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. An impressive experience after which your installation for a first night "on the Coast" will be in a chalet for 2 people in Essipit (neighbor of the municipality of Escoumins).

Accomodations: Chalet Essipit

A good day of discovery of the beauties of the Coast awaits you. After taking your breakfast early in the morning, make your way immediately to Chute aux outardes (139 km). At the end of the municipal territory, located on a point, reveals a splendid park, called "Pointe-aux-Outardes Nature Park". It covers 1 km2 and connects 8 different ecosystems in one place. It is the meeting point par excellence of the flora and fauna of the region. It is a true cult place for bird watchers: there are more than 200 species in migratory season. It offers lovers of nature and fresh air a true little corner of paradise. Also, there are beautiful beaches where you can take long walks and enter the river during low tides. You can take a guided tour to learn about the flora and fauna of the region.

At the end of your day, you can enjoy a giant birdhouse and have an experience in an unusual accommodation.

Meals at your own convenience.

Accommodation: Giant bird house

The departure for Sept-Îles is in the morning. On the way, you will stop at pointe-des-monts to visit the famous lighthouse and its museum.

Once the visit has been made, you will immediately continue your itinerary towards Sept-Îles (approx. 250 km). Upon arrival in this industrial city at the bottom of a magnificent bay, you will be invited to dinner. You can stop for a picnic on the way or try the delicious lobster served at the lobster cage, a restaurant with a particularly original architecture.

Then, to occupy your afternoon, the captain's cruise is offered . When you return from your cruise, you can stop by the Edgar café for a convivial tasting experience or on the captain's terrace, which is renowned for their tasty dishes, both located a few steps from your hotel.

Meals at your own convenience

Accommodation: Hôtel de Sept-Îles

Continue on the whale route towards Rivière-au-Tonnerre (125 km). You have just entered Minganie. A stop at the Manitou River site is proposed to contemplate its waterfalls and its impressive fall (pedestrian path with escarpments compensated by the presence of stairs), you will also take a copy of the road CD which will soon accompany you on the road to Havre -Saint-Pierre to Natashquan.

Upon arrival in the village, a cocktail with a regional flavor awaits you at the house of the cooperative agency Voyages CoSte, from where you will discover a superb view of the small fishing port facing the Strait of Jacques-Cartier.

Accompanied by a CoStier, you will then visit the church, a Norman-style wooden semi-cathedral, built by 300 volunteers. We also suggest a walk to the magnificent falls that gave their name to the village, the little and the big sault. For the night, you will settle in at Escale Lam-Air.

Meals: continental breakfast included, lunch and dinner at your convenience

Accommodation: L’Escale Lam-Air 2 *

After the continental breakfast included, you will head east.

On your way, a brief foray into the peaceful hamlet of Magpie will satisfy you. A stop at the lookout overlooking the gulf and / or at the site of the hydroelectric plant is recommended.

Arrived at Havre-Saint-Pierre you can spend dinner at the promenade. We will then meet you at the Pélagie Cormier Portal for a cruise in the heart of the Mingan Islands Archipelago. On the islands, you can indulge in independent hikes with fact sheets that will accompany you along the way. You can also admire a number of monoliths that inspired various poets and artists. Back on dry land, you will have the opportunity to go to the fish market to take crab for your supper.

Meals: continental breakfast included, lunch and dinner at your convenience

Accommodation: Hôtel du havre *

Then it's time to take the road to Natashquan with the road CD that will accompany you from Havre-Saint-Pierre to Natashquan, the "little village with a big name" made famous thanks to the notoriety of the Quebec poet-songwriter Gilles Vigneault, who was born and passed his childhood in this village where, today, native Indians and Acadians live together.

A photo stop at Baie-Johan-Beetz is recommended at the site of the "castle", a historic site dear to the people of this village. Then stroll on the walkways of this charming little village.

Continue the road to Natashquan and make yourself comfortable at the Auberge Le port d'Attache 2 * for 1 night. We recommend that you have lunch at café l'Echourie, which is located on the beach facing the picturesque pebbles. After your midday meal you are invited to go on this road at the end of the world which ends in Kegaska, a small fishing village. Walks, nature watching, a kilometer long beach in front of the village. The site of the Brion boat, which sank one kilometer from Kegaska, is the subject of a small historic site in the village. When you return to Natashquan, you can taste the seafood at the village restaurant.

Meals: continental breakfast included, lunch and dinner at your convenience

Accommodation: Auberge Le port d´Attache 2 *

After the continental breakfast included, we invite you today to visit the Old School. This museum site has met several local figures featured in Gilles Vigneault's work, another visit is also essential at the Bord du Cap Interpretation Center. In a reconstruction of the old general store, there are 35 important themes on the history of this village founded in 1855 by Acadians from the Magdalen Islands.

Once your visit is complete you are headed west on the way back. Your destination for the day is Longue-Pointe de Mingan. Take the opportunity to admire or stop in the charming villages.

Later, when you arrived at Longue-Pointe de Mingan, a visit to the marine mammal research station was reserved for you. And for your midday meal, we recommend the Canteen chez Nat.

Your sea excursion in the western sector of the archipelago of the Mingan Islands will allow you to discover the magnificent site for the observation of sea birds represented by Île aux Parrots. You can also experience sea urchin fishing with your boatman.

On your return you can enjoy comfortable accommodation in Longue-Pointe de Mingan.

Meals: continental breakfast included, free lunch and dinner

Accommodation: Chalet or maisonette

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.