In collaboration with local suppliers, Coste Travel will accompany you remotely throughout this week-long package, starting the moment you set foot on this unique maritime Québec coastline. Experience a variety of activities included in your package.
The “North Shore”, as Jacques Cartier called it, extends over such a distance that it is nearly impossible to fully appreciate the region’s beauty, attractions, and products in just a few days.
This is a turnkey package that covers a range of activities and establishments carefully selected by our cooperative (all members of Voyages Coste). This is a memorable itinerary where you can enjoy the peace of mind of having an organized and personalized stay (with contact from our « Coasters ») allowing you to focus on making unique memories without worrying about daily logistics.
You’ll be part of a solidarity, responsible, and fair travel experience—values embraced by Voyages Coste’s cooperative for fair tourism.
Your arrival on the North Shorebegins after a short ferry crossing over the Saguenay River, landing in the charming village of Tadoussac. We suggest a visit to the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre before heading to the Bergeronnes dock (26 km) in the early afternoon (departure at 1:00 p.m. or 4:00 p.m.) for a whale-watching cruise aboard a safe zodiac.
You’ll have the opportunity to observe the large cetaceans that visit this part of the river, which is considered a prime spot for whale watching. After this impressive experience, your first night on the North Shore will be spent in a chalet or condo for two people in Essipit (near the municipality of Les Escoumins).
A wonderful day of discovery on the North Shore awaits. Head towards Chute-aux-Outardes (139 km). Located on a point, you’ll find the stunning Pointe-aux-Outardes Nature Park, which covers 1 km² and features eight different ecosystems. It’s a prime spot for observing the region’s flora and fauna, particularly birds—over 200 species are recorded here during migration season.
This is a paradise for nature and fresh air lovers, with beautiful beaches for long walks and the opportunity to swim in the river at low tide. You can also take a guided tour to learn more about the region’s wildlife and plants. At the end of the day, stay in a giant birdhouse (a rustic chalet).
Depart for Sept-Îles. Along the way, stop at Pointe-des-Monts, where a guided activity and a video on the lighthouse’s history await. Continue to Sept-Îles (approximately 250 km). Enjoy a picnic along the way or at one of the many restaurants in Sept-Iles upon arrival. In the afternoon, take a 3-hour boat excursion to visit a marine farm. This fascinating experience includes learning about marine farming and tasting local products. Each cruise can accommodate up to 12 passengers. Accommodation at a hotel.
Continue on the Whale Route towards Thunder River (125 km). You’ve now entered Minganie. Stop at Manitou River (km 1088) to admire the cascades and impressive waterfall (with staircases to assist on the trail). Upon arrival at the village, a local cocktail will be waiting for you at the Coste Travel cooperative office, located at 454, Jacques-Cartier (Route 138). Visit the Norman-style wooden semi-cathedral, built by 300 volunteers, and stroll to the Petit and Grand Sault Falls, which gave the village its name. Stay at a local hotel.
On your way, a brief stop at the quiet hamlet of Magpie will enchant you. Stop at the lookout with a view of the gulf and/or at the hydroelectric station. At Havre-Saint-Pierre, pick up a road-trip CD or USB from Parks Canada, which will guide you along the route from Havre-Saint-Pierre to Natashquan, where you can return the CD or USB. Enjoy a cruise through the heart of the Mingan Islands Archipelago, admiring the numerous monoliths that have inspired poets and painters alike. Return to shore and stay at your accommodation.
Continue the route towards Natashquan with the road-trip CD or USB, which will guide you from Havre-Saint-Pierre to Natashquan—the “little village with the big name” made famous by the Québec poet-singer Gilles Vigneault, who was born and spent his childhood here. Take a photo stop at Baie-Johan-Beetz, home to a historic castle that is cherished by the village.
Continue the route to Kegaska, a small fishing village at the end of the world. Stay at your accommodation in Natashquan.
Visit the Old School, a museum that highlights several characters from Gilles Vigneault’s work, followed by the Bord du Cap Interpretation Centre, a former general store with 35 themes covering Natashquan’s history, founded in 1855 by Acadians from the Îles de la Madeleine.
Your destination for the day is Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan. A sea excursion in the western part of the Mingan Islands Archipelago offers a magnificent site for observing seabirds at Île aux Perroquets. Stay at Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan.
This is where the accompanying services and inclusions from Coste Travel end. Several options are available depending on your next destination or your return home.
