Essentials of Quebec: lakes, forests, whales
MONTRÉAL > LAC TAUREAU > LAC-SAINT-JEAN > SAGUENAY > CHARLEVOIX > QUÉBEC //
Welcome to Quebec: forests as far as
the eye can see, lakes that invite you to take a break, the cosmopolitan and
historic cities of Montreal and Quebec City and of course the legendary welcome
of the Quebecois!
Itinerary
-
Day 1 Montreal
Stopping in Montreal means entering the French-speaking metropolis of North America, diving into a city that is capable of combining its history with its modernity, and appreciating the dynamism of a community that is constantly evolving. Take advantage of your evening in town to taste the famous poutine!
- Accommodation: Hotel
-
Day 2 Montréal
It's time to discover the city, on foot or by bike. Do not hesitate to visit the Old Port district, where you will find the famous Ferris wheel and the majestic Basilique Notre-Dame.
- Accommodation: Hotel
-
Day 3 Montréal / Lac Taureau
Pick up your rental vehicle in downtown Montreal and drive to a less well-known area of Quebec. Lac Taureau will give you a completely different image of Quebec with its wide open spaces where nature dominates.
- Accommodation: Lodge
-
Day 4 Lac Taureau
Le camp Taureau is full of activities for all interests. Embark on a canoe to discover the fauna and flora around the lake. Then find comfort with a good meal at the inn or soak up even more of the wonders that surround you by spending the night in a tent in the heart of the forest.
- Accommodation: Lodge
-
Day 5 Lac Taureau
Still some energy for this new day? Go on a Fatbike and get off the beaten track. Also take the time to visit the Amerindian community of the Atikamekw of Manawan to discover their ancestral way of life.
- Accommodation: Lodge
-
Day 6 Lac Taureau / Lac Saint Jean
A day's drive to reach the shores of Lac St-Jean, but not just any road! The portion of Route 155 between Grandes Piles and La Tuque is spectacular, offering unique views of the rivière Saint-Maurice. Relax during these two nights at the magnificent Chalet de Chambord.
- Accommodation: Cabin
-
Day 7 Lac Saint-Jean
Experience the vastness of Lac Saint-Jean. Are you a water sports enthusiast or a hiker? Whatever your desire of the day, you will inevitably find your happiness in the host of activities offered on the site.
- Accommodation: Cabin
-
Day 8 Saguenay
On the way to the Parc National du Fjord-du-Saguenay. The only navigable fjord in North America, it is home to more than 16 marine species typical of the Arctic. A breathtaking landscape.
- Accommodation: Cabin
-
Day 9 Saguenay
Via Ferrata, does this word mean anything to you? It would be a mistake to miss this activity by being there. Hang on to climb the rock to the Bridge and prepare to cross the void on an 85 m long suspension bridge!
- Accommodation: Cabin
-
Day 10 Saguenay
Boat or kayak will allow you to sail the mysterious waters of the Fjord. You can also discover it by keeping your feet on the ground and going for a discovery hike.
- Accommodation: Cabin
-
Day 11 Saguenay / Tadoussac / La Malbaie
Tadoussac is a maritime crossroads composed of the fleuve Saint-Laurent and the Saguenay Fjord. It is the ideal place to go and meet the whales. A word of advice: option for a kayak that will allow you to get closer to it without disturbing them.
- Accommodation: Hotel
-
Day 12 La Malbaie
Mandatory stop at Parc national des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie and its more than 100 km of hiking trails. And why not challenge the river currents on a rubber dinghy?
- Accommodation: Hotel
-
Day 13 La Malbaie / Québec city
Let yourself be seduced by the narrow cobbled streets of Quebec City. The picturesque old town is also a World Heritage Site of UNESCO. You will not be able to miss the Château Frontenac which dominates the top of the city.
- Accommodation: Hotel
-
Day 14 Québec city
A few steps from Quebec City is the Montmorency Falls. Take the panoramic circuit to admire the 83 m high waterfall and even cross the suspension bridge above to feel its full force.
- Accommodation: Hotel
-
Day 15 Departure
The time for the return flight has come. You can drop off your rental car directly at the airport.
Period & budget
When to travel?
The best period for travelling is during the following months:
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
Price
From C$ 1495
The budget is an indication of the price per person, subject to availability. Your local agent will send you a customized quote with the exact price. The price can vary according to availability, level of services, period of travel, number of participants, booking time frame and other items.
Included
- 14 nights accommodation
- 13 days car hire with CDW insurance and unlimited mileage
- Applicable taxes
- Assistance 24 hours phone number
Not included
- The personalized roadbook
- Flights (Available upon request)
- Gasoline
- Lunches and dinners
- Personal expenses
Terms and conditions
Inscription
By registering for one of our travel, the customer bindingly accepts the General Terms and Conditions of Sale. Each customer must complete a registration form. The booking is definitively recorded when the customer has settled the payment of a deposit of 30 % of the total travel price (subject to availability at the time of registration). In case of short term bookings – within 30 days prior to the travel departure – the full travel price is due immediately. Payments can be settled via bank transfer (SWIFT code/IBAN number) or online, directly from our website (soon available). You will receive an email with a booking confirmation as quickly as possible
Invoice procedure
Once your booking is registered, we send you an email with the invoice. Full payment is required at least 30 days before your arrival. If the customer does not settle the payment of the travel price within the period agreed upon, Altaï Canada reserves the right to cancel the booking free of charge.
Cancellation policy
If for any reason, you decide to withdraw from a journey, the amount already paid will be refunded subject to the following exceptions:
- Cancellation up to 45 days prior to the agreed beginning of the journey: You will be charged 20 % of the travel price, in addition with every non-refundable expense for additional services booked on request (internal flights, site entrance tickets, activities…)
- Cancellation between the 44th and 15th day prior to the agreed beginning of the journey: You will be charged 50 % of the travel price, in addition with every non-refundable expense for additional services booked on request (internal flights, site entrance tickets, activities…)
- Cancellation less than 14 days to the agreed beginning of the journey: You will be charged 100 % of the travel price, in addition with every non-refundable expense for additional services booked on request (internal flights, site entrance tickets, activities…)
Any cancellation shall be notified in writing (email, letter or fax). Notice of cancellation will be effective upon receipt by us of your written communication.
If it comes apparent at an earlier point in time that the minimum number of participants cannot be reached for a travel, Altaï Canada is to exercise his right of withdrawal immediately. In such a situation, you will be informed of the cancellation of your travel no later than 21 days prior to the agreed beginning of the journey. Altaï Canada can also cancel a travel in case of circumstances amounting to "force majeure": volcanic eruption, civil disturbances, strikes, weather and climate conditions, travellers’ security… In such cases, you are immediately refunded any payments on the travel price; however, you shall not be entitled to any compensation.
Changes to travel contract
If a change to travel contract is made at the customer’s request, any fee that might arise from this change shall be paid by the customer. In any cases, every request for changes shall be notified in writing. In case of external events that could not be foreseen, Altaï Canada might change some aspects of the travel contract. We will endeavour to advise you of any changes as quickly as possible.
Pricing
All group travel prices on our website have been calculated for the indicated number of participants for each trip. The price list is confirmed after the booking. If the number of participants is lower than expected, an additional payment charge might be applied. For each travel and program, we mention the price per person – valid for the minimum number of participants – and we provide you with detailed explanations about the services included or not. Any change in the exchange rates or in the price of travel services in particular regarding the cost of the fuel, might entail price revision.
Contract transfer
In case of transfer of the contract by the customer to an assignee, modification and cancellation conditions apply.
Insurance
We recommend that you get personal insurance before your departure to cover the activities undertaken by Altaï Canada. If you have not purchased your insurance directly with us, we ask that you email us your insurance contract information (company, policy name, policy number, phone number) and bring this information with you on your trip.
Practical info
Staff
Trip in total freedom,
guideless. If you add an optional roadbook, it will consist of :
- A day by day (itinerary) description
- Destination description
- Useful tips on driving
- Cities and parks maps
- Activities description
Food
It is possible that some
meals are included, seek ‘’the price includes’’ on your estimate, it is however
impossible (or even rare) to include all meals during a trip in total freedom.
Accommodation
Depending on the category of hotel, you will sleep in 2-star or sun
(Canadian classification) rated accommodation. When you request an estimate,
you can ask to be upgraded in more comfortable accommodation for some days or
for all the days of your trip, near national parks or out-of-the-ordinary
accommodation such as cabins in the trees, cottages or tent (Huttopia, or
ready-to-camp). We offer a wide range of accommodation, from classic to
original, all of our trips are flexible and can be adjusted to your desires!
Transportation
In some cases and depending
on your needs, we can offer private or public transfer services such as train,
shuttle, ferry or seaplane… We can also include a car rental with very
interesting rates. You just have to make it clear in your initial estimate in
the box ‘’ describe your trip precisely’’ of our form, we will be pleased to do
so.
Driving
in Canada :
Autotours by car are
perfect to explore the great Canadian landscapes. Our country offers numerous
breath-taking roads with panoramic sceneries. Traffic is generally moderate
when compared to other countries.
Standard European driving
license is valid in Canada. Traffic regulation is no different. The speed limit
is 100 Km/h on the highway (110 km/h on certain highways in Alberta and Novia
Scotia); 90 km/h on main roads; 50 km/h in urban areas. Highways are free
(expect for one in the Toronto region), generally well-maintained, they provide
rest areas..
Traffic lights are situated
on the other side of the streets intersection. There is no priority to the
right: priority is indicated by road signs at each intersection. It is
generally allowed to turn right when the light is red (if no road sign forbid
it) in Canada, except for the Ile de Montréal.
To park your vehicle, pay
attention to road signs that indicate authorized days and hours of parking. It
is forbidden to park near a fire hydrant. Parking fees are sometimes required
by hotels (especially in big cities) and in public parking areas. In Toronto
and Montréal, parking fees can rise up to 20$ per day. In small cities, it is
easy to find free parking spaces.
Wearing a seatbelt is
mandatory everywhere and at every time, for all the passengers, in the front
seat and in the back seat.
Children must sit in a
child car seat specially designed, adapted to their weight and height and be
appropriately installed until he is tall enough to wear the seatbelt correctly.
It is mandatory to stop at
more than five meters from a school bus which flashing lights blink. You can
only cross or pass a school bus when its flashing lights are off. You must make
sure that this manoeuvre is riskless.
In Canada, it is forbidden
to drive with a blood alcohol level of more than 0.08% (80mg for 100ml of
blood). Drivers younger than 25 years old and the ones who have a learner’s
permit are submitted to the rule of ‘’0 alcohol’’ which forbids driving after
alcohol consumption.
Budget & exchange
Canadian currency is the
Dollar ($) which is divided in 100 cents. You can find 5$, 10$, 20$, 50$, 100$
and 1000$ bills. Although they are still in circulation, 1$ and 2$ bills have
been replaced by coins of .05$, .10$ and 0.25$.
To benefit from the best
exchange rate, we advise you the exchange your currency in a Canadian bank.
Generally, these institutions are open between 10 AM and 3 PM from Monday to
Friday (except statutory holiday). You can also exchange your currency in
exchange offices. Although the office schedule might be more flexible, exchange
rate and service fees could vary considerably from office to office.
Traveler’s check in
Canadian dollar are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops. You can
also exchange euros: 1 Euro = 1,57$CAN (04/04/2018).
Before your arrival in
Canada, make sure your credit card is programmed to be used in ATMs. They are
open at any time in banks, airports, stations and malls. The most accepted
credit cards are Visa, Mastercard and American Express.
Tips
In the United States and in Canada, service is never included in the
prices. In bars, restaurants and all the places where service is provided, it
is expected that you tip the waiter/waitress between 15% and 20% of the total
sum. Note that a lot of employees working as waiters are paid by tips only. Not
giving anything or not giving enough would be poorly received. Even when paying
by credit card, you’ll indicate the sum you wish to give.
Supplied equipment
See what is included in your estimate
Luggage
Depending on the size of the trunk of your rental car, make sure to
choose the right size and number of luggage that you will bring.
Passport
Consular formalities for
Europeans and Swiss nationals:
Upon your registration,
please transmit your passport information (name, first name, passport number,
date of issues and expiration). Currently, to stay as a tourist for less than
six months, a visa is not mandatory and a valid passport is sufficient with a
validity exceeding by one day your stay in Canada.
Travelers must imperatively
have an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to enter Canada. You will have to
fill the form online and individually (one application per person) on http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/ave.aspIt is essential that you
have a valid email address. The 7 CAD fees are payable by Visa, Mastercard or
American Express credit cards. The eTA is granted in just a few minutes but we
advise you to apply for it as soon as your trip is confirmed. The eTA is an
electronic document linked to your passport and stays valid for 5 years or
until the expiration of the passport, depending on the first of these
eventualities to occur. You must then travel with the passport used to apply
for it.
CAREFUL: for French women, the eTA must be filled with your maiden name.
Hence, to facilitate the check-in at the airport, we ask travelers in Canada to
indicate their maiden name for the booking of their tickets.
You
travel with children:
Children and adults are
submitted to the same obligations regarding passports and visa described above.
Registration of minors on parents’ passports is now impossible; children must
hold an individual passport. It is compulsory to apply for an eTA for each
child individually.
CAREFUL,
from January 15th 2017 onwards, for all French minors traveling
abroad alone, an authorization to leave the country is compulsory.
The child will have to
submit the three following documents:
- The minor’s valid
passport
- A photocopy of the
signatory’s identity card, valid or expired for less than 5 years and the birth
certificate
- The form, signed by one
of the legal guardians, available online on https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F1359
Concerning other
nationalities, seek the Canadian consular authority of your country.
ARRIVAL IN
CANADA VIA A TRANSIT THROUGH THE UNITED STATES :
CAREFUL, we can
exceptionally use American airlines for travels bound for the American
continent (North and South).
They stop over in the US:
you must possess an electronic or biometric passport which is still valid 6
months after your departure from the US (under ‘’passport’’, a rectangle under
a circle meaning a secure symbol).
You must also apply for an
electronic travel authorization (ESTA) on the official website https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Valid for a duration of two years or until the
expiration of the passport, this authorization must be requested at the latest
72h before your departure: we advise you to apply to it as soon as your trip is
confirmed. It has to be paid for (14 USD online by credit card). The name you
put on the form must be the same as the one that figures on your plane tickets
and must of course appears on your passport. If the name used on the ESTA form
is different from the one on your tickets, the airline can deny your boarding.
Minors must also fill out an ESTA authorization.
The Visa Waiver Program
allows French nationals to enter the American territory without a visa, either
via transit or for a stay of 90 days to the maximum. A visa is nevertheless
necessary if you only have an emergency passport. Furthermore, travelers who
went to Iran, Iraq, Syria, Somalia, Yemen or Soudan since March 11th
2011 and people who are national of Iran, Iraq, Syria or Soudan cannot benefit
from the Visa Waiver program anymore: more information on http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays/etats-unis/
ARRIVAL
IN THE US OR TRANSIT THROUGHT THE US :
Upon your arrival, the
immigration service will take your photo and fingerprints. You’ll have to wait
behind the yellow line and not cross it unless you’re told to, it can take some
time. Customs controls will take place at the first access point to the territory
(in case of a transit through a Canadian airport, it will be considered as a
first access point to the US and the following process must be applied). Once
you’ve been through the immigration service, you’ll get your luggage back from
the conveyer belt and go to the customs. In case of a continuation of your
trip, you’ll have to get your luggage back and bring them the baggage conveyer
which serves.
Health information & recommendations
Canada is one of the safest
destination in the world. Its crime rate is low and there aren’t much endemic
diseases. For a trip to Canada, no vaccination is mandatory but it is advised
to be up to date concerning basic vaccinations (Diphtérie, Tétanos,
Poliomyélite). Medical infrastructures are excellent but it is strongly advised
to purchase medical insurance before your departure.
In case of an emergency, to
call the police, firefighters or paramedics, dial 911. The ‘’911’’ service
could sometimes not be reachable in certain regions. You can also dial 0. A
receptionist can get you in contact with emergency services.
Canada has a lot of lakes
ad forests; there are numerous insects in June and July. Hence, you need to
have a repellent cream and strong antihistamine for people suffering from
allergies.
During your trip to Canada,
you may very well be able to see some wild animals in their natural habitat. It
is particularly true in wildlife reserve where originals, cariboos, deer and
other species are commonly observed.
In Canada, regulation about
alcohol consumption can differ from what most of international travelers could expect.
Apart from Québec, alcoholic beverages are sold only in specialized places and
often under Government control (liquor Stores, beer stores, etc.). It is
forbidden to consume alcohol in public areas. Legal age for alcohol consumption
is 19 years old in Ontario and Maritime Provinces, 18 years old in Québec,
Alberta and Manitoba. If you wish to drink wine or beer in certain restaurants,
you have to choose a licensed place. It is possible, in some restaurants, to
bring your own wine bottle, but it has to be specified. Throughout Canada,
strict regulation exist to counter driving under the influence of alcohol
(0.08%).
Weather
Spring is a rainy season in the major part of Canada. During the day,
temperatures generally get high but nights still cool. The median temperature
is 12°C in March, April and the beginning of May. Summer officially starts on
June 21st but for most Canadians, July and August are the real
summer months. It is warm in most regions of Canada. In the South, they are
above 20°C during the day and can sometimes pass 30°C. Autumn starts in
September. Temperature gets chillier and leaves change color and fall. This season
can be very rainy. In some regions, particularly in the North and in the
mountains, it may start to snow towards the end of October. During the day,
normal temperatures vary between 10 and 12°C in the major part of the country.
Unlike Europe, seasons are well defined in Canada. Temperatures can get
higher than 30°C in
summer and down to –30°C in winter. In fact, Canadian climate changes a lot
from a region or a season to another. Canada extends from the Atlantic Ocean to
the Pacific Ocean and lies at the same latitude as Roma at his southern
extreme, where it reaches the Arctic.
To know the current climate
and weather conditions by provinces and territories, go to www.meteo.gc.ca or www.meteomedia.com
Spring : Spring comes
as soon as February on the West Coast. In the rest of Canada, weather gets
warmer at the beginning of April and lasts until June.
Summer : Summer in
Canada bring cool to hot temperatures from the end of June to the end of September.
The warmth of summer last from June to August, and July is often the hottest
month.
Autumn : Autumn brings
pleasant and cool temperatures, particularly in September and in October. It is
the best time of the year to enjoy the spectacular beauty of Autumn leaves in
the East of Canada, to take long walks while breathing fresh air.
Winter : A major part
of Canada is covered with a white coat during winter, temperatures fall below
the freezing point, and snowfalls start at the end of October. However, winters
are very cool on the West Coast where the snow doesn’t stay long.
Electricity
As everywhere in the US, voltage runs at 110 Volts/60 cycles. New
electric devices can be adapted o the current. It’s preferable to check whether
or not your device is equipped with a current transformer. In general, it is a
black box located between the electric plug and your device. If your device
isn’t compatible with the 110-volt current, you’ll need to get a current
transformer sold separately. As electrical plugs are flat, you’ll also need an
adaptor to plug your device in. you’ll find it easily on the spot or before
departure in a shop specialized in travels. A waterproof Zip Lock bag is a good
way to keep your equipment in a dry place.
Local time
Canada covers six of the
twenty fours time zones of the world. From East to West, they are identified as
follow: Newfoundland time, Atlantic Time, east Time, Central Time, Mountain
Time and Pacific Time. Some provinces and territories cover two time zones.
Ontario and Québec are in
the Eastern Time (central European time -6 hours) whereas the maritime
provinces are in the Atlantic time (Central European Time -5 hours). Note that
the Newfoundland province is ahead of 30 minutes compared to Atlantic hours. In
Manitoba, West of Ontario, and in Saskatchewan, the time difference to Europe
is -6 hours, -8 hours in Alberta and -9 hours in British Colombia.
From the last Sunday of
April to the last Sunday of October, North America goes 1-hour backward to
Summer Time.
Concretely, there is an
8-hour time difference between France and Calgary, a 9-hour time difference
between France and Vancouver and a 6-hour time difference between France and the
East coast of Canada (Toronto and Montréal). For instance, when it’s 1.00 pm in
Montréal, it is 7.00 pm in Paris.
Topography
CANADIAN POPULATION
Canada has a multicultural population
of 33 million of inhabitants that spreads throughout 10 provinces and 3
territories. Ontario and Québec are the major ones from a numerical point of
view (with 62.1% of the Canadian population); British Colombia, Alberta and
Manitoba follow, being the only provinces with more than one million of inhabitants.
Territories from the North are sparsely populated.
French and English are the
two official languages of Canada. In the 2001 census, English speakers
constituted close to 60% of the Canadian population, whereas French speakers
constituted the second group with more than 22%. Official languages are
unequally spread throughout Canadian provinces. It’s in Ontario that you can
find the largest group of English speakers (8 million), followed by British
Colombia (2.8 million) and Alberta (2.4 million). Apart from Québec (8%) and
Nunavut (27.6%), English speakers are majoritarian in all the provinces and
territories. French speakers are only majoritarian in Québec as they represent
81.2% of the province.
While waves of immigration
of the 19th Century bring to Canada mainly people of British origins, the
current immigrant population is of diverse origins. Between 1900 and 1960,
immigration in Canada was essentially European (90%). The 2001 census reveals
that in the last decade, 58% of the immigrants are Asian (Chinese overcame the
1-million mark) and European (only 20%).
For a certain number of
years now, we call ‘’visible minority’’ the minorities which are not of
European origin. 20 years ago, visible minorities accounted for 4.7% of the
total population, they now represent 13.4%. They will likely represent one
fifth of the Canadian population by 2016.
In 1996, auboriginal
populations of Canada reached 799 010, 2.8% of the total Canadian
population.
Sustainable tourism
Since the outset, Altai
works for an eco-tourism and an organization of trips that respects equitable
and sustainable principles.
The harmonization of
practices assures:
- A fair economical repartition
- The improvement of local teams’ working conditions and their awareness of the protection of the environment
- The information of travelers about respecting the local population and environment and the collection of their feelings at their return.
You can also act in favor
of an eco-tourism by adopting simple green gestures during your trips:
- Avoid letting waste out, throw it in the trash can or bring it with you
- Use potable water sparingly (take a shower instead of a bath and report any leaks) and avoid wasting it (use biodegradable soap to wash yourself)
- Avoid damaging cultural sites: don’t touch the statues, don’t move the stones and objects
- Exchange instead of giving (too Important gifts can destabilize the local economic stability of the country depending on their living standards)
- When taking a walk, especially in some fragile ecosystems, observe the fauna from afar, do not go beyond beaten roads, limit stamping and do not bring any souvenirs: give up picking rare flowers picking fossils...
- In some hotels, you can have individual air conditioning. It is advised to systematically switching it off when you’re out of the room to avoid energetical overconsumption and greenhouse gas emission.
My local agent
Lola
- fff
- Region
- Eastern Canada
- Activity
- Family Self-drive Summer
- Duration
- 15 days
- Code
- CAEQCA01ALT
- Price
- From C$2,675
- Level
- 1/5
- Comfort
- 4/5