Occupacy Single - Double
Departing from Tadoussac
June 24 to September 9
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.
You'll be part of a solidarity, responsible, and fair travel experience—values embraced by Voyages Coste's cooperative for fair tourism.
DAY 1-2
TADOUSSAC / LES BERGERONNES / ESSIPIT (LES ESCOUMINS) (45 KM)
Your journey along the Côte-Nord begins with the short crossing of the Saguenay Fjord's mouth, where you'll arrive in the charming village of Tadoussac. We recommend starting with a visit to the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre—a fascinating stop to learn more about the giants of the St. Lawrence. Then, make your way to the Bergeronnes wharf (26 km away), where you'll board a safe and comfortable zodiac in the early afternoon (departures at 1:00 p.m. or 4:00 p.m.) for an unforgettable whale-watching cruise.
You'll have the chance to observe majestic whales in one of the world's best spots for marine mammal watching. After this awe-inspiring experience, settle in for your first night “on the Coast” in a cozy chalet or condo for two in Essipit, just next to the town of Les Escoumins.
DAY 3
ESSIPIT (LES ESCOUMINS) / CHUTE AUX OUTARDES (139 KM)
A beautiful day of discovery awaits you along the Côte-Nord. Head toward Chute-aux-Outardes (139 km) to explore a true natural gem: the Parc Nature de Pointe-aux-Outardes. Nestled on a peninsula, this stunning 1 km² park brings together eight distinct ecosystems in one incredible location—offering a rich and diverse glimpse of the region's natural heritage. It's a prime gathering place for local wildlife and plant life.
Birdwatchers will be in their element: over 200 bird species are recorded here during the migratory season, making it a must-visit spot for ornithology enthusiasts. The park also features beautiful beaches, perfect for long walks or a refreshing swim in the St. Lawrence River during low tide.
Guided tours are available for those curious to learn more about the area's flora and fauna. To top off your day, you'll spend the night in a unique accommodation: a giant birdhouse—an inviting, rustic chalet tucked away in nature.
DAY 4
CHUTE-AUX-OUTARDES / SEPT-ÎLES (249 KM)
Set course for Sept-Îles! Along the way, make a stop at Pointe-des-Monts for a guided tour of the historic site. A local guide will share the fascinating history of the area, and you'll get to watch an engaging video about the lighthouse and its maritime heritage.
Continue your journey toward Sept-Îles (approximately 250 km). Take a break for a picnic along the route, or enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants upon your arrival in town.
In the afternoon, board a zodiac for a 3-hour excursion to a marine farm site. This captivating experience offers insight into marine aquaculture, followed by a tasting of the farm's fresh and flavorful products. Each cruise accommodates up to 12 passengers, ensuring a personalized and intimate adventure on the water.
At the end of the day, check in to your hotel for the night.
JOUR 5
SEPT-ÎLES / RIVIÈRE-AU-TONNERRE (125 KM)
Continue your journey along the Whale Route toward Rivière-au-Tonnerre (125 km), as you enter the beautiful Minganie region. On the way, stop at the Manitou River site (km 1088) to admire its cascading waters and impressive waterfall. A hiking trail, equipped with staircases to help navigate steeper areas, leads you to this breathtaking natural spectacle.
Upon your arrival in the village, a locally inspired cocktail will be waiting for you at the reception office of the cooperative travel agency Voyages COSTE, located at 454 Jacques-Cartier Road (Route 138). Afterwards, take time to visit the village's unique church—a striking Norman-style wooden semi-cathedral built by 300 dedicated volunteers.
End your day with a peaceful stroll to the picturesque waterfalls that gave the village its name—the Petit and Grand Sault—before settling in at your hotel for the night.
DAY 6
RIVIÈRE-AU-TONNERRE / HAVRE-ST-PIERRE (102 KM)
Along the way, take a short detour through the peaceful hamlet of Magpie—an enchanting stop that's sure to delight. Pause at the scenic lookout offering sweeping views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and/or visit the local hydroelectric power station, a testament to regional ingenuity.
Upon arriving in Havre-Saint-Pierre, stop by the Parks Canada office to pick up a road trip audio guide—available on CD or USB key—that will accompany you the next day on your drive toward Natashquan, where you'll return the audio guide at the end of the route.
In the afternoon, set out on a captivating cruise through the heart of the Mingan Archipelago. Marvel at the iconic limestone monoliths, sculpted by time and nature, that have inspired poets and painters alike.
Back on dry land, settle in for the evening at your accommodation in Havre-Saint-Pierre.
DAY 7
HAVRE-ST-PIERRE / KEGASKA / NATASHQUAN (153KM)
Continue your journey toward Natashquan, accompanied by the audio CD or USB key you picked up in Havre-Saint-Pierre. This stretch leads you to the “little village with the big name,” made famous by the beloved Québec poet and singer-songwriter Gilles Vigneault, who was born and raised there. Today, the village remains a vibrant meeting point of Indigenous and Acadian cultures, living side by side in harmony.
Along the way, make a stop at Baie-Johan-Beetz to snap a photo at the site of the historic château—a place held dear by the local community.
Before settling in for the night in Natashquan, the more curious travelers may want to venture even farther along the “End of the Road” route, which takes you to Kegaska, a small, picturesque fishing village at the far end of Route 138.
Return to Natashquan and check in at your accommodation for a peaceful night's rest.
DAY 8
NATASHQUAN / LONGUE-POINTE DE MINGAN (199 KM)
Begin your day with a visit to La Vieille École, a small museum that brings to life several characters from the poetic world of Gilles Vigneault. Continue on to the Bord du Cap Interpretation Centre, located in a former general store. The center features 35 themed exhibits that trace the rich history of Natashquan, founded in 1855 by Acadians from the Magdalen Islands.
Your destination for the day is Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan. In the afternoon, set out on a boat excursion through the western sector of the Mingan Archipelago, where you'll discover Île aux Perroquets, a breathtaking site renowned for its seabird watching.
Settle in for the night at your accommodation in Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan.
DAY 9
Return
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.
Inclusions:
8 nights of accommodation in guesthouses, inns, hotels, condos, chalets, or cottages (2-3***), with private bathrooms
2 breakfasts
Excursions and Visits:
Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre
Whale-watching cruise
Guided tour of Pointe-Aux-Outardes Nature Park
Guided activity at Pointe-des-Monts Lighthouse
Purmer Cruise
Manitou Falls;li>
Local cocktail and visit to the wooden semi-cathedral at Thunder River
Petit and Grand Sault Falls
Mingan Islands Archipelago Cruise
Road-trip CD or USB (to be returned in Natashquan)
Old School; Bord du Cap Interpretation Centre
Mingan Islands Archipelago Cruise (western sector, Parks Canada Research Station)
A $20 contribution to support the Cooperative of Solidarity for Fair Tourism in sustainable tourism development
Non-inclus:
Les taxes et frais de service
Les dépenses personnelles
Les assurances Manuvie et la protection annulation Protect Group