Ecotourism and Adventure Travel in Quebec Canada

Starting in Montreal, the cultural metropolis, following the course of the St-Lawrence River, the adventure leads to the "Parc du Bic" passing by Quebec, the charming and historical capital, Bay-St-Paul, inspiring home to many artists, Rivière-du-Loup, Rimouski and several other cities and villages typically "Quebecois" in their way of life, their architecture and their differences resulting from a rich and tormented multiethnic history. Multiligual groups, professional polyglot guides, a true encouter with Quebec!

Day 1. Welcome...
We welcome you at the Montreal (or Quebec) airport. Transfer to the Jacques Cartier Park, one of the natural treasures of Quebec (1/2hr drive from Quebec / 3hrs drive from Montreal). This wild and semi-wild environment is set in a magnificent valley between high walls covered with mixed forest. Your naturalist guide welcomes you with a good meal at the camp; everything is already set up when you arrive so that your only concern is to enjoy this peaceful environment only disturbed by the sound of the nearby river rushing through its rocky bed. Relax on the river shore or short hikes in the area if you feel like it.

Day 2. Jacques Cartier National Park
Hiking on the Nature Trails of the Jacques Cartier Park : in this section of the park you will find more than 40km of hiking trails. Together with your guide you'll have the pleasure to discover the charms of the boreal forest while hiking through the valley. Camping in a charming site (with services and water) near the river.

Day 3. Jacques Cartier National Park & Quebec City
Hiking on the trails of the park in the morning with your naturalist guide. Heading for Quebec in the afternoon (1.5 hrs drive). Explore the historical capital. Check-in at your charming inn in the Old Town (within the walls).

Day 4. Grand Jardins National Park
On our way to the Grands Jardins Park (1.5hrs drive), an enclave of "Great North" south of the 48th parallel! This rich subarctic environment shelters a typical Nordic flora (Lichen, Black Spruce, Dwarf Birch, northern vegetation...) and shelters, among others, an important herd of moose. It isn't rare, during a hike, to have a chance to gaze at this majestic animal exploring its natural environment henceforth protected (more strictly since the early 80s). The park counts numerous hilltops among which some reach over 1000m. elevation and a trail network of about thirty kilometres ranging from easy to moderately difficult. Explore this magnificent region throughout the day with a naturalist guide, nature lovers can expect exhilarating moments! Overnight camping inside the national park.

Day 5. Hautes Gorges National Park
Transfer to Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie Park (45 min. drive). Installation of the camp right on the shore of the Malbaie River. After a plentiful lunch we are off to an intense and exciting hike following the "Maples Mountain Path" which passes through all of the forests types represented in the Quebec territory: the Maple Grove (Laurentienne Forest), the Spruce and Pine Forest (Boreal Forest), the Sub-Alpine forest and the Tundra vegetation on the summit of the mountain (1030m), where the "pergelisol" (a throughout the year frozen ground) covers the summit. This is a 5 to 6 hours hike on a 8.8km trail with a global slope graduation of 780m. Overnight in a fully equipped camp on the riverbank of the tumultuous Malbaie River.

Day 6. Hautes Gorges National Park
A peaceful and pleasant canoe trip (7km) on the Malbaie River, set between vertiginous rock walls, brings us to the campsite of the "Équerre", a beautiful and isolated site in the forest on the riverbanks. Some short but interesting hikes are possible from here. You may also opt for some more canoeing further up the river where you can play in the rapids. Installation of the camp in a very beautiful surrounding, night under the stars.

Day 7. Tadoussac
Hearty breakfast and return by canoe to the park (7km in calm waters). On our way (1.5hrs drive) towards Tadoussac, set in the hillside on the northeast side of Saguenay Fjord at the junction of the St.Lawrence River. Tadoussac dominates the Saguenay-St-Lawrence Maritime Park and is an attractive and dynamic city easily visited on foot. Stopping by Malbaie for some shopping and lunch along the way. Overnight in charming B&B in Tadoussac.

Day 8. St-Lawrence River Whale Watching Tour
Observation on the St-Lawrence River aboard a zodiac to view the giants of the sea feeding on "krill", these tiny shrimps the whales have a special affection for are very abundant in these waters fed by the Labrador Current. You will have the chance to observe dolphins, several Toothed Whales such as the Beluga and the Killer and Sperm Whales as well as some Baleen Whales like the Humpback, the Fin and the Blue Whale (the largest of animals). No doubt, an unforgettable adventure! Back ashore , we are on our way (30 min. drive) towards Escoumins, where we take the ferry to Trois-Pistoles on the south shore of the St.Lawrence. From here, we head for the Bic Park (45min. drive), a true jewel of Quebec's park network. Overnight camping under the stars.

Day 9. Bic National Park
The magnificent landscapes of the Bic Park, spreading on 33 square km, are formed by several islands and peninsulas, caps and rocks, bays and coves bathing in the waters of the St-Lawrence. The cold and salty waters are home to a very diverse flora and fauna; observe the cormorant, the gull, the eider, the common and grey seal and a wide range of land birds. Our first hiking option in the park's 20km trail network is the "Cap to the Moose Trail" which proposes magnificent outlooks on the region. This 9km path (moderately difficult) includes some dwarf peaks to "climb". Overnight as previous one in a fully equipped camp.

Day 10. Quebec
Early departure heading for Quebec (2hrs drive). Lunch with your guide and drop him off with the equipment, end of the tour.

Day 11. Transfer to Montreal and to the international airport of Montreal.
Early departure towards Montreal (2.5hrs drive) for a transfer to the international airport (or your hotel). End of the adventure.

NOTE: The description of this program is provided as a general indication of the tour's itinerary. Your program could be slightly different according to weather conditions, availabilities or changes in the accessibility of a site and/or service.

LODGING provided during this tour is in charming meticulously selected 3* inns, eco-lodges and hotels. We mainly use, throughout our tours, exactly & carefully selected small or medium sized genuine hotels and Inns offering friendliness and a homey touch along with the comfort and services provided in larger hotels. Inns are locally owned and managed - often family run - and provide a warm and friendly atmosphere to the visitors. The large charming rooms always count a private bathroom, a ceiling fan and/or air conditioning. * Unless otherwise indicated in the tour's day by day description.

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