Tadoussac

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Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay

Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay has been marked by the retreating glaciers and offers vast and unique landscapes to explore on foot or by mountain bike. Sea kayaking is also an ideal way to discover the stunning beauty of the fjord. Bordered by rich flora, this waterway is home to a variety of bird species, including the peregrine falcon, the park’s animal emblem. Naturalist guides will introduce you to the secrets of this park through theatrical performances and talks. You can prolong your experience by camping in the park or renting a cabin.

Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park

Covering an area of 1245 km² (480 sq. mi.), the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park is the only park in Québec composed entirely of water. Participate in a sea excursion to encounter the many marine mammals found in this park, including the only beluga pod south of the Arctic and subarctic regions, humpbacks, and blue whales, the largest animals to have ever lived on earth. You can also observe whales from several locations along the shore. A number of sites along the park boundary make up the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Discovery Network, including the Marine Environment Discovery Centre and the Cap-de-Bon-Désir Interpretation and Observation Centre.

645 km (400 mi.)Tadoussac to Havre-Saint-Pierre

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If you have time and want to drive shorter distances, add a few of the stops suggested along the Whale Route to your itinerary. In any case, the drive to Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan or Havre-Saint-Pierre is well worth it—the scenery in this area is unique and awe-inspiring.

Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve

The Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve is an exceptional natural area made up of some 30 limestone islands and over 1000 granitic islets and reefs sculpted by the sea. Go for a hike on Niapiskau Island or Nue de Mingan Island to observe a rich variety of wildlife, including the famous Atlantic puffins (nicknamed sea parrots because of their colourful beaks). The interpreter guides on site will be happy to tell you about the natural and cultural features of the park reserve, including its flora, fauna, geology, history and lighthouses. The waters surrounding the archipelago offer many opportunities for sea excursions, scuba diving and sea kayaking. For a unique experience, spend the night on an island in an oTENTik tent or Ôasis glamping unit.

SIDE TRIP

Parc national d’Anticosti

Accessible by boat from Sept-Îles or Rimouski, by boat shuttle from Rivière-au-Tonnerre or by plane from several locations in Québec, Anticosti Island has a population of about 300 people and 115,000 white-tailed deer. This means your likelihood of seeing deer during a hike to Vauréal Falls or Baie-Sainte-Claire (formerly English Bay) is very high! This wild island will charm you with its white cliffs, steep canyons and sea caves. Spend the night in a seaside cabin.

The two-hour ferry ride across the St. Lawrence aboard the MV F.-A.-Gauthier will give you the opportunity to appreciate views of the surrounding land and mountains as well as observe marine mammals. Enjoy the onboard amenities, which include a cafeteria, a bar, film screenings and a lounge, before resuming your drive.

Sainte-Anne-des-Monts

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Parc national de la Gaspésie

A must-see for hikers, Parc national de la Gaspésie is home to 25 summits over 1000 metres (3300 feet) high in the Chic-Choc and McGerrigle mountains, which are some of the highest in Québec. This “sea of mountains” protects a large moose population as well as the only herd of caribou south of the St. Lawrence. You can hike Mt. Jacques-Cartier and Mt. Albert via Lake Cascapédia where you can canoe, kayak or try out stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). The park also offers many lodging options, including the Gîte du Mont-Albert, a 4-star hotel overlooking the mountains.

240 km (150 mi.)Sainte-Anne-des-Monts to Gaspé

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Forillon National Park

Overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Gaspé Bay, Forillon National Park is located at the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula in an area known as “Land’s End.” The park is noted for the rich flora of its boreal forest and is also home to thousands of seabirds that nest in its cliffs, which you can observe during hikes. Seal colonies also inhabit the waters of the St. Lawrence off Forillon, along with whales—they can be seen from the shore, during sea excursions or while scuba diving. Be sure to also visit the Grande-Grave sector to learn more about the history of this area at the turn of the 20th century. The park offers several camping options, including oTENTik tents and Ôasis units, both of which provide a glamping experience.

75 km (45 mi.)Gaspé to Percé

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Parc national de l'Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé

Located in Percé, Parc national de l’Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé has a rich natural and historic heritage. Go on a sea excursion to Percé Rock, Québec’s most iconic natural attraction, which has been sculpted by the sea over time. Discover Bonaventure Island and its cliffs, which resemble those of Scotland or Ireland. The island is home to 200,000 migratory birds of 11 different species. Hike along one of the island’s four trails to the most accessible northern gannet colony in the world! The architectural heritage of the island reflects the importance of fishing in the 18th and 19th centuries. Evening shows presenting the park’s attractions are also offered in Percé (in French only).

210 km (130 mi.)Percé to Nouvelle

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Parc national de Miguasha

Visit Parc national de Miguasha and go back in time some 380 million years. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and renowned for its unusually well-preserved fossils, the park has a permanent exhibition and several trails, which you can explore with or without a guide. The “Evolution of Life” trail will take you to the fossil-rich cliff—you can admire the view while learning about fossils. Be sure to also visit the only complete specimen of Elpistostege watsoni ever found in the world! Part of an exhibition since 2014 and nicknamed Elpi, this fossil represents the transition between fish and land vertebrates. In addition, the From Water to Land exhibition presents an impressive collection of plant and fish fossils from the famous cliff.

235 km (145 mi.)Nouvelle to Rimouski

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Battle of the Restigouche National Historic Site

On July 8, 1760, the last naval battle between France and Great Britain for possession of the North American continent took place in Chaleur Bay. The Battle of the Restigouche National Historic Site is actually the wrecks of several convoy ships that sank in Chaleur Bay during this battle. Nearby, an interpretation centre exhibits vestiges of the Machault frigate, a French vessel sent to do battle with the English fleet. The site offers three exhibitions, which include the reconstructed interior of the ship, a model of the frigate and a presentation of the historical context of the time.

Parc national du Bic

Let yourself be charmed by the variety of landscapes in Parc national du Bic, from capes and bays to islands and mountains. Explore the park along 25 km (15 mi.) of hiking trails or 15 km (9 mi.) of bike trails. Climb Pic Champlain where you can admire views of the sea, forest and islands. On your own or with a guide, observe flora and fauna including seals and migratory birds. Marked by the presence of the Mi’gmaq, this park invites you to discover its natural and cultural history through various activities. Sea kayaking excursions give you the opportunity to admire the scenery as well as seabirds and marine mammals. You can also choose to spend the night in a campsite, glamping unit, cabin or yurt.

85 km (55 mi.)Rimouski to Squatec

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Parc national du Lac-Témiscouata

The latest addition to Québec’s national park network, Parc national du Lac-Témiscouata invites you to explore a territory of lakes and mountains. Discover Lake Témiscouata, which is nearly 40 km (25 mi.) long by hiking one of the park’s six trails or by going biking, canoeing or kayaking. During a guided hike, you may see bald eagles (the park’s animal emblem), white-tailed deer and other species that inhabits the park. To learn about the ancient connections between humans and this territory, visit the Garden of Memories. The park also has 62 archeological sites, where you can participate in digs or enjoy a role-playing game. In the evening, you can admire the sunset aboard a rabaska (a large canoe of Wolastoqey origin) on Lake Touladi and then listen to old stories and legends from this region before spending the night in a campsite or glamping unit. The park is also a great place to go on a canoe-camping trip.