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      QUÉBEC

      Saguenay, Québec

      Discover splendid villages and breathtaking views!


      Québec’s picturesque Saguenay region is a combination of proud heritage and rugged beauty. Travel through the Laurentians admiring the rocky Canadian Shield until the pines divide and the earth plummets down a sheer rock face at the Rivière Saguenay fjord. Formed during the last ice age, the fjord empties into the St. Lawrence River at Tadoussac, the first French trading post in New France. Stay in the landmark Hôtel Tadoussac and cruise the St. Lawrence to spot the largest mammals on earth. Enjoy beautiful panoramic views from the gondola and see the waterfalls that John Keats describes as "the monstrous steep of Montmorency".

       

      The journey homeward presents the opportunity to linger and explore the historic district of Old Québec City. Bask in the European charm of this UNESCO World Heritage treasure. Stroll the cobblestone streets and discover old-world architecture, landmarks and museums, charming boutiques, and exquisite eats. Beautiful landscapes, a rich history and French-Canadian culture … such is La Belle Province!


      RELATED TOUR: Gaspé Peninsula Getaway

      Region

      Québec

      Duration

      7 Days

      Activity Rating

      Fitness Scale: Level 4

      Meals

      Breakfasts: 6

      Lunches: 4

      Dinners: 5

      Book by March 28 and save:  $150     

      2024 DATES Double Single
      July 6 $3,195 $4,195
      August 24 $3,295 $4,395

      Pickup: Route C1

      • Highlights

        Experience the Saguenay Fjord 

        Breathe in the fresh air as you cruise one of the longest fjords in the world. Admire the highest rock formations in the Fjord-du-Saguenay National Park, see beautiful coastal villages, and gaze at the iconic Our-Lady-of-the-Saguenay statue.


        Watch Whales on the St. Lawrence River 

        One of Québec’s best-kept secrets is that Tadoussac is one of the premier places in the world to see whales. During the summer, up to 13 species of cetaceans are drawn to the cold krill-filled waters of the St. Lawrence.


        During a 3-hour cruise, you’ll have the chance to spot the telltale tuft of water exploding above the horizon as whales' surface to breathe. Find Minke, Blue (the largest creatures on the planet), Beluga, Humpback, and Fin whales. Humpbacks come close enough that you can spot them from shore! 


        Visit a 1920s Lumber Village

        Travel back to the 1920s with a visit to Val-Jalbert, a restored lumber village complete with over 40 buildings and costumed interpreters. Take the trolley and hear about the village's history and what life was like for the workers. A tour highlight includes a visit to the Ouiatchouan Falls, the energy producer for the papermills machinery. Walk across a glass platform that provides amazing views of the 236-ft-high waterfall, which is taller than Niagara Falls. Ride the cable car to the summit of the mountain and discover the breathtaking views of Lake St-John.


        Sainte-Anne-de Beaupré

        The St. Anne Basilica is one of the four major shrines in Québec. For more than 350 years people have gathered at the shrine making it the oldest pilgrimage site in North America. The impressive front doors of the church were made by the famous artist Albert Gilles.


        Dining with a View 

        Enjoy the spectacular view of Montmorency Falls and the beautiful gardens with lunch at Manoir Montmorency. Restored after a fire, Manoir Montmorency showcases the original English architecture and chic country style of a summer home built in the late 18th century. See the breathtaking Montmorency Falls via gondola ride, walk the suspension bridge, or climb the panoramic staircase along the cliffs. 


        Time in Old Québec 

        Get acquainted with this magical city with a guided tour. Meander the cobblestone streets wandering in and out of shops and boutiques. Whether you’re in the mood for traditional Québec fare or looking for something more European, there is something to appeal to any appetite. 


        Traditional Sugar Shack

        Cozy cabins nestled in the heart of an ancient maple forest, La Sucrerie de la Montagne (Candy of the Mountain) is a Québec heritage site. Celebrating over 40 years as an authentic Québec experience, founder Pierre Faucher and son Stefan are committed to honouring the traditions of Québec. Smell the aromas from the wood-fired bakery, learn how sap is turned into syrup, and enjoy a hearty Québecois meal.

      • Why This Tour is Great

        Attention Lovers of History, Culture, and Nature!

        Cater to both the history buff and the outdoor enthusiast!  Take a beautiful balance of breathtaking scenery from the rugged Canadian Shield and the spectacular Saguenay Fjord, and then view waterfalls from the air and whales from the water.  In equal measure, add French-Canadian history and culture with visits to Val-Jalbert and  St. Anne de Beaupré Basilica, with free time to explore Québec City’s historic district.


        Uniquely Canadian Experiences  

        A visit to Val-Jalbert historic village has been recognized as a special, Canadian Signature Experience, a “once-in-a-lifetime travel experience” offered by Canadians who are passionate about sharing their part of the country.  Visiting La Sucrerie de la Montagne in the early spring is also a Canadian Signature Experience, and this sugar shack serves up Québec heritage experiences year round! 


        Stay in a Very Special Hotel

        Experience the old-fashoned elegance of Hôtel Tadoussac, a 150-year-old, landmark hotel that sits on one of the most beautiful bays in the world. 

      • What's Included
        • Private coach transportation
        • Our unique Connections Program
        • 6 nights of accommodation
        • 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners
        • Local professional guides and all entry fees for included highlights
        • Services of a Professional Tour Director

        Prices are in Canadian dollars, are per person and includeall applicable taxes.


        Included Highlights

        • Val-Jalbert: village visit, guided trolley tour, and lunch
        • Saguenay Fjord Cruise
        • Whale watching on the St. Lawrence River
        • Free afternoon in Tadoussac
        • Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Basilica
        • Montmorency Falls: lunch and cable car ride
        • Centrally located hotel in Québec City
        • Québec City guided tour 
        • Free time in Québec City
        • Tour of a traditional Sugar Shack and lunch
      • Day-to-Day Itinerary

        Day 1: Saint-Maurice River

        Travel east along the St. Lawrence River toward Montreal, to the confluence of the Saint-Maurice River and the St. Lawrence. Stop for overnight accommodation and get to know your fellow travellers during a welcome dinner.

        Stay:  Delta Hotel, Trois-Rivières

        Nights:  1

        Meals:  D


        Day 2: Val-Jalbert, Arrive in Saguenay

        Scenic vistas abound while heading north through the rocky Canadian Shield and the Laurentians. Explore local history at Val-Jalbert, a restored lumbering village from the 1920s. This genuine company town has forty original period buildings, including a convent-school, general store and pulp mill. While there, enjoy an included lunch and a guided trolley tour of the village. This was an ultramodern village in its time: they had the luxury of electricity and running water 25 years before the rest of the province! The reason is the powerful Ouiatchouan Falls, which can be viewed from a glass overlook. Arrive in the Saguenay region this evening and stay in Jonquière.

        Stay: Delta Saguenay Hotel, Jonquière

        Nights: 1

        Meals: B, L, D


        Day 3: Tadoussac

        Travel to the waterfront community of Ste-Rose du Nord and cruise along the precipitous cliffs of the Saguenay Fjord. Learn about the history of the area and see the statue of Notre Dame du Saguenay., keeping a lookout for the fjord’s abundant wildlife on this 2-hour cruise. Disembark in picturesque L’Anse-Saint-Jean for lunch.  The panoramic journey continues along the Saguenay’s south shore to Tadoussac, France’s first trading post in Canada established over 400 years ago. Enjoy your stay at the Hotel Tadoussac, a landmark resort on one of the nation’s most beautiful bays.

        Stay:  Hôtel Tadoussac, Tadoussac

        Nights:  2

        Meals:  B, L, D


        Day 4: Whale Watching

        After breakfast, depart for the dock to embark on a whale-watching cruise of the St. Lawrence. This area was once the fishing grounds of basque whalers, and today, the marine area around Tadoussac is protected by park status. During this 3-hour cruise, learn about the many species of whales that have made the area their summer home including minke, blue, beluga, humpback and fin whales. Learn how to spot and follow these graceful mammals.  The afternoon is yours to explore the village of Tadoussac:  visit the Whale Interpretive Centre, the Tadoussac Chapel, the oldest wooden church in Canada, or take your time to leisurely explore the quaint boutiques of this charming village.

        Meals: B, D


        Day 5: Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Basilica, Montmorency Falls, Québec City

        Travel a leisurely route along the north shore of the St. Lawrence, stopping to visit the Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Basilica. Situated along the St. Lawrence River, at this beautiful shrine to Sainte Anne, learn about the extraordinary history of the lady who was Jesus’ grandmother and the important role she played in the faith of the people. Enjoy a relaxing lunch at the Montmorency Falls.  These falls are over 90 metres higher than those in Niagara.  With a gondola ride, take in spectacular views of the falls and the region from the air. Then, the journey continues to Québec City, one of the oldest European cities in North America.  You’ll arrive in time to do some exploring and discover an amazing place for dinner.

        Stay: Hôtel Clarendon, Québec City (July)

        Stay: Hôtel Manoir Victoria, Québec City (August)

        Nights: 2

        Meals: B, L


        Day 6: Québec City Tour & Free Time

        After breakfast at the hotel, head out on a guided tour of this historic city with a local step-on guide. Following this overview of the city, enjoy a free afternoon to do some more exploring.  Québec City has a lot to offer! Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner in this charming, old, city.

        Meals: B, D


        Day 7: Travel Home

        There’s one more treat in store! Our final taste of Québec at La Sucrerie de la Montagne includes a tour and a traditional, hearty sugar shack lunch. There will be time to visit the gift shop for maple products before we say “au revoir” to La Belle Province and continue the journey homeward.

        Meals: B, L

      • Accommodations

        Delta Hotel, Trois-Rivières (1 night)

        Delta Hotels Trois-Rivières is a business-class hotel with comfortable rooms and amenities with the traveller in mind. 


        Delta Saguenay Hotel, Jonquière (1 night)

        Located in the heart of the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean region, Delta Hotels Saguenay is a business-class hotel offering comfortable, welcoming rooms and amenities.


        Hôtel Tadoussac, Tadoussac (2 nights)

        Experience the old-fashioned elegance of this famous landmark hotel. Located on the St Lawrence River at the mouth of the Saguenay Fjord is one of the most beautiful bays in the world. The town of Tadoussac is renowned as one of the best marine mammal observation sites in the world.


        Hôtel Clarendon, Québec City (2 nights, July)

        Located inside the walls of Old Québec, the Hôtel Clarendon is just steps away from the city's activities and attractions. Inaugurated in 1870, it is the oldest continuously operating hotel in the city.  The hotel offers a distinctive historic experience alongside 4-star comfort.


        Hôtel Manoir Victoria (2 nights, August)

        This historic 4-star property dates back to 1830 and has gone through many changes throughout the years. The most recent renovations traded traditional décor for a new contemporary design. 

        Hôtel Manoir Victoria is located in the heart of Old Québec and offers guests style, comfort, and convenience. 


      • Important Info for this Tour

        This tour includes our unique Connections Program, and follows travel route C1, picking up in the following locations:


        • Brampton
        • Markham
        • Whitby
        • Bowmanville
        • Port Hope
        • Lindsay
        • Peterborough
        • Cobourg
        • Napanee
        • Belleville
        • Kingston

        There are a couple of boat tours on this itinerary, and some people may want to bring along their remedies for motion sickness. You don’t want to let a little thing like that spoil these amazing experiences.


        Here are some ideas for your free time during the trip:

        Tadoussac: https://tadoussac.com/en

        Québec City: https://www.quebec-cite.com/en

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