The Mighty St. Lawrence

Transcription

1 The Mighty St. Lawrence Detailed Itinerary Mar 23/15 We re thrilled to return to la Belle Province! This voyage incorporates the stunning coastal regions of Québec s North Shore, the Gaspé, the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Magdalene Islands, and Saint Pierre. Marine mammals should be plentiful some of the best whale watching in Canada is concentrated between the high cliffs of Saguenay Fiord. The Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, Forillon National Park and Île-Bonaventure Provincial Park all offer wildlife opportunities including numerous migrating seabirds. The Magdalene Islands mixes of Acadian and English influences and a history of more than four hundred shipwrecks are among the islands unique features. It s also home to endangered bird species including the Piping Plover and Roseate Tern. Our stop on Prince Edward Island will include a visit to the Cavendish cottage made famous by Lucy Maud Montgomery s Anne of Green Gables. Facts & Highlights 10 days Start in Quebec City, finish in Saint Pierre, France All meals on board included Travel aboard the Ocean Endeavour Experience Québec s unique history and culture Search for the largest animal on earth, the blue whale See one of the world s largest gannet colonies, over 50,000 pairs Sail the Saguenay, a spectacular feeding ground for marine and bird species Photograph the famous red cliffs of the Îles-de-la-Madeleine See the iconic Green Gables on Prince Edward Island Departure Dates & Price Jun 01 Jun 10, 16 from $3395 see page 2 for complete rates per cabin class. Does not include $250 Discovery Fee. Activity Level: 1 Comfort Level: Seas can be rough. Wet and dry zodiac landings required. Accommodations All travel aboard the Ocean Endeavour. We bring our voyage to a close at Saint-Pierre, the last remaining outpost of New France, where fine wine, good cheese and French fashion are to be found just off the coast of Newfoundland. US/CAN UK INTL

2 quebec lower st. lawrence saguenay fiord quebec city mingan islands n.p. gaspé Île bonaventure park 2016 Prices Triple Cabin - $3395 Interior Twin - $4695 Exterior Twin - $5995 Main Twin - $6995 Comfort Twin - $7995 Top Deck Twin - $8995 Superior Twin - $9995 Junior Suite - $10995 Suite - $11995 Rates do not include Discovery Fund Fee of $250USD pp. Charter flights, St Pierre/St. John s are $350 USD per person. This is not an ElderTreks operated tour. As such, participants on this tour are not exclusive Elder- Treks clients and it may not adhere to ElderTreks maximum size restrictions of our tours. Day 1 Quebec City One of the oldest and loveliest European settlements in North America, Québec takes its name from the Algonquin word meaning where the river narrows. The city that Champlain founded in 1608 was the capital of New France, and later, British North America. Today, the proud capital of the province of the same name boasts the old-world charms of Vieux Québec, the world-famous Chateau Frontenac hotel, and the only remaining intact citadel walls in North America. Cultural riches, superb cuisine, and an incredible view over the river make Québec the perfect place to begin our voyage! Day 2 Saguenay Fjord, QC P.E.I newfoundland south coast magdalene islands st. john s saint pierre Home to Aboriginal cultures for thousands of years, the Saguenay Fjord s first European visitor was Jacques Cartier in The Saguenay drains fresh water from Lac St. Jean, but the greater part of its volume is salt tidal water from the St. Lawrence Estuary. The result is an ideal habitat for marine mammals including four species of whales fin, minke, blue, and the famous (and endangered) Saguenay beluga population. Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park and Saguenay Fjord National Park both protect the region s vast natural riches. Day 3 Lower Saint Lawrence Today we will be exploring the south coast of the Lower Saint Lawrence, visiting the communities in the area. Our stops are weather-dependent, though we will ideally have favourable conditions for an excursion to the famed Reford Gardens. The gardens are home to a sculpture park, art installations, and an enormous roster of unique floral walks and enclosures. Day 4 Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve The spectacular natural sculptures of the Mingan Islands are formed of limestone, shaped by the action of the sea. At 50 degrees N, these islands 2

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4 owe as much to the north as to the east for their character. Atlantic puffins and Arctic eiders vie for the attention of birders, while harp, harbour and gray seals cavort in the waters. Not to be outdone, the flora of the islands is wildly diverse, including 450 plant species, 190 lichens and 300 mosses! Day 5 Forillon National Park / Gaspé, QC The Gaspé Peninsula, also known as Gaspésie, separates the mouth of the St. Lawrence from the Baie de Chaleur. Dominated by high cliffs on the north shore, the Gaspé includes the eastern tip of the Appalachian Mountain chain and consequently offers amazing views, both of, and from its highland regions, which jut above the tree line. The first National Park in Québec, Forillon, is an important birding and marine mammal location. Forillon also preserves human history in the Grand- Grave National Heritage Site, telling the story of the fishing families who once made their homes here. The park contains Canada s tallest lighthouse, and fortifications remaining from the Second World War, when German U-boats were a threat to Allied shipping. Day 6 Île Bonaventure Provincial Park / Percé, QC Parc national de l Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher- Percé is the formal name of the Park at the eastern tip of the Gaspé Peninsula. But most Canadians are more familiar with its best-known feature, the awe-inspiring Percé Rock. The area s flora and fauna is world-renowned, including famous colonies of northern gannets: the largest is on Bonaventure Island and comprises some 32,000 nests. Named by Samuel de Champlain, the rock itself is an internationally famed marvel, a huge natural arch within a mass of reddish limestone and sandstone. A second arch once pierced the rock but collapsed in 1845, leaving a massive column at one end. Percé Rock has revealed 150 species of fossils, and more than two hundred species of birds are found nearby. Fin, minke, humpback, and blue whales ply the nearby waters of this magnificent coastal outpost. Day 7 Prince Edward Island Canada s smallest province in both size and population, Prince Edward Island is known by several other names, including Garden of the Gulf (for its lush agricultural lands) and Cradle of Confederation (referring to the Charlottetown Conference in 1864). It is a realm of rolling hills, wooded glades, ocean coves, and famously red soil. The island s landscape has a strong bearing on its inhabitants, and Prince Edward Island often abbreviated as PEI retains a slower-paced, old-world flavour in its small, rural settlements. The island was made famous by Lucy Maud Montgomery s Anne of Green Gables (and its sequels) and to this day the Cavendish farmhouse described in the book is preserved for visitors. We will be going ashore at Prince Edward Island for a full day of exploration and touring, learning about the art and history of the region and spending the day with locals. Due to the island s small size, it is likely that we will have time to visit urban areas as well as rural. We will sample the phenomenal food of the region, stroll on expansive beaches, and avail ourselves of all that this charming province has to offer. Day 8 Îles-de-la-Madeleine, QC 4

5 with local artists at the island community of Havre Aubert, famed for its Acadian culture and stunning surroundings. Long frequented by Mi kmaq people, likely walrus hunters, the Îles-de-la-Madeleine in the Gulf of St. Lawrence were first sighted by Europeans when Jacques Cartier sailed among them in Today, although closer to Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, they form a regional municipality of the province of Québec. However, the islands have a history distinct from that of mainland Québec. When the British expelled the Acadians from New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, the Magdalene Islanders remained, and to this day take great pride in their Acadian heritage. There are also long-standing English settlements, and a percentage of the population can claim descent from survivors of the many shipwrecks that have occurred among the islands. Iconic red sandstone cliffs are among the islands most striking features. Pack ice has historically surrounded the islands during winter, leading to near-total isolation for months at a time. Besides fishing, shipping, salt mining and tourism, sealing on the pack ice has been a traditional source of income and subsistence for islanders. We will be arriving during the famed eastern lobster fishing season, so the possibility of sampling local delicacies remains high. We will be stopping to meet Day 9 South Coast, Newfoundland You could be forgiven for not knowing the French history of Newfoundland: indeed, sections of the island s coastline changed ownership multiple times. Newfoundland s South Shore offers many surprises, including vast stretches of virtually uninhabited wilderness. Fjords, cliffs, and islands offer excellent Zodiac cruising territory and terrific birding opportunities. We will be availing ourselves of all the area has to offer and may be stopping in any of multiple possible destinations depending on conditions. Day 10 Saint-Pierre, FR On a trip that traces the history and geography of New France, it s appropriate that we wind up in France. The small islands of Saint-Pierre remain officially a part of the French Republic, albeit only a few dozen kilometres off the shore of Newfoundland. In charming Saint-Pierre (population 6,500) you ll find fine wine and cheese, excellent coffee and pastries, even contemporary French fashion items in a postcard-pretty town. European style dwellings stand shoulder to shoulder with typical east coast architecture, and French license plates adorn the Renaults and Citroens on the winding old streets. 5

6 The Ocean Endeavour details: Maximum: 198 passengers Outfitted with twenty Zodiacs, advanced navigation equipment, multiple lounges and a top deck observation room, the Ocean Endeavour is purpose-built for passenger experiences in remote environments. The Ocean Endeavour boasts a 1B ice class, enabling her to freely explore throughout the Arctic summer. Launched in 1982, she has had numerous upgrades, most recently in 2010 and Aurora Lounge aboard the Ocean Endeavour. Exterior Twin Cabin aboard the Ocean Endeavour. 6

7 Questions & Answers 1. How big are the groups? The Ocean Endeavour is a 198 passenger vessel. On board you will also have between 15 to 25 resource staff. 2.what is included in the tour price? From day 1 to disembarkation meals, entrance fees, and accommodations are included. 3.what is not included in the tour price? International & charter flights, tips, Discovery Fund fee of ($250USD). Personal expenses like alcoholic beverages, telephone calls, internet & laundry are not included and put onto their ship board account which is payable in USD the night prior to disembarkation. Ships crew gratuities are not included, we suggest between $10-$14 per day per passenger.this goes into a lump sum and distributed to the entire crew equally. 4.what is the Discovery Fund? The Discovery Fund is the result of committed passengers longing for a way to give back to the regions they have visited during their expeditions. Our local supplier has made a point to support local organizations and groups focusing on the environmental, cultural and educational needs of each region you will visit. Our local supplier, in cooperation with their friends in the North, assess where the demand is the greatest and supports each cause through monetary donations. Each passenger who travels with our local supplier donates an additional $250 USD to ensure the longevity and success of the initiatives in these regions. Throughout the voyage you will see some of the projects that we have funded over the years. Your donation goes a long way and helps ensure that many of these important organizations, many at the grassroots level, are able to carry on. Most of these local initiatives do not have charitable status and thus do not have the ability to issue tax receipts. If it is essential for you to obtain a tax receipt for your donation, the local supplier will send your portion to an organization which has this capability. 5. Are these educational tours? Yes, in the broadest sense of the word, educational. We visit museums and local villages. We also have talks and discussions on many aspects of the history and culture Newfoundland, but this is only one aspect of what we do. We believe that it is equally educational to meet new people on a non- commercial basis. Sometimes the most educational moments are spent having a cold drink with the locals. 6. How do we travel during the tour? We cruise on our vessel and often use zodiac s for our adventure excursions. 7.what are our accommodations like? All twin cabins aboard the ship are outside cabins with private bathrooms. The ship has advanced communications and navigation equipment, and newly installed, state-of-the-art stabilizers. 8.what about the weather? We travel to Newfoundland during their spring season. In general, Newfoundland can experience temperatures between F (12-16 C). Quebec City temperatures can range from F(10-20 C). 9. when is payment due? A non-refundable deposit of $1500USD (plus insurance if you desire it) is due as soon as you decide to go and will reserve your place on the tour. The balance of the land payment is due 100 days before departure. Cancellation charges are applicable and these are outlined in the Terms & Conditions section of our brochure. 7

8 10. Is medical insurance required? Insurance coverage is not included in the cost of your trip. Please note that medical insurance is required for this adventure with a minimum of $75,000 coverage for evacuation insurance, including air ambulance. We strongly recommend cancellation and interruption insurance as well! ElderTreks offers comprehensive travel insurance and we are happy to provide you with a quote if you call our office. If you are purchasing insurance elsewhere, please ensure you provide the details to ElderTreks as soon as possible. 11. what meals are included? All meals are included, starting with dinner on day 1 and finishing with breakfast on departure day. 13. can you arrange my flights? We would be happy to take care of your air arrangements. ElderTreks offers personalized flight itineraries, not group flights. Stop over enroute, come in a few days early, or extend your stay. Call us for a customized itinerary. 14. what if I would like more information? If you have any further questions about the adventure, please call our office for more details. A Trip Specialist will be happy to answer your questions. A Trip Kit containing further details on the destination will be sent to you once you have booked the trip. 12.what should I take on the tour? There is a detailed What to Take list in our Trip Kit, which we will send to you after you have booked the trip. 8