Côte-Nord

Departure in the morning and day on the road to head towards the Côte-Nord. Several stops are planned along the way. Installation at the hotel in Baie-Comeau and free evening on site to rest.

Welcome to Côte-Nord! Start your day with a visit to the glacier exploration station at Le Jardin des glaciers de Baie-Comeau, located along the St. Lawrence River in the heart of the Manicouagan-Uapishka World Biosphere Reserve. In the middle of the boreal forest, discover this thousand-year-old natural agora and feel the purity of millions of shells piled on top of each other for 10,000 years. Then, visit of the Manic 2 hydroelectric power station which was the first to be put into service at the Manic-Outardes complex. You will have the chance to visit a hydroelectric power station that alone can power a city of 250,000 people. In the afternoon, take a step back in time by visiting the Village forestier d’antan de Franquelin, a site that commemorates the establishment of the forest industry at the start of the 20th century. You will go back to the days of logging yards built by big American pulp and paper companies. At the end of the day, relax at Microbrasserie St-Pancrace, the first north-coastal microbrewery in Baie-Comeau. Check out beers from the region at the pub where you will tour the factory to learn about the brewing process.

At the start of the day, make wonderful encounters at the Godbout Birds of Prey Interpretation Center, a refuge for birds of prey with permanent disabilities who cannot return to freedom. You will be able to observe a dozen birds of prey in presentation aviaries, adapted to their species and their handicaps. Then, head to the Pointe-des-Monts Lighthouse, where you will visit the exhibition; inside the lighthouse, which traces the history of this station which protected sailors and their ships. Take the opportunity to climb to the top and enjoy the panoramic view! In Sept-Îles, learn more about the region’s history at the Musée régional de la Côte-Nord, which is an important milestone in the development of the visual arts and the protection of north-coastal heritage. Take advantage of a free evening to rest or to explore the city center.

In the morning, continue to learn about the Côte-Nord’s history by visiting the Vieux-Poste de Sept-Îles, a historical interpretation site presenting daily life in a 19th century fur trading post. It offers a surprising experience based on the meeting, over time, of Innu and Euro-Canadian cultures. To learn more about Innu culture, the next stop is at the Shaputuan Museum. The Shaputuan’s mission is twofold, it is to make better known and to perpetuate the culture of the Innu, past and present. End the day in an extraordinary way by discovering a farm like you have never seen it before. Embark aboard an inflatable boat to reach the site of the Purmer mariculture farm. The captain opens the doors to a true paradise for you. You will lift the veil on the fascinating techniques of marine farming and taste the products grown on the farm.

Departure in the morning for the return home. Several stops are planned en route for meals and to stretch.