Your arrival on the North Shore starts after a short ferry ride across the mouth of the Saguenay that will bring you to the pretty village of Tadoussac.

We recommend a visit to the MICS (Centre d’interprétation des mammifères marins) followed by lunch at your own convenience, after which you will make your way to the dock of Bergeronnes (26km) for a whale-watching excursion aboard a zodiac (starting at 1:00 PM or 4:00 PM, included in your package).

Considered to be one of the best places for whale-watching, you will have a chance to observe these magnificent mammals. After this impressive experience, you can settle in for your first night on the coast, in Essipit (neighbour to the municipality of Escoumins), in a condo with a magnificent view.

Enjoy dinner at your own convenience in one of the many restaurants of Escoumins or take advantage of your condo's fully equipped kitchen.

Accomodations: Condos Natakam (3*), Essipit

A day filled with beautiful landscapes awaits you as you head to your next destination. After your early morning breakfast, immediately make your way to Pointe-des-Monts (253 km) to visit its famous lighthouse and museum.

Once the 1 hour visit is completed, head to Sept-Iles (approx. 150km) for a leisurely lunch of your own choosing.  Visit of the North Shore Regional Museum, where a permanent exhibition allows visitors to familiarize themselves with the various settlement and development aspects of the coast. Also visit The Old Trading Post in the Innu community of Uashat.

Continue along the “Route des baleines”, where we suggest a stop at the magnificent Manitou falls and make your way to Rivière-au-Tonnerre (125km, 1h30). It is also at Manitou that you will take a copy of an audioguide that will accompany you on the road from Havre -Saint-Pierre to Natashquan.

After entering Rivière-au-Tonnerre, you will be greeted with a complimentary cocktail and a tasting of regional products at the Voyages Coste house. A guide will then accompany you for a visit of the only Norman-style historical church in Quebec, which was built by over 300 volunteers.

We also recommend a hike to the magnificent waterfalls that gave the village its name.

Dinner at your own convenience.

Accomodations: Escale Lam-Air (2*) for 2 nights.

After your continental breakfast, climb aboard a zodiac in Rivière-Saint-Jean for the 7:00 departure for Port-Menier.

During the crossing (estimated time: 2 hours), you may have the chance to observe some whales, seabirds and other marine mammals. The island awaits your arrival.

Free-time to visit Port-Menier on your own or take a guided tour (optional). At approximately 4:00 PM, it’s time to board the boat for the return trip to Rivière-au-Tonnerre.

Meals: continental breakfast included, lunch and dinner on your own.
Accomodations: Escale Lam-Air (2*)

After your continental breakfast (included), head east.

On your way, take a moment and visit the peaceful village of Magpie. You won’t be disappointed. We recommend that you stop at the lookout overlooking the Gulf and/or at the site of the hydro-electric dam. You will then travel through the villages of Rivière-Saint-Jean before stopping in Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan, possibly visiting the Mingan Island Cetacean Study (guided tour of MICS at 9:30).

Then, take a boat tour (approximately 3-hour long) to some of the exceptional sites for observing marine birds and mammals in the Mingan Archipelago, including Île aux Perroquets and Île Nue.

Upon your return, enjoy a guided tour of the Maison de la Culture Innue d’Ekuanitshit (Innu cultural centre) in Mingan.

Continue driving east while listening to the audioguide as it accompanies you from Havre-Saint-Pierre to Natashquan. “The little village with a big name”, Natashquan was made famous thanks to the notoriety of the singer-poet Gilles Vigneault, who was born and raised in this village where, today, first nations and Acadians harmoniously coexist.

Stop to take a few photographs at the site of the “Château” in Baie-Johan-Beetz, a historical site which is held dear by the residents, and take a stroll along the footbridges of this charming village.

Continue to Natashquan and make yourselves comfortable at “Auberge Le Port d’Attache” (2*) for 2 nights.

Meals: continental breakfast included, lunch and dinner on your own.
Accomodations: Auberge Le Port d’Attache (2*)

After your continental breakfast (included), you are invited to visit “la Vielle École” (Old Schoolhouse). This museum highlights several local personalities from the works of Gilles Vigneault. A visit to the interpretation centre “le Bord du Cap” should also be on the agenda. Inside a reproduction of the general store, you will find 35 thematic areas about the history of this village that was founded in 1855 by Acadians from the Magdalen Islands.

Also, take a drive (44km), along the newest section of road, to the end of route 138 for a visit to the charming community of Kegaska: 1^st village of the Lower-North-Shore recently linked to the Quebec road network (autumn 2013, 17 years after Natashquan was connected to the network). Stroll through this small village of 125, most of which are English-speaking (most the residents are of Newfoundland descent).

Upon returning to Natashquan, a meeting with a “Coaster” is planned at the site of the “Magasins du Galet” (meeting to be confirmed the day before).

Meals: continental breakfast included, lunch and dinner on your own.
Accomodations: Auberge Le port d’Attache (2*)

Early morning meet-up in Aguanish (30 min. trip) at 8:00am.

That is the departure time for a guided excursion on the Aguanus River to the Canyon called “Trait-de-Scie”. You will be transported to this impressive natural attraction aboard a motorized watercraft. Upon your return, we suggest lunch at the “Fumoir le Goynish”.

Afterwards, return to Havre-Saint-Pierre. Take the time to slow down or stop in the charming villages along the way. Later, in Havre-Saint-Pierre, a visit to the “Maison de la culture Roland Jomphe” and the “Maison des artisans” will allow you to learn about the history and the people whose ancestors left the community of Havre-aux-Maisons, Magdalen Islands to establish this village that was once called “Pointe-aux-Esquimaux”.

Take a walk along the oceanfront boardwalk before enjoying a meal of seafood or regional cuisine, served in one of the local restaurants.

Meals: Continental breakfast included, lunch and dinner on your own
Accomodations: Hôtel du Havre (2*)

You are expected at the Portail Pélagie Cormier at 7:30 (for an 8:00 departure) to board, at the marina, for a cruise of the Mingan Archipelago. Parks Canada guides will be waiting for you on the islands.

You will have to chance to observe the numerous monoliths that have inspired a multitude of poets and artists. The time has come to leave for Baie-Comeau.

Meals: continental breakfast included, lunch and supper on your own.
Lodging: Hôtel Le Manoir (4*)

Continental breakfast included. Take advantage of your stay in Baie-Comeau to visit the Jardin des Glaciers.

For the return, many options are available. Go back on the South shore of the Saint-Lawrence with the Baie-Comeau – Matane ferry (2 hour 20 minute crossing) or the Forestville – Rimouski ferry (55 minute crossing, or keep going toward Tadoussac and the Charlevoix region.

Your Voyages Coste travel counselor can check the ferry schedule, and book for you, if needed.