Day 1 - LET THE VOYAGE BEGIN
In the summer, a wonderful breeze of happiness flows through Québec! What a great place to begin our voyage. Setting sail in the afternoon we head through a river overflowing in riches. You’ll marvel at the immense St. Lawrence River with its bewitching isles, numerous whales, wide variety of seabirds and unforgettable sunsets… You’ll be enchanted by the ancestral villages dotting the length of its banks. It’s an overnight cruise and a chance to relax, get oriented with the ship and enjoy the scenic coastline.
DAY 2 – With the sun rising, we wake in Tadoussac, surrounded by a rocky coast & dotted with charming houses. This area is home to the majesty of the St. Lawrence River, the Saguenay Fjord - the only one in North America, huge dunes and a lovely lake. Activities are endless this day from water biking (an unusual and fun activity), mountain biking, hiking or experiencing the Sand Dunes, an absolute must. You can run, jump, tumble, slide or slither and it’s certainly one of the most beautiful parts of Tadoussac. Visit one of the five museums and interpretation centers and you’ll discover the rich heritage. Interested in whales? Then you must visit the Center of Interpretation of the Marine Mammals (CIMM). Are you a salmon fishing devotee? Then it’s off to the fish-breeding station. A true history buff? The Chauvin Trading Post and the Maison des Dunes are yours to discover the village’s history. And if you are a “ships ahoy!” fan, then off to the Musée Maritime (Marine Museum) to discover the rich nautical past. A stopover at the Chapelle de Tadoussac will allow you to unwind and to meditate on the enthralling beauty of the surroundings. In the evening we enjoy local seafood, fine cheeses, innovative maple desserts and of course the wine of the region, as we learn from a local historian, telling tales about the next days discoveries.
DAY 3 – In the morning we set sail in the Saguenay Fjord. It allows the waters from the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Saint-Lawrence to flow into the heart of the Saguenay Kingdom. The fjord is unique to the world by its geographic location, the fantastic history and the distribution of the population that settled along the entire length of its shores. A Naturalist has joined us for this part of the sail giving insight into this magical area. For lunch the Chef prepares an on deck mixed grill of local game and seafood seasoned with true Québec maritime flavour. This allows us to remain on deck not missing any sightings. We anchor for the night tucked in the hollow of a magnificent valley, L’Anse-Saint-Jean. This natural bay confines the St. Jean River and the majestic fjord of the Saguenay. There is a chance to explore; take a paddle, bike or hike while enjoying this towns splendid view. The evening finds us feasting on the Chef’s regional creations as we’re entertained by local musicians that reverberate the love of this land. Several thousand years ago, Ice People inhabited this area. The First and Innu Nations shared these lands with European Traders. Discover living history, their culture - our greatest adventure.
DAY 4 – At sunrise, we set sail to Île aux Lièvres. Sign up for one of the morning sailing activities ranging from historical lectures, sailing theory or taking the wheel. For adventurous ones, climb the rigging, it’s a great spot for viewing porpoises, humpbacks and minke whales that all frequent this area. We arrive midday to Île aux Lièvres, one of the estuary’s best-kept secrets. Discover natural lookouts, explore deserted beaches edged in brier roses, find a seal dozing on the upper part of the beach... both wild and inviting, Île aux Lièvres will enchant you.
DAY 5 – This morning we enjoy a breakfast sail. With a warm breeze and the smell of sea air, it’s an incredible and invigorating way to start a day strolling the deck surrounded by vast scenery as we set our course for La Malbaie. This is a city that stretches and melds with its natural habitat. A mixture of mountains and forests, La Malbaie is located in Québec’s Charlevoix County and possesses a certain level of quiet charm. Breathtaking scenery and unprecedented hospitality also play a part in the allure. Rich in tradition, it lays softly nestled between the sea and the mountains. It’s a day full of nature and exploration, nearby parks and rivers offer hiking, kayaking, cycling and fishing opportunities. Late afternoon we set sail on a “Happy Hour” cocktail cruise with wine tasting, traditional folk music and the Chef has prepared regional creations of ocean bounty such as steaming crocks of fresh mussels.
DAY 6 – In the morning we wake to a warm welcome in Grosse Île. A Parks Canada guide joins us to share their knowledge of the Île. Centuries of history infuses Grosse Île with a unique atmosphere that will capture your imagination the moment you set foot on the island. An air of wonder will accompany your visit to the monuments, burial grounds, structures and historic buildings. The evening is time for a celebratory “Captain’s Dinner”, a night of song, food and laughter. After dinner we enjoy a moonlight cruise. Anchoring in the mouth of the harbour it’s a great backdrop for our last evening, sparkling in the distance are the lights of the city skyline.
Day 7 - Departure