110 km (70 mi.) + 65 min by ferryEscapade – 3 days

La Pocatière – Rivière-du-Loup – Saint-Siméon – Tadoussac

The Escapade is ideal if you have relatively little time to spend in Québec. Take advantage of your stay in Bas-Saint-Laurent to discover the talent hidden in the coastal villages in the Kamouraska area. You can also head inland to spend some time in the Témiscouata area.

On foot, by bike or in a canoe, discover the magnificent scenery in Parc national du Lac-Témiscouata, in this beautiful area of Canada.

In Rivière-du-Loup, set off to explore the nearby islands and admire exceptional marine and bird life.

While you are crossing the St. Lawrence by ferry from Rivière-du-Loup to Saint-Siméon, keep your eyes peeled and you may spot seals or whales! Note that reservations are required for groups and buses.

Once in Saint-Siméon, on the north shore of the St. Lawrence, it is worth your while to drive to Tadoussac, which is only 40 kilometres (25 miles) east. Every year, this popular Côte-Nord destination welcomes tourists from all over the world who come to observe the whales, explore the Saguenay Fjord by boat and enjoy the festive atmosphere found in one of Québec’s most beautiful villages.

150 km (95 mi.) + 90 min by ferryGetaway – 4 days

La Pocatière – Trois-Pistoles – Les Escoumins – Tadoussac

In addition to the activities suggested in the Escapade itinerary, here are our further recommendations to add pleasure of your stay in Québec.

While heading towards the ferry in Trois-Pistoles (reservations recommended in high season), be sure to visit Île Verte (Green Island)—the rural charm of this area will remind you of a bygone era. The island is home to Québec’s oldest lighthouse, built in 1809. If you are interested in historic buildings, stop in the Notre-Dame-des-Neiges Church, in Trois-Pistoles, which dominates the landscape for miles. Its composite-style architecture and sumptuous interior make it well worth a visit.

The stretch between Les Escoumins and Tadoussac on the north shore is one of the best areas in the world to observe whales, either during a sea excursion or from land. Visit the interpretation sites of the Saguenay – St. Lawrence Marine Park as well as the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre (CIMM) to learn more about the whales of the St. Lawrence.

Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay is a great place to visit for fun outdoor activities: hiking, sea kayaking, wildlife observation and more. While in Sacré-Coeur, which is 20 kilometres (12 miles) north of Tadoussac, stop in at the Ferme 5 Étoiles holiday resort where you can enjoy many outdoor activities including sea kayaking on the majestic Saguenay Fjord.

275 km (170 mi.) + 60 min by ferryDiscovery – 5 days

La Pocatière – Rimouski – Forestville – Tadoussac

Please note that this ferry is not available this year.

In addition to the activities suggested in the Escapade and Getaway itineraries, here are our further recommendations.

On the way to Rimouski, be sure to visit Parc national du Bic, which borders the St. Lawrence Estuary and boasts magnificent coastal scenery. The park offers a multitude of activities: camping, sea kayaking, seal watching, hiking, cycling, geocaching and more. If you are looking for a bit more comfort, you can also spend the night in a yurt or glamping unit.

The Rimouski area also offers attractions for every taste, including the first submarine in Canada open to the public at the Pointe-au-Père Maritime Historic Site, Québec’s highest suspension bridge at the Canyon des Portes de l’Enfer (Hell’s Gate Canyon), a treetop adventure park at Domaine Valga and more!!

After spending a few days exploring the south shore, zip across the St. Lawrence to Forestville in only an hour on Québec’s fastest ferry (reservations required)!

On your way to Les Escoumins on the north shore, you will drive through the municipalities of Portneuf-sur-Mer and Longue-Rive, both of which are popular bird-watching destinations.

525 km (325 mi.) + 2 h by ferryExplorer – 7 days

La Pocatière – Matane – Baie-Comeau/Godbout – Tadoussac

In addition to the activities suggested in the Escapade, Getaway and Discovery itineraries, here are our further recommendations.

Some 40 kilometres (25 miles) east of Rimouski, visit the Reford Gardens, which hosts the International Garden Festival every year. The festival presents contemporary gardens created by architects from all over the world, alongside Elsie Reford’s historic gardens, which showcase about 3000 species and varieties of plants.

Head next to Matane to take the ferry across the St. Lawrence (reservations recommended). Depending on where you want to go and when you need to leave, you have two options: you can head to either Baie-Comeau or Godbout.

On your way to Tadoussac, stop in Pointe-aux-Outardes, which is one of the areas with the warmest swimmable waters in Côte-Nord. This site is also a popular birding destination.

This itinerary is a great way to explore three of the maritime regions of Québec in one trip!

SIDE TRIP

Did you know that Canada is the world’s second largest producer of hydroelectricity? From Baie-Comeau, head north on Route 389 to visit the gigantic Manic-2 and Manic-5 dams. In addition to learning more about this renewable energy source, you will be impressed by the size of these facilities.