Discover Lighthouses & Whales in the Gaspé

Discover Lighthouses & Whales in the Gaspé

Experience a different side to Canada on this 14-day independent self-drive tour.

You begin your journey in the vibrant city of Montreal, host to fantastic shopping, spectacular architecture, culinary delights and a great nightlife. Tracing the St. Lawrence River you pass through the early settlement of Trois-Rivières on your way to the walled city of Québec.

After enjoying the splendours of these great cities it's time to tackle the grandeur of the Gaspésie National Park and it's rich ecosystem of wildlife, including black bear.

Passing through picturesque fishing villages with an overnight stay at Matapedia you'll eventually arrive at Tadoussac. Here you can enjoy a whale watching cruise, five or six species feed in the Charlevoix coastal area.

Drive south through the Charlevoix Region, stop to visit picturesque Baie St. Paul and take a stroll along its narrow streets and stop at Montmorency Falls before reaching Montréal.

What's Included:

• Return flights
• 13 nights in hotels (accommodation as specified or similar)
• All excursions, transfers and listed activities
• Services of an experienced tour leader
• Car hire

Highlights include

• Stay in an old lighthouse
• Québec, the only walled city in North America
• The Gaspésie; wild, beautiful and full of wildlife
• Watch for whales in the St Lawrence

Day 1: Arrive Montréal

On arrival in Montréal collect your car and drive to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to explore this lively city. Montréal plays host to fantastic shopping, spectacular architecture, culinary delights and a great nightlife.
Overnight - Delta Montréal

Day 2: Montréal - Québec City (164 miles)

Today you will trace the St. Lawrence River as you head to Québec City. Along the way, pass through Trois- Rivières, one of the first European settlements dating back to 1634.
Overnight - Delta Québec

Day 3: Québec City

A free days to experience the old world charm of Vieux Québec with its cobblestone streets, fortified city wall and seventeenth century architecture.
Overnight - Delta Québec

Day 4: Québec City - Rivière du Loup (118 miles)

Follow the St. Lawrence River bound for the Rivieredu- Loup, gateway to the Gaspé Peninsula. Kamouraska with its quaint architecture offers a pretty place to stop for lunch.
Overnight - Pot a l’Eau de Vie Lighthouse Meals - Dinner

Day 5: Rivière du Loup - Matane (130 miles)

Drive past beautiful Cacouna village before reaching the Parc Bic, a magical spot for sea excursions. Further on, Rimouski is home to the Musee de la Mer, a maritime museum presenting the history of the Empress of Ireland and its sinking. Climb the 128 steps to the top of Canada’s second tallest lighthouse.
Overnight - Motel Belle Plage Meals - Breakfast

Day 6: Matane - Parc de la Gaspésie (69 miles)

Bound for Gaspésie National Park, soak in the splendours of the Chic-Choc and McGerrigle mountains and keep an eye out for wildlife. The Park contains the highest peaks of the Appalachian Mountains in Québec and the only caribou herd south of the St. Lawrence.
Overnight - Gîte du Mont Albert

Day 7: Parc de la Gaspésie

Enjoy a day at your leisure.
Overnight - Gîte du Mont Albert

Day 8: Parc de la Gaspésie – Gaspé area (125 miles)

Explore the Forillon National Park, discover magnificent views and observe abundant wildlife including black bear.
Overnight - Auberge Fort Prevel Resort

Day 9: Gaspé to Percé (49 miles)

Drive to Percé and its famous “Rocher Percé”. Enjoy an included boat trip to Ile Bonaventure to see the bird refuge.
Overnight - Riôtel Percé

Day 10: Percé - Matapedia (165 miles)

Drive along the Baie des Châleurs through numerous picturesque fishing villages to Matapedia.
Overnight - Linden Tree B&B Meals - Breakfast

Day 11: Matapedia - Tadoussac (168 miles + ferry)

In Rimouski board a catamaran for the included 55-minute crossing to Forestville then proceed along the North shore of the Lawrence River to Tadoussac.
Overnight - Tadoussac

Day 12: Tadoussac - la Malbaie (49 miles)

Enjoy a whale watching cruise; five or six species feed in the Charlevoix coastal area. Catch a 10 minute free ferry ride across to Baie Ste Catherine and on to la Malbaie.
Overnight - Auberge des Falaises

Day 13: La Malbaie - Montréal (249 miles)

Drive south through the Charlevoix Region, stop to visit picturesque Baie St. Paul and take a stroll along its narrow streets and stop at Montmorency Falls before reaching Montréal.
Overnight - Delta Montréal

Day 14: Depart Montréal

Return your car at the airport.