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Highlights
From cobblestone streets to mountain peaks, this Quebec adventure has it all
Summit Mont du Lac des Cygnes with gorgeous views of Charlevoix Biosphere Reserve.
Visit a Monts-Valin animal shelter for injured hawks and snowy owls.
Ride on a zodiac whale watching tour – spot humpbacks, blue whales, and more!
Enjoy the countless artistic and culinary charms of historic Quebec City.
Quebec is a province of historic cities and beautiful forests, coursing rivers and sparkling lakes. On this 10-day guided hiking tour, you’ll explore several of its finest national parks and charming rural towns, bookended by visits to Montreal and Quebec City. The beauty of Quebec is yours to discover!
Arrive in Montreal and rendezvous with your guide and group to go over the journey to come. After an evening to enjoy Montreal at your leisure, hop in the minibus and head north to Jacques Cartier National Park, the first of three such parks on your tour. Visit the Cap Tourmente Wildlife Area along the shores of the broad Saint Lawrence River. Next is the Grands Jardins National Park, where your chalet accommodations offer an authentic rural experience with plenty of cozy comforts. Explore the Charlevoix region, with plenty of wildlife-spotting opportunities – keep your eye out for the massive moose! Monts-Valin National Park is next, with elevated trails that provide wonderful vistas of your wooded surroundings. Then it’s on to Tadoussac, a historic trading post at the intersection of the Saguenay and Saint Lawrence rivers. A magical day of whale watching awaits! Finally, head south to Quebec City for a day of exploring one of Canada’s most beautiful settlements. Return to Montreal and say a reluctant goodbye to “la belle province.”
Quebec is a province of historic cities and beautiful forests, coursing rivers and sparkling lakes. On this 10-day guided hiking tour, you’ll explore several of its finest national parks and charming rural towns, bookended by visits to Montreal and Quebec City. The beauty of Quebec is yours to discover!
Arrive in Montreal and rendezvous with your guide and group to go over the journey to come. After an evening to enjoy Montreal at your leisure, hop in the minibus and head north to Jacques Cartier National Park, the first of three such parks on your tour. Visit the Cap Tourmente Wildlife Area along the shores of the broad Saint Lawrence River. Next is the Grands Jardins National Park, where your chalet accommodations offer an authentic rural experience with plenty of cozy comforts. Explore the Charlevoix region, with plenty of wildlife-spotting opportunities – keep your eye out for the massive moose! Monts-Valin National Park is next, with elevated trails that provide wonderful vistas of your wooded surroundings. Then it’s on to Tadoussac, a historic trading post at the intersection of the Saguenay and Saint Lawrence rivers. A magical day of whale watching awaits! Finally, head south to Quebec City for a day of exploring one of Canada’s most beautiful settlements. Return to Montreal and say a reluctant goodbye to “la belle province.”
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Quebec Escapade Hiking Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Montreal
Arrive in the beautiful city of Montreal and transfer to your accommodations for check-in. Meet up with your guide and group for a trip presentation, where the guide will go over the journey ahead and answer any questions. Dinner is at your leisure.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Montreal
Distance: None
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Day 2 Jaques Cartier National Park
Your first day of adventure takes place in Jacques Cartier National Park, named after the first European to map the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. After a drive north to the park, enjoy a delicious picnic lunch along the riverbank, then hop in a classic yellow school bus to transfer to the starting point of your first hike.
The Coulées Trail winds into the heart of the Quebecois wilderness. Your guide will point out the native flora and fauna that populate the region. Upon completion of your hike, transfer to your overnight hotel in Stoneham.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Stoneham
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3 Shoreline Wildlife in Cap Tourmente
Continue east through the forests, reaching the Cap Tourmente Wildlife Area. This region is home to a wide array of species, particularly migratory birds like the famous (and occasionally sassy) Canadian Goose. Stroll along the river on boardwalks, climbing to a gazebo that provides wonderful views of the broad Saint Lawrence and its islands.
Hop back in the vehicle and drive north to Baie-Saint-Paul. This shoreline city has an excellent collection of art galleries and boutiques, offering locally made cheese, meats, chocolate, and much more. Finally, end the day with a transfer to your chalet accommodations, deep in the Grands-Jardins National Park.
Overnight Location: Chalet in Grands-Jardins Park
Distance: 2 hours, 6km, 250m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4 The Magic of Charlevoix
Today’s hike takes you into the heart of the Charlevoix region, one of Quebec’s most unique. Set off across taiga hills, through vegetation typically only found in the far north.
Summit Mont du Lac des Cygnes and enjoy panoramic views of the Saint Lawrence River with the many islands that seem to float midstream. If you’d like to extend the hike, embark on a looped walk along the Le Pioui trail. Return to the chalet and relax for the evening – but don’t miss a sunset walk to go moose-spotting!
Overnight Location: Chalet in Grands-Jardins Park
Distance: 4 hours, 8.4km, 500m elevation gain (+1 hour & 3km for Le Pioui loop)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5 North to Monts-Valin
Start the day with a hike along either Pinède or Boreal trails, which offer the best chances of spotting black bears or moose foraging in the woods. Upon completion of the hike, transfer to the shores of Lac-Saint-Jean before a visit to nearby Saguenay.
Your home for the next two nights is a set of chalets nestled in the heart of Monts-Valin National Park. Rent a canoe for a typically Canadian evening paddle or simply relax and enjoy your picturesque surroundings.
Overnight Location: Chalet in Monts-Valin Park
Distance: 1 hour, 2km (Boreal), 2 ½ hours, 6.7km (Pinède)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6 Monts-Valin
Spend a day exploring the Monts-Valin Park, with the eponymous mountain towering over the scenery. Hike along the Sommets trail, covered in shrubs and taiga flora, with gorgeous views of the Saguenay fjord in the distance. For a longer hike, try the Pic Dubuc trail, which stretches into the highest parts of the park.
Upon completion of your hike, return to the chalets for the remainder of the day. You’ll have a chance to visit a shelter for injured birds of prey, including eagles and snowy owls.
Overnight Location: Chalet in Monts-Valin Park
Distance: Les Sommets: 2 hours, 5km, 50m elevation change
Pic Dubuc: 4 hours, 12km, 130m elevation change
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7 Trading History in Tadoussac
Depart Monts-Valin and hit the road as you travel east towards the Saint Lawrence. Stop at Sainte-Rose-du-Nord, one of Quebec’s most charming villages, and hike the nearby Saguenay fjords to Baie-Saint-Marguerite. You might be lucky enough to spot a pod of beluga whales here!
Continue on to the historic trading post of Tadoussac, perched at the mouth of the Saguenay River where it flows into the Saint Lawrence. After some time to explore the town, finish with a short transfer to Sacré-Coeur for your overnight stay.
Overnight Location: Chalet or Condo in Sacré-Coeur
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 8 Whale Watching on the River
A very special excursion awaits today! After breakfast, head to the Interpretation and Observation Centre, where you’ll set off on a whale-watching trip. Keep an eye out for humpbacks, porpoises, belugas, and even magnificent blue whales!
After the excursion, you’ll have some time to amble around Tadoussac before returning to Sacré-Coeur for your second and final night in town.
Overnight Location: Chalet or Condo in Sacré-Coeur
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 Charms of Quebec City
A scenic drive through Charlevoix leads you south to Quebec City, arriving in time for a full afternoon of exploration. This is a city full of rich history and scenic beauty. Its Old Town was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, and one shouldn’t miss a visit to the adored Château Frontenac.
You’ll have some free time to enjoy the city as you like. In the evening, meet up with your group for a delicious final dinner, sampling the best of Quebecois cuisine.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Quebec City
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 Return to Montreal & Departure
After breakfast, return to Montreal for your departure. If time allows, a short tour of the city can be enjoyed. Transfer back to the airport and depart via your own arrangements.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Quebec Escapade Hiking Tour Price and Dates
This guided hiking tour in Quebec is run as a private custom tour for your group and the price depends on the number of participants. Please note that these rates might change depending on availability. Prices below are per person, sharing a double or a triple room:Important: This tour is not available for the 2024 summer season. Please contact us for 2025 availability.
- Guided solo travellers: CAD10525
- Guided groups of 2: CAD5975 per person
- Guided groups of 3: CAD4475 per person
- Guided groups of 4: CAD3625 per person
- Guided groups of 5: CAD3150 per person
- Guided groups of 6: CAD2850 per person
- Guided groups of 7: CAD2475 per person
- Guided groups of 8: CAD2550 per person
- Guided groups of 9: CAD2395 per person
- Guided groups of 10: CAD2325 per person
- Guided groups of 11: CAD2295 per person
- Guided groups of 12: CAD2275 per person
Accommodation on the Quebec Escapade Hiking Tour
This tour is based in comfortable chalets and 3 and 4-star hotels. Each property offers warm rooms with an ensuite washroom and daily breakfast.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement. If you want a single room where possible (days 1 and 9), there is a supplement of CAD265 per person.
What’s Included on the Quebec Escapade Hiking Tour?
Meals
9 breakfasts 7 lunches, and 7 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 9 nights are included. Additional nights before and after the tour can be booked as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation to and from every hike is included on the tour. Transfer between all accommodations is included, along with round-trip airport transfers to/from the Montreal International Airport. A minibus with a luggage trailer is used for transport.
Also Included
- Expert driver/guide throughout the trip
- All national park entrance fees
- Whale watching activity
- Canadian taxes
Not included
- Flights
- Canadian customs fees
- Travel insurance
- Visas if required
- Fees for any activities not listed above
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before/after the tour
- Single room supplements
- How hard is the Quebec Escapade Hiking Tour?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Canada?
- Are meals included on the Quebec Escapade Hiking Tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Montreal to start this tour?
- Is the Quebec Escapade Hiking Tour in English?
- Where does the Quebec Escapade Hiking Tour end?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Canada?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Canada?
- When is the best time to travel to Quebec for this tour?
We rate this tour as a 2/5. This tour is suitable for beginner hikers, with relatively short distances and well-established routes. Some previous hiking experience and basic fitness are recommended.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
9 breakfasts 7 lunches, and 7 dinners are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. Get your Travel Insurance.
Fly into the Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL). You will receive a transfer from the airport to your accommodations in Montreal.
Yes, your guide and all support staff speak English. However, expect plenty of French from the locals, particularly in rural Quebec!
The tour ends in Montreal with an included transfer to the airport.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
The best time to travel to Quebec for hiking is between May and September when the weather tends to be the warmest and clearest.
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The origins of Windigo date back over four hundred years to the hunt for the Northwest Passage. Sir Martin Frobisher was a principal figure in these early adventures, making several trips to the Arctic. While he didn’t find the Passage, he did bestow his name on today’s Frobisher Bay, where Iqaluit meets the sea. Little did Martin know that his descendent Charles Frobisher would start an adventure travel company many centuries later!
Since 1996, Windigo has been operating group adventure tours throughout North America. They’re proud to show off the very best of this magnificent land, from its highest snow-capped peaks to its longest roaring rivers and everything in between. A team of expert guides bring unrivalled passion to each and every adventure. Traveling with Windigo provides memories for a lifetime!
