 2
Day 4: Whale Watching
After breakfast, depart for the dock to embark on a whale-watching cruise of the St. Lawrence. This area was once the fishing grounds of basque whalers, and today, the marine area around Tadoussac is protected by park status. During this 3-hour cruise, learn about the many species of whales that have made the area their summer home including minke, blue, beluga, humpback and fin whales. Learn how to spot and follow these graceful mammals. The afternoon is yours to explore the village of Tadoussac: visit the Whale Interpretive Centre, the Tadoussac Chapel, the oldest wooden church in Canada, or take your time to leisurely explore the quaint boutiques of this charming village.
Day 5: Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Basilica, Montmorency Falls, Québec City
Travel a leisurely route along the north shore of the St. Lawrence, stopping to visit the Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Basilica. Situated along the St. Lawrence River, at this beautiful shrine to Sainte Anne, learn about the extraordinary history of the lady who was Jesus’ grandmother and the important role she played in the faith of the people. Enjoy a relaxing lunch at the Montmorency Falls. These falls are 30 metres higher than those in Niagara. With a gondola ride, take in spectacular views of the falls and the region from the air. Then, the journey continues to Québec City, one of the oldest European cities in North America. You’ll arrive in time to do some exploring and discover an amazing place for dinner.
Stay:
Québec City
Nights:
2
Day 6: Québec City Tour & Free Time
After breakfast at the hotel, head out on a guided tour of this historic city with a local step-on guide. Following this overview of the city, enjoy a free afternoon to do some more exploring. Québec City has a lot to offer! Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner in this charming, old, city.
Day 7: Travel Home
There’s one more treat in store! Our final taste of Québec at La Sucrerie de la Montagne includes a tour and a traditional, hearty sugar shack lunch. There will be time to visit the gift shop for maple products before we say “au revoir” to La Belle Province and continue the journey homeward.
