Quebec- Gaspé Peninsula
September 4-8, 2023
The fabled Gaspé region of Quebec is a portrait of rugged coastlines, peaceful fishing havens and pleasant valleys. Much of the region hasn’t changed a great deal since it was visited by Jacques Cartier in 1534.
Its appeal today is driven by tourists who come for its untouched natural beauty and the romantic charm of its villages and their residents.
Join Travac Tours as we explore this region of maritime Quebec. Your holiday will include visits to fabled Perce Rock, Bonaventure Island and one of the most beautiful gardens in North America, Reford Gardens. This fantastic tour includes 4 nights accommodation, breakfast daily, guided tours including Perce Rock and the services of a Travac Tour Director.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
This morning you will depart Westgate Shopping Centre and make our way through Montreal and follow the south shore of the St. Lawrence River to Rivière-du-Loup, Quebec. A lunch stop will be made enroute. Rivière-du-Loup has a proud history that dates back to 1673. Today it is a great stopping point for our visit to Gaspé. Expect to arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon.
Day 2
This morning we will begin our journey into the heart of the Gaspé Peninsula. Our travels will take us through picturesque villages and pleasant maritime scenery. Gaspé itself is a peninsula along the south shore of the Saint Lawrence River. Its name comes from a Mi’kmaq word meaning Land’s End. The actual size of the Gaspé Peninsula is close to that of Belgium, but its population is less than 100,000. Expect to arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon. After you check in to your hotel you will be free to enjoy the surrounds of the charming seaside village of Percé. (B)
Day 3
Your day will begin with a visit to Bonaventure Island by boat (weather permitting). The island is one of the largest and most accessible bird sanctuaries in the world. It was also one of the most important fishing ports of New France in the 17th century. Your day will also include a tour of this part of the Gaspé region. You will have the opportunity to see Percé Rock up close. This rock formation was first named by Samuel de Champlain in 1607. From a distance the rock looks like a ship under sail. It is also one of the world’s largest natural arches and attracts tourists from around the world. After your tour, the balance of your day will be free. (B)
Day 4
Leaving Percé, we will travel through the Gaspé Peninsula following the north shore of the peninsula as we travel to Rimouski. Along the way, we will make a stop at Reford Gardens. Originally a fishing camp, Reford gardens has been transformed into one of the most beautiful gardens in Canada by the several generations of the Reford family. Today the gardens feature over 3,000 species and varieties of plants, all living in a picturesque setting that is assisted by an unusual area microclimate. The magic of these gardens will certainly be a highlight of our holiday. In the late afternoon, we arrive to our hotel for the evening. (B)
Day 5
We will begin our journey home after breakfast. Expect to arrive in Ottawa in the early evening. (B)
Itinerary subject to change.
Hotel Information
Auberge de la Pointe, or similar
Hotel Address
10 Cartier BlvdRiviere-du-Loup, QC
G5R 3Y7
(418) 862-3514
Riotel Perce, or similar
Hotel Address
261 Rte. 132Perce, QC
G0C 2L0
(418) 782-2166
The Hotel Rimouski, or similar
Hotel Address
225 Boulevard Rene Lepage EstRimouski, QC
G5H 2S5
(418) 725-5000
Maritimes- Iles de la Madeleine & Prince Edward Island
June 18- 26, 2024
September 13-21, 2024
Located in the middle of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, a green archipelago surrounded by white-sand beaches and red cliffs wields a magnetic attraction on everyone that steps on its shores. Iles de la Madeleine offers a perfect summer escape. Renowned for their warm hospitality, the islanders here have created a perfect summer getaway with exquisite seafood, fabulous attractions including wonderful galleries and shops.
While on PEI you will experience Charlottetown as well as landscapes filled with rolling hills and green forests. You also have a chance to stroll along the beckoning sandy beaches with their dunes and red sandstone cliffs. Imagine walking in the footsteps of Lucy Maud Montgomery, creator of Anne of Green Gables. During the tour of this island you will be charmed by the yarns of our local host as he guides you through some of the most beautiful and colourful villages in Canada.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
Ottawa to Edmundston
This morning you will depart Ottawa and travel east along the south shore of the St Lawrence River. Expect to arrive in Edmundston in the late afternoon.
Hotel – Edmundston Four Points by Sheraton (or similar)
Day 2
Edmundston to Summerside
Leaving Edmundston we will continue our journey along the Trans-Canada highway making your way east through New Brunswick to the sea, where you will cross Confederation Bridge. Confederation Bridge spans the Abegweit Passage of Northumberland Strait, linking Prince Edward Island with mainland New Brunswick. It won’t take long once you have crossed this engineering marvel to reach Summerside, your home for the evening.
Hotel – Quality Inn & Suites Garden of the Gulf Summerside (or similar) (B)
Overnight – Summerside
Day 3
Summerside to Iles De La Madeleine
After a leisurely breakfast and a bit more time in Summerside, you’re off to Souris for the ferry crossing to Iles de la Madeleine. Our route to the ferry will take us along the north coast of PEI. Dinner will be available to be purchased onboard the ferry during your 5-hour crossing.
Hotel – Chateau Madelinot Iles de la Madeline (or similar) (B)
Day 4
Iles De La Madeleine
The Îles de la Madeleine is an isolated archipelago made up of seven inhabited islands in the middle of the Gulf of St.Lawrence. Six of these islands are linked by the main road, Route 199, while the seventh, Entry Island, is only accessible by boat. The total population of the islands is under 15,000. While on the islands you enjoy a complete change of pace. Today we tour the western part of the archipelago. In the morning we will visit the villages of Cap-aux-Meules, L’Etang-du-Nord and La Cote. In the afternoon we have the opportunity to explore the island of Havre-Aubert. Dinner is included tonight.
Hotel – Chateau Madelinot Iles de la Madeline (or similar) (B & D)
Day 5
Iles De La Madeleine
Today we visit the eastern part of the islands. In the morning, we explore the village of Havre-aux Maisons and make a stop at the Pointe-Basse Harbour to visit the herring smokehouse economuseum. We will then make our way to the Echourie lighthouse before stopping at Dune-du-Sud for a walk on the beach and a look at the brilliant cliffs carved by the sea. In the afternoon we will visit the villages of Grosse-Isle and Grand-Entrée. Dinner is included tonight.
Hotel – Chateau Madelinot Iles de la Madeline (or similar) (B & D)
Day 6
Iles De La Madeleine to Charlottetown
This morning, you will enjoy a boxed breakfast on the ferry back to PEI. Upon our arrival the remainder of the day will be at leisure.
Hotel – Rodd Charlottetown Hotel (or similar) (B)
Day 7
Charlottetown
This morning, we will be met by our local guide for a tour of this appealing island. We will start off with a tour of Historic Charlottetown. Next, we will be off to Anne’s Land. Your journey will take you to Cavendish, one of the prettiest towns on the island. The fictional redheaded Anne of Green Gables is everywhere in this area. When the novel Anne of Green Gables was first published in 1908, most people could only dream of visiting its magical setting. Your visit will take you to Green Gables heritage place. Green Gables, part of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Cavendish National Historic Site, is famous around the world as the inspiration for the setting in Lucy Maud Montgomery’s classic tale of fiction. We will also visit PEI Preserve Company, North Rustico, and PEI National Park.
Hotel – Rodd Charlottetown Hotel (or similar) (B & L)
Day 8
Charlottetown to Edmundston
After a hearty breakfast you will begin your homeward journey stopping again in Edmundston.
Hotel – Edmundston Four Points by Sheraton (or similar) (B)
Day 9
Edmundston to Ottawa
It will be an early start back to Ottawa. Expect to be back in the city for dinner. (B)
Itinerary subject to change.
Hotel Information
Four Points by Sheraton Edmundston, or similar
Hotel Address
100 rue Rice StreetEdmunston, NB
E3V 1T4
(506) 739-7321
Quality Inn and Suites Summerside
Hotel Address
618 Water St. EastSummerside, PEI
C1N 2V5
(902) 436-2295
Chateau Madelinot
Hotel Address
323 QC-199Fatima (Iles de la Madeleine), QC
G4T 2H6
(418) 986-2211
Rodd Charlottetown
Hotel Address
75 Kent StCharlottetown, PEI
C1A 7K4
+1 902 892 7448
Maritimes- Iles de la Madeleine & Prince Edward Island
Located in the middle of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, a green archipelago surrounded by white-sand beaches and red cliffs wields a magnetic attraction on everyone that steps on its shores. Iles de la Madeleine offers a perfect summer escape. Renowned for their warm hospitality, the islanders here have created a perfect summer getaway with exquisite seafood, fabulous attractions including wonderful galleries and shops.
While on PEI you will experience Charlottetown as well as landscapes filled with rolling hills and green forests. You also have a chance to stroll along the beckoning sandy beaches with their dunes and red sandstone cliffs. Imagine walking in the footsteps of Lucy Maud Montgomery, creator of Anne of Green Gables. During the tour of this island you will be charmed by the yarns of our local host as he guides you through some of the most beautiful and colourful villages in Canada.
Newfoundland- The Hidden Gems of Newfoundland Tour with St. Pierre, Fogo and Labrador
See more than ever on this 3 week tour!
Small Group Tour – 30 persons maximum
Immerse yourself into the very soul of Newfoundland! This comprehensive 21-day road adventure will help you uncover the brilliant splendour of Canada’s most easterly province. You’ll meet its people, discover its culture, learn about its unique history and heritage as you travel along its dramatic coastlines, sweeping barrens and thick boreal forests.
This incredible journey will take you to many locations that other tours just don’t go. You will travel the west coast with its fjords, make your way to Labrador, stay in St. Anthony where you will have chance to gaze at ancient icebergs thousands of years old. You’ll also stop at Fogo Island with its clapboard houses, sea cliff footpaths and lush forests.
You’ll leave Newfoundland and travel to the French protectorate of St. Pierre. This quirky island will take you into the past and let you discover life as it was so many years ago
Travac’s grand tour of the hidden gems of Newfoundland is a once in a lifetime experience- don’t miss it! This holiday adventure is limited to 30 passengers- early booking is essential.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
Depart from Ottawa by coach to Montreal for your flight to Deer Lake, NL. Once we arrive, we will board our private motorcoach and make the short drive to our hotel in Deer Lake.
Overnight in Deer Lake – Deer Lake Motel (or similar)
Day 2
Today is our day to explore Gros Morne National Park, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 for its impressive geological features. This afternoon we venture off on a 45minute walk to one of the most beautiful boat tours in all of Newfoundland – “Western Brook Pond”. You will marvel at the size of the landlocked Fjord while enjoying this narrated two-hour cruise.
Overnight in Cow Head – Shallow Bay Hotel (or similar)
Day 3
This morning we head further up the northern peninsula, we will cross the Strait of Belle Isle by ferry to Labrador.
Overnight in L’Anse au Clair, Labrador – Northern Light Inn (or similar)
Day 4
Our two visits today will be to Red Bay National Historic Site to see where the whalers from the Basques regions of Spain and France established a major whale port. We will also visit Point Amour Lighthouse – the tallest lighthouse in Atlantic Canada!
Overnight in L’Anse au Clair, Labrador – Northern Light Inn (or similar)
Day 5
Today we will head back onto the ferry after breakfast – heading to the tip of the peninsula – St Anthony. Our first stop will be at Sir Wilfred Grenfell Mission. We will have a guide meet us to take us on a tour of the site. The Grenfell Mission provided some of the earliest permanent medical services in Labrador and northern Newfoundland. Before the mission opened its first hospital at Battle Harbour in 1893, almost no health-care resources existed in the area – hospitals were nonexistent. After lunch we will embark on a 2.5-hour boat cruise of the scenic coastal waters off St. Anthony, an area famous for its bounty of icebergs, whales and seabirds.
Overnight in St. Anthony’s – Hotel North (or similar)
Day 6
This morning you will make your way to another UNESCO National Historic Site, L’Anse aux Meadows. It was here in 1960 that a group of Archeologists discovered the remains of what was an ancient Norse encampment that would have housed as many as 100 Vikings. While here, you will have a chance to view some of the recovered artifacts. Your Parks Canada guide will also go over how the encampment was discovered. Near the original encampment are several re-created sod and timber buildings, depicting how life was lived 1,000 years ago. These buildings are tended by costumed interpreters.
Overnight in St. Anthony’s – Hotel North (or similar)
Day 7
This morning we will retrace our drive – now heading south on the Northern Peninsula. There will still be many opportunities to enjoy its natural beauty – our driver will make a few “Hidden Gem Stops” enroute for picture taking.
Overnight in Rocky Harbour–- Mountain Range Cottages (or similar)
Day 8
Today we will explore more of Gros Morne National Park – we will visit the interpretation centre and talk a walk with a Parks Canada interpreter to the tablelands.
Tonight, enjoy a local show, Anchors Aweigh, at the pub in the Oceanview Hotel.
Overnight in Rocky Harbour–- Mountain Range Cottages (or similar)
Day 9
Free day to relax after our late-night show.
Visit the local stores, galleries, walk to the lookout point, or stay near your cabin.
Overnight in Rocky Harbour–- Mountain Range Cottages (or similar)
Day 10
After breakfast, we will make our way to Gander. Gander is most famous for the role that it has played in Canadian aviation history. This role extends back the 1930’s and was most prominent in World War II when over 10,000 airmen were stationed in Gander. Most of the streets in Gander are named after famous aviators, including Amelia Earhart, Alcock and Brown, Charles Lindbergh, Eddie Rickenbacker and Marc Garneau. This is one of our longer driving days so we will have a few hidden gem stops.
Overnight in Gander – Sinbad’s Hotel (or similar)
Day 11
Today, visit some of the sites delving into Gander’s history. You’ll visit the International Lounge at the Gander airport and the Silent Witness Memorial.
Overnight in Gander – Sinbad’s Hotel (or similar)
Day 12
This morning we will drive from Gander to Farewell – take the ferry via Change Island to Fogo Island – at Fogo we will be joined by a local guide for a tour. After our tour we will head back on the ferry and get off at the stop for Change Islands. Change Islands is the only place where they breed the Newfoundland Pony. We will stop and visit the amazing people that run the sanctuary. After our visit and lunch, we will head back on the ferry to Farewell and then our drive back to Twillingate for the night.
Located on the northeastern shore of Newfoundland, Twillingate is affectionately known as the ‘Iceberg Capital of the World’. Twillingate was once an active fishing community and is one of the oldest ports on the island.
Overnight – Twillingate – Anchor Inn (or similar)
Day 13
This afternoon, you have time to explore Trinity –enjoy a self-walking tour of the historic houses and churches of this beautiful town all by foot. Maps for this self-walking tour are provided locally.
Overnight in Trinity – Eriksons B & B (or similar)
Day 14
Your journey today will take you to Bonavista. Here you will have the chance to view the cliffs and enjoy the wonderful coastal scenery. It was here that John Cabot made landfall in 1497. While in Bonavista we will visit The Ryan Premises National Historic Site of Canada to explore the internationally recognized “Cod, Seals and Survivors” exhibition that tells the 500-year story of Canada’s east coast fishery.
TONIGHT – Pack your overnight bag for St. Pierre. Since vehicles are not permitted on the ferry we must walk on and walk off the ferry with our bags, we also have to walk over to our hotel (about 2 blocks). Please ensure you have all your medications and a change of clothes for the two nights. Make sure you have your passports for tomorrow as well.
Overnight in Trinity – Eriksons B & B (or similar)
Day 15
Early this morning, we will leave the quaint village of Trinity for our drive to the ferry in Fortune. This afternoon we will take the ferry from Fortune to St Pierre, France. Our coach will drop us off at the terminal and we will walk onboard the ferry. Your checked luggage will stay in Newfoundland on the coach. These French Islands are Frances oldest overseas territory. On arrival (approximately 5:00pm) we walk across the street to our hotel for the next two nights.
Dinner included tonight
Overnight – St Pierre – L’Hotel Robert (or similar)
Day 16
This morning after breakfast we will head out for our island tour of St Pierre with a local guide.
Evening will be free to wonder the streets of the village.
Overnight – St Pierre – L’Hotel Robert (or similar).
Day 17
After breakfast, walk with your bags to the ferry terminal. The ferry is scheduled to depart St Pierre at 12:00pm
There be time for lunch on our way to Marystown. Free time this afternoon to relax.
Overnight in Marystown – Marystown Hotel (or similar)
Day 18
Our drive today will take us off the Burin Peninsula – stopping enroute for lunch we will then head to the Avalon Peninsula. We will stop to visit Castle Hill National Historic Site.
Overnight – Placentia – Bridgeway Hotel (or similar)
Day 19
This morning we will visit Cape St Mary’s Ecological Reserve – you will see thousands of seabirds – gammets, razorbills, common murres, black-legged kittiwakes, northern gannets, and double-crested and great cormorants (as long as the fog does not roll in!). We will then head into St. John’s, the capital of Newfoundland. After lunch we will embark on a 2-hour city tour of St John’s. The city enjoys a long and vibrant history as the oldest English-founded city in North America. While the city owes a great deal to the fishing industry, it has been transformed into a modern city famed for its nightlife and its rich musical culture. Evening is free.
Overnight St. John’s – Hilton Garden Inn (or similar)
Day 20
Heading south from St. John’s our first stop today is Witless Bay where you will embark on a boat tour (weather permitting) and have a chance to view thousands of Atlantic Puffins, Murres and other seabirds that make their home here in the summer. After lunch we will visit Cape Spear National Historic Park, the most easterly point of land in North America before returning to the hotel.
Overnight St. John’s – Hilton Garden Inn (or similar)
Day 21
Today is a free day to explore this historic city. There are many offerings of museums, churches and music venues. Your Travac Tours Director will have some ideas for you.
Overnight – St Johns – Hilton Doubletree (or similar)
Farewell dinner included tonight.
Overnight St. John’s – Hilton Garden Inn (or similar)
Day 22
It’s time to head home with many fond memories of this beautiful journey of Newfoundland. Your Tour Director will advise you of your transfer time to the airport for your return flight back to Montreal from St. John’s. On arrival in Montreal, you will be transferred by coach back to Ottawa.
Airline schedules, itinerary, and attractions are subject to change.