Duration: 11 Days
Who says you have to cross the Atlantic to dive into European culture? Croissant-scented cobblestone avenues are much closer than you think. Follow your nose to the café-lined promenades of Québec City, your ears to the music-filled streets of Montréal, and your eyes to the sweeping views of the Gaspé Peninsula on this eleven-day tour of French Canada. Along the way, say bonjour to tiny fishing villages, giant beluga whales, and the grandest of views as you cruise around the imposing Percé Rock and the sensational Saguenay Fjord. From the banks of the St. Lawrence River to the cliffs of the gulf, your taste of the Old World awaits. Sip strawberry wine made from the fields by the sea, savour a traditional lunch at Banc-de-Péche-de-Paspébiac National Historic Site, and visit a family-owned fromagerie in the rolling-hill region of Charlevoix. On this flavourful holiday to French Canada, you’ll say “cheese” in more ways than one.
Traveller Notes
- We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect holiday—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides, to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi.
- The scenic cruise to Bonaventure Island and Perce National Parks is subject to favourable weather conditions.
- The whale-watching cruise is subject to favourable weather conditions.
- Guests should be prepared for easy but sustained walking throughout the tour. Guests with mobility concerns may experience uneven surfaces specifically for ferry loading and unloading, and limited access to passenger amenities on board certain vessels.
Welcome to Montreal!
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.
Magical Montreal
After breakfast, enjoy sightseeing with a Local Guide. The rest of your day is free to explore this lively city on your own. Your Tour Director will be onsite to provide ideas for shopping, dining, and exploring. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL GEM Explore the cultural capital of Canada where the traditional Quebecois style is celebrated along its cobblestone streets and grand buildings in European flair. See the Basilique Notre-Dame with its stunning stained glass, the Plateau Mont-Royal and spectacular views of Vieux-Montreal.
Maritime Marvels
Follow the historic Navigator's Route along the St. Lawrence River into the Bas-Saint-Laurent region for an overnight stay in the maritime centre of Rimouski. Free time this evening - perhaps take in the sunset over the St. Lawrence River or stroll through downtown. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORY & HERITAGE Explore historic towns and maritime ports as you trace the historic path of the Navigators' Route - a 292-mile course along the southern half of the Saint Lawrence River through the beauty of the Quebec countryside and quaint Victorian villages.
Sea Legends & Ancient Creatures
Start your grand tour of the spectacular Gaspe Peninsula featuring panoramic views of the sea, beaches, and cliffs. Continue along the St. Lawrence River to Pointe-au-Pere Maritime Historic Site, home of the Empress of Ireland Museum, to learn about the transatlantic liner's history and doomed fate. Travel through the Matapedia Valley for a guided visit to Miguasha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to the Carleton-sur-Mer. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS Explore the magnificent natural world of Miguasha National Park where pre-historic fossil fish and plants tell the story of the origin of the first terrestrial vertebrates, 380 million years ago, when strange creatures moved from water to land. The park's fossiliferous cliff reveals a world of fossil fish from the Devonian period known as the "Age of Fishes" for a fascinating look at ages of a natural world long past.
Shipbuilding, Seascapes & Strawberries
After a morning at leisure, continue your adventure through the Gaspe Peninsula countryside to Ferme Bourdages Tradition Farm, the local experts in everything strawberries since 1821. Here, visit strawberry fields with sea views and discover the secrets behind the art of making strawberry wine and liqueurs before tasting them. Next, visit the Banc-de-Peche-de-Paspebiac National Historic Site. Later, continue to the seaside village of Perce. (B,L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL GEMS Visit the remarkable Banc-de-Peche-de-Paspebiac National Historic Site to explore the original buildings dating back to 1766, witness the Gaspesie fishing history, watch traditional shipbuilding, and net-mending demonstrations.
Peninsula Discoveries
Today, discover the iconic gems of the Gaspe Peninsula. Take a scenic cruise around the famous Perce Rock, also known as the "Pierced Rock" and Bonaventure Island to observe the stunning seabird colony and marine wildlife that frequent the region. Visit [LF] Perce Rock and Bonaventure Island National Parks. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
LOCAL FAVOURITE
WILD & WONDERFUL Explore Perce Rock and Bonaventure Island National Parks, home to one of the largest migratory bird refuge in North America. Its colony of 116,000 northern gannets is the most accessible in the world. Wander the hiking trails or enjoy the heritage trail to learn about the rich natural, historic, and geological wonders of the island.
Native Traditions
Visit Forillon National Park, the official beginning to the International Appalachian Trail. The park is home to traditional fishing villages, pebble beaches and quiet coves. Follow the peninsula road to old Cap-des-Rosiers lighthouse. Enjoy [LF] lunch at a local restaurant in the charming Grand Vallee area, home to quaint fishing communities. The catch-of-the day comes highly recommended! This afternoon's drive provides some of the best scenery of the peninsula with soaring cliffs, lighthouses, and expansive views of the St. Lawrence River. Late afternoon arrival in Matane, the hub of Gaspe's thriving shrimp industry. (B,L,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITIONS The village of Grande-Vallee has an exceptional geographic location. Discover this picturesque village, tied to an ever present natural world. Nestled between sea and mountains, Grande-Vallee will surprise you with its grandiose panorama and excite your taste buds with local specialties served with an included lunch.
A Walk in the Garden
Visit the famous [LF] Les Jardins De Metis, better known as the Reford Gardens. Continue your journey to romantic Quebec City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised for being one of the most historic and best-preserved cities in North America. Tonight, explore Quebec's Parisian ambiance by visiting the shops in the Petit-Champlain district or enjoying the French inspired cuisine at one of the many restaurants. (B)
LOCAL FAVOURITE
BEAUTIFUL BY NATURE Few gardens have been built under such adverse atmospheric conditions as the stunning Les Jardins De Metis. These thoughtfully designed gardens (also called Reford Gardens) were built from 1926 to 1958 by innovator and horticulturist Elsie Reford, who spent thirty years transforming a fishing camp on the Metis River into a vast 40-acre estate garden brimming with bold and innovative character. Stroll amid some 3,000 plant varieties, including the famous Himalayan blue poppy, as part of 15 gardens in a naturally beautiful botanical wonderland. Spend time exploring the many areas of the gardens, such as the Linear Garden, the Stream Garden, or Bird Garden specifically designed to attract many varieties of birds.
Whale Tales & Traditional Tastes
Travel along the north shore of the St. Lawrence River to the breathtaking Saguenay Fjord to embark on a [LF] whale-watching cruise in the heart of the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park. En route back to Quebec City, stop in the Charlevoix region, known as a thriving culinary destination. Here, visit a family owned traditional [LF] fromagerie (cheese factory) with tasting. (B)
LOCAL FAVOURITES
WILD BEAUTIES Embark on a fantastic adventure on the spectacular waters of Saguenay Fjord. Board your whale-watching cruise in the stunning Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park, known for having the greatest variety of whale species on earth. On board, a naturalist guide will introduce you to the marine mammals of the area including the endangered species: the blue whale and the St. Lawrence beluga whale. Another favourite experience we share is a stop in the exquisite setting of the Charlevoix region to visit a family-owned fromagerie (cheese factory). Learn the art of cheese making with a tasting of traditional artisan cheeses.
French-Canadian Treasures
Tour the only walled city north of Mexico with a Local Guide. Tonight, travel to Ile D'Orleans to enjoy a delightful farewell dinner at a fine restaurant housed in a restored 17th-century flour mill. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CITY SIGHTS Explore the beautiful city of Quebec to see the Place d'Armes, the Laval Seminary, the star-plan Citadelle, and the Place Royale. Also see the Old-world houses crowding the narrow streets in Lower Town by the St. Lawrence River, and the historic Plains of Abraham in the French-founded city, port, and capital of Canada's Quebec province. One of the oldest cities in Canada- Quebec City retains more than 400 years of tradition, architecture, and Old-World charm in the only remaining walled city in North America. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a romantic city of narrow cobblestone streets, stone buildings, fortifications, and rich French-Canadian culture and cuisine. Take in the city's splendid views of the surrounding landscape and unique character, which prompted Charles Dickens to call it the "Gibraltar of North America."
Safe travels until we meet again!
Morning drive to Montreal. Your holiday ends at the Montreal Trudeau International Airport or the Montreal tour hotel for those with post-nights. Schedule departure flights from Montreal Trudeau International after 3:30 pm. Want to explore more in Montreal? Additional nights are available for purchase. (B)
