At a Glance
Feel inspired and connected as you discover the spectacular Quebec’s Charlevoix region and historic French Canada, a rich land brimming with wildlife and jaw-dropping landscapes as you traverse its magnificence and immerse into its entrancing culture on this 6-day adventure.
Your journey begins in Quebec in search for wildlife on foot and by sea. Shuttle north to Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Reserve, a beautiful biodiverse national park. Spot the many appealing species of birds that call this place home and go beyond hiking its clear blue waters of the St Lawrence River. Explore the beauty of the Tadoussac village with a Zodiac cruise on Tadoussac Bay and be captivated with unforgettable wildlife encounters from its unique sea life including seals, beluga, minkes, humpback, and fin whales. Enjoy the awe-inspiring views as ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- All luggage, hotel and shuttle transfers
- Brief orientation in Quebec on Day 1
- All meals as specified on itinerary
- Shuttle transfer to hotel on all days & to Quebec city on Day 5
- 5 nights accommodation in luxury hotels throughout the trip, on a twin share basis
- Professional guiding: two support vans, 6:1 guest-to-leader ratio on average
- Hiking and sightseeing as stated in the itinerary
- Transfer to the train station or to the airport on Day 6
- Comprehensive travel planner with detailed pre trip information
- Park and other entry fees
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Itinerary
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TWO HIKING OPTIONS: On this day, you’ll meet your tour leaders at 9.30 am near at the main entrance of Quebec City's bus and train depot. You are expected to arrive dressed in your hiking clothes, along with your luggage and a daypack with your rain gear and anything else you may want for your walk (your luggage will be transferred to our first night accommodation). After meeting with your leaders and fellow adventurers, shuttle north to Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Reserve, a biodiversity hotspot with a widespread of over 350 species of birds, including the famous Greater Snow Goose during its migration period. Meander through trails and boardwalks that stretch to a landscape of coastal marshes and grasslands. Along the same route, continue on foot into the enclosing mountains for a pleasant view of the majestic St.Lawrence River. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch and shuttle further north along the river to explore the beautiful clifftop village of La Malbaie, formerly known as Murray Bay, one of the ancient Villégiature areas in the country. |
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You will be staying at the historic castle-like Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu, your stylish home for the next 2-nights, an eye-catching splendour in itself. Located on the cliff of Pointe-au-Pic and surrounded by dense Canadian woods. For golf lovers, take a swing at the world-class golf course of 27 holes with views overlooking the magnificent St. Lawrence River. For those in pursue of a pamper session, unwind in its indoor pool or book a restorative spa in the hotel before heading out to indulge in a fine dining affair showcasing French cuisine at a local restaurant.
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Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu, La Malbaie 
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner  |
Level 1, Approx. 6km (3.7 miles), Elevation gain: 152m (500 ft) Today explore Charlevoix, a UNESCO-recognised cultural and natural region sculpted by a 60 km diameter crater formed by a stray meteorite about 400 million years ago. Be captivated by the idyllic topography of rolling hills and mountains along the river that has been an alluring site for artists and travellers for many years. Begin with a shuttle to the scenic village of Tadoussac, located at the easternmost part of the Charlevoix region. It has been transformed into a popular summer resort and is considered the finest spot for whale-watching on the Eastern Seaboard, far from once being a New World fur trading post. |
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Embark on a pleasant walk along a luxuriant forest of sugar maple, elm, pine, and birch to an awe-inspiring viewpoint above the confluence of the St. Lawrence River and the Saguenay Fjord. These rich waters are home to whales, seals, and an array of birdlife. After, enjoy a Zodiac ride and set out to Tadoussac Bay for a thrilling whale-watching excursion. Experience both the deep waters of St. Lawrence River and get a personal close-up look at the pods of migrating whales such as Beluga, minke, humpback, and fin whales which are known to regularly pass through these waters. If you’re lucky, you may even get to see harbor seals. In the evening, indulge to a delicious dining affair in an exquisite restaurant in La Malbaie. Unwind back at the lodge. Take a relaxing dip in the heated jacuzzi or go for an indoor swim in the pool before calling it a day. |
Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu, La MalbaieBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
MORNING ROUTE: AFTERNOON ROUTE: Today, hike in the picturesque farmland and mountainous landscape of the north of Baie-St-Paul. A shuttle ride will take you to the trailhead where you'll enter a forest of pine trees with a refreshing scent. Admire the jaw-dropping view at the top overlooking the farmland that provides most of the agriculture for the region. Keep an eye out for daring paragliders who love riding the wind here. Enjoy a delicious lunch upon heading back down the mountain. In the afternoon, journey on a riverside trek through the forest with pleasant waterfall views. The downhill path leads to Papeterie Saint-Gilles where you can examine the fine paper and original artwork turned out by the resident art sans. Alternatively, spend the afternoon indulging into the delights of your luxury hotel at Le Germain Charlevoix Hotel & Spa. Pamper yourself with a restorative massage at the nordic spa, or enjoy a picturesque view of the surrounding fields in the heated water of the outdoor pool and simply fall into a spell of tranquility. |
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Tonight, tantalise your tastebuds to a menu spruced from organic purveyors in the Charlevoix region at the hotel’s restaurant. Savour the vibrant flavours of farm-to-table gourmet delights.
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Le Germain Charlevoix Hotel & Spa, Baie-St-Paul Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
TWO HIKING OPTIONS: Begin your day with another shuttle ride as you journey to Les Florent trail, named for the mountains it meanders through, a path that winds through striking meadows and luxuriant forest from Saint-Urbain to Bale-Saint-Paul. Marvel at the breathtaking bird’s-eye view of Saint-Urbain, Bale-Saint-Paul, the Geoffrey Valley, and the river below at numerous viewpoints as you trek through the rural French Canadian countryside. |
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After an appetising lunch at a nice eatery, you can shuttle back to the hotel to rest and relax. Unwind in the heated outdoor pool or a soothing massage at the spa might help you do the trick. For those who would love to go the extra mile, you can finish the afternoon off with a hike to a beautiful local waterfall. Tonight, take on an adventure uncovering the historic Baie-St-Paul at your pace. Immerse yourself in its culture as you stroll its streets with its exquisite boutiques, art galleries, and top-notch restaurants where they produce outstanding meals that will get your taste buds dancing.
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Le Germain Charlevoix Hotel & Spa, Baie-St-PaulBreakfast, Lunch  |
TWO HIKING OPTIONS: After breakfast, shuttle to Parc des Grands Jardins, a beautiful nature park stretching over 31 square kilometres. Much of it is a taiga, tundra-like ecosystem rich in conifers and normally found in the arctic and subarctic. Your hiking exploration for the day trails through the forest of conifer and yellow birch up to Lac Georges. Relish the magnificent views of the surrounding cliffs, Canadian shield (the exposed portion of the continental crust underlying the majority of North America), and evidence of the meteorite that struck this region so long ago. You get to spot out the spruce Grouse, the Park’s animal emblem, perching or moving about in the trees. You’ll easily recognise the males with their large red eyebrows! You can decide to relax at the lake, or continue hiking through a forest thick with evergreen to Mont du Lac des Cygnes. Recognised as the natural heritage site most representative of the Charlevoix region by the Commission sea Biens Culturels du Québec, because of its rich biodiversity and extraordinary views. Cap off your hiking adventure early in the afternoon and bid farewell to the mountains of the Canadian Shield as you shuttle back to Quebec’s spectacular capital. |
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You’ll stay at a beautiful lodge to end an amazing journey, The Auberge Saint-Antoine. Enjoy an authentic cinematic experience in the private screening room, or de-stress in the steam room before meeting in the evening for a delicious farewell dinner at the elegant hotel restaurant, Chez Muffy.
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Auberge Saint-Antoine, Quebec City Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Your incredible experience ends with a Quebec experience visiting its historic centre, where a local guide will bring the city to life on a historic walking tour before sitting down to enjoy a final lunch together and toast to an amazing experience. You’ll be transferred to the train station or the airport if you’re flying out on this day. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
NoneBreakfast, Lunch Dates & Prices
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure and finish point is Quebec City
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Quebec City
Summer weather in Quebec City and the Charlevoix region of Quebec is pleasant, though the climate is often humid. Temperatures can get quite chilly on the water and at higher elevations. Rain is possible year-round.
The climate of Quebec City is classified as humid continental. Summers in Quebec City can be very warm and humid with average temperatures around 25 degrees Celsius (77 ° Fahrenheit). It does feel a lot warmer most of the times due to the high humidity. Winters are cold with many windy days and snow. The average temperature of the coldest month (January) is of -11 °C (12 °F)
The routes on this trip are rated Levels 1-3.
Level 1, 2-5 hours, 3-8km (2-5 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 244m (800 ft)
Level 2, 2-4 hours, 6-11km (4-7 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 396m (1300 ft)
Level 3, 3-5 hours, 8-14km (5-9 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 610m (2000 ft)
Level 4, 4-6 hours, 10-18km(6-11 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 914m (3000 ft)
Level 5, 5-7 hours, 11-21+ km (7-13+ miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1219m (4000+ ft)
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 120 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 120 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 120 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 120 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
