This package invites you to truly experience a maritime adventure along the Lower North Shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence — a land of pioneers, home to the Innu, and a coast rich in history.
Along this stretch of coast once visited by the Malouin explorer Jacques Cartier, Acadian, Jersey, Indigenous, Newfoundland, and “Canadian” villages line the shore. But more than picturesque villages, think of the people you’ll meet — people you’ll talk with and learn from.
Where the road ends, the adventure begins!
You’ll travel by plane along the air route that serves this part of the Lower North Shore, nestled in the archipelago known as the “Toutes-Îles.” You’ll be part of a sustainable, responsible, and fair tourism experience — values promoted by the Voyages Coste Fair Tourism Cooperative.
(* Departures from Montréal/St-Hubert, Québec City, and all Air Liaison-serviced airports along the North Shore)
Your host will greet you and drive you by minibus to your lodge. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the village as an introduction to your new surroundings. After the tour, you’ll be taken to your accommodation.
In the morning, you’ll depart by motorboat to visit the interpretation centre dedicated to the legendary Jos Hébert, the region’s first mail carrier, who lived out his final years in the Toutes-Îles. You’ll also visit the first island chapel on the Lower North Shore, located on Providence Island. A picnic lunch and an exploration of the islands and islets of the archipelago round out this immersive experience.
Today, a motorboat transfer will take you to La Tabatière, immersing you in the breathtaking island landscapes of the Toutes-Îles. You’ll hike the trail leading to the lookout on Île à Pierrot — a place where nature feels truly vast and humbling. After a few hours on foot, you’ll continue on to Mutton Bay, a protected bay surrounded by forested hills. This charming fishing village, with its classic remote port architecture, is known for its crab, lobster, and scallops.
Founded during the French Regime in Canada, Mutton Bay was originally called Baie-du-Portage. Your guide will meet you at the village wharf with a minibus and show you around this unique region. A 9-kilometre road connects Mutton Bay to nearby La Tabatière, where your hosts will welcome you for the final leg of your journey.
During your stay, you can visit a seal oil foundry, walk the Priest’s Hill Trail near the school — offering a stunning view over the fishing harbour — or enjoy the peaceful setting of Parc Point aux Neiges. There you’ll find an observation platform with interpretive panels and even a telescope to watch for marine life and birds — it’s well worth a visit!
Stretching for several kilometres along the coast, the modern community of La Tabatière is made up of three hamlets: Vieux-Poste, Baie-Rouge, and La Tabatière. In the 18th century, this last one was known as the best seal fishing station on the Lower North Shore. The community’s large processing plant for seal and fish oil was destroyed by fire around 1930.
You’ll spend a few hours with your hosts observing lobster fishing. In the afternoon, enjoy some free time to relax and take in the beauty of the surrounding nature at your own pace.
Transfer to the La Tabatière airport for your return flight.
