Quebec Kayaking and Camping

*Please note that the following information is meant to provide a general overview of your tour. The specifics of your trip will be contained in a pre-trip letter you will receive prior to your confirmed departure.

Important Trip Details: 

MEETING PLACE: Hôtel Pur or Auberge aux deux Lion in Quebec City
MEETING TIME: 1:00 PM EST
TRIP MILES: Varies depending on group size, weather and kayaker's abilities
PUT-IN: Ste-Rose du Nord Pier
TAKE-OUT: Tadoussac
RETURN TIME: Approximately 2:00 PM EST
THE LAST SUPPER: Join your guide and fellow trip guests for a farewell dinner at a favorite local restaurant. 
TRIP LENGTH: 8 days
AGE LIMIT: Minimum age is 14
BOAT TYPE: Sea Kayak (Due to the greater stability of tandem kayaks and the cold water temperatures in the Fjord, we only offer double kayaks on this trip).
NEAREST AIRPORTS: Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB)

Kayak & Camping in Quebec's Saguenay Fjord Tour Itinerary

Day 0

We include a day 0 as an optional day for guests to travel to Québec City in order to ensure that you are ready to begin your Canadian adventure on Day 1 of this itinerary.

Note Below is our camping-based kayaking tour. We have two superb itineraries in Québec. One is the camping-based kayaking tour (below) and the other is a lodge-based kayaking tour. Both tours are 8 Day Tours exploring the beauty of the Saguenay Fjord. Please contact us for information on either of these itineraries.

• Accommodations: Recommended (book on your own): Auberge aux deux Lion or Hotel Pur

Day 1: Salut Québec City! Journey to the Saguenay

Our journey takes off from Québec City, one of Canada’s most stunning, historical cities that sits on top the promontory Cap Diamant and overlooks the banks of the St. Lawrence River. Grey-stone fortifications circling the city, mansard roofs capping elegant houses, and outdoor bistros fanning out upon cobbled streets will greet you upon your arrival. It’s a vestige of old Europe in the New World.

Enjoy some lunch on your own in the francophone city before we meet at 1pm at the Tour hotel for a brief introduction and orientation. After, we begin our two-hour drive north toward Saguenay, during which we travel through Réserve faunique des Laurentides (Laurentides Wildlife Reserve) and its maze of mountains, rivers, lakes, and valleys.

Upon arrival in Saguenay, we check into Hôtel Chicoutimi, located in the heart of the downtown area and overlooking the Fjord du Saguenay. Once you’ve settled in, we spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the city’s historic sites and learning about the development of the fur trade as well as the region’s lumber and agricultural pursuits. As night settles, we enjoy a dinner together featuring local ingredients and dishes.

• Accommodations: Hôtel Chicoutimi
• Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Kayak Ste-Rose du Nord to Baie de la Trinité

We breakfast early at Hôtel Chicoutimi before beginning our day exploring the Fjord du Saguenay. Formed in the last Ice Age, the Saguenay Fjord is the southernmost fjord in the northern hemisphere as well as the longest in the world. The fjord carves through the Canadian Shield before joining with the St. Lawrence River, and with its rocky outcrops and incredible wildlife, it’s one of the region’s most stunning sights.

We take a 40-minute ride to our launch point in the village of Ste-Rose du Nord, sitting on the northern shores of the fjord. Upon arrival at the pier, our guides provide an orientation in general kayaking safety rules and paddling techniques. Once you’re settled in your kayak, we set off on the day’s expedition through the fjord and its immense rock faces. While cliffs tower up from the dark rivière—rising up to 500m high in places—the fjord’s walls plummet down to a depth of 270m and rise to around 20m throughout its meanderings.

As we paddle the 9 miles of the route, we see a wide range of the fjord’s vegetation, marine life, and ecosystems. We paddle for about one hour before stopping for a stretch to enjoy some lunch and explore the shoreline. Then, we continue on our way deeper into the fjord to the Baie de la Trinité.

Before dinner, stretch your legs after a long day of kayaking with a hike or a walk along the beach. Relax with a book or settle in to take in the views. Then dinner is served amongst stunning scenery with the musical accompaniment of the river.

• Paddle Distance: 9 miles, about 4.5 to 5 hours.
• Accommodations: Camping Site at Baie de la Trinité
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Kayak Baie de la Trinité to Anse du Portage

We breakfast early in the crisp morning air before continuing on our trek down the fjord. As we paddle through the estuary, you may be greeted by seals sunbathing on warm rock faces and peregrines nest in the cliffs. In fact, our paddle today takes us through the highest reaches of the fjord gouged by the force of glaciers long ago. Sheer cliffs reaching 300-450m high flank the river, rugged and blanketed in trees.

We stop for lunch underneath the fjord’s highest point: Cape Eternity. With its triple steps leading up from the river, it’s an immense promontory of granite and gneiss sitting across from the equally impressive Cape Trinity. We relax underneath the soaring bluffs and explore the shore before we settle into our kayaks once more. We continue our paddle to our campsite for the evening, Anse du Portage, which lies across from l’Anse-St-Jean. Explore and relax before we enjoy another delicious dinner under expansive skies. As night falls, sit by a campfire and watch the play of light on the river and the shifting shadows of the mountains standing sentinel over l’Anse-St-Jean.

• Paddle Distance: 11 miles, about 5.5 hours.
• Accommodations: Camping Anse du Portage
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Kayak Anse du Portage to Anse aux Ilets-Rouges

We wake with the sun this morning and have a hearty breakfast before setting afloat once more. As we continue our paddle down the fjord, our guides enlighten us with stories of the islands and the legends that live amongst them. The fjord begins to unfurl and with luck we can see seals, otters, and seabirds along the journey before we stop around Île Saint Louis for lunch.

After lunch, we begin our kayak towards Baie-Ste-Marguerite, where beluga whales congregate to raise their babies. We paddle around the bay, watching these white whales bobbing toward the shore, before making our way to Anse aux Ilets-Rouges. This settlement looks out on the rocky shoals and provides an excellent outlook for beluga watching. We explore the area and learn more about its unique vegetation and history from our guide before sitting down for dinner.

• Paddle Distance: 8 miles, about 4.5 hours.
• Accommodations: Camping site of Anse aux Ilets-Rouges
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Kayak Anse aux Ilets-Rouges to Anse Ste-Étienne

We breakfast and break camp before hopping into our kayaks once again to paddle our way to Anse Ste-Étienne. As your kayak skims along the water, watch for specks of white cresting the water like white caps as belugas swim the fjord. Whalers long ago dubbed belugas the “canaries of the sea” for their non-stop whistles, clicks, and squeaks that allow them to communicate as well as navigate the dark waters. As you paddle, listen to the cacophony of calls resound off the canyon walls, and if you’re lucky you can hear the uncanny similarities between our own human speech and theirs.

We stop for lunch on the sweeping sands of the Ste- Étienne beach, which lies just off of a well-known beluga hangout. Watch belugas off the shoreline and enjoy some leisure time upon the sand  In the afternoon we embark on a whale watching cruise towards the Saint-Lawrence estuary to meet the whalesand other marine mammals that inhabit  this Marin Parc Saguenay Saint-Laurent.  On the way back the boat will drop you off on the Passe a Pierre peninsula to join your camp site.

• Paddle Distance: 11 miles, about 5.5 hours.
• Accommodations: Camping Site of Anse Passe a Pierre
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Kayak and Hike in Passe à Pierre

We breakfast in the quiet of sunrise before climbing into our kayaks for a paddle on calm morning waters. As we make our way toward Passe à Pierre, we follow the beluga’s migration route in hopes of tracking their progress. Minke whales are also known to enjoy those waters, and so we might have some variety in our whale companions for the day.

Our paddle takes us back to the rocky peninsula of Passe à Pierre, and we rest with some lunch at the very end of the cape to watch belugas as they pass by. After, take some time to explore the rocky outcroppings and the surrounding trails hedged by towering trees. Or, if you want to simply enjoy some sun and whale calls, remain on the bluff and revel in the maritime panorama.

As night falls, we enjoy dinner at our campsite just off the beach. It’s our final night on the fjord, so sit back and soak in the quiet only found in nature.

• Paddle Distance: 5 miles, about 3 hours (optional as we are staying 2 nights at the same campground. Guests are welcome to take a break at their convenience).
• Accommodations: Camping Site of Passe à Pierre
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Kayak Passe à Pierre to Tadoussac

It’s our last morning on the fjord, and we rise with the sun and enjoy a filling and fresh breakfast before setting off on our final stretch of the river. We follow the flow toward the confluence of the St. Lawrence and Saguenay rivers, where the towering crags soften into two rounded, sandy hills that edge the village of Tadoussac. We lunch outside of Tadoussac and watch for the whales Tadoussac is known for. While belugas are the only permanent residents, minke whales, humpback whales, fin whales and blue whales are also known visitors.

After lunch, we conclude our journey and head into the village of Tadoussac. This historical town has been inhabited by ancient civilizations and visited by many prominent explorers including Cartier, Chauvin, and Champlain. We spend our afternoon exploring the town and its historical sites such as the Old Chapel, the oldest wooden church in Canada as well as America.

For our final evening together, we enjoy dining at Chez Mathilde restaurant, located in the heart of the village. It’s an evening of good food, conversation, and culture before tomorrow’s return journey.

• Paddle Distance: 7 miles, about 4 hours.
• Accommodations: Hotel le Beluga or Similar
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Return to Québec City

We sit down for a final breakfast together before heading out for the return trip to Québec City and your next travels. We should arrive in Québec City around noon. Bonne Route!

Note on Itinerary: Approximate paddling distances listed and can vary depending on group size and weather. We will do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above. However, the itinerary may change due to reasons beyond our control such as wind, waves or inclement weather. Please Note that although there is a very good chance we'll see Belugas throughout the week, the frequency, proximity, and quality of sightings will ultimately be determined by the Belugas' travel patterns.

• Meals Included: Breakfast

Travel to Quebec City

• We recommend flying into Jean Lasage International Airport (YQB) in Quebec City. 
• If you fly into Quebec (YQB) be sure to stop at the Information Desk, just outside of Customs, for a free map of the city!  They can also help answer any immediate questions you may have.
•  Airport transfer is NOT included in the trip cost. Please plan to utilize local taxi services for the short transfer to and from the airport. You can expect to pay roughly $35 Canadian for this service. Simply follow the signs upon arrival at the taxi desk, and they will call the next available taxi for you. Some taxi drivers will only speak French, so it's best to have the address of your hotel available.
•  An alternative airport is Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL). From there you can either rent a car or take the train to Quebec City.

Departing Quebec City

• If you are departing in the afternoon/evening of the last day of our scheduled tour, depending on your flight schedule, we may be able to transfer you to the airport directly upon your return to Quebec City. Note: If you are planning to depart on the last day of our scheduled tour, please book your flight for late afternoon or evening. 

Things to Do In and Near Quebec City: 

• Jazz and Hotel: If Jazz is top on your list you might look at The Hotel Clarendon as a great spot to stop for a drink and listen to jazz, or as a hotel to spend your extra nights at. It is centrally located and within close walking distance of everything in Vieux-Quebec. It is rumored to have one of the best Jazz bars of the area in the lobby.
• Vieux-Québec: Vieux-Quebec or Old Quebec is a simply stunning sector of the City and one that you can spend at least a day exploring. It's comprised of an upper and lower section and is designated as a UNESCO heritage site. You can take guided tours of this part of the city or simply explore it on your own.
• Open Air Market: (Where Saint Paul and Quai Saint Andre streets meet along the docks in the harbor)
• This is a fabulous open air market that is bustling on the weekends hosting many local vendors and artisans from around the area. It's a great place to pick up some souvenirs, sample the local food, or just take in the sites and sounds of Quebec City!
• Musee de la Civilisation: A great museum to check out while in Quebec City is Musee de la Civilization. You can check out their schedule, ticket fees, etc here
• Terrasse Dufferin: This is a walking terrace in front of Chateau Frontenac where you often find street performers sharing their talent with spectators passing by. The terrace overlooks the Saint Lawrence river with gorgeous views (especially at night).

For a full list of things not to miss while in Quebec City, check out our blog! 

 

Saguenay, Quebec Weather

We highly recommend checking the weather prior to your trip for an updated forecast and current conditions. We recommend the following website. 

Weather in Saguenay, Quebec - Weather Underground

When To Go? 

Whales are present year round, but are in the highest concentrations near the end of the summer and early Autumn. We offer this trip at times that are best for viewing whales, as well as avoiding the peak tourism season.

Sea Kayak Adventures Physical Requirements

Here at Sea Kayak Adventures our first and foremost goal is for you to have an enjoyable and safe experience. While most of our trips are suitable for beginners, some of our trips are more active than others and it’s important that you understand the physical requirements of the trip you choose. 

All of our sea kayaking trips are active adventures that involve some level of physical exertion and possible exposure to the elements including but not limited to wind, rain, heat, sun, cold temperatures and cold water conditions. Sea Kayak Adventures is able to accommodate people with physical limitations, disabilities and medical conditions; please speak with your Adventure Consultant if you think you will require any additional assistance while on the trip.  We ask that you consult your Doctor if you have health or medical conditions that could impact your ability to participate in an active and outdoor adventure.  In general, all trip participants must be able to do the following:  

• Wear all protective and safety equipment that are required by Sea Kayak Adventures and recommended/required by industry wide standards.
• Load and unload, on their own or with the aid of a qualified companion, the bus and/or van providing transportation for Sea Kayak Adventures activities.
• Reach the water access points (put-in and take-out) on their own, or with the aid of a qualified companion.
• Enter and exit the raft, kayak and/or inflatable kayak on their own or with the aid of a qualified companion.
• Remain seated and balanced in a floating raft, canoe, kayak or inflatable kayak w/ the aid of adaptive equipment, if necessary.
• Float on their back when entering moving and still water.  The participant must be capable of turning from face-down to face-up in the water with the aid of a Personal Floatation Device and must be able to hold their breath while under water.
• Remain calm and keep breathing under control in the event of a swim.
• Climb into the kayak, with the help of another person, should an involuntary swim happen at any point on the water.
• Make progress toward the shoreline or a boat by swimming in moving water and must be able to exit the water and ascend the shoreline once reached.
• Participate as an active paddler when instructed by the guide for the duration of the trip. 
• Move about the campsite on their own or with the aid of a qualified companion on all trips that include overnight camping and/or lunch.

Physical Preparedness

Whether you are an avid sea kayaker, or it is your first time, you’ll enjoy these incredible trips, and share in our passion for adventure, commitment to conserving the environment, and relishing unique experiences. For those new to the sport, kayaking is easy to learn in the sheltered waters that we visit, and we provide all of the camping gear, kayaking equipment and guidance needed. In addition, we keep our groups small to allow you to not only travel intimately among nature, but to ensure you receive the necessary attention from our guides.

Quebec Kayaking & Camping Tour Packing List Overview

We are excited to see you soon for your kayaking and camping tour with Sea Kayak Adventures!  The packing list outlined below is meant to serve as a guide to help you plan, prepare and outfit yourself for your upcoming travels.  We have provided our best recommendations and suggestions.  These suggestions are based on the outlined itinerary, the geographic region, our knowledge of Quebec, and our personal experience.  

Gear Provided by Sea Kayak Adventures:

Sea Kayak Adventures will provide all necessary paddling equipment including: personal flotation devices (PFDs), all kayaking equipment, and neoprene booties. Sea Kayak Adventures will also provide all necessary camping equipment for your tour, including: tent, cot, sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner and pillow. 

Provided Dry Bags:

At the orientation meeting we will provide each guest with 3 dry bags (one 10 Liter and two 20 Liter).  The guides will provide a full explanation of how to use and pack your dry bags.  That evening you will pack all of your gear for the kayaking trip into your three dry bags.  The rest of your luggage can be checked into the locked hotel closet the following morning before departing for your tour. 

Each set of dry bags will have a name (Sea Otter, Humpback, Orca) to help you in identifying your personal gear while out on tour.   While you will have a total of 50 Liters of space, it is important to embrace “packing light.”  This doesn’t mean that you have to pack light for your entire vacation, just think small and light for anything you plan to bring kayaking.  If you have any questions or need gear suggestions please don’t hesitate to call the office or shoot us an email.  We are happy to help! 

 

Luggage Recommendations:

Sea Kayak Adventures trips are best enjoyed if you travel light. We think it is wise to avoid checking any luggage under the plane. If you do check a bag, make sure that you have everything that is either essential or would be hard to replace, with you in your carry-on.

We recommend packing in one soft sided, roll-on (ideally a non-hard-sided version) or duffle luggage that meets carry-on requirements. Alternatively, if you must have a checked bag; make sure your personal item is packed with your “hard to replace items.” You will be able to leave luggage not needed for your kayaking trip in hotel storage.

We also recommend bringing one small day pack.  This dual purpose pack can serve as your personal item during your flights as well as your day pack for hikes during the tour. Outside zippered pockets are nice and allow you to organize your travel gear. Carry medications, travel documents, important personal items and other essentials or “hard-to-replace” items in this on the plane.

Quebec Kayaking & Camping Tour Packing List

 

Essential Items:

• Passport – be sure it is valid for at least six (6) months after the date of your arrival
• A photocopy of your passport, inside a zip lock bag and stowed elsewhere in your luggage (as an additional precautionary measure, consider leaving a photocopy with family or friends at home as well)
• Copy of your air tickets with ticket numbers, placed elsewhere in your luggage
• Cash for gratuities 
• Credit card that works internationally,  ideally with chip technology (Call your bank and let them know where you will be traveling)
• Waterproof watch or small travel clock with alarm (if you are taking a phone, this can serve as your alarm clock)
• TSA-accessible lock for luggage security when not on your person

Active Clothing

*We recommend synthetic or quick-dry materials while kayaking

• One pair of paddling gloves (optional)
• One pair long, lightweight, nylon pants with zipper pockets (Zip off legs give you more options) 
• One - two pair nylon shorts or capris (this can double as a swimsuit for the guys) 
• One - two pair(s) synthetic or merino wool long underwear
• Swimsuit 
• One - two short sleeve shirt(s) of tank top(s) (synthetic is best) 
• Two long sleeve shirts with sun protection
• Two - three pair synthetic or merino wool socks 
• One wide-brim, tie-on hat 
• One warm hat 
• One lightweight, packable jacket and/or vest 
• One wool or synthetic sweater or jacket for warmth in the evenings and mornings 
• One waterproof jacket and pair of waterproof pants
• Paddling jacket (optional, if you do not have a paddling jacket your regular rain jacket can be worn while paddling if needed)
• One pair sturdy trail shoes, or running shoes, to use for hiking and around camp
• One pair of sandals with ankle straps and closed toes to wear while kayaking, on the beaches, walking around camp, etc.  (If you elect to wear the provided neoprene booties, sandals can be optional) 

Additional Gear and Other Essentials:

• Retaining strap for glasses and sunglasses
• Flashlight or headlamp
• One pair of paddling gloves 
• Small day pack or fanny pack for hikes 
• One water bottle, 1 liter or larger
• One carabiner (this is optional but useful for clipping your water bottle to your kayak)
• One buff or bandana for sun protection and cooling off
• Camp towel (small lightweight towel, backpacking style works great)
• ​Camera and appropriate charging mechanism
• Back up battery pack for electronic devices
• Waterproof camera or valuables case
• Binoculars or monocular 
• Glasses or contacts if needed
• Polarized sunglasses
• Reusable dirty/clean gear bags for wet or soiled items
• ​Small ​​reusable, leak-proof bags for liquid or spillable personal items
• Books or E-reader, pen and notepad, headphones, etc

Toiletries and First Aid

• Standard toiletry kit including general hygiene products, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc. (keep liquids under 3.38 oz.(100ml) for carry-on)
• Insect repellent 
• Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF 15-30
• Pre-moistened toilette packets or disposable shower wipes to refresh
• Prescriptions and any necessary personal medicines (please be sure to bring necessary prescriptions and any needed emergency medicine such as an EpiPen, Benadryl, etc)
• Heavy duty skin lotion for dry, sun-baked, and salted skin
• Small squeeze bottle of hand-sanitizer gel
• Shampoo and soap (we recommend biodegradable, multi-purpose options)
• *Optional female urinary device (allows women to urinate standing up without removing clothing). Silicon or hard plastic ones work great. Popular name brands include Gogirl and Shewee.

Note on Packing Light: Packing efficiently will make loading your kayaks easy and enable you to quickly find your gear during the tour. Plan to use 1-2 kayaking outfits and 1-2 camp outfits that you will reuse throughout the trip. You are welcome to bring extra clothing for before or after your tour.  This additional clothing and luggage can be stored in a secure closet at the hotel while you are on your kayaking tour.  

Sea Kayak Adventures - Recommended Quebec Reading List

• Berton, P. (1995). Attack on Montreal. McClelland and Stewart.
• Bonenfant, M. (2015). Exploring old quebec: Walking Tours of the Historic City. Vehicule Press.
• Hamilton, J. (2006). The St. Lawrence River: History, highway and Habitat. Redlader Pub.
• Lackey, J. (2007). Jacques Cartier: Exploring the st. lawrence river. Crabtree Pub. Co.

Additional Quebec and Sea Kayaking Information 

• 12 Experiences Not to Miss in Quebec City - Learn things to do in Old Quebec City
• 12 Must Try Foods in Quebec - Get to know the local flavors and dishes 
• 7 Tips for Staying Clean on an Ocean Kayaking and Camping Adventure - Helpful tips for staying clean on your sea kayaking tour. 
• Weather Report- Check the local weather before you go.
• Top 6 Places to Sea Kayak for Whale Watching and Wildlife Viewing - See why Quebec is a great destination for sea kayaking with whales.
• Creature Featuure: Beluga Whale - Read up on the whales you might spot from your kayak in Quebec!

Please see our full Terms & Conditions HERE.