Take it all in! Côte-Nord road trip

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Day 1

Departure from Montreal City or Quebec to Tadoussac

5.5 hour drive from Montreal to Tadoussac – 480 km
3 hour drive from Quebec to Tadoussac – 215 km

First stop: the Pointe-Noire Interpretation and Observation Centre, where you can enjoy an amazing view of the Saguenay Fjord. You might see belugas or other whales. Climb to the top of the observation tower for photo op with the Prince Shoal Lighthouse in the background. Meet the giants of the deep by heading out on a whale watching cruise in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park. Take a stroll on the Tadoussac beach or relax on a terrace for the rest of the afternoon.

Day 2

Tadoussac to Baie-Comeau and Sept-Îles

2.5 hour drive from Tadoussac to Baie-Comeau - 200 km
2.5 hour drive from Baie-Comeau to Sept-Îles - 230 km

Experience “20,000 Years under the Ice” at the Jardin des glaciers: a multimedia, virtual, multisensory show. Continue your visit by exploring a natural agora filled with ancient seashells and take part in their excavation and identification. Drive to Sept-Îles to spend the night.

Day 3

Sept-Îles to Havre-Saint-Pierre

2.5 hour drive - 222 km

Head out on an excursion to the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve. A boat operator recognized by Parks Canada will take you by zodiac to île Quarry. Once on the island, try the 1.2 km Les Falaises trail. Discover an ancient sea cliff in the middle of the forest. At the end of the trail, you’ll arrive at the giant limestone sculptures called monoliths. For a longer hike, choose between the 3.8 km Le Petit Percé trail and the 10.8 km Les Cypripèdes trail. Search for fossils along the shoreline of organisms that lived long before the dinosaurs. Stay the night and fall asleep with the sound of the waves in a fully equipped oTENTik tent or in your own tent.

Day 4

Havre-Saint-Pierre to Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan

30 minute drive - 50 km

Take a trip to the western islands of the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve with one of the boat operators recognized by Parks Canada. You’ll be blown away by the moonscape of île Nue de Mingan, with its barrens as far as the eye can see. On île aux Perroquets visit the mythical lighthouse station and get to know the puffins and razorbills that call the island home. Spend the night in the light keeper’s or the assistant’s house for the full island experience.

Day 5

Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan to Sept-Îles and Baie-Comeau

2 hour drive from Longue-Pointede-Mingan to Sept-Îles - 170 km
2.5 hour drive from Sept-Îles to Baie-Comeau - 230 km

Stop at Manitou Falls. Follow the interpretive trail that will lead you to these impressive 35 m high waterfalls. Hop into a zodiac with one of the boat operators to visit île Grande Basque. Relax on one of the gorgeous beaches, walk 12 km of trails, or follow a naturalist for an interpretive activity. Whatever you choose, you’ll discover the exceptional flora that is typical of the Côte-Nord. Drive to Baie-Comeau.

Day 6 and 7

Baie-Comeau to Les Escoumins and return to Quebec ou Montreal

2 hour drive from Baie-Comeau to Les Escoumins - 161 km

Are you ready for a challenge? Try scuba diving around the Marine Environment Discovery Centre in a thermal suit! You’ll be impressed by the incredible diversity of marine life in the St. Lawrence. From early July to mid-August, see the show « Le Saint-Laurent en direct ! » (French only, places are limited). You’ll be able to communicate with the divers live as their exploration of the world of starfish, anemones and sea cucumbers is broadcast on a screen in real time. Don’t miss the Cap-de-Bon-Désir Interpretation and Observation Centre, one of the best spots to see whales from the shore.