Quebec: Quebec City and the Charlevoix

Experienced, knowledgeable and friendly guides

Accommodations while on tour; two comfortable inns on the banks of the Saint Lawrence River, all private baths

All meals included except one dinner; alcoholic beverages not included

Walk Rating: Easy to moderate terrain. Average of 3 to 7 miles walking per day with shorter and longer options on some days. The trails are a combination of dirt and rock paths, which often have exposed tree roots and rocks making the footing tricky in some areas.

DAY 1
Québec City walking tour; 3 miles, easy city walking, sneakers are acceptable. Montmorency Water Fall
The tour begins with a guided exploration of Québec City. You visit and learn about its first settlements from the early 17th century to the present, in particular, the struggle for control of the continent between the French and English in the 18th century. As a result, Québec City is the only fortified city north of Mexico. Its charming "Lower Town" and the Place Royale date to the earliest days of the French colony. Architectural landmarks, winding streets, and outdoor cafés are all a part of the tapestry of this French-speaking city.
You break for a picnic lunch on the Plains of Abraham (weather permitting) before departing for the Montmorency Falls, also known as Chute Montmorency. This waterfall is the highest in the province of Québec—at just over 275 feet, it is some 88 feet higher than Niagara Falls. You walk around the falls, enjoying some of the many observation points.
From Montmorency, you cross the mighty Saint Lawrence to the beautiful and fertile Île d’Orléans, the jewel of Québec’s Saint Lawrence River. First settled by the French over 350 years ago, this treasured island produces much of the produce for Québec City. Here you will enjoy a "progressive dinner" sampling local favorites from select island farms.
Your home for the next two nights is in the heart of the lower town of Québec City. The Auberge Saint Antoine was built on the ruins of an old warehouse—today more than 700 priceless items that were uncovered remain on display.
Auberge Saint Antoine, Québec City

DAY 2
Parc National de la Jacques-Cartier; 5-6 miles; moderate with short ascents, rocky terrain, tree roots, and loose gravel with an approximate 1,500-ft elevation gain
Waking to fresh fruit and sustaining breakfast fare prepares you for an invigorating day of walking.
Less than 1 hour from the inn lies Parc National de la Jacques-Cartier, which features a remarkable landscape characterized by contrasts: mountainous uplands fractured by steep-sided valleys. A river winds through the most spectacular of them, the Vallée de la Jacques-Cartier, a trench more than 1,800 feet deep. In forests of yellow birch, sugar maples, and black spruce, nature inspires peace and respect. The trail, which leads to some lovely views of this valley, starts with a good climb to warm up and then gradually evens out. A trailside lunch is unpacked at a scenic point.
This afternoon, you return to your inn to freshen up before an evening out in Quebec City for both a little time to wander followed by dinner at your guide’s favorite restaurant, where warm hospitality and exquisite French cuisine provide a welcome entrée into this wonderful corner of North America.
Auberge Saint Antoine, Québec City

DAY 3
Sentier des Caps; 3-4 miles, moderate. Transfer to La Malbaie
This morning you depart Québec City and head east along the northern bank of the Saint Lawrence River toward the quiet charm of the countryside in Québec’s Charlevoix region.
You drive approximately 1 hour to the Sentier des Caps for the start of a morning walk. The park is situated on the shore where the mountains meet the river, offering comprehensive views of the majestic Saint Lawrence. The park is home to giant, ancient yellow birches and located at the heart of an immense geological fault. In late autumn, you may be able to see some of the many thousand snow geese as they migrate south on their route that passes directly above the park. You arrive at your next inn with time to relax before enjoying a meal of fine French cuisine in the hotel’s restaurant.
Auberge Des 3 Canards, La Malbaie

DAY 4
River walk along the Malbaie; 5-7 miles, easy. Moderate to challenging option of 6 miles available
After a bountiful breakfast, your destination is the Parc National des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Riviere-Malbaie. With a name that translates to "the great gorge," this breathtaking park boasts an extensive trail system. You walk to the misty base of hanging waterfalls plunging hundreds of feet into Canada’s largest canyon east of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. This park is a true ecological gem situated in the heart of the Charlevoix World Biosphere Reserve. The walk is a long, easy stroll along the Malbaie River with a more spectacular view offered around every bend. You enjoy a picnic lunch at a gentle bend in the river. This evening you are on your own for dinner, with the option of enjoying the hotel’s restaurant or venturing into the charming town.
Auberge Des 3 Canards, La Malbaie

DAY 5
L’Anse à La Boule-Tadoussac; 6 miles, moderate with rocky terrain, tree roots, and loose gravel. Easy option of 3-5 miles available The final full day of walking begins with an early morning breakfast, followed by a transfer (1 hour 15 minutes) to the spectacular Saguenay Fjord. You embark on an exciting Zodiac (water taxi) ride along high, granite cliffs toward the trailhead, all the while keeping a lookout for whales. With luck, you may spot Minke or Beluga whales which make their summer home in these rich waters. After a short steep ascent to the trailhead at a little cove called Anse à La Boule, the walk hugs the edge of the fjord, opening to stunning views and quiet coves. You may see eagles and other bird life along the way. After a trailside lunch, you descend with a few steep switchbacks and arrive in the riverside town of Tadoussac. You return to the hotel in the late afternoon with time to enjoy the hotel’s swimming pool or expansive common spaces and gardens before settling down to a farewell dinner of refined Québecois cuisine.
Auberge Des 3 Canards, La Malbaie

DAY 6
Baie-Saint-Paul. Return to Québec City
A leisurely mid-morning drive back to Québec City includes a leg stretch and a local snack in the historic village of Baie-Saint-Paul. Settled in 1678, Baie-Saint-Paul is an artist’s paradise—a colorful mosaic of art, nature, and culture. You have the opportunity to explore many of the remarkable galleries and art centers, shop for and sample many of the locally made products, or perhaps relax and enjoy the panoramic views of the majestic Saint Lawrence one last time. Arriving in Québec City by 2:00 pm at the train station, you can catch an airport shuttle or taxi, or return to the hotels of the old city if you are extending your stay.

Itinerary Changes: Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual walks and sites may vary due to season, special events, or weather. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience.

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
7/12/2010 - 7/17/2010	$3,198
8/16/2010 - 8/21/2010	$3,198
8/30/2010 - 9/4/2010	$3,198
9/13/2010 - 9/18/2010	$3,198
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Saguenay Fjord whale watching

French-Canadian culture

Three National Parks: Jacques Cartier, Parc National des Hautes Gorges, and Saguenay National Park

French-inspired gourmet cuisine

Quebec City—UNESCO World Heritage Site

Walk Rating: Easy to moderate terrain. Average of 3 to 7 miles walking per day with shorter and longer options on some days. The trails are a combination of dirt and rock paths, which often have exposed tree roots and rocks making the footing tricky in some areas.

Your Guides

Lucette Voyzelle: Lucette has a degree in Recreation, and has been a professional guide for more than fifteen years. She is a former Canadian cross-country ski patroller, and has led biking and hiking tours throughout Canada. Lucette now brings her energy and knowledge to your Québec tour.

Yannick Sisla: Yannick is a nordic walking instructor in the Quebec Region where he spends most of his time. For the past few years, he has guided tours and travel through Europe and the United States. During his free time, Yannick enjoys kayaking, telemark skiing, and snowshoeing.

Valérie Brière: Valérie studied film production and outdoor guiding. Her passion for nature and diverse culture has brought her around the world armed with her precious camera. Always smiling and ready to go, Valérie looks forward to making your vacation in Québec an unforgettable one.

Single Supplement $550

Itinerary Changes: Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual walks and sites may vary due to season, special events, or weather. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience.

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