Quebec Escapade Hiking Tour

Arrive in the beautiful city of Montreal and transfer to your accommodations for check-in. Meet up with your guide and group for a trip presentation, where the guide will go over the journey ahead and answer any questions. Dinner is at your leisure.

Your first day of adventure takes place in Jacques Cartier National Park, named after the first European to map the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. After a drive north to the park, enjoy a delicious picnic lunch along the riverbank, then hop in a classic yellow school bus to transfer to the starting point of your first hike.

The Coulées Trail winds into the heart of the Quebecois wilderness. Your guide will point out the native flora and fauna that populate the region. Upon completion of your hike, transfer to your overnight hotel in Stoneham.

Continue east through the forests, reaching the Cap Tourmente Wildlife Area. This region is home to a wide array of species, particularly migratory birds like the famous (and occasionally sassy) Canadian Goose. Stroll along the river on boardwalks, climbing to a gazebo that provides wonderful views of the broad Saint Lawrence and its islands.

Hop back in the vehicle and drive north to Baie-Saint-Paul. This shoreline city has an excellent collection of art galleries and boutiques, offering locally made cheese, meats, chocolate, and much more. Finally, end the day with a transfer to your chalet accommodations, deep in the Grands-Jardins National Park.

Today’s hike takes you into the heart of the Charlevoix region, one of Quebec’s most unique. Set off across taiga hills, through vegetation typically only found in the far north.

Summit Mont du Lac des Cygnes and enjoy panoramic views of the Saint Lawrence River with the many islands that seem to float midstream. If you’d like to extend the hike, embark on a looped walk along the Le Pioui trail. Return to the chalet and relax for the evening – but don’t miss a sunset walk to go moose-spotting!

Start the day with a hike along either Pinède or Boreal trails, which offer the best chances of spotting black bears or moose foraging in the woods. Upon completion of the hike, transfer to the shores of Lac-Saint-Jean before a visit to nearby Saguenay.

Your home for the next two nights is a set of chalets nestled in the heart of Monts-Valin National Park. Rent a canoe for a typically Canadian evening paddle or simply relax and enjoy your picturesque surroundings.

Spend a day exploring the Monts-Valin Park, with the eponymous mountain towering over the scenery. Hike along the Sommets trail, covered in shrubs and taiga flora, with gorgeous views of the Saguenay fjord in the distance. For a longer hike, try the Pic Dubuc trail, which stretches into the highest parts of the park.

Upon completion of your hike, return to the chalets for the remainder of the day. You’ll have a chance to visit a shelter for injured birds of prey, including eagles and snowy owls.

Depart Monts-Valin and hit the road as you travel east towards the Saint Lawrence. Stop at Sainte-Rose-du-Nord, one of Quebec’s most charming villages, and hike the nearby Saguenay fjords to Baie-Saint-Marguerite. You might be lucky enough to spot a pod of beluga whales here!

Continue on to the historic trading post of Tadoussac, perched at the mouth of the Saguenay River where it flows into the Saint Lawrence. After some time to explore the town, finish with a short transfer to Sacré-Coeur for your overnight stay.

A very special excursion awaits today! After breakfast, head to the Interpretation and Observation Centre, where you’ll set off on a whale-watching trip. Keep an eye out for humpbacks, porpoises, belugas, and even magnificent blue whales!

After the excursion, you’ll have some time to amble around Tadoussac before returning to Sacré-Coeur for your second and final night in town.

A scenic drive through Charlevoix leads you south to Quebec City, arriving in time for a full afternoon of exploration. This is a city full of rich history and scenic beauty. Its Old Town was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, and one shouldn’t miss a visit to the adored Château Frontenac.

You’ll have some free time to enjoy the city as you like. In the evening, meet up with your group for a delicious final dinner, sampling the best of Quebecois cuisine.

After breakfast, return to Montreal for your departure. If time allows, a short tour of the city can be enjoyed. Transfer back to the airport and depart via your own arrangements.