Your North Shore adventure begins when you ferry across the Saguenay River to the quaint village of Tadoussac. Visit the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre before going to the Bergeronnes wharf (26 km) in the early afternoon for a whale watching cruise (Zodiac - departure at 1:00 pm or 4:00 pm).  Whales of all sorts, as well as avid whale-watchers, spend the summer in this section of the St-Lawrence. Overnight in a 2-man seaside cottage with kitchenette in Essipit (community neighbouring Les Escoumins).

Drive to Chute-aux-Outardes (139 km).  Visit Parc Nature de Pointe-aux-Outardes, a favorite place to observe many different ecosystems, all in one place, all particular to the region. In season, more than 200 species of migrating birds gather in the park.  Comb the beaches and explore the river mouth at low tide. Take a swim! Overnight in a giant nest box, a truly unique experience!

Depart for Sept-Îles in the morning. On the way, stop at Pointe-des-Monts for a guided tour of the historic lighthouse site. Stop in the maritime, industrial town of Sept-Îles. If you didn’t picnic on the way, we suggest a lobster lunch on the waterfront at the Cage aux Homards. A boat tour in the 7 islands is planned for the afternoon. Back on shore, we suggest a stop at Café Edgar or at Terrasse du Capitaine, both located within walking distance of your hotel. SUGGESTIONS : - Alouette Aluminium production; - Aylmer Whittom Park (locally known as Squirrel Park!); - Ruisseau Bois-Joli Park; - Boardwalk at the old docks and marina; - Regional Museum and Trading Post. Overnight in Hôtel de Sept-Îles

Continue traveling East on the Route des Baleines to Rivière-au-Tonnerre (125 km).  You have just entered the county of Minganie.  At the Manitou River (km 1088), stop at the welcome centre to pick up your roadtrip soundtrack for tomorrows drive to Natashquan.  A short hike will take you to the falls, a must-see. We will be waiting for you at the cooperative Voyages COSTE at 454, Jacques-Cartier in the village of Rivière-au-Tonnerre. Come by the Co-Op for a cocktail with a North Shore flavour. From there, a local member will offer you a guided visit of the nearby historic Norman church. You can also take a short drive inland and hike to the falls we call Petit Saut and Grand Saut, before settling into your room at l’Escale Lam-Air. Overnight at L’Escale Lam-Air Continental breakfast included.

After breakfast, head East on Rte 138 towards Havre-Saint-Pierre.  Make a short stop in the hamlet of Magpie, enjoy the view from the belvedere and stroll the clifftop trail. You might also visit the nearby hydro-electric station. We suggest lunch at La Promenade in Havre-Saint-Pierre, then straight to Portail Pélagie Cormier where you will suit up for a boat trip in the heart of the Mingan Archipelago.  Once on the islands, you can hike on well marked trails with information panels to complete the experience. See the monolithic standing stones prevalent around the islands.  Upon your return, you can stop by the sales counter at the fishplant and pick up Snow Crab for your supper. Overnight at Hôtel du havre Continental breakfast included

Plug in your roadtrip audio guide for the drive to Natashquan, called ‘’the little town with a big name’’ by the poet-songster Gilles Vigneault. The well-known Quebecker was born and raised in Natashquan where Innu and Acadians live side-by-side. Stop in the picturesque village of Baie-Johan-Beetz. Stroll the footbridges along the waterfront and take a selfie at the Chateau, a site quite dear to the people who live here. You can check into the Inn Le port d’Attache as soon as you arrive in Natashquan.  A favorite summer lunch spot, for locals and visitors alike, is the Café-Bistro l’Échourie, set directly on the beach. After lunch, continue driving East to Kegaska where Route 138 abrubtly ends. This lovely fishing village has super beaches where you can see all sorts of natural wonders as well as the historic site of the shipwrecked Brion, about a km from the village. Drive back to Natashquan for supper. Overnight at Auberge Le port d’Attache Continental breakfast included

Start the day with a museum tour. Your package includes a visit to the old Schoolhouse, showcasing some of the local characters featured in Gilles Vigneault's work, and to the Interpretation Centre le Bord du Cap, a replica of the former general store treating the village’s history. Return to Longue-Pointe de Mingan and lunch at Cantine chez Nat before taking a guided boat tour to the western sector of the Mingan Islands for urchin-fishing and puffin-watching on Île aux Perroquets Overnight in cottage or tiny house Continental breakfast included

There are several choices for your return route : Ferry across the Saint-Lawrence at Baie-Comeau to Matane on the South shore (2hr 20 min); at Forestville to Rimouski (55 min.); or continue your drive along the North Shore to the Tadoussac ferry and cross the Saguenay River into the Charlevoix region. Your CoSte Travel advisor will be able to check ferry schedules and book for you.