Quebec Kayaking, Belugas, and Small Inns

*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: Hotel lobby, Quebec City
MEETING TIME: 1:00 PM EST
TRIP MILES: Varies depending on group size, weather and kayaker's abilities
PUT-IN: Saguenay National Park, 30 minutes from Rivière-Éternité
TAKE-OUT: Tadoussac
RETURN TIME:  3pm Approx
THE LAST SUPPER: Join your guide and fellow trip guests for a non-hosted farewell dinner at a favorite local restaurant in Quebec City.
TRIP LENGTH: 7 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)

Quebec Lodge to Lodge Tour Itinerary

Day 0: Optional early arrival day in Québec City

Note: We have two superb itineraries in Québec. One is this lodge-based kayaking tour (below) and the other is a camping-based kayaking tour. Both tours explore the beauty of the Saguenay Fjord.

• Accommodations: Not Included

Day 1 - Arrive in Quebec City: Journey to the Saguenay

At 1:00pm, we gather for a meet-and-greet at the designated tour hotel before setting off on your journey to the Saguenay region. The drive north meanders through the strikingly beautiful Réserve faunique des Laurentides (Laurentides Wildlife Reserve).

On arrival you have a chance to stretch your legs while exploring some of the natural and cultural history of the region and visiting the Fjord Museum in the town of La Baie and then continue a few miles where you spend the night in the charming Auberge des Battures overlooking the waters of the fjord. Dinner is a feast of local french cuisine inspired by boreal ingredients.

• Accommodations: Auberge des Battures
• Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2 - Kayak in Rivière-Éternité Bay

Today, we explore the fjord at sea level. Fuel up with breakfast at the Auberge before hopping in the van for a 30-minute ride the small village of Rivière-Éternité ("Eternity River"). The tiny town owes its name to the river that runs through the majestic cape and cliffs of the Saguenay Fjord.

Your kayak awaits you in Saguenay National Park. Upon arrival, our guides brief you on paddling techniques and general safety rules. After that, you're ready for your first fjord expedition beneath the huge rock faces of Eternity Bay. Paddle past these mesmerizing 400-meter-tall cliffs and out into the heart of the fjord. The route is about 5 miles, and you stop for a long lunch break with some tasty local treats at Ermine Bay.  After coming back to Eternity Bay, we transfer to the village of L’Anse Saint-Jean, a rural village set along the fjord.  Here we stay in a local chalet or cabin where you also enjoy tonight’s home-cooked dinner. 

Paddle Distance: Estimated around 5 miles or about 4-5 hours of paddling time – more if windy.

Accommodation Note: There are a number of cabins/chalets available to rent and final accommodation arrangements will be determined by availability.

• Paddle Distance: Estimated around 5 miles or about 4-5 hours of paddling time – more if windy.
• Accommodations:Village of L’Anse Saint-Jean *There are a number of cabins/chalets available to rent and final accommodation arrangements will be determined by availability.
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 - Hiking to Discover the backcountry of Anse-Saint Jean

Enjoy breakfast at a local crêperie called Le Café du Quai. We have an early start on a lovely hike in the backcountry, heading to Montagne Blanche. The hike of Montagne Blanche is about 5 miles and starts with a view on a beautiful waterfall and L’Anse-Saint-Jean cove. The reward is dramatic, panoramic views of the massive geological wonder of the fjord and the flora and fauna that live here.

After the hike of Montagne Blanche, you will have opportunity to have a leisurely lunch at the Anse-a-Tabatiere.  

We enjoy a mix of home-cooked meals and meals out on this trip.  Tonight, we may go to a local bistro that features regional flavors and fare.  Afterwards, back at our accommodations, you might retire or sit outside to watch the stars and visit with your fellow travelers. 

• Hiking Distance: 5 miles
• Accommodations: Village of L’Anse Saint-Jean *There are a number of cabins/chalets available to rent and final accommodation arrangements will be determined by availability.
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 - L’Anse-Saint-Jean - Kayaking

Awake to coffee and a nourishing breakfast prepared by your guide with local fare, after set off on kayak a paddle through the fjord. You will again ponder on the immensity of the Fjord and its unique ecosystem. Seals may accompany you on this circular journey through these bays. 

Enjoy lunch with local produce in one of the remote coves on the fjord.  After come back to L’Anse-Saint-Jean cove.

This evening we share stories together and enjoy another lovely dinner .

Note: Depending on weather, we may change the order of Day 3 and 4 in order to optimize the best day for kayaking.  

• Paddle Distance: Estimated between 5 and 6 miles. or about 4-5 hours of paddling time – more if windy.
• Accommodations: Village of L’Anse Saint-Jean *There are a number of cabins/chalets available to rent and final accommodation arrangements will be determined by availability.
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Petit Saguenay: Kayaking (Possible Half-Day Hike)

Today is our final day of kayaking.  It’s another opportunity to soak in the verdant scenery of the fjord and have a chance to spot more wildlife.  With any luck we may even see a few whales, usually in the distance.  We enjoy a picnic lunch along our route.  By late afternoon we’re back at our evening accommodations for a tasty BBQ.

We sometimes are fortunate to witness beluga whales who swim in these waters on a daily basis, coming from the St. Lawrence seaway.  They travel upstream with the rising tides to minimize their expenditure of energy, and often it is mothers with their calves.  Because of concerns about diminishing numbers of belugas, the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marin Park was established in 1998.  This Park encompasses about 40% of this region’s beluga population, with the remaining 60% further out into the St. Lawrence and beyond Park boundaries.  

There is a distinct charm about belugas, perhaps because they are one of the smallest whale species, with adults ranging from 12-15’ long (4-5 meters).  While they are brownish-grey color at birth, sometime around the age of 10-12, they become white. They are sometimes referred to as the “canaries of the sea,” because of their abundant vocalizations.  

Belugas are an Arctic species and most of the world’s population lives in polar waters. The belugas of the St. Lawrence Seaway and Saguenay River are one of the most southernmost populations. While their worldwide population is estimated to be between 150,000 – 200,000, in this region, their population dropped from around 9,000 to under 2,000 before a regional ban on whaling was made law in 1979.  Fishermen at one point mistakenly thought that belugas were responsible for the depletion of Atlantic cod and hunted them mercilessly.  The fact is that belugas feed only on smaller fish and crustaceans such as clams. 

Because their population remains in a delicate balance there are strict regulations about whale watching.  Boats and kayaks may not approach closer than 400 meters (437 yards, or more than 4 football fields).  However, they roam the seas freely and on rare occasions may come closer to our kayaks.  This is nothing that can be promised and we always respect the local regulations out of concern for wildlife. 

Note: If weather doesn’t cooperate, we may opt for a half day of hiking, covering about 3 miles along the beach of St. Etienne and along the fjord.  In this case we’ll kayak in either the morning or afternoon, weather permitting.

• Paddle Distance: 6 miles, less if we kayak a half-day and hike a half-day.
• Hiking Distance: (if applicable): 3 miles
• Accommodations: Village of L’Anse Saint-Jean *There are a number of cabins/chalets available to rent and final accommodation arrangements will be determined by availability.
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: L’Anse-Saint-Jean to Tadoussac: Whale Watching 

Enjoy the sunrise from our accommodations and a tasty breakfast before boarding a whale-watching zodiac at the pier L'Anse-Saint-Jean. We will join other whale watchers on board and today is all about whales. As the towering cliffs melt into the enormity of the St. Lawrence River, the ecosystem is a marine wildlife wonderland. 

You spend half the day exploring the eastern edge of the fjord, the Saint Laurence estuary and its great seaway.  This is an area where small fish and krill come by way of the St. Lawrence’s deep channel tides and when these tides converge with the outgoing waters of the Saguenay River, they are temporarily trapped.  This makes for a bountiful feeding ground for a number of species, including 12 species of whales!  Most come here seasonally, to feed while the beluga is a year-round resident.  Other species include fin, minke, right, humpback and sometimes blue whales.  

Lunch will be at Tadoussac dunes. Founded in 1600, Tadoussac is the oldest surviving French settlement in the Americas. It thrived in the seventeenth century as France’s first trading post on the mainland of New France. We take a stroll in the village and marvel at the Old Chapel, the oldest wooden church in Canada and the USA. We dine in town at a local restaurant and enjoy our picturesque surroundings. You will also have the chance to go to the CIMM (Whale Museum) to learn even more about these ocean gems.

• Accommodations: Auberge Le Pionnier
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Return to Quebec City, Île d'Orléans

After a final breakfast in the glorious Saguenay region we head south. On the way to Quebec City we stop by the Île d'Orléans (Island of Orleans), which is surrounded by the St. Lawrence River to lunch at the Goeliche restaurant and have a dessert at the Cassis Mona et filles. Overlooking Québec City, the island features lots of local producers with berry farms, maple products, and wineries.  On our exploration you will be able to sample the local produce. 

Your trip ends in Quebec City around 4pm. Stay overnight and enjoy the city or take an evening flight home.

• Accommodations: Not Included
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

*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.

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).

 

Quebec City 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 Quebec City - 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 kayak and/or inflatable kayak on their own or with the aid of a qualified companion.
• Remain seated and balanced in a floating 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, Belugas, and Small Inns 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. 

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, Belugas, and Small Inns 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 
• One pair of sandals with ankle straps and closed toes to wear while kayaking, on the beaches, 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
• ​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
• 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

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 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.