Tour Protection: $50 per person

Monday, August 9
Today we begin our journey to the Saguenay region of Quebec. A region defined by the mighty St. Lawrence and Saguenay Rivers, and an inland sea known as Lac Saint-Jean. The sea is so vast the opposite shores are unable to be seen over the horizon. The jewels of the Saguenay River are the magnificent fjords where many types of whales migrate in the summer. Relax and enjoy the sights as we travel through Pennsylvania and New York to our lodging for this evening in Montreal, Quebec, not far from the historic Old City section.

Tuesday, August 10
This morning we continue our northward journey to Quebec City, the capital of the province of Quebec. Upon arrival, we will enjoy free time for lunch on our own. This afternoon we will enjoy a guided tour including Old Quebec, the only walled city on the continent north of Mexico, and Ile-de’-Orlean. This quaint island in the St. Lawrence Seaway is made up of old parish towns built around churches that date back several centuries. The Norman-style homes are a special delight! We’ll check into our hotel before dinner in Old Quebec at Café De Paris. D

Wednesday, August 11
The North Shore scenery unfolds as we travel along the St. Lawrence River to our home for the next two nights in Tadoussac, located at the mouth of the Saguenay River. Tadoussac is known for its quaint artisan shops and sand dunes in an area called the Desert. This afternoon we will visit the Centre d’Interpretation des Mammiferes Marins (CIMM). This visit will enrich our whale watching experience, set up for tomorrow. Our lodging for this evening is the beautiful Hotel Tadoussac, located right on the shores of the bay. Dinner will be included at the hotel this evening. D

Thursday, August 12
The confluence of the Saguenay and St. Lawrence Rivers is an environment that supports marine life not generally seen in North America. Every summer, a large number of whales make this their home. Minke, Blue, Beluga, Humpback and Finbacks can be readily viewed at close range as our captain sails us to the cold waters and feeding grounds of the whales. After our whale watch cruise, we’ll return to the hotel for dinner. B, D

Friday, August 13
This morning we will follow a scenic drive along the Saguenay’s north shore to Ste-Rose-du-Nord, a picturesque village tucked away in the mountains beside the fjord. Today, we’ll also visit the Whale Museum. Beautiful scenery will follow us all the way to Chicoutimi, our next overnight stay. B

Saturday, August 14
Today we will visit Val-Jalbert Historic Village, a once thriving early 20th century industrial village. Built to exploit the churning waters and falls of the Quiatchouane River, the village was abandoned in 1927. Some of the features include a school, hotel, bank and rows of worker’s houses. We then continue our southward journey through the Laurentian Mountains and La Maurice National Park to Shawinigan for our next overnight stay. CB

Sunday, August 15
We begin our day with a visit to The Forges of St. Maurice National Historic Park in Trois-Rivieres. Des Forges is the 124-acre site of Canada’s first iron making operation. From 1729 to 1883 the industrial village of Trois Rivieres, under French and British rules, influenced the economic, political and social climate of Canada. The works produced iron bars for shipbuilding, stoves, pots, pans, kettles, plowshares, horseshoes, wheels, axes, beds, guns and ammunition. Afterward, we’ll travel to the famous Chateau Mont Tremblant Resort for our overnight stay. Situated on the highest peak of the Laurentian Mountains, this resort is one of Quebec’s most popular vacation areas. Dinner will be included art the resort. D

Monday, August 16
This morning you are free to enjoy the amenities of the resort. Maybe you could play a round of golf, play squash or tennis, go horseback riding, enjoy a dip in one of the whirlpools or saunas, walk one of the numerous nature trails, play mini-golf, or simply relax by the pool. The choice is yours. Later this afternoon we will travel to our final overnight in the lovely city of Ottawa. B

Tuesday, August 17
Panoramic views will put the final touches to this memorable vacation. We will be home by early evening.