A road trip along the Côte-Nord
Location:
Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve
Distance:
1 720 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-Catherin
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. Hop aboard a boat for a small excursion out to sea.
Make a stop at Île Niapiskau, famous for its many monoliths, and say hello to the impressive “Bonne Femme de Niapiskau”.
For the night, head on over to Île Quarry. Don’t forget your camera! You’ll want to capture some spectacular photos during your walk to the limestone giants.
Recommended accommodation: 
oTENTik, Île Quarry
Day 4
Location: Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve
On the agenda this morning: hike along the Petit Percé trail or Île Quarry’s Cypripèdes trail. Search for fossils in the rocks along the seashore. Go for a stroll and enjoy the fresh sea breeze.
Recommended accommodation: oTENTik, Île Quarry
Day 5
Location:
Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan
Distance:
50 km from Havre-Saint-Pierre
It’s time to head to the western part of the archipelago! First stop: Île Nue de Mingan. Its monoliths and unique lunar landscape are awe-inspiring.
Next stop: Île aux Perroquets. You’d be surprised at how close you’ll find the Atlantic puffins, perched right there on the island's cliffs.
Finally on Grande Île, check out the “Château” or the “Zoo”, two groups of impressive monoliths. Then treat yourself to a little drop of heaven for the night. Sleep in an Ôasis, a tear drop-shaped ‘duplex’ under the natural canopy by the sea.
Recommended accommodation: Ôasis, Grande île
Day 6
Location:
Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, Les Escoumins
Distance:
555 km from Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan
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
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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