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Jan 20‑Jan 25 2026 Quebec Charlevoix & Saguenay Itinerary: Whale Watching, Biking, Music, Art, Hiking & Boating

Day 1 · Tue, Jan 20
Île de Coudres

Bicycling on Île de Coudres

Morning:

After arriving on Île de Coudres, start your afternoon ride from Le Port de l'Île, winding along the scenic Sentier des Dunes where the Atlantic breezes sweep over salt-marsh vistas. Pause at the historic Maison du Fromage for a tasting of local cheese, then pedal up to the panoramic overlook at Pointe-à-la-Mort for sweeping views of the St. Lawrence before heading back to enjoy a coffee at Le Café du Clocher.

Afternoon:

In the early afternoon, cycle eastward toward the historic Phare de l'Île, where you can climb the narrow spiral staircase for panoramic views of the St. Lawrence and the rolling vineyards beyond. Continue down to the tranquil Plage de la Baie, perfect for a picnic on the sand and a quick dip in the clear waters, then finish your ride with a refreshing cider at the charming Cidrerie des Coudres, where you can sample locally-produced apple ciders while watching the sunset over the harbor.

Evening:

As dusk settles, head to Le Bistro du Quai for a dinner of fresh lobster caught that morning, paired with a glass of regional ice-wine while listening to the gentle strains of traditional Québécois folk music. Afterward, take a leisurely moonlit bike ride along the quiet Chemin du Vignoble, where the vines glow softly under lanterns, and cap the night with a sky-watching pause at the Observatoire de la Baie, perfect for spotting constellations over the St. Lawrence.

Day 2 · Wed, Jan 21
Saint‑Jovite (Domaine de Forget)

Live Music at Domaine de Forget

Morning:

Start your morning with a leisurely walk through the Domaine de Forget gardens, where the scent of pine mingles with the crisp lake air, and stop at the Café du Lac for a buttery croissant and locally roasted coffee. Then join a guided tour of the historic Salle de Concert, learning about its acoustics before heading to the Pavillon des Artistes to browse a rotating exhibit of Quebec painters. Finish with a relaxed sit on the terrace of Le Verger, sipping a glass of apple cider while the early summer sunlight dances over the St. Lawrence Valley.

Afternoon:

In the afternoon, wander to the open-air Amphithéâtre du Domaine, where a midday recital of local folk bands fills the forest glade, then stroll to the nearby Lac-aux-Sables Boardwalk for a relaxing paddle-kayak session with the water reflecting the surrounding pines. Conclude with a tasting of artisan cheeses and a glass of cold cider at the scenic Café des Rives, perched on the lake's edge, while the sunset paints the horizon.

Evening:

After the concert, wander to Le Chalet des Légendes for a cozy dinner of regional game meat paired with locally brewed craft beers. When the stars rise, join a guided stroll along the illuminated Sentier des Étoiles, then unwind with a maple-infused cocktail at the intimate Bar des Cimes.

Day 3 · Thu, Jan 22
Baie‑Saint‑Paul

Art Exhibits in Baie‑Saint‑Paul

Morning:

Start your morning with a visit to the Galerie d'Art Contemporain de Baie-Saint-Paul, where rotating exhibitions showcase the bold creativity of emerging Quebec artists. Then wander into the historic Maison du Patrimoine, now an interactive showcase of maritime heritage through paintings and installations, before enjoying a coffee at the charming Café des Artistes overlooking the harbor. End with a leisurely stroll through the outdoor Parc des Sculptures, where whimsical metal works mingle with the rugged shoreline, perfect for a memorable photo op.

Afternoon:

After lunch, wander to the historic Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste, whose towering spire and colorful stained-glass windows set a serene tone. Just a short walk away, the Atelier des Vitraux invites you to watch master glassblowers shape luminous art, and you can pick up a handcrafted souvenir. Finish the afternoon at the lively Marché des Créateurs, where local painters, ceramicists, and woodworkers showcase one-of-a-kind pieces, then savor a blueberry tart at La Pâtisserie du Quai as the sun sets over the harbor.

Evening:

As twilight falls, wander to Le Bistro du Port for a candlelit dinner of smoked trout and wild mushroom risotto, paired with a glass of locally crafted ice cider. Afterward, enjoy an intimate acoustic set at Le Bar des Étoiles, where regional musicians blend folk and jazz beneath a canopy of lanterns, then cap the night with a brief stroll to the historic Le Théâtre Le Phare, where a midnight projection of classic Quebec cinema adds a cinematic glow to the harbor skyline.

Day 4 · Fri, Jan 23
Tadoussac

Whale Watching in Tadoussac

Morning:

Begin the day with a hearty breakfast at Café du Quai, then stroll to the historic Port de Tadoussac where you'll board the Croisière des Baleines for a sunrise cruise that often greets playful beluga and majestic blue whales; keep your eyes on the deck's Observatoire des Baleines for close-up sightings before returning to shore for a quick visit to the informative Musée de la Mer.

Afternoon:

After docking, wander down to the charming Café des Sables for a leisurely lunch of fresh salmon tartare while watching the harbor lights. Then embark on a gentle hike along the Sentier des Falaises, where dramatic cliffside views of the Saguenay Fjord reveal playful porpoises surfacing below. Cap the afternoon with a visit to the artisan Boutique du Phare, where you can browse hand-crafted souvenirs and sip a local cider on the terrace overlooking the water.

Evening:

As the sun sets, head to Le Petit Bateau for a waterfront dinner featuring locally caught Arctic char and a selection of Quebec cidre, then stroll to the historic Phare de Tadoussac where a lantern-lit guided tour reveals the lighthouse's maritime lore. End the night with a relaxed drink at Caveau des Vents, a cozy cellar offering premium ice wines while you watch the stars reflect over the Saguenay River.

Day 5 · Sat, Jan 24
Saguenay Fjord

Hiking the Saguenay Fjord

Morning:

Start your morning at the gateway of Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay, where a gentle ascent on the Sentier des Chutes leads you to the thundering Cascades du Cap Trinité, perfect for a misty photo stop. Continue along the cliff-side Mirador du Fjord for sweeping vistas of the deep blue water and, if luck smiles, a glimpse of a soaring bald eagle. Finish with a brief riverside walk beside the Rivière aux Saumons, where you can listen to the soothing rush and maybe spot a leaping salmon.

Afternoon:

In the afternoon, descend from the canyon onto the Sentier de la Grande Traversée, a moderate loop that winds through ancient boreal forest and culminates at the stunning Belvédère du Lac aux Sables, perfect for a quick snack while loons glide across the glassy water. Continue to the secluded Anse aux Étangs, an inlet ideal for a brief kayak paddle or a refreshing dip, and conclude your trek at the thundering Chutes de la Grotte, where the mist-filled spray creates a rainbow-kissed backdrop for unforgettable photos.

Evening:

As twilight descends, board the illuminated Croisière Nocturne du Fjord for a sunset and starlight cruise past the towering cliffs, where a guide shares Innu legends and points out nocturnal wildlife such as owls and seals. After docking, savor a warm dinner of smoked salmon and local cheese at the cozy Restaurant Le Fjord, complemented by a glass of regional ice cider, then end the night with a gentle stroll along the lantern-lit Promenade du Quai for breathtaking reflections on the water.

Day 6 · Sun, Jan 25
Saguenay River

Boating on the Saguenay River

Morning:

Begin the morning at the bustling Port de Chicoutimi, where you'll board a sleek kayak from the Club Nautique du Saguenay and glide into the crystal-clear currents of the Saguenay River. Paddle toward the secluded Île aux Cormorans, stopping at its hidden cove for a quick snack of fresh maple-glazed salmon while watching the birds dive. Finish the excursion at the scenic Pointe de la Baie des Hauteurs, where a short walk offers panoramic views of the river's winding fjord and the snow-capped Laurentians beyond.

Afternoon:

After lunch, head to the charming Port de Saint-Charles, where you can board a traditional sailboat from Compagnie Nautique du Saguenay and drift downstream toward the tranquil Anse du Ruisseau, perfect for a relaxed picnic on the deck while spotting loons skimming the water. Continue your glide to the scenic Rivière aux Hérons, where a short guided stop lets you watch the resident heron colonies before returning to the Restaurant Le Levant for a waterfront tasting of smoked Arctic char paired with a crisp local cider.

Evening:

As dusk settles over the Saguenay, glide to the charming Café des Marins on the riverbank for a plate of pan-seared Arctic char drizzled with local maple glaze, complemented by a glass of crisp ice cider. After dinner, wander to the illuminated Observatoire du Fjord, where floor-to-ceiling windows frame the glittering water and a resident guide shares Innu legends under the stars. End the night with a cozy nightcap at Bar Le Pêcheur, sipping a smoked-salmon-infused cocktail while the gentle lap of the river serenades you.

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