Quebec: Gaspesie, lighthouse route, from/to Montreal

The second biggest city in Canada, Montréal stands exactly between Europe's western coast and Vancouver, and it is a unique embodiment of both sides. Two thirds of its inhabitants have French origins; as for the rest, it's an exceptional melting pot of different people – English, Chinese, Italian, Greek, South American, Eastern European and Caribbean. This variety is shown especially in Montréal’s cuisine and its countless folklore celebration, making it one of the liveliest cities in Canada, the highlights of the visit are Old Montréal (especially the cathedral of Notre-Dame); the residential block and the business district; the Quartier Latino; the Olympic Complex; the McGill University campus and the dazzling city view from the top of Mount Royal,

Travelling from Québec to Montréal, one can’t help notice how strikingly different the two places are: Montréal is a cosmopolitan, dynamic, futuristic city; while Québec holds on to its religious and military heritage,

Rivière-du-Loup, beautifully situated on the St. Lawrence River, is famous for its waterfalls and stunning views of the river delta. Whale-watching tours are a must, especially during the summer months. The town features charming cafés, boutiques, and historic architecture. A highlight is Parc des Chutes, offering hiking trails and picnic spots for relaxation.,

Once a humble fishermen’s village, Percé grew into a remarkable tourist destination – especially thanks to the beauty of its landscape, above all the huge pierced rock formation in the sea that gave the town its name (“Rocher-Percé” means “the pierced rock”).,

At L’Anse-à-Valleau, visit the picturesque lighthouse of Pointe-à-la-Renommée (time permitting). The road to the lighthouse is narrow; winding between the ocean and the rocky wall overlooking the waves, with a view of several quaint mortises,

Ferry cruise down the Saint Lawrence river, from Matane to Godbout,

Leaving from the bank of the wide Saint Lawrence river, you will go on a whale-watching cruise in the Tadoussac fjord – a stunningly beautiful location. You will have a chance to catch glimpses of the huge Rorqual and the white Beluga whales,

We follow the St. Lawrence coast through Charlevoix, a region of pretty country villages and small river communities, stopping in the quaint village of Saint-Paul, well known to artists and painters, Standing in a wonderfully panoramic location on Cap Diamant, overlooking the Saint Lawrence, Québec is the city with the oldest tradition in Canada. It’s also the only Northern American city that still boasts walls, bastions and buttresses, as well as many churches and convents, thus deserving the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site. Québec takes pride in its deeply-rooted French tradition.,

Departure to, end of the tour,