The “Grand Séduction” package, combined with the Discovery of the Toutes-Îles, offers you a true maritime experience along the Lower North Shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence — land of pioneers, home to the Innu, and a coastline steeped in history.
The charming and iconic island of Harrington Harbour — where the much-loved Québec film La Grande Séduction was shot, touching audiences with both its humour and its stunning setting — is now available through Voyages Coste. We’ve enhanced the experience by including a stay in the Toutes-Îles archipelago: Tête-à-la-Baleine and La Tabatière.
© Video by David Chaumel
Who in Québec — or even in the global Francophonie — hasn’t seen the film shot in the heart of the charming island village of Harrington Harbour?
Voyages Coste brings you a beautifully curated combination: a short journey with air transfers so you can make the most of your three nights on Harrington Harbour, paired with four nights exploring the Toutes-Îles. Come enjoy a gentle adventure through one of Québec Maritime’s last hidden gems.
Strolling along the boardwalks that serve as streets, past white and pastel-painted houses in this small English-speaking village (that feels more Newfoundland than Québec), is an experience in itself.
The islands and coastline of the Gulf of St. Lawrence will win you over in all their salty splendor.
Check in at the Montréal/St-Hubert, Québec City, or any other North Shore airport served by Air Liaison for your flight to Chevery. Upon arrival, you’ll transfer by water taxi to Harrington Harbour Island — a crossing that takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour 15 minutes, depending on sea conditions.
Your host — the owner of your B&B — will welcome you and you’ll have the rest of the day free to settle into your new surroundings. That evening, enjoy a hearty seafood dinner prepared by your host, using fresh products from the local seafood co-op, which you’ll have the chance to visit during your stay.
Enjoy a guided walking tour of Harrington Harbour with a local English-speaking guide. You’ll discover the unique features of this village: wooden boardwalks and bridges, Christ Church, the Jacques Cartier monument, Marguerite’s Cave (linked to the unusual tale of Roberval’s niece), and the fascinating Rowsell House Interpretation Centre. Your guide will also point out the key filming locations from La Grande Séduction.
After your tour, your host will provide you with a picnic lunch to enjoy atop the island, where you’ll be rewarded with magnificent panoramic views of the archipelago — the sound of the sea and the gulls all around you.
Free time in the afternoon, followed by another delicious seafood dinner at your B&B.
After breakfast, take an early water taxi to Chevery. Your guide will be waiting for you at the village wharf to help you discover the youngest village on the Lower North Shore. From Cross River to the Nétagamiou Falls, you’ll explore the rich natural beauty of this area, where life flows with the rhythm of the seasons.
Depending on the time of year, you might even pick local berries like cloudberries (chicoutai), crowberries, blueberries, or cranberries. After lunch, return to the wharf for the ferry ride back to Québec’s most picturesque village — Harrington Harbour — where you’ll enjoy more free time to wander the boardwalks at your leisure.
Board the Bella Desgagnés supply ship in the morning for a two-hour cruise along the northern coastline of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, heading for Tête-à-la-Baleine. Don’t forget your camera — the route is stunning.
Upon arrival, your host will greet you at the dock and drive you by minibus to your accommodation. Along the way, enjoy a guided tour of the village as an introduction to this next chapter of your journey.
In the morning, depart by motorboat for a visit to the Jos Hébert Interpretation Centre, honouring the region’s first mail carrier, who spent his final years in the Toutes-Îles. You’ll also explore the first island chapel on the Lower North Shore, located on Providence Island.
Enjoy a picnic lunch and a maritime excursion around the islets and islands of the archipelago.
Take a motorboat transfer to La Tabatière, immersing you in the rugged beauty of the Toutes-Îles. Hike to the lookout on Île à Pierrot, where the vastness of nature is awe-inspiring.
Later, continue on to Mutton Bay, a scenic fishing village known for crab, lobster, and scallops. Founded during the French Regime under the name Baie-du-Portage, the village will be introduced to you by your guide, who will greet you at the dock with a minibus.
A 9-kilometre road connects Mutton Bay to neighbouring La Tabatière, where your hosts will welcome you for the last part of your adventure.
During your stay, you’ll have the chance to visit a seal oil foundry, walk the Priest’s Hill trail, and relax at Parc Point aux Neiges — complete with interpretive panels and a telescope for observing marine life and birds. It’s worth the stop!
Modern La Tabatière spans several kilometres along the coast and includes three hamlets: Vieux-Poste, Baie-Rouge, and La Tabatière. In the 18th century, the hamlet of La Tabatière was considered the best seal fishing station on the Lower North Shore. Its large oil processing plant burned down around 1930.
Spend a few hours with your hosts observing lobster fishing. In the afternoon, take some well-deserved free time to absorb the peaceful, wild nature at your own pace.
Transfer to the La Tabatière airport for your return flight.
