Quebec Escapade - Windigo Travel
Transcription
Quebec Escapade - Windigo Travel
Quebec Escapade From 2500$/ pers. Description Discover Canada’s French province like an old friend who show you! Quebec, a province where its unique history mixes the Old World with the New, is filled with beautiful parks, mountains, and wilderness. Follow your local guide through magnificent open spaces offering exceptional landscapes of ridges, valleys, glaciers, fjords, rivers, lakes and boreal forests. The Charlevoix region, where majestic massifs dip into the St Lawrence River, will astound you with its unique vegetation. The Grands Jardins Park is covered with taiga forests, trees that are normally only found in the Quebecois Great North. Perhaps we’ll even be able to spot black bears and moose who call this wooded wilderness home. We’ll explore the Jacques-Cartier Valley, winding through the Charlevoix Mountains and the Monts-Valins massif, visiting the Saguenay Fjord. In Tadoussac, is one of the world’s best locations to see 12 different species of whales, like belugas, blue whales, and humpbacks. The forests and lakes also offer home to beavers, dears and black bears. Your journey will take you to some of the most charming and picturesque villages, famous for their local artists, delicious handcrafted products like cheese and meats, spectacular views, or ancient history. The adventure will be complete with a visit to both Montreal and Quebec City! Quebec City, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the only fortified settlement in North America. This excursion is a fabulous journey in the heart of the Quebec wilderness, and a chance to be welcomed by the Fiche de programme imprimée de windigo.travel Pour toute demande de tarif sur mesure, communiquez avec nous sur [email protected] ou au +1-514-948-4145 famously warm and friendly Quebecois! Highlights ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Hiking Quebec’s National Parks with its wildlife : beavers, moose, black bears, etc. Tadoussac, one of the world’s best whale observation location Visiting the oldest settlement in North America – Québec city’s old quarters Meeting with local artists and local producers Taste of local culinary delights The warm « Québécois » welcome of your hosts The unique variety of accommodations, including 2 nights on a lake shore Day by day trip Day 01 Arrival in Montreal Downtown standard hotel *** Arrival in Montreal and check in at your hotel. Free time in the city depending on flight times. RDV with your guide for trip presentation. Free time for dinner. Night at the hotel. Day 02 Montreal – Hiking in Jacques Cartier National Park Condo or Hotel *** 330 km, 3,5h drive This morning we leave vibrant Montreal for the Quebecois wilderness. Our first stop will be Jacques Cartier National Park, one of the most beautiful glacial valleys in the province. We picnic along the river, then begin our first hike. A yellow school bus, typical of North America, serves as our shuttle to the starting point. Your guide introduces you to the local fauna and flora on the Coulées Trail. It’s also possible to do other short hikes. We check into the hotel/condo at the end of the day in Stoneham. Meals: B, L, D. Hike Les Coulées trail 10,4 km (loop), 180 m elevation gain, 3,5h walk Fiche de programme imprimée de windigo.travel Pour toute demande de tarif sur mesure, communiquez avec nous sur [email protected] ou au +1-514-948-4145 Day 03 Hike in Cap Tourmente & visit Baie-St-Paul village Chalets in the Park 180 km, 2,5h drive We continue our journey towards the beautiful Charlevoix region. We stop in Cap Tourmente, a favourite location for migratory birds like the Canadian Bernache or the White Goose. Many other species live in the forested park year round. We take a walk along the river on boardwalks, climbing higher before reaching the gazebo overlooking the river and its islands. We take the road again across the charming countryside to BaieSaint-Paul. We stroll through its many galleries displaying artists inspired by the local landscape, and the small boutiques selling local products like craft beer, cheese, chocolates, organic cold meats and more. Later we settle in our chalets where we will spend the next two nights, tucked away deep within the boreal forests of Grands-Jardins National Park. Meals: B, L, D Hike Cap Tourmente 6 km, 150 m elevation gain, 2h walk Day 04 Hike through taïga vegetation in Grands Jardins National Park Chalets in the Park Today we hike in the heart of Charlevoix, a mountainous region with taiga covered peaks, vegetation normally only found in far northern Quebec. We reach the top of Mont du Lac des Cygnes, where black bears may be seen roaming about the mountainous terrain. Spectacular view on the Saint Lawrence river and its islands. It is possible to continue the hike by completing a loop via the Le Pioui trail. Upon our return, relax at the chalet or on the lake nearby. We take a walk before sunset in the hope to see a moose. Meals : B, L, D. Hikes Mont du Lac des Cygnes Trail 8,4 km (round trip), 500 m elevation gain, 4h walk Lac Pioui / Mont du Lac des Cygnes trail 11,4 km (loop option), 500 m elevation gain, 5h walk Day 05 Grands Jardins National Park & Monts-Valin National Park – Night on the lake shore Fiche de programme imprimée de windigo.travel Pour toute demande de tarif sur mesure, communiquez avec nous sur [email protected] ou au +1-514-948-4145 Chalets in the Park 140 km, 2,5h drive Our last moments in the Grands Jardins park before we leave for the Saguenay region. We hike the Pinède or the Boreal trail(s) where the chances of observing black bears and moose are the highest, but not guaranteed. Explore the taiga covered landscapes keeping your eyes open for wildlife. We then continue to Lac St-Jean, an enormous inland sea in the heart of Quebec. Short visit of Saguenay village and some grocery shopping before continuing to our next destination – Monts-Valin National Park. We check in our chalets on a lake, our own piece of paradise for the next two nights. Some canoes are available for your enjoyment, or you can take some time to relax à la Québécoise! Meals : B, L, D Hikes Le Boréal trail 2 km (loop), 1h walk La Pinède trail 6,7 km (loop), 2,5h walk Day 06 Hike on the summits of Monts-Valin National Park – Night on the lake shore Chalets in the Park Looming at 984 metres high, the Monts-Valin National Park dominates the landscape in Saguenay-Lac-Sait-Jean. We hike the Sommets trail and see the massifs covered in taiga and shrubs. Enjoy the spectacular view of the Saguenay fjord. Another possible hike is on Pic Dubuc trail, reaching the highest points of the park. We return to the chalets in the afternoon. Option to visit a shelter for injured birds of prey like snow owls and eagles. Meals : B, L, D. Hikes Les Sommets trail 5 km, 50 m elevation, 2h walk Pic Dubuc trail 12 km (round trip), 130 m elevation gain, 4h walk Day 07 Discover Saguenay Fjord & visit Ste-Rose-du-Nord and Tadoussac villages Chalets or Condos** Fiche de programme imprimée de windigo.travel Pour toute demande de tarif sur mesure, communiquez avec nous sur [email protected] ou au +1-514-948-4145 110 km, 1,5h drive This morning we head back down the Monts-Valin massifs as we take the road towards Tadoussac. We stop along the way to visit Saint-Rose-du-Nord, labeled as one of the Québec’s most beautiful villages, and hike the Saguenay Fjords to Baie-Saint-Marguerite. Possible sightings of belugas so keep a lookout! We arrive in Tadoussac in the afternoon and visit this ancient trading post, a small village flanked by mountains, the Fjord, and the Saint Lawrence River. Possibility to hike from Tadoussac to the fjord’s mouth. At the end of the day we check into our condo-apartments in Sacré-Coeur and visit the adjacent farm. Meals : B, L, D. Hikes Baie Sainte Marguerite Path 6,4km (round trip), minimal elevation gain, 1,5h walk Le Fjord trail 3 – 8 km, 300 m elevation gain, 1h – 4h walk Day 08 Whale watching excursion and visit Tadoussac Chalets or Condos** 60 km, 1h drive Today we visit the fauna and flora Interpretation Center of the Saint Lawrence before embarking on our zodiac whale watching excursion this afternoon. The fresh watered fjords collide with the salted estuaries, creating a krill rich environment and an ideal place to go whale watching. Whale sightings could include belugas, blue whales, porpoises, and humpback whales (2-3hrs depending on the season). Enjoy some free time in Tadoussac to admire the typical red roofed canadian houses, the pretty chapel and the river boardwalk. Return to SacréCoeur for the night. Meals : B, L, D. Activity Whale watching Zodiac excursion 2,5h Day 09 Charlevoix countryside and the historic quarters of Québec Downtown standard hotel ** or *** 170 km, 2,5h drive Fiche de programme imprimée de windigo.travel Pour toute demande de tarif sur mesure, communiquez avec nous sur [email protected] ou au +1-514-948-4145 We take the scenic drive back to Quebec City through the beautiful villages of Charlevoix countryside. We arrive in the city for an afternoon of exploration. Perched high above Cap Diamant overlooking the Saint Lawrence River, Quebec City is a pillar in North American history. The Old Town, named a UNESCO historic site in 1985, is the only fortified city in North America. Its famous monuments include the Château Frontenac, the Abraham Plains, the Petit Champlain neighborhood, and more! Enjoy some free time in Quebec and meet up with the group in time for our final dinner (not included). Meals : B Day 10 Return to Montreal – End of trip 250 km, 2,5h drive We transfer back to Montreal. Depending on arrival time and flight times, we will take you on a short city tour of the area. End of tour. Meals : B Note: B = breakfast L = lunch D = diner Itinerary note: The guide reserves the right to modify the itinerary for the group’s safety depending on the weather and general operating conditions. Date & price ● ● 6 August 2017 2500$CA 24 September 2017 2500$CA Inclusive ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Accommodations : 2 nights in a standard hotel, 3 nights in comfortable condos, 4 nights in chalets with multiple occupancy and shared facilities Transport: 12 passenger’s minibus with trailer for luggages from 8 participants Bilingual driver-guide (French-English) Meals: 9 breakfasts, 7 picnics and 7 dinners prepared by the guide National Parks entrance fees Parks & villages visits and orientation tour in cities Canoeing in Monts-Valin National Park Wildlife viewing with our guide Whale Watching excursion (2,5h) Cooking equipment to prepare meals in chalets and pic-nics Canadian taxes Non inclusive ● Airport meet and greet and transfers Fiche de programme imprimée de windigo.travel Pour toute demande de tarif sur mesure, communiquez avec nous sur [email protected] ou au +1-514-948-4145 ● ● ● ● Optional activities Meals in Montreal and Quebec Personal expenses Flights and travel insurance Group Groups are comprised of people from various part of the world, with different nationalities and backgrounds. Bilingual tours are given in both French and English. Tour Guide A fluent bilingual (French & English) driver-guide who knows the area will lead the tour. Please note that it is expected of you to actively participate in the daily chores, like the preparation of picnics, the loading and unloading of the minibus with luggage and participating in suggested activities. Information about activities and hikes Easy hiking and discovery tour with 1 to 4 hours of walking each day. Hikes are mainly within forests, near a river or small mountains. Summer climate is comfortable, but it can get quite cold at night during the month of September. Physical level There is no suggested physical aptitude needed for this trip, beginner to moderate level hikers and walkers are welcome. However, you should be able to walk for 1 to 4 hours with an average of 0 to 960 meters elevation gain, and enjoy walking Accommodation The accommodations on this trip are varied and authentic, many out in the wilderness: Montreal: 3* standard hotel, located downtown Stoneham: 2-3* Condo/Hotel, with double or quad rooms (private or shared facilities) Grands Jardins National Park: 1 or 2 chalets in multiple shared occupancy (up to 8 people per chalet with 8 single beds located in 3 rooms with shared facilities). Chalet is powered by propane gas (lighting and cooking). No single rooms available. Monts-Valin National Park: 1 main chalet (8 people spread out into 4 rooms each with 2 single beds, shared bathroom, kitchen and living room). We add smaller chalets depending on group size, for 2 to 4 people each. Electricity is available. No single options available. Sacre-Cœur : family style chalets/condos, double and quad rooms, shared bathroom, with or without kitchenette. Quebec: Standard 2-3* hotel, located downtown Note: chalets are simple, in the middle of nature with few to no people around. These accommodations offered basic service with propane light or electricity, but no wi-fi available! All linens are included. Transport For all transfers, we use a 12-passenger minibus. The luggage will be transported inside the minibus or inside an Fiche de programme imprimée de windigo.travel Pour toute demande de tarif sur mesure, communiquez avec nous sur [email protected] ou au +1-514-948-4145 enclosed cargo trailer, depending on the number of group members. Meals Meals in the chalets and condos are all included. These will be prepared by your guide, help from participants is always welcome. For lunch we mostly prepare picnics. Breakfast is generally prepared in a buffet style, dinner cooked hot with local ingredients. All cooking equipment is included. Meals in Montreal and Quebec City are not included. For not included meals, plan on a budget of: 15$-20$ CAD for lunches and 18$-30$ CAD for dinners (tips and alcohol not included in prices). Climate Quebecois weather experiences four very different seasons. The spring is calm and short and the fall quite colorful. Summer are hot and often humid, while winter is freezing and filled with snow. We operate this itinerary when the temperature is predominantly pleasant, mostly in the summer and fall. Though it’s usually hot during the day over the summer, nights by the water or at higher altitudes are cooler. In May and September it is cooler during the day and fresh at night. At night, September nights can be quite cold. Flies and mosquitoes are present during warmer periods, especially in the forests. Fall colors will appear around midseptember. Optionnal activities Tadoussac : ● Sea kayaking : 65,00$ CAD/adult – 3h00 NOTE: Rates subject to change without notice Fiche de programme imprimée de windigo.travel Pour toute demande de tarif sur mesure, communiquez avec nous sur [email protected] ou au +1-514-948-4145