Springtime in the Gulf is brilliant. Birders love the northern gannets, common murres, razorbills, puffins, and more. Be on the watch for whales—there are thirteen species of cetaceans in the Gulf. Geological wonders. World-famous Percé Rock. Saguenay Fjord. Newfoundland’s south coast. Layers of culture. Mi’kmaq, Algonquin, Québecois, Acadian, English, and Scots influences. The multilingual guides love to share—immerse yourself in music, dance, arts, and crafts. Tour the Gulf of St. Lawrence aboard the Ocean Endeavour. Enjoy the sea breeze from a Zodiac. Feel the beating heart of Canada’s history!
Highlights
Experience Québec’s unique history and culture
Search for the largest animal on earth, the blue whale
See one of the world’s largest gannet colonies of over 50,000 pairs
Photograph the famous red cliffs of the Magdalen Islands
Sail the Saguenay, spectacular feeding ground for marine and bird species
Founded in 1608 by Champlain, the beautiful city of Québec is the capital of the province of the same name. Predominantly French-speaking, Québec retains strong European influences in architecture, cuisine and culture—and is truly a fascinating city to explore!
Meet in Québec City and travel by coach to the charming community of Tadoussac, where you will board Ocean Endeavour.
At the mouth of Saguenay Fjord, along the north shore of the Saint Lawrence River estuary, salt water meets fresh water. In the morning explore Tadoussac, once an Innu sealing camp, later—in 1599—the site of the first trading post in what is now Canada.
In the afternoon cruise Saguenay Fjord National Park, searching for the fin, minke, blue, and beluga whales known to frequent these nutrient-rich waters.
Weather permitting, visit the famed Reford Gardens, a National Historic Site. Scenic walks wind among 15 distinct gardens offering more than 3,000 species and varieties of flowers and plants. The expansive site includes art installations, sculptures, a museum, and a restaurant.
The spectacular natural sculptures of the Mingan Islands are formed of limestone, shaped by the action of the sea. At 50° N, these islands owe as much to the north as to the east for their character. Atlantic puffins and Arctic eiders vie for the attention of birders, while harp, harbour, and grey seals cavort in the waters. Not to be outdone, the flora of the islands is wildly diverse, including 450 plant species, 190 lichens and 300 mosses!
The Gaspé Peninsula (Gaspésie), separates the mouth of the Saint Lawrence from Baie de Chaleur. Here the remnants of the Appalachian Mountain chain form high cliffs, jutting above the treeline. Views of neighbouring seascapes are outstanding.
Forillon is an important bird and marine mammal habitat, with excellent hiking, including a walk to Canada’s tallest lighthouse. Grand-Grave National Heritage Site tells the story of the fishing families who once made their homes here.
Today visit Parc National de l’Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé, where you'll enjoy a Zodiac cruise of Percé Rock and Bonaventure Island. Percé Rock is a huge natural arch within a mass of reddish limestone and sandstone, with a large sea stack at one end. Thousands of Northern Gannets and other seabirds nest at nearby Bonaventure Island.
Prince Edward Island is a realm of rolling hills, wooded glades, ocean coves, and famously red soil. Canada’s smallest province, often abbreviated to P.E.I. retains a slow-paced lifestyle in its small, rural settlements. The island gained international fame by Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables. Call in at the province's iconic sites and visit Lennox Island Mi'kmaw First Nation.
Though a part of Quebec, the Magdalens (Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine) in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence are closer to Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. Approximately 12,000 residents live on the archipelago. Dramatic red sandstone cliffs are among the most striking features of the Magdalen Islands. Overnight here and spend two days exploring the robust Acadian heritage, culture, cuisine and language of the islands. Look for handicrafts, seafood, and local wines and beers!
Fjords, cliffs, and islands offer excellent Zodiac cruising territory—and hiking may be an option as well. Watch for puffins and other seabirds, and of course, keep a close eye out for whales.
Day 11: Disembark in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, France
1 Breakfast
Just off the shores of Newfoundland lie the islands of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon—an official territory of the French Republic. Having traced Canada’s French history and culture, it’s appropriate that we wind up in France!
You will have an opportunity to explore the charming, colorful town of Saint Pierre. French food, wine and shopping await! There you will end your trip by joining the charter flight to St. John’s, NL.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$3,595
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Quadruple - Category 1
Deck four: Interior cabin, four lower berths, private bath (separate shower room and powder room) - approx. 240 sq. ft.
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Triple - Category 2
Deck four: Interior cabin, three lower berths, two private baths - approx. 200 sq. ft.
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Interior Twin - Category 3
Deck five: Interior cabin, two lower berths, private bath - approx. 125 sq. ft. (twin)/110 sq. ft. (single)
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Exterior Twin - Category 4
Deck four: Porthole window, unobstructed view, two lower berths, private bath - approx. 100 sq. ft. (twin)/90 sq. ft. (single)
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Main Twin - Category 5
Deck five: Picture window, unobstructed view, two lower berths, private bath - approx. 115 sq. ft.
Deck seven. Forward-facing picture windows, unobstructed view, matrimonial bed, private bath with full tub, refrigerator - approx. 310 sq. ft.
Notes
We have a limited quantity of cabins in category 3 through to category 7 with no single supplement!
Once these cabins are sold, the single supplement fee (in order to secure a cabin to yourself) is 1.5 times the berth cost.
Expedition Costs Include:
The expertise and company of expedition staff
Onboard educational presentations
Interactive workshops, evening entertainment
All shipboard meals, including on deck barbeques & afternoon tea, 24-hour coffee, tea and snacks
Hors d’ouevres & snacks during evening recaps
24-hour documentary and film programming
Fully stocked library
Introductions to local people and customs
Sightseeing
Museum entries, park accesses, port taxes
Access to pristine wilderness areas
Zodiac tours and cruises
On-site archaeology workshops
Community programming: local performances, presentations, and demonstrations
Expedition Cost Does Not Include:
Commercial flights
Mandatory medical/evacuation insurance
Personal expenses
Additional expenses in the event of delays or itinerary changes
Discretionary gratuities to ship's crew (approximately $15 per passenger per day)
Visas (if required)
Physician's fees confirming you are fit to travel
Any medical charges incurred while aboard
Possible fuel surcharges
Charter Flight: Outbound only: Saint-Pierre, FR to St John’s, NL. Please add $495 USD per person inclusive of all taxes and fees.
Initial deposit is $2000, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
