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DAY 1 - MONTREAL AIRPORT (P.E. Trudeau)
 Welcome to the world's second-largest French-speaking city after Paris. For your first night we have chosen a comfortable downtown hotel, the Delta Centre-Ville***, conveniently located at the heart of an urban fervour that is typically North American. You will receive your Authentik travel book, with all the details of your adventure including a road map indicating your route, as well as a personalised roadbook, a host of practical tourist information, a tax refund form for foreign visitors, a toll-free assistance number, vouchers, etc.
We wish you a great family holiday in the land of lakes and rivers! Authentik Advice: Don't pick up your rental vehicle at the airport upon your arrival in Montreal. As in all major cities around the world, driving in Montreal is challenging and it can be hard to find your way around. We suggest that you take a taxi from the airport to your hotel ($40), and then explore the city by foot and by Metro - the easiest and most economical choice.
Optional activity on leaving Montreal
Excursion to New York City (3 days/2 nights) Optional activities in Montreal
Try the local cuisine
Guided tour of Montreal
Biodome and Olympic Stadium Tower
Explore Montreal by bicycle
Pointe à Callière Museum
DAY 2 - MONTREAL / TADOUSSAC (553 Km)
 This morning, pick up your vehicle and set out in the direction of Tadoussac. You route will take you along the wide St-Lawrence river, through the lovely Charlevoix region.
Optional activity along the way
Ste-Anne Canyon
During your stay in Tadoussac Bay, one of the 50 most beautiful bays in the world, experience the thrill of a whale-watching safari, either by Zodiac, by boat or by sea kayak. You will be accompanied by a naturalist guide, who will help you to identify various species including rorqual whales and whitecoats (baby seals). At the head of the Laurentian Channel, in the St-Lawrence River Estuary, where deep, cold Arctic waters rise to the surface, marine mammals abound and can be observed for eight months of the year, making the Tadoussac region a whale-watching site of international renown.
You will be staying at the friendly Maison Gauthier Bed & Breakfast, in the heart of the village of Tadoussac.
Optional activities in Tadoussac
Zodiac Whale Safari
Catamaran Whale Safari
Sea Kayak with the whales
STAY IN AN OUTFITTER BETWEEN MONTREAL AND TADOUSSAC (OPTIONAL)
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Name of the Outfitter |
List of activities |
Destination |
BALUCHON OUTFITTER
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Theatre by the river, kayak, canoe, horseback riding, cycling, archery, horse-drawn carriage ride, whirlpool, sauna, tennis, hiking, spa and Mauricie National Park. |
Mauricie |
RAVAGE OUTFITTER
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Black bear watching, hiking with a trapper, quad, canoe, kayak, sauna finlandais, spa, mountain biking, and Parc National des Grands Jardins. |
Charlevoix |
DAY 3 - SAGUENAY FJORD EXCURSION (90 Km)
Use this day to discover the majestic Saguenay Fjord. The little-known landscapes of this grandiose fjord will create lasting memories. Here you will discover the immensity of time and space in a place where the colossal forces of nature are imprinted indelibly on the landscape.
Optional activity along the way
Via Ferrata
 You can choose between several family activities - take a cruise on the fjord starting at the picturesque village of Anse St-Jean; take a quad excursion through the fjord's highlands and its juncture with the St-Lawrence; or visit the Via Ferrata in the St-Siméon Adventure Park. And as night falls, you can take part in a black bear or beaver photo-safari expedition.
In addition, the hiking trails of Saguenay National Park are among the most beautiful in Quebec, offering breathtaking views of the great Canadian wilderness.
Return to Tadoussac at the end of the day; another night at the friendly Maison Gauthier Bed & Breakfast.
Optional activities at Saguenay Fjord
Quad Excursion in the Mountains
Sea Kayak on the Fjord
"Bateau Mouche" cruise on the Fjord
Sailing on the Fjord
Show: "La Fabuleuse"
DAY 4 - TADOUSSAC / BAIE-COMEAU (200 Km)
Breakfast. Make the most of the morning by taking a walk through the pleasant town of Tadoussac, before continuing along the north shore of the St-Lawrence River. You will pass one picturesque village after another until you reach your destination, Baie-Comeau, well-known for its hydroelectric dams just north of the town. For an experience you won't forget, take part in a black bear and Canada wolf watching safari.
Night at Le Manoir Hotel, with the singular charm of an old French colonial manor house.
Optional activities in Baie-Comeau
Black bear and wolf watching
Tyrolean on the trail of the glaciers
DAY 5 & 6 - BAIE-COMEAU / GASPESIE NATIONAL PARK (324 Km)
This morning, you will take an unforgettable ferry ride across the majestic river, to the south shore and the beautiful Gaspésie region. Your destination: Gaspésie National Park.
 Gaspésie National Park is a veritable sea of mountains located in the heart of the Gaspé Peninsula.
Its varied climates and unusual geomorphology attract a diversity of plant and animal species that are unique to Quebec. A permanent exhibit will allow you to go from one end of the park to the other and to have an initial contact with the one-of-a-kind natural elements found here. This new exhibit is a must-see for anyone interested in discovering all the treasures of Gaspésie National Park.
Hiking is, without a doubt, the favoutite activity within Gaspésie National park. A variety of trails lead to breathtaking views! Hike up Mont Jacques-Cartier for a taste of the Far North; you may even surprise some caribou grazing at the summit. Ask about the shuttle service, and the discovery hike "Vivez le Grand Nord". Enjoy your hike!
For the next 2 nights, you will be stayting in a typical inn, close to the majestic river and at the gates of Parc de la Gaspésie: Bed & Breakfast La Seigneurie des Monts.
Optional activities
Sea Excursion (ecotourism)
Gaspesian meal
DAY 7 - GASPESIE NATIONAL PARK / PARC FORILLON (217 Km)
 The adventure continues towards the point of the Gaspé Peninsula, where mountains thrust brutally into the Atlantic Ocean, forming the incredible cliffs of Forillon National Park. The park encompasses 244 square kilometers of sea, hilly forest land, rugged cliffs and majestic coastline, including a protected zone containing part of the Mégantic and Notre-Dame mountain ranges, as well as part of the coast of the Gulf of St-Lawrence. The presence of ten different rock formations, colonies of sea birds, and enigmatic Arctic-alpine plant life gives the Park its unique character.
To learn more about this internationally renowned park, you can choose among the many educational nature and history activities. Just ask for the Visitor's Guide, then plan your day! In addition, the sea kayak expeditions will open up a whole other world to explore, to understand, and to love. And situated within this seaside park, the Grande-Grave Heritage Site bears witness to the way of life of fishermen and their families at the turn of the twentieth century. A day packed with adventures! Night at the B&B Pétales de Rose.
Optional activity at Forillon National Park
Sea Kayak at sunset
DAY 8 - FORILLON NATIONAL PARK / PERCÉ (76 Km)
 You say goodbye to Forillon Park and head towards the renowned Percé Rock and Bonaventure Island. Sculpted by time and the sea, at the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula, Bonaventure Island and Percé Rock National Park can boast of a rich historical and natural heritage, a surprising geological past, and unusual plant and animal life including the famous colony of Northern Gannets, known all over the world. An extension of the Appalachian Mountains into the Gulf of St-Lawrence, this rocky city has Bonaventure Island for a forteress; the majestic Percé Rock, symbol of Quebec tourism, is its flagship. On the island, the fragrance and colour of the wildflowers and the fresh sea breezes will intoxicate you.
You will spend the night at Auberge la Table à Roland in Percé, a typical fishing village, where several optional activities are available to you.
Optional activities in Percé
Cruise to Bonaventure Island
Scuba-Diving
Lobster Supper
DAY 9 - PERCÉ / BONAVENTURE (130 Km)
After breakfast, spend the morning discovering the marvellous region of Percé. In the afternoon you leave for the southern part of Gaspésie and Baie des Chaleurs. For the next two nights, you will enjoy an amazing experience in the Canadian wilderness: sleeping in a raised ecolodge. The ecolodge consists of comfortable cabins, built in the treetops and accessed by an ingenious system of above ground walkways so that the forest floor is not disturbed.
DAY 10- BONAVENTURE RIVER
 From your ecolodge, take a trip down one of Quebec's most beautiful rivers - the Bonaventure River, with its jade-green, limpid waters. Descend the river by canoe, an unforgettable open-air experience! You will receive instruction from trained patrolmen before you set out. You will learn basic canoe techniques and even navigate a few rapids, as you discover the river's most beautiful nooks and crannies, as well as the plant and animal life of Gaspesie.
This evening, try the sauna, then bask in Gaspesian culture as you enjoy the cheery crackling of the campfire. Take some time to enjoy your natural surroundings, or to explore Bonaventure-sur-Mer. Explore the many hiking trails, or take an idyllic dip in the river. After all, you are on holiday!!! Another night at the ecolodge.
Optional activities in Bonaventure
Biopark (ideal for families)
Descent of the river by canoe (4 hours)
Canoe-camping excursion (3 days)
DAY 11 - BONAVENTURE / MATAPEDIA VALLEY (190 Km)
This morning, you will continue along the scenic Gaspesian coast.
Optional activity along the way
Miguasha Fossil Park
Along the way, you will enter the mythic Matapédia Valley, a wonderfully wild and natural region where forests, plateaus, hills and rivers coexist in perfect harmony. The Valley contains a great network of rivers and lakes, veritable little paradises for hunters and fishermen. Known worldwide for its salmon fishing, the Matapédia river twists and turns over more then 70 km; as for the lake of the same name, it prides itself on being the largest freshwater body in Gaspésie.
At the end of the day, you are expected at Auberge La Coulée Douce in Causapscal, where you will be spending the night. There you will be able to see salmon fishermen in action.
Optional activity in the Matapédia Valley
Matamajaw Historical Site
DAY 12 - MATAPEDIA VALLEY / KAMOURASKA (245 Km)
Breakfast and the morning off. A panoramic route along the Gaspesian coast will take you to the region of Kamouraska, in Bas-St-Laurent, where, according to National Geographic, you will find "the second most beautiful sunsets in the world, after Hawaii".
"Where rushes grow at the water's edge" - that is what the Algonquin people called this place that is blessed by the gods. In addition to its rich and fascinating architecture and history, the Kamouraska region is renowned for the beauty and diversity of the land, and its calm and harmonious scenery.
Activities along the way
"Arbre-en-Arbre" Tree top Course
Métis Gardens
Tonight you will be staying at the Auberge sur Mer, located on the banks of the St-Lawrence with a view of the famous sunset.
Optional activity in Kamouraska
Boat trip and a night on Lièvres Island (+1 night)
STAY IN AN OUTFITTER BETWEEN BONAVENTURE AND KAMOURASKA (OPTIONAL) |
Name of the Outfitter |
List of activities |
Destination |
VALGA OUTFITTER
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Beaver watching, hiking with guide, canoe, wild trout fishing, visit of the oldest maple grove in Quebec, etc. |
Gaspésie |
DAY 13 & 14 - KAMOURASKA / QUEBEC CITY (202 Km)
 After breakfast, you set out along the wide St-Lawrence river in the direction of Quebec City. Why not stop in the charming village of St-Jean-Port-Joli, to take a look at the magnificent wood sculptures that have made this typical Quebec village famous....
Once in Quebec city, spend the rest of the day (and the next) exploring this old city with its many historic sites, recognized and protected by UNESCO. From Place Royale and Petit Champlain to Dufferin Terrace and Château Frontenac, follow winding alleys that will lead you to hidden places where you will have the impression that you are the first to discover them.
Your 2 nights in Quebec City will be spent at the luxurious Château Laurier*** hotel at the gates of Old Quebec.
Optional activities in Quebec City
Guided tour of Quebec City
Dine at a traditional Sugar Shack
Dine on the roof of Old Quebec
Water Slides at Sports Village
Visit a traditional Amerindian site, with typical lunch
River Rafting
Ride in a Hot Air Balloon
DAY 15 - QUEBEC CITY/ MONTREAL AIRPORT (300 Km)
Last morning in the old Capital before leaving for Montreal. Drop off your vehicle at the Montreal Airport and board your return flight home. And you leave the land of lakes and rivers, your heart full of lasting memories!!!
 
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Montreal vacation & Weather
