Quebec: Saguenay and Charlevoix Multisport
Seven days. Cycling, hiking, and optional kayaking. Cycling is on quiet rolling paved roads and bike paths around Lac St-Jean, with one day in the hilly riding in the Charlevoix region, and a stunning hike along edge of the Saguenay fjord.
This trip takes you through two of Quebec’s most beautiful regions. The Saguenay & Lac-Saint-Jean region is so vast that for generations, people have called it “the Kingdom”. A unique sanctuary of culture and breathtaking beauty, it is rich with discoveries and warm, welcoming people. Starting with the gentle landscapes around Lac St-Jean, you will pedal the shores of the freshwater lake that feeds the Saguenay River. With views of Mont Valin to the north and the Laurentians to the south, this route provides surprising panoramas. Following the Saguenay’s flow as it leaves the lake, you will follow the fjord, one of the world’s longest, to where its fresh waters blend with those of the tidal Saint Lawrence River. This confluence is rich in nutrients, and is the summer hangout for numerous species of whales. Most notable are the pure white belugas that make whale watching, hiking, and sea-kayaking here a fantastic experience.
Charlevoix is sandwiched between craggy Laurentian Mountains and the Saint Lawrence River. It encompasses a relatively smooth and flat meteorite impact crater that accommodates dairy farming and great cycling! The wildlife and exceptional richness of its flora have warranted its classification as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, comprising agricultural, tidal marshland, and even mountain tundra ecosystems.
We invite you to come and enjoy the natural beauty, unique culture, and regional cuisine with us. Whether you are a nature lover, a whale watcher, a music fan, a history buff or an adventurer, you are promised memorable moments in this most fascinating region of ‘la belle province’.
Day 1: Quebec City to Jonquière
13:00 pick up in Quebec City. Transfer (3 hours) to Jonquière. After bike fitting and familiarization, explore trails along the roaring Sables river to admire feats of white water kayakers, go swimming, indulge in a spa treatment (pre-booking required), enjoy a beverage at the pub, throw a game of horseshoes or pétanque, or practice yoga in the calming ambience of natural wilderness. A good rest tonight will get you off to an early start tomorrow morning; there will be a lot of ground to cover and many diversions to make for a full day of activity! D (Meal inclusions shown for guided trips).
Auberge Villa Pachon, www.aubergepachon.com; or
Hôtellerie Cepal Villegiature, Jonquière, www.cepalaventure.com
Day 2: Jonquière to Saint-Félicien 126km/78 miles
Families and leisurely cyclists will appreciate shorter riding distances on guided trips, while more energetic riders will enjoy going the entire distance today. The terrain is relatively level, except for the occasional short climb and descent. You will approach Lac Saint-Jean on quiet roads and cycling paths. After a refreshing swim in the lake, and a picnic near the rebuilt Hudson's Bay Company trading post at the Métabetchouan Archeological Centre, you can follow a steep path up to explore the Fairy’s Hole cave, then follow the gorgeous lakeshore to Val-Jalbert and Mashteuiatsh where you can visit the Native Museum and learn about the culture and heritage of the Pekuakamiulnuatsh people who have been a part of this land for more than 6000 years. Finish in Saint Félicien. BL
Hôtel du Jardin, www.hoteldujardin.com; or
Gîte à Fleur d’Eau, Saint-Félicien, www.giteafleurdeau.com
Day 3: Saint-Felicien to Péribonka 78km/49miles
Start the day with a visit to our wild friends at the exceptional Zoo Sauvage in Saint-Felicien, where you are caged on a train and the animals run free. The bilingual interpretation on this ride is exceptional; this experience receives consistently rave reviews. Afterwards, ride from Saint-Felicien to the “top” of Lac Saint-Jean. Visit La Magie du Sous-Bois to learn more about Lac Saint-Jean’s famous blueberries, and then visit the 42 acres of beautifully manicured gardens at Les Grands Jardins de Normandin. You will follow the Véloroute des Bleuets through Dolbeau-Mitassini to your resort on shore of the Péribonka River. BLD
Auberge Île du Repos, Péribonka, www.iledurepos.com
Day 4: Péribonka to Pointe-Taillon National Park ~75km/46miles and transfer to Tadoussac
Today’s highlight is the ride around the lakeshore perimeter of Pointe-Taillon Park, an immense delta formed by the Peribonka River at the end of the last ice age. The park is home to beavers and moose. In Sainte-Monique, just outside the park, see the Sainte-Monique Footbridge and the Wooden Promenade, then explore the delightful coastal trails in the park. End-of-day transfer approximately 2 ¾ hours to Tadoussac, at the far end of the Saguenay Marine reserve. BLD
Hotel Tadoussac, Tadoussac, www.hoteltadoussac.com
Day 5: Hiking 15km (9.5miles), or optional sea kayaking (~$75 pp) in the Saguenay fjord
Spend a full day hiking along breathtaking cliffs and steep slopes, with the Saguenay National Park on one side and the Zec Chauvin Forest on the other. Finish in Tadoussac, where the mouth of the Saguenay Fjord meets the St. Lawrence River, and marine mammals congregate to feed and mate each summer. If you prefer not to hike, you can spend the morning kayaking in the Saguenay fjord near Tadoussac, where the Saguenay and Saint Lawrence rivers meet. Here you will paddle alongside capes, sheer cliffs and beaches, and you may spot grey seals and white beluga whales, one of six resident species of migratory whales! Later in the afternoon, a 10 km (6 mi.) bike ride will take you to some fantastic sand dunes on the shore. BL
Same lodging
Day 6: La Malbaie to St-Joseph-de-la-Rive 60km/37miles, optional island ride +23km/14miles, transfer to La Malbaie
Transfer to La Malbaie, known as “the first vacation spot in Canada”. You will ride around the interior of a 54km diameter meteor crater formed 350 million years ago. Enjoy Quebecois hospitality at a café in Notre-Dame-des-Monts and take in a panoramic view of the Saint Lawrence as you approach your inn at the centre of the crater. Don’t worry; meteors rarely strike twice in the same place! This afternoon you can take a 15-minute ferry ride to l’Île-aux-Coudres and explore its solitude by bicycle (23km). You can also visit a windmill museum or an award-winning orchard to taste their rare ice cider. BD
La Maison sous les Pins, St-Joseph-de-la-Rive, www.maisonsouslespins.com; or
Maison de Campagne Le Nichouette, Les Éboulements, www.maisondecampagnelenichouette.com
Day 7: Return to Quebec City, visiting Montmorency Falls
Following breakfast, you will be transferred to Quebec City, arriving by noon in time for an afternoon of exploring the Old City, or afternoon flights home. On the way, stop at the spectacular Montmorency Falls, or in Baie-St-Paul to taste chocolate, visit galleries, and see one of Canada’s top and tastiest cheeses being created. B
| Start: | Auberge Saint Antoine, 8 Rue Saint-Antoine, Quebec City 13:00, day one. www.saint-antoine.com |
| Finish: | Quebec City Airport 12:00, or Auberge Saint-Antoine 13:00, day seven. |
| Guided Cost: | $2495 (per person, includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners, luggage handling, full-time guide, van support, maps and route notes) |
| Self-Guided Cost: | $2295 (per person, includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, luggage transfers, maps and route notes, emergency support) |
| Single Occupancy: | $355 |
| Bicycle Rental: | Sport hybrid: $145; Racing bikes are not recommended |
| 2012 Guided Dates: | Jun 17-23; Jul 15-21; Jul 22-28; Jul 29-Aug 4; Aug 19-25. Add your own dates (learn more) |
| Self-Guided Dates: | You choose! Best months are June to September. |
All details are subject to change without notice. 5% sales tax applies, but 50% refund will be applied for non-Canadians.
