A road trip along the Côte-Nord
Location: Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve
Distance: 1,740 km round trip from Québec
Explore the Côte-Nord (North Shore) on this week-long travel itinerary. Discover the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, one of the best places in the world for whale watching. Snorkel in the cold waters of the St. Lawrence river and follow the Whale Route to the Mingan Archipelago and its famous monoliths.
Day 1
Location: Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, Baie-Sainte-Catherine
Distance: 210 km from Québec
The Côte-Nord offers up a welcome cocktail of sea air, magnificent landscapes and one of the best spots in the world for whale watching.
The view from the terrace above the Pointe-Noire Interpretation and Observation Centre is one of a kind; you can spot sparkling white belugas just steps from the shore.
Continue your marine adventure by boat or by sea kayak.
Day 2
Location: Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, Havre-Saint-Pierre
Distance: 650 km from Baie-Sainte-Catherine
Travel the Whale Route. Keep an eye out, you might spot seals basking in the sun or a whale slapping its tail!
Stroll along the beach of Havre-Saint-Pierre and admire the breathtaking view of the Mingan Archipelago islands.
Finish the day savouring some delicious seafood in one of the restaurants in town.
Day 3
Location: Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve
The bright blue waters, and the sound and scent of the ocean are calling your name. Set foot on Grande Île and treat yourself to a touch of whimsy for the night. Sleep in an Ôasis, a tear drop‑shaped accommodation nestled in the seaside canopy. Don’t miss the “Château” or the “Zoo,” two striking clusters of monoliths accessible by hiking along the shoreline.
Recommended accommodation:
Ôasis, Grande île
Day 4
Location: Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve
On the agenda this morning: a trip to Île Quarry and a hike along Le Petit Percé or Les Cypripèdes trails. Search for fossils in the rocks along the seashore and don’t miss the stunning monoliths of Anse des Érosions. Go for a stroll and enjoy the fresh sea breeze.
Recommended accommodation:
oTENTik, île Quarry
Day 5
Location: Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve
Treat yourself to a boat trip today to explore two new islands! Walk the Samuel Trail on Île Niapiskau and discover its monoliths, including the famous “Bonne femme de Niapiskau.” Wrap up the excursion with a short stop on Île du Fantôme, known for its unusual flora.
Day 6
Location: Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan
Distance: 50 km from Havre-Saint-Pierre
Be an early bird to enjoy one last excursion and set course for Île aux Perroquets. On the agenda: an iconic lighthouse station and hundreds of Atlantic puffins and razorbills. Extend the adventure to Île Nue de Mingan while watching curious seals along the way. The island emerges just above the water, revealing its monoliths and windswept heathland.
Location: Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, Les Bergeronnes
Distance: 570 km from Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan
Take a break at Cap de Bon-Désir Interpretation and Observation Centre. After a day on the road, what could be better than a short walk along the shore for some whale watching before a good night’s sleep.
Day 7
Location: Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, Les Escoumins
Distance: 10 km from Les Bergeronnes
Challenge yourself to some Nordic snorkeling in the St. Lawrence river at the Marine Environment Discovery Centre, and swim with the polar starfish. Receive some tips, pull on a thermal wetsuit and dive beneath the waves, marvel at the incredible diversity of marine life around you!
Distance: Return to Québec City, 255 km
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