A warm welcome and a welcome change of pace, guaranteed!
Itinerary begins in the maritime, industrial town of Sept-Îles that straddles the 50th parallel. Here, ‘Seven-Islanders’, descended from families from all over the Saint-Lawrence joined the people of the Innu First Nation who have walked this land for thousands of years.
SUGGESTIONS : If you didn’t picnic on the way, we suggest a lobster lunch on the waterfront at the Cage aux Homards. You may also visit the Alouette Aluminium plant or enjoy a walk in Aylmer Whittom Park (locally known as Squirrel Park!), in Ruisseau Bois-Joli Park, or on the boardwalk at the old docks and marina, Regional Museum and Trading Post.
Overnight in 2* lodging
Take a boat tour in the 7 islands after breakfast. Back on shore, we suggest a stop at Café Edgar or at Terrasse du Capitaine, both located within walking distance of your hotel.
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. A short hike will take you to the falls,
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 welcome cocktail with a unique, North Shore flavour. From there, a local Co-Op member will take you on a guided visit of the nearby historic Norman church.
Before settling into your room at l’Escale Lam-Air, you may want to take a short drive inland and hike to the falls we call Petit Saut and the thundering Grand Saut.
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 cliff top trail. You might also visit the nearby hydro-electric station.
Back on the road, you will cross the villages of Rivière-St-Jean and Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan. When you arrive in the village of Mingan, (Ekuanitshit), enjoy a guided tour of the Maison de la Culture Innu
This center is inspired by longhouses and the traditional way of life of Native Americans. You will find a permanent exhibition and a craft shop there.
We suggest an early lunch at La Promenade in Havre-Saint-Pierre . Then straight to Portail Pélagie Cormier where you suit up for a . DON’T BE LATE! THE BOAT CASTS OFF AT 1:00 PM. See the monolithic standing stones prevalent around the islands. Back on land, go by the tourist information desk and ask for your roadtrip soundtrack for tomorrow’s drive to Natashquan (CD or USB key) .
Overnight at 2* lodging
Continental breakfast included
Plug in your roadtrip audio guide for the drive to Natashquan, dubbed ‘’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.
The roadside rest stop at km 1244, atop the montagne ronde, just outside of Havre-Saint-Pierre, offers a great view of the town. Next stop: the picturesque village of Baie-Johan-Beetz.
Stroll the footbridges along the waterfront where shorebirds are prevalent. Take a selfie at the old Chateau, a site quite dear to the people who live here. Before you leave, fuel up and replenish your picnic basket at the full service co-op, Les Choix de Marguerite.
Back on Route 138, destination Natashquan. You can check into your 2* inn on arrival. A favorite summer restaurant, for locals and visitors alike, is the Café-Bistro l’Échourie, set directly on the beach.
Overnight at 2* inn
Continental breakfast included
Start the day with a visit to the Tourist Information Office “Destination “Natashquan”. Our friends there will set you up on the 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.
After lunch, consider 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 lodging.
Overnight in 2* inn.
Leave for Longue-Pointe de Mingan after breakfast. The experts at the Mingan Island Research Station will be waiting to give you a guided tour of their Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre.
There are several scheduled tours daily between 9:30 and 3:00. Sign up for the one that best suits your day.
We suggest a good lunch before embarking on a guided boat tour to the western sector of the Mingan Islands National Park for urchin-fishing, whale-spotting and puffin-watching on Île aux Perroquets and Île Nue.
