Whether traveling alone or as a couple, the experience-seeking traveler will find a wealth of discoveries in this package in the land of the Innu and the Acadians. At their own pace, they can observe the peat bogs and taiga that unfold along Route 138. It looks like a dessert seen from the road. However, if you take the time to stop and bend down, you’ll see that on this arid soil lies a miniature, fertile life of moss and lichen, fruit and tiny conifers. All bursting with vitality! Depending on the time of year, blueberries, crowberry, raspberries, la chicoutai, cloudberry, Labrador tea, juniper and seaweed all contribute to the flavours of the North Shore. This flora stretches from the mountains to the sea, incorporating miles of barely-visited beaches. The immensity of this land-sea landscape leaves us contemplative, with a feeling of being at the end of the world!
You’ll discover this place on your own, where it’s said that time stands still! From your first day in the Sept-Iles Archipelago, you’ll travel hundreds of kilometers along the fabulous Gulf of St. Lawrence, so generously accessible from one place to another that you’ll be free to walk its beaches and even swim in some of its reclusive bays.
Swimming? A surprise? Let’s not forget that this Coast, located on the 50th parallel, is bathed in southern sunshine. While the weather is generally fine in summer and autumn, you can be sure to avoid the heatwave that is typical of large urban centers further south in summer.
FROM $1929/pers Occ. Double, + taxes.
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BE SURE TO BRING:
Hiking boots, rain gear, wool sweater, windbreaker, binoculars, short and long pants, camera, batteries, flashlight, personal medication, sunglasses, pocket knife, daypack, driver’s license, proof of insurance (FAQ 27 if applicable) for rental car.
REMEMBER: There is no cellular service between Sept-Iles and Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan and between Havre-Saint-Pierre and Natashquan. Not all villages sell gas. The long distances between gas stations means you must refuel in the villages that offer the service before leaving for the next destination. Be careful – there is wildlife on the road!.
Sea, wide open spaces, villages and their people: Sept-Iles, Rivière-au-Tonnerre, Magpie, Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan, Mingan, Havre-Saint-Pierre, Baie-Johan-Beetz, Aguanish, Natashquan and Kegaska.
Lunch at leisure, visit to the Old Post Office and the Côte-Nord regional museum, dinner at leisure, bedtime on one of the region’s magnificent beaches!
Suggestion
Discover Rivière Bouleau (km #1068) en route to Rivière-au-Tonnerre.
Arrival at Longue Pointe de Mingan, where you’ll be met for an excursion to the Mingan Islands archipelago-west sector (a national Park Canada reserve) to visit Île aux Perroquets and Île Nue. Birdwatching, particularly for puffins and monoliths, will make for a memorable end to the day.
Free meals. The sound of the waves is the sound of bedtime, as you’ll be parked on the long beach of Longue Pointe de Mingan.
After breakfast in your converted van, you’re ready to hit the road again, bound for Havre-St-Pierre. Along the way, you’ll come across the Maison de la Culture Innue, the gateway to the Mingan community. We recommend a stop to learn about Innu culture and taste local products.
Once in Havre-St-Pierre, you’ll be met at the Portail Pélagie Cormier for the Croisière Jomphe, which lasts 4 hours and 20 minutes.
A serviced campground is available at Natashquan.
Natashquan visit the old school and the Vigneault houses for some inspiration. Drive to the end of Route 138 East in the small village of Kegaska to visit the Brion site and take a few photos at the sign for the end of Route 138 East.
Weather permitting, you can take a dip in the Natashquan River and enjoy some free time to contemplate the scenery. Otherwise, you can pick berries in the local peatland to sample the local flavours.
You can spend the evening between Natashquan and Aguanish along the beaches, enjoying these peaceful, secluded spots.
Today you start your return trip west. You’ll be able to take the time you need to discover the sites that couldn’t be done downstream, or to soak up the stories.
Tonight, you’ll still be able to fall asleep to the sound of the waves somewhere in the vicinity of a North Coast fishing village.
