From the chic boutiques of Montreal to the gannets' cries on the far shores of Gaspe, this 10-day Quebec tour explores the diverse joys of the province. Enjoy three Fairmont properties - the Queen Elizabeth in Montreal, Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu in Charlevoix, and the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac, itself a symbol of Old Quebec. A naturalist guide introduces you to the many marine mammals (including whales) during an expedition on the St. Lawrence River. Travel via overnight train on VIA Rail's Chaleur to the Gaspe Region. This tour includes visits to four Economuseums, devoted to preserving cultural heritage and handcrafts.
Highlights Montreal, VIA Rail's La Chaleur, Perce, Bonaventure Island, Whale Watching Cruise, Charlevoix, Quebec City
Collette Experience
Enjoy two nights at the regal Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu, towering majestically over the Charlevoix region.
Visit the natural wonder of Bonaventure Island and witness thousands of gannets, the largest known colony in the world.
Relive the nostalgia of a bygone era as you travel via overnight train on VIA Rail's Chaleur.
Spend two nights in the incomparable Fairmont Chateau Frontenac and soak in the European style and grandeur.
Montreal - VIA Rail : Embark on a panoramic sightseeing tour of Montreal, viewing the gorgeous Notre Dame Cathedral. Stroll the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal. This afternoon, climb aboard VIA Rail's Chaleur. Relax as you travel by train overnight toward the Gaspe Peninsula.
Day 3
Perce
VIA Rail - Gaspe Region - Perce : This morning you wind past coastlines and fishing villages, arriving in the Gaspe Peninsula. Visit the Micmac Indian Village and learn about the culture and way of life of this tribe in the 17th century, including a presentation on their historic tools and habitats. Continue to the seaside town of Perce.
Day 4
Perce
Bonaventure Island - Gaspe Region - Perce : This morning, visit one of the best-preserved general stores in Canada, with oak shelves stocked with authentic merchandise. Locals in period costumes tell stories about the rich fishing heritage of Gaspe. Depart on a cruise, sailing around the famous Perce Rock, which was carved by the tides. Circle Bonaventure Island for a once-in-a- lifetime view of the largest gannet colony in the world! Disembark on the island if you choose.
Perce - Forillon National Park - Rimouski : Visit Forillon National Park at the farthest reach of the Gaspe Peninsula. Its majestic landscape is carved out of the sea, cliffs and mountains. Continue to the quaint fishing village of Rimouski.
Day 6
Pointe-au-Pic
Rimouski - Whale Watching - Pointe-au-Pic : Depart Rimouski and approach the banks of the mighty St. Lawrence River and Baie-Ste-Catherine to embark on a whale-watching expedition. Discover one of the most beautiful whale watching sites as a naturalist guide introduces you to the many species of marine mammals in the St. Lawrence River. On the other side of the St. Lawrence, continue to the Charlevoix region and the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu, your home for the next two nights.
Day 7
Charlevoix Region
Charlevoix Region : Explore the Charlevoix region, renowned for awe-inspiring landscapes that have won the hearts of artists for hundreds of years. Visit the ECONOMUSEUM Laiterie Charlevoix and learn about the process of turning milk into cheese; sample some of their products, among the best in the region! Visit Baie-Saint-Paul, one of the oldest towns in Quebec, boasting two-hundred-year-old houses, art galleries and boutiques. After some leisure time, board a ferry to L'isle-aux-Coudres, an island in the St. Lawrence. Visit the ECONOMUSEUM Verger Pedneault, an award-winning orchard, and learn about the history of apples, techniques of harvesting and production that result in products including apple butter, hard cider and iced wines. Another ECONOMUSEUM on the island, Les Moulins de l'isle-aux-Coudres, boasts beautifully restored 19th century watermills and the miller's house. See the old way of grinding wheat with grindstones.
Pointe-au-Pic - Quebec City : Journey south through Quebec. Visit the Musee de l'abeille, the ECONOMUSEUM of honey. An exhibition reveals how honey was once gathered and how beekeeping has changed through the ages. See bees at work in glass-enclosed hives and sample mead produced on-site. Arrive in Quebec and the majestic Fairmont Chateau Frontenac, your home for the next two nights.
Quebec City : This morning, enjoy breakfast at a sugar shack nestled in the Quebec countryside. Learn about the traditions of maple syrup-making and enjoy sampling many traditional foods made with it. Try a favorite regional treat - maple taffy in the snow! Later, experience the history of Old and New Quebec with a fascinating sightseeing tour. Your tour includes the Parliament, the St. Louis Arch and Place Royale, a UNESCO World Heritage site inside the old walled city. Enjoy leisure time to explore Quebec...perhaps take one of the horse-drawn carriage rides. Enjoy a farewell dinner in Quebec to toast an unforgettable vacation.
Day 10
Tour ends
Quebec City - Tour Ends :
Dates/Pricing
Lodging
Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel
VIA Rail Chaleur
Hotel Rimouski
Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu
Fairmont Chateau Frontenac
Disclaimer
Note Tour prices are Land Only rates based on per person double occupancy. Please call your agent for triple or child occupancy rates. Taxes and fees are additional for tours that feature a cruise; port taxes are not included in the prices shown. Some dates may feature various changes in hotels, sightseeing and inclusions. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking.
