Tour NE05: Quebec Fall Colours and Whale Watching Tour

     Day 1: Ottawa - Quebec City

Depart Ottawa at 7:00 AM and arrive in Quebec City, Canada's oldest city, around noon.

After lunch, board the famous Louis Jolliet Cruise for a relaxing 90-minute sightseeing cruise along the majestic St. Lawrence River. From the water, enjoy a unique perspective of North America's oldest city and admire the breathtaking skyline and historic charm of Old Quebec.

Next, visit the Observatoire de la Capitale, where you can take in spectacular panoramic views of Quebec City and its surrounding areas.

Continue to explore the Historic District of Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only fortified city in Canada. Enjoy free time for sightseeing and shopping while visiting many of the city's most famous landmarks, including:

• Battlefields Park (Plains of Abraham)
• Quebec Parliament Building
• Château Frontenac
• The Citadel

Overnight in Quebec City.

    Day 2:  Charlevoix - Whale Watching 

After breakfast, depart for the scenic Charlevoix region, one of Quebec's most beautiful natural landscapes.

Known for its rolling hills, dramatic fjords, rugged headlands, and picturesque bays, Charlevoix was designated a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in 1989.

After approximately two hours of sightseeing in Charlevoix, continue on a one-hour drive to the charming seaside village of Tadoussac. Founded in 1599, Tadoussac was the first French trading post in North America and is located at the confluence of the St. Lawrence and Saguenay Rivers. Today, it is recognized as one of the world's premier whale-watching destinations.

Board a three-hour whale-watching cruise through the rich waters of the St. Lawrence Estuary. Accompanied by experienced naturalist guides, you'll have the opportunity to spot a variety of whale species that feed in these nutrient-rich waters, including:

• Humpback Whale
• Fin Whale
• Minke Whale
• Beluga Whale

After this unforgettable whale-watching experience, return to Quebec City for an overnight stay.

    Day 3: Canyon - Montmorency Falls - Montreal - Ottawa

Our first stop is the spectacular Canyon Sainte-Anne, where the Sainte-Anne-du-Nord River has carved a dramatic gorge over thousands of years. Highlights include the impressive 242-foot (74-metre) Sainte-Anne Falls, scenic suspension bridges, and breathtaking canyon views.

Next, visit the magnificent Montmorency Falls, which stand 272 feet (83 metres) high—even taller than Niagara Falls. From the top of the falls, enjoy sweeping views of the St. Lawrence River and the surrounding landscape.

We then travel approximately two hours to Montreal, Canada's second-largest city, renowned for its unique blend of North American energy and European charm.

After lunch, enjoy a guided tour of Montreal's historic district, including:

• Old Montreal
• Old Port of Montreal
• Notre-Dame Basilica

Our final stop is the magnificent Saint Joseph's Oratory, one of North America's most important religious landmarks. Perched atop Mount Royal, it is one of the largest churches on the continent and offers spectacular panoramic views of the entire city.

At approximately 6:30 PM, we depart Montreal and begin our journey back to Ottawa, arriving at around 9:00 PM, concluding a memorable three-day adventure.

Departure Time and Place
7:00 AM, 670 Bronson Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1S 4E9 (McDonald's parking lots)

Hotel Information
Hôtel Repotel Henri IV or similar