Historic Quebec Tour (Explore Gaspe Peninsula & Historic Quebec)



Gaspe Peninsula
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9 DAY COASTAL CHARMS OF QUEBEC’S GASPé PENINSULA

CODE
QCGP
STARTING FROM
$5,185 USD
PLACES VISITED
Québec City, Rimouski, Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, Percé, Matane,...
HISTORIC QUEBEC TOUR
Quebecer’s have a culture that’s unique. Deeply rooted in North America and yet fiercely proud of its French heritage, Québec is a blend of the Old and New Worlds, famous for its unique lifestyle and joie de vivre! The vast majority of Québec’s approximately eight million people live close to the St. Lawrence River. The waters of the St. Lawrence also provide a rich marine ecosystem, where you can witness incredible marine life, including whales, seals, and diverse bird species. Historic buildings, lighthouses, characterful inns and quaint towns throughout the famed Charlevoix and Gaspé regions of Québec provide the building blocks of our cultural tour.
Start Location: Québec City End Location: Québec City
TOP HIGHLIGHTS
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site Old Québec
  • Québec Fortifications
  • Gaspé Peninsula
  • Pointe-au-Pére Lighthouse
  • Onondaga Submarine
  • Reford Gardens
  • Ecole Cap-Chat Wind Energy Interpretation Centre
  • Forillon National Park
  • Quaint Village of Percé
  • Percé Rock
  • Paspebiac National Historic site
  • Migusha National Park
READ MORE >
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ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive in Quebec City, QC

Welcome to Québec City, the oldest walled city in North America and the heart of the French-Canadianculture in Canada. Old Québec is a UNESCO designated World Heritage City. Many Québec historic sites such as the Québec fortifications, Chateau Frontenac, Québec Citadel, Plains of Abraham, and Québec Île d'Orléans make up important landmarks of Old Québec City and the nearby region. Many different influences have shaped Québec’s history over the past 400 years – the First Nations, the French, the Acadians, the British, the Americans, the Germans, and the Irish, to name a few. Upon arrival, we do suggest, a walking tour of Quebec City (the Upper and Lower Towns) on your own. Through its history, architecture, and culture. Visit the must-see walled city and the historic Lower Town, but also travel outside the city walls to see Parliament Hill and the famous Plains of Abraham. Walk through some pedestrian areas like the Dufferin Terrasse, around Chateau Frontenac, Place-Royale (birthplace of the city), and the Petit-Champlain borough.**Your Tour leader will meet at 5PM in the lobby for a meet & greet and welcome dinner**
Overnight: Québec City
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Québec City – Rimouski, QC

We’ll embark on a scenic drive from Québec City to Rimouski, crossing the St. Lawrence River along the way. Our first stop will be in the charming village of Kamouraska for a leisurely lunch at a local café. Afterward, we’ll enjoy photo opportunities at Miller and Tache Wharfs. Our next stop will be the iconic Sainte Andre Lighthouse, capturing the picturesque coastal views. Continuing our journey, we’ll head toRiviere-du-loup. Take time to do a boat tour of the untouched islands off Rivière-du-Loup that are part of the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park. Protected by Société Duvetnor, these islands provide shelter for colonies of seabirds and seals and are a great place to observe belugas. Two of the islands are open to the public: Pot à l'Eau-de-Vie (Brandy Pot) Island, with its completely restored historic lighthouse, and Île aux Lièvres (Hare Island). Sea excursions are on board safe and comfortable boats with an interpreter guide that provides commentary on the species observed. Then we hop back on the bus and the tour will continue the southern route to the town of Rimouski.
Overnight: Rimouski
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3: Rimouski, QC - Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, QC

This morning after breakfast, we will visit the Pointe-au-Père Lighthouse near Rimouski played a primordial role in the history of navigation on the St. Lawrence River. The existing lighthouse, built in 1909, is the third to be built on the site and is the second tallest in Canada. Accompanied by an interpreter guide,climb to the top of this unusual structure and take in the view of the St. Lawrence. Later, explore the exhibits in the lighthouse keeper’s house and the foghorn shed. You will also visit the Onondaga, one of the only submarines open to the public in Canada, and the Empress of Ireland Pavilion, which commemorates this maritime tragedy through a multimedia show as well as an exhibit of artifactsrescued from the wreck. Grand-Métis, stop at a national historic site of Canada and a heritage site of Québec: the Reford Gardens, which are a must-see for anyone visiting the Gaspésie and Bas-Saint-Laurent. A tourist destination for over 50 years, the Reford Gardens provides visitors with varied multisensory experiences. Some 3,000 species and varieties of plants, including the famous Himalayan blue poppy, can be found in over a dozen gardens.Estevan Lodge presents a permanent exhibit on the summer stays of Elsie Reford (who created the gardens from 1926 to 1958) and her family. Be sure to visit Elsie’s vegetable garden and the museum of gardening tools. Starting in late June, the International Garden Festival presents innovative contemporary gardens designed by artists, architects, and landscape architects from around the world. Conceptual gardens give visitors the opportunity to experience contemporary art and offer children a giant playground in which to explore fun and interactive installations.Further east, in Cap-Chat, the sea and mountain scenery are dominated by 133 wind turbines in one of North America’s largest wind farms. At the interesting École Cap-Chat wind energy interpretation center, visit the highest and most powerful vertical-axis wind turbine in the world.Then we will drive to our overnight accommodation in Sainte-Anne-Des-Monts and enjoy dinner locally.
Overnight: Sainte-Anne-des-Monts
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Sainte-Anne-des-Monts – Percé, QC

This morning, we will have a guided tour of Exploramer. The Exploramer is a science museum that showcases the St. Lawrence and raises public awareness about conserving and recognizing the marine ecosystem as a vital part of our environment. After that we will drive to Mont Saint Pierre for Observatory and Odyssee experience. Enter the observatory and experience the sensation of boarding a machine that will take you through the geological history of this glacial valley on land and underwater. After this unique journey, head out to the observation deck for a unique encounter with the elements. You can also follow an interpretive trail that will reveal the secrets of the intriguing flying rocks and much more! Driving from lighthouse to lighthouse eastward through spectacular sea and mountain scenery from Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, the tour takes you towards the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula with its magnificent scenery. Since Gaspé became the Cradle of Canada when Jacques Cartier erected a cross here in 1534, the town is also home to many interpretation sites and museums that will introduce you to this region’s fascinating history. Forillon National Park is located at the easternmost tip of the peninsula. In this breathtaking landscape, you can learn about the gulf’s rich ecosystems as well as local fishing history. Forillon is also home to Canada’s tallest lighthouse at Cap-des-Rosiers. The tour continues to Percé, the easternmost tip of the Gaspé Peninsula.
Overnight: Percé
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5: Percé, QC

The Percé UNESCO Global Geopark offers geology buffs, adventure lovers and thrill seekers a unique opportunity to discover 500 million years of Earth’s history. This site is a fun and easily accessible way to enjoy the exceptional beauty of Percé and discover the secrets of this area. With the suspended glass platform, put your fear of heights to the test and soak up breathtaking views of Percé and the surrounding area! Perched on the side of a cliff at an altitude of 200 metres (660 feet), the platform will appeal to thrill seekers.The quaint village of Percé is an attraction, where you can enjoy exploring the local boutiques, churches, small museum and art galleries. Percé has a reputation for fine dining, and of course, the region’s star attraction is majestic Percé Rock! Offshore, you can see Bonaventure Island and get a close-up of this protected area during your sea excursion there. A visit to the island and its national park will give you the opportunity to observe over 300,000 seabirds, including 120,000 northern gannets, in the world’s most accessible colony of birds.
Overnight: Percé
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6: Percé – Matane, QC

This Morning, after the breakfast we will start with a surprise stop for the last Panoramic view of Perce Rock and Town of Perce. Today we drive down the southern coast to the Town of Paspebiac. Here we will visit the Paspebiac National Historic site. The Paspébiac National Historic Site is the birthplace of the Robin and Le Boutillier Brothers companies. In the 19th century, Paspébiac was one of the largest export ports for dried cod in the world! Learn about the international cod trade by visiting our 11 period buildings. We will enjoy Lunch in the area.Then we will drive towards Migusha National Park. Included on the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List, the Miguasha fossil site is renowned worldwide for its unusually well-preserved fossils. The park will fascinate visitors of all ages who can journey through time to discover plants and fish fossils dating from the Devonian Period, some 380 million years ago. While visiting the park, be sure to stroll along the “Evolution of Life” trail, which runs along the fossil cliff and offers exceptional views of the Restigouche Estuary. This 3.5-km (2-mi.) loop trail includes interpretive panels that recount the evolution of life on Earth. Try finding some Fossils in the area. Lastly, we will continue our drive to Matane for our overnight stay.
Overnight: Matane
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7: Matane– Tadoussac, QC

This morning, after breakfast, we will take a ferry ride to Godbout. Food can be purchased on ferry on your own. After arrival in Godbout, we will drive up to Les Escoumins. Our first attraction will be Marine Environment Discovery Centre. The Marine Environment Discovery Centre is a site you will not want to miss along the Whale Route! Discover the underwater world of the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park from starfish to the largest marine mammals. Admire whales as they feed a few hundred feet from the shore! You can also observe seals and seabirds, enjoy a picnic with a sublime view of the St. Lawrence and participate in discovery activities led by interpreter guides.Then we will drive to the Cap de Bon-Désir Interpretation and Observation Centre, follow a hiking trail that will take you to an incredible view of the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park. Sit on the rocks that plunge into the St. Lawrence to contemplate the horizon and admire the whales that will feed a few hundred feet from you. You can also listen to their powerful blows and observe seals and seabirds.Then we will drive to Tadoussac. Tonight, dinner will be on own.
Overnight: Tadoussac
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8: Tadoussac, QC

After breakfast, our first stop will be Marine Mammal Interpretation Center. Explore the world of the whales at the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre (CIMM) and encounter the skeleton of a sperm whale over 13 metres (40 feet) long. Unique videos, sound recordings, games, a skeleton collection and exclusive film screenings in an air-conditioned room provide the perfect complement to a whale-watching excursion. Specialists are available on site to answer your questions. Visit the centre’s garden to admire local flora as well as five life-size sculptures of beluga whales.We will have some free time to enjoy Lunch in the area. After that, we will go for the Whale Watching Enjoy a breathtaking adventure aboard one of the Zodiacs and experience the thrill of a unique encounter with the whales in their natural habitat. Thrill seekers can admire the most majestic creatures on the planet at the heart of the best place to observe whales in the world: the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park. This park is a major feeding ground for marine mammals, which is why this region is such a hotspot for nature lovers!Later tonight, we will enjoy our farewell dinner. And remember the incredible journey we had.
Overnight: Tadoussac
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9: Tadoussac – Québec City, QC

We start the morning early with breakfast before our three-hour drive back to Québec City to connect with your flight home.**Book your flights after 3pm or ask us for post night options in Quebec City. **
Meals: Breakfast
DATES & PRICES
We accept
AVAILABILITY
START DATE
END DATE
PRICE
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
DEPOSIT
BOOK
AVAILABLE
Fri, 15 Aug 2025
Sat, 23 Aug 2025
$5,185 USD
$6,590 USD
$500 USD
CAD (does not include 5% tax)
Flights can be booked to arrive at any time on first day. Please do not book flights departing Quebec City before 1:30pm on the last day. A mandatory single surcharge may apply to this tour if you have selected our TwinShare Program and we are unable to match you with another TwinShare passenger.

Applicable taxes vary depending on travel destination and are not included. Please ask your sales agent what extra taxes will be payable for your tour.
WHY CHOOSE ANDERSON VACATIONS?

Anderson Vacations
Other Companies

Small Group Tours

Travel with a limited number of participants for a personalized journey with a tour leader.

Experienced Tour Leaders

Who have gone through intensive vetting and training.

(But most contract their tour leaders from Anderson Vacations.)

Canadian Travel Experts

With at least 30 years of experience.

Min. 95% Satisfaction Rate

From past guests.

Travel to unique places, visit more attractions each day.

Without the distractions of tipping.

Activities and excursions included as part of the tour.

(Not as add-ons.)

Sustainability

Planting one tree for every passenger that travels with us.

 


WHAT'S INCLUDED
  • 8 nights of accommodation (3-4 star, or best available)
  • Professional Tour Leader
  • Transportation on comfortable motorcoach
  • 14 meals: 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 5 dinners
EXCLUSIONS
  • 5% provincial tax on top of tour base rate
  • Gratuities to driver (Recommend $3-$4 per person per day)
  • Gratuities to guide (Recommend $5-$7 per person per day)
  • Meals not listed
  • Attractions not listed
  • Credit card payment fees, where applicable
  • Airfare domestic and international (Unless Specified)
  • Travel insurance (Strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)
  • Items of a personal nature

 


Why Take An Anderson Tour?

Seasoned Tour Guides Get a deeper understanding with storytelling tailored to your interests.
Space To Breathe We never max out buses even if we use the same size bus as the competition.
All Inclusive No hidden expenses along the way. Competitors offer activities as an extra - we don't

ACTA
Our guide training manual is accredited by ACTA/CITC Canadian Educational Standard Inc. Now used as the standard in educational college programs.
Can't find what you're looking for? Our specialists can take away the stress and create a custom trip tailored to your exact interests and budget.
Get A Custom Quote
OR CALL 1.866.814.7378
Custom Trip Plans You can see what you want, when you want, how you want.
Unique Experiences Experiences that help you take in the region in a different way.
Freedom To Explore Time to take in each place with only the tours you want to do.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Tour Questions

What is the maximum number of travellers in a group?

Anderson Vacations specializes in Small Group Fully Escorted tours. If the tour is classified as a ‘Classic Tour’ up to 24 persons may join the tour although tours commonly travel with anywhere between 18 to 24 travellers. If the tour is classified as a 'Tour of Distinction’ only up to 18 persons may join the tour and many 'Tours of Distinction' travel with 12 to 18 travellers.

What are Guaranteed Departures?

After dreaming about travel to an exciting destination, arranging for time off work, booking your flights the last thing you need is for your trip to be cancelled. Anderson vacation's pre-Guaranteed tours take the uncertainty away from planning your travel and give you peace of mind to book our tours. Pre-Guaranteed Tours are group tours that we have already confirmed as certain to travel on the specified date. All 'Guaranteed Tours' will travel except in the event of a natural disaster or a catastrophic event that is beyond our control. They may already have the minimum number of people booked or else are tours that are known to be popular. Only select departures of tours are 'pre-Guaranteed'.

What happens if I book on a tour that is not Guaranteed?

We pride ourselves on providing “a small shared group experience.” In the event that we have fewer than ten participants on a tour we will offer a “small-group surcharge” to ensure that the tour runs as scheduled. This fee, which is up to 15% of the “land” portion of the tour, will be offered to you as an option to continue with the trip. This fee will cover the costs associated with handling a smaller group.

What is the average age of passengers for this tour?

Our tours are suitable for all age demographics. The average age of travelers is typically 45+.

How physically demanding is this tour? Are you able to accommodate people with mobility restrictions/limitations?

Some tours are mainly coach based and may not be physically demanding while others may require walking inclines or on rough surfaces to access interesting locations. Please check with us and your booking agent carefully and discuss your mobility restrictions before completing any tour booking to ensure this style of travel is right for you.

Can you accommodate passengers with dietary restrictions (food allergies, vegan, vegetarian etc.)?

Yes, we do accommodate dietary restrictions (within reason) such as, food allergies, vegan, vegetarian, etc. There are many meals included on our fully escorted tours. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions at the time of booking so we can ensure there are alternative meal choices.
Booking & Flight Questions

Do you arrange airport transfers?

Yes, we can assist you with airport transfers for you in most locations at a reasonable extra cost. Several tours have airport transfers already included. Please contact us for more details.

Can you assist with booking additional accommodation?

Yes, we can certainly assist with booking additional nights of hotel accommodation for you before and after your fully escorted tour. This is available upon request and subject to availability. Please inquire for further information and prices.

How much luggage should I bring?

Each passenger may bring one large suitcase and one carry-on bag. The weight limit for baggage is 20 kilograms or about 40 pounds. Baggage handling is provided at the hotels in our tour packages but there may be places where you will be required to wheel in your bags for quicker access. Be sure to advise our reservations staff if you will be bringing additional items such as a cane, walker, or wheelchair. You may also bring one small soft-sided carry-on bag, which should easily fit into the overhead shelf of a coach. Each person is responsible for his/her own carryon luggage. Remember to check your airline baggage restrictions if you are flying, as they may differ from Anderson Vacations guidelines.

I am a solo traveller. Is there a single surcharge?

There are options for single travelers to join most tours. Solo travellers can choose to pay a Single Supplement and have their own room throughout the tour. For those willing to share with a co-traveller of the same gender, we have a Twin Share option that is offered for most tours where you share a hotel room with another same gender traveller. In this case, you will not be charged for Single Supplement.

Is it possible to book a triple share accommodation?

Yes, it is possible to book triple share accommodations on select trips. Please inquire or contact us regarding this option, as prices and availability vary from tour to tour.

Can we book this tour with our exclusive group?

Yes, you can! Anderson Vacations works with many private groups and helps to customize a tour to traveller’s needs. Please contact us for more details.

Are gratuities included in the tour cost?

For convenience, gratuities for local guides and meals that are specified in the itinerary are included in the tour price. For meals not included in your tour package please remember that it is customary to tip your server 10-20% in North America. Gratuities for your Coach Driver (where appropriate) and Tour Director are entirely at your discretion. We recommend about CDN $5.00 per person, per day, for your Driver and CDN$7.00 per person, per day for your Tour Leader.

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Ready? Have More Questions? Over 25 years offering custom trips and small group tours.
INQUIRE ABOUT THIS TRIP
OR CALL 1.866.814.7378
Seasoned Tour Guides Get a deeper understanding with storytelling tailored to your interests.
Space To Breathe We never max out buses even if we use the same size bus as the competition.
All Inclusive No hidden expenses along the way. Competitors offer activities as an extra - we don't
CLASSIC TOURS

The style our travellers have enjoyed for over 20 years, these tours feature inclusive itineraries to popular destinations including the 'must see' sites and attractions. Led by an expert Tour Leader, you will enjoy comfortable accommodation, and coach transport throughout the journey.

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TOURS OF DISTINCTION

These tours are defined by their incomparably unique itineraries, featuring 'off the beaten path' destinations and immersive experiences. An intimate group size allows us to stay in smaller, centrally located, unique and boutique style inns, lodges and hotels, utilize traditional local transportation and dive deep into each destination's local culture and traditions.

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INDEPENDENT TRAVEL

These travel experiences are fully customizable to better fit your needs. Every itinerary is created based on your comfort level, accommodation choices, and personal interests. Whether you are looking for a rail adventure, self drive holiday, unique experiences, or a short city stay our team will work with you on combining accommodation, transportation, and activities based on your preferences to create the perfect itinerary for you.

Click Icon to Read More.
INDEPENDENT TRIPS

These travel experiences are fully customizable to better fit your needs. Every itinerary is created based on your comfort level, accommodation choices, and personal interests. Whether you are looking for a rail adventure, self drive holiday, unique experiences, or a short city stay our team will work with you on combining accommodation, transportation, and activities based on your preferences to create the perfect itinerary for you.

Click Icon to Read More.