Overview
Quebec in Depth with the Gaspe Peninsula
Designed from the ground up for a maximum of 24 guests in North America, this Small Group Discovery tour has everything you need to explore with up-close-and-exclusive experiences that go beyond traditional tours. Small groups lead to big experiences on this Small Group Discovery Tour! Say bonjour to tiny fishing villages, giant beluga whales, and the grandest of views as you cruise around the imposing Percé Rock and the sensational Saguenay Fjord. From the banks of the St. Lawrence River to the cliffs of the gulf, your taste of the Old World awaits. Sip strawberry wine made from the fields by the sea, savor a traditional lunch at Banc-de-Péche-de-Paspébiac National Historic Site and visit a family-owned farm in the rolling-hill region of Charlevoix on the Flavour Trail. Awaken your senses on this Small Group Discovery Tour as you meander on the cobblestone paths and café-lined promenades of Québec City, experience the harmony in nature on a cruise to Bonaventure Island National Park, enjoy cosmopolitan Montréal, and behold the sweeping memorable views of the Gaspé Peninsula on this Small Group Discovery tour of French Canada.
Designed from the ground up for a maximum of 24 guests in North America, this Small Group Discovery tour offers up-close experiences, meaningful local connections, and unique discoveries that go beyond traditional touring.Say bonjour to charming fishing villages, dramatic coastal landscapes, and the rich culture of French Canada. Cruise around iconic Percé Rock and Bonaventure Island, watch for beluga whales on the spectacular Saguenay Fjord, and discover the natural beauty of the Gaspé Peninsula. Along the way, sample strawberry wine crafted from local berries, enjoy a traditional lunch at Banc-de-Pêche-de-Paspébiac National Historic Site, and visit a family-owned dairy along the Charlevoix Flavour Trail.Stroll the cobblestone streets of Québec City, experience the vibrant culture of Montréal, and discover the traditions, flavors, and maritime heritage that define this remarkable region. From the shores of the St. Lawrence River to the cliffs of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, this Small Group Discovery journey reveals a side of Canada rich in history, culture, wildlife, and unforgettable scenery..
Highlights of Quebec in Depth with the Gaspe Peninsula
Small Group
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select North America dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.
Related Option Title
Quebec in Depth with the Gaspe Peninsula
Product Group
Quebec in Depth with the Gaspe Peninsula
UNESCO Sites
Historic District of Old Quebec|Miguasha National Park
Notes
• Scenic and whale-watching cruises are subject to favorable weather conditions.• Guests with mobility concerns may experience uneven surfaces for ferry loading and unloading, and limited access to passenger amenities on board certain vessels.• Guests should be prepared for easy but sustained walking throughout the tour.
Travelers Notes
Special features included in this tour:• Guided sightseeing in Montreal with a visit to the Basilique Notre-Dame • Visit Pointe-au-Père Maritime Historic site and Empress of Ireland Museum • Visit to Miguasha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site• Strawberry wine tasting and farm visit at Ferme Bourdages Tradition• Guided tour and lunch at Banc-de-Péche-de-Paspébiac National Historic Site• Cruise to Bonaventure Island and around Percé Rock• Visit Forillon National Park and Canada’s tallest lighthouse• Visit to Reford Gardens (Les Jardins de Métis)• St. Lawrence River ferry crossing from Rivière-du-Loup to Saint-Siméon• Visit to Laiterie Charlevoix on the Charlevoix Flavour Trail • Whale-watching cruise on the Saguenay Fjord with Naturalist Guide• Guided sightseeing in Québec City• Dinner in a restored 17th-century flour mill on Ile d’Orléans • Small Group Exclusive experiences
Small Group
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select North America dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.
Related Option Title
Quebec in Depth with the Gaspe Peninsula
Product Group
Quebec in Depth with the Gaspe Peninsula
UNESCO Sites
Historic District of Old Quebec|Miguasha National Park
Notes
Scenic and whale-watching cruises are subject to favorable weather conditions.Guests with mobility concerns may experience uneven surfaces for ferry loading and unloading, and limited access to passenger amenities on board certain vessels.Guests should be prepared for easy but sustained walking throughout the tour.
Travelers Notes
Special features included in this tour:• Guided sightseeing in Montreal, including a visit inside Basilique Notre-Dame, renowned for its Gothic Revival architecture and dazzling interior• Visit to Pointe-au-Père Maritime Historic site and Empress of Ireland Museum to learn the story of one of Canada's most significant maritime disasters• Visit to Miguasha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its exceptional fossil discoveries dating back millions of years• Strawberry wine tasting and farm visit at Ferme Bourdages Tradition, showcasing a unique agricultural tradition of the Gaspé Peninsula• Guided tour and lunch at Banc-de-Péche-de-Paspébiac National Historic Site, preserving the region's rich fishing heritage• Cruise to Bonaventure Island and around Percé Rock, one of Québec's most iconic natural landmarks and home to thousands of seabirds• Visit Forillon National Park and Cap-des-Rosiers Lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse in Canada• Visit to Reford Gardens (Les Jardins de Métis), renowned for its spectacular horticultural displays and coastal setting• Ferrry crossing on the St. Lawrence River from Rivière-du-Loup to Saint-Siméon, offering scenic views of one of North America's great waterways• Visit Charlevoix Laiterie along the Charlevoix Flavour Trail to discover the region's celebrated artisanal food traditions• [LF] Whale-watching cruise on the Saguenay Fjord with a naturalist guide to learn about the marine life of this remarkable ecosystem• Guided sightseeing in Québec City, North America's only walled city north of Mexico• Dinner in a restored 17th-century flour mill on Ile d’Orléans, known as the birthplace of French America• Small Group Exclusive experiences designed for deeper connections with the people, places, and traditions of Québec
Meals
Breakfast daily, 2 Lunches, 5 Dinners
Meals
Breakfast daily, 2 Lunches, 5 Dinners
Itineraries
Day 1
ARRIVE IN MONTRÉAL, QUÉBEC Your Small Group Discovery Tour begins! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.
Day 2
MONTRÉAL Magical Montréal After breakfast, enjoy sightseeing with a Local Guide. The rest of your day is free to explore this lively city on your own. Your Tour Director will be onsite to provide ideas for shopping, dining, and exploring. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURAL GEM Explore the cultural capital of Canada where the traditional Québécois style is celebrated in Vieux-Montréal with cobblestone streets and grand buildings in European flair. Visit the Basilique Notre-Dame with its stunning stained glass and enjoy shopping and lunch in the trendy historic Plateau Mont-Royal neighborhood.
Day 3
MONTRÉAL–RIMOUSKI Maritime Marvels Follow the historic Navigator’s Route along the St. Lawrence River into the Bas-Saint-Laurent region for an overnight stay in the maritime center of Rimouski. Recharge in Saint-Jean Port-Joli where nature meets artisan talent with local woodworking, brought to the area by the French settlers in the late 17th Century. Free time this evening – perhaps take in the sunset over the St. Lawrence River or stroll through downtown. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTSMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Explore historic towns and maritime ports as you travel part of the historic path of the Navigators Route along the southern half of the Saint Lawrence River through the beauty of the Quebec countryside and quaint Victorian villages.
Day 4
RIMOUSKI–MIGUASHA NATIONAL PARK–CARLETON-SUR-MÉR Sea Legends & Ancient Creatures Start your grand tour of the spectacular Gaspé Peninsula featuring panoramic views of the sea, beaches, and cliffs. Continue along the St. Lawrence River to Pointe-au-Père Maritime Historic Site, home of the Empress of Ireland Museum, to learn about the transatlantic liner’s history and doomed fate. Travel through the Matapédia Valley, named for the salmon-rich Matapédia River, for a guided visit to Miguasha National Park. Continue to the Carleton-sur-Mér. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDERS Explore the magnificent natural world of UNESCO World Heritage Site, Miguasha National Park, where pre-historic fossil fish and plants tell the story of the origin of the first terrestrial vertebrates, 380 million years ago, when strange creatures moved from water to land.
Day 5
CARLETON-SUR-MÉR–BANC-DE-PÊCHE-DE-PASPÉBIAC NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE–PERCÉ Seascapes, Strawberries and Shipbuilding After a morning at leisure, continue your adventure through the Gaspé Peninsula countryside to Ferme Bourdages Tradition Farm, the local experts in everything strawberries since 1821. Visit strawberry fields with sea views and discover the secrets behind the art of making strawberry wine and liqueurs before tasting them. Continue to the Banc-de-Péche-de-Paspébiac National Historic Site for lunch and a guided tour. Later, arrive at the seaside village of Percé for a 2-night stay. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURAL GEMS Visit the remarkable Banc-de-Péche-de-Paspébiac National Historic Site to explore the open-air museum and original buildings dating back to 1766, witness the Gaspésie fishing history, watch traditional shipbuilding and net-mending demonstrations.
Day 6
PERCÉ. EXCURSION TO BONAVENTURE ISLAND & PERCÉ ROCK NATIONAL PARKS Peninsula Discoveries & Lobster Seaside Today, discover the iconic gems of the Gaspé Peninsula. After breakfast, relax on a scenic cruise around the famous [LF] Percé Rock, also known as the “Pierced Rock” and enjoy a guided visit to Bonaventure Island National Park to observe the stunning seabird colony and marine wildlife that frequent the region. Spend the afternoon at leisure. Return to Percé for a local seafood dinner. (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITESMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Explore Percé Rock and Bonaventure Island National Parks, home to one of the largest migratory bird refuges in North America. Its colony of 100,000-plus northern gannets is the most accessible in the world. Wander the hiking trails or enjoy the heritage trail to learn about the rich natural, historic, and geological wonders of the island.
Day 7
PERCÉ–GASPÉ–FORILLON NATIONAL PARK–GRANDE VALLÉE–MATANE Seaside Parks & Captivating Cliffs Visit Forillon National Park, the official beginning to the International Appalachian Trail. The park is home to traditional fishing villages, pebble beaches and quiet coves. Follow the peninsula road to visit the Cap-des-Rosiers lighthouse, the tallest in Canada, lighting the way since 1858. Enjoy [LF] lunch at a local restaurant. The afternoon’s drive provides some of the best scenery of the peninsula with soaring cliffs, lighthouses, and expansive views of the St. Lawrence River. Late afternoon arrival in Matane, the hub of Gaspé’s thriving shrimp industry. (B,L,D)LOCAL FAVORITE SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant on Forillon’s peninsula to experience the quaint fishing traditions still treasured here. Cod fishing was a main part of the culture and economy in the Gaspesie region for more than 200 years; in 1992, cod shortages shifted the focus to salmon, striped bass, and mackerel.
Day 8
MATANE–LES JARDINS DE METIS–CHARLÉVOIX REGION-LA MALBAIE Garden Light and Fresh Delights Change gears from fishing to flowering plants at the famous [LF] Les Jardins De Métis, better known as the Reford Gardens. Enjoy a ferry ride to cross the St. Lawrence River and continue to the beautiful Charlévoix region, a thriving culinary destination. Continue to Rivière-du-Loup for a scenic ferry ride from the Lower St. Lawrence River to Saint-Simeon on the northern shore. Arrive in the beautiful Charlévoix region, a thriving culinary destination with picturesque villages lining the riverbanks, for an overnight stay and dinner in La Malbaie. (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITE SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Few gardens have been built under such adverse atmospheric conditions as the stunning Les Jardins De Métis. These thoughtfully designed gardens (also called Reford Gardens) were built from 1926 to 1958 by innovator and horticulturist Elsie Reford, who spent thirty years transforming a fishing camp on the Métis River into a vast 40-acre estate garden brimming with bold and innovative character. Stroll amid some 3,000 plant varieties, including the famous Himalayan blue poppy, as part of 15 gardens in a naturally beautiful botanical wonderland. Spend time exploring the many areas of the gardens, such as the Linear Garden, the Stream Garden, or Bird Garden specifically designed to attract many varieties of birds.
Day 9
LA MALBAIE–SAGUENAY FJORD–BAIE-SAINT-PAUL–QUÉBEC CITY Whale Tales & Traditional Tastes Travel along the north shore of the St. Lawrence River to the breathtaking Saguenay Fjord to embark on a [LF] whale-watching cruise in the heart of the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park. Travel on the “Charlevoix Flavour Trail” and explore innovative sustainability initiatives and rich dairy heritage at Laiterie Charlevoix. The family-owned artisanal dairy is famous for expressive fine cheese and eco-friendly production. Continue the journey to romantic Québec City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for being one of the most historic and best-preserved cities in North America. Tonight, explore Québec’s Parisian ambiance by visiting the shops in the Petit-Champlain district or enjoying the French inspired cuisine at one of the many restaurants. (B)LOCAL FAVORITEWILD BEAUTIES Embark on a fantastic adventure on the spectacular waters of Saguenay Fjord. Board your whale-watching cruise in the stunning Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park, known for having the greatest variety of whale species on earth. On board, a naturalist guide will introduce you to the marine mammals of the area including the endangered species: the blue whale and the St. Lawrence beluga whale.
Day 10
QUÉBEC CITY French-Canadian Treasures Explore the historic walled city of Québec with a Local Guide to see the Place d’Armes, the Laval Seminary, the star-plan Citadelle, and the Place Royale. Also see the Old-world houses crowding the narrow streets in Lower Town by the St. Lawrence River, and the historic Plains of Abraham in the French-founded city, port, and capital of Canada’s Québec province. Enjoy leisure time this afternoon amid the splendid views and ambience of the surrounding landscape, described by Charles Dickens as the “Gibraltar of North America.” Tonight, travel to Ile D’Orléans for a farewell dinner in a restored 17th-century flour mill. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTCITY SIGHTS One of the oldest cities in Canada— Québec City retains more than 400 years of tradition, architecture, and Old-World charm in the only remaining walled city in North America. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a romantic city of narrow cobblestone streets, stone buildings, fortifications, and rich French-Canadian culture and cuisine.
Day 11
QUÉBEC CITY–MONTRÉAL Safe travels until we meet again! Morning drive to Montréal. Your vacation ends at the Montréal Trudeau International Airport or the Montréal tour hotel for those with post-nights. Schedule departure flights from Montréal Trudeau International after 3:30 pm. Want to explore more in Montreal? Additional nights are available for purchase. (B)
Departures
Hotels
| # | Name | Description | City | Address | Rating |
| 1 | Le Westin Montreal | At Le Westin Montréal, you can turn any journey into a tranquil retreat. No matter the season, this hotel in Old Montreal offers a plethora of contemporary conveniences to enhance your visit. Encircled by centuries of French culture, art, and architecture, many of the city's major attractions are easily accessible on foot. | Montreal | 270 Saint-Antoine West | Moderate Deluxe |
| 2 | Hotel Rimouski & Convention Centre | Situated on the banks of the St. Lawrence River, Hotel Rimouski features spacious guestrooms, on-site restaurant and bar, health center, indoor pool and water slide, and complimentary Wi-Fi. | Rimouski | 225 Blvd Rene Lepage Est | Superior First-Class |
| 3 | Riotel Carleton-sur-Mer | Located in the heart of Baie-des-Chaleurs, the Hostellerie Baie Bleue offers stunning views of the bay and surrounding environment. The hotel complex is divided into four main buildings and features cozy guestrooms, on-site restaurant and bar, outdoor pool, and picnic area. | Carleton | 482 Boul Perron | Moderate First-Class |
| 4 | Riotel Perce | Overlooking Perce Rock and Bonaventure Island, the rustic Riotel Perce features spectacular views, cozy guestrooms, on-site restaurant, spa, and access to the beach. | Perce | 261 Route 132 | Superior Tourist-Class |
| 5 | Riotel Matane | Riotel Matane offers guests modern amenities and breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River. The hotel features a riverside fire pit, on-site restaurant, fitness center, indoor heated pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, and complimentary Wi-Fi. | Matane | 250 Avenue du Phare Est | Superior First-Class |
| 6 | Hotel Le Petit Manoir du Casino | Nestled in the picturesque Charlevoix region, the hotel component of Le Petit Manoir du Casino will enchant you with its magnificent view of the River and offers: 113 guestrooms that equipted with all the moder ammenities you would need to enjoy your stay. | La Malbaie | 525 Chemin des Falaises | Superior First-Class |
| 7 | Hotel Manoir Victoria | In keeping with its distinctive design, the four-star hotel has 156 rooms and suites, free high-speed Internet access, an indoor pool, a sauna, a fitness center, and an Internet lounge. | Quebec City | 44 Cote du Palais | First-Class |
