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Whales, Sea and Sand

Program Number: 5455RJ
Start and End Dates:
8/18/2013 - 8/23/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Tadoussac, Quebec
Price starting at: $999.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Intergenerational
Intergenerational 		Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 15; 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Program intended for grandchildren from 10 - 12 years of age.

From the shores of charming French Canadian rural towns, observe the whales in their feeding grounds, from krill upwelling near the imposing cliffs of Saguenay Fjord to the estuary of the St. Lawrence River sand dunes where river and ocean meet. Experience with your grandchild the marvel of these majestic creatures and learn more about cetaceans from marine mammal experts. Enjoy Québécois culture and rural scenery, marine ecosystems, cliffs, and a lighthouse. Balleines, baguettes, and bienvenue!




Highlights

• See up close beluga, minke, fin and humpback whales on a two whale-watching safaris in one of the largest marine protected areas in Canada.
• Learn more about these fascinating creatures at the Whale Museum and Research and Beluga Interpretation Centres, such as identification and species’ behavior.
• Learn and practice how local First Nation’s peoples made pottery many years ago.



Activity Particulars

Walks up to one mile; boarding and disembarking boats.




Date Specific Information

8-18-2013

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Coordinated by Routes to Learning Canada.




Tadoussac

France’s first trading post on the mainland of “New France” is today located near its original French outpost at the mouth of the Saguenay River. Tadoussac remains a destination for those seeking riches, though the region is best known for its natural wealth, from nearby whale-watching to the 200-foot sand dunes of the Saguenay Fjord.
Accommodations
Historic hotel in historic Tadoussac, with golf, tennis and views of the river.
Meals and Lodgings
   Hotel Tadoussac
  Tadoussac, Quebec 5 nights
 Hotel Tadoussac
Type: Hotel
  Description: Tadoussac Hotel in Quebec is set in a prestigious vacation destination, long treasured by wealthy American tourists, was little-known by Quebecers until the early 1980s. However, over the years, Tadoussac Hotel has seen its popularity steadily increase, drawing tourists, specialists and naturalists from around the globe who come to watch whales in a superb natural setting. Tadoussac Hotel in Quebec, with its whitewashed walls, maritime colors, red roof, dormer windows and cupola marking the center of the building, calls to mind an enormous lighthouse standing not quite a cable's length from the magnificent sandy beach nearby. From the veranda of the Tadoussac Hotel, you can behold the St. Lawrence River in all its majesty. Looking upon this impressive body of water washes away the stress of the rat race, chases away the blues and leaves you with a feeling of peace.
  Contact info: 165 rue Bord-de-L'Eau
Tadoussac, QC G0T 2A0 Canada
phone: 800-561-0718
web: www.hoteltadoussac.com
  Room amenities: Cable TV, Coffee maker, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, voice mail system.
  Facility amenities: Parking Service, Wireless High Speed Internet in Lobby Area, Bell Staff and Concierge Service, Free Shuttle Service to Cruises with Groupe Dufour (am/pm), Heated Swimming Pool (open from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, lifeguard), Boutiques (open from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm), Vending Machines.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: $130.00 to $190.00 CDN. Call for availability.
  Check in time: 2:00 PM
  Additional nights after: $130.00 to $190.00 CDN. Call for availability.
  Check out time: 12:00 PM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Arrivals to Tadoussac, QC. Check-in after 2:00 p.m. You will be staying at Hotel Tadoussac that night.
  End of Program:
Departures from Tadoussac, QC after lunch. You will be staying at Hotel Tadoussac the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. As of June 2009 a passport is required for all travel (by air, land and sea) to and from the United States. A valid passport will be required from all passengers at US border crossings Passport requirements are subject to change. Visit www.travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html for up-to-date info.
  Parking availability:
Parking is free at the hotel.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Tadoussac, Quebec
  Nearest city or town:  Tadoussac
  Nearest highway: Highway 138 from Quebec City to ferry departure for Tadoussac.
  Nearest airport:  Quebec City, Quebec (2 1/2 hours from Tadoussac)
  From End of Program
  Location: Tadoussac, Quebec
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

From Quebec City to Tadoussac

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Public Transportation
Intercar
phone: 888-861-4592

   

Bus service from Quebec City. Contact Intercar at 888-861-4592 for scheduling and prices or log on to their web site at www.intercar.qc.ca

 
Driving Directions
  Quebec City Take the Highway 40 East, direction La Malbaie Road 138 until Baie - Ste-Catherine. From there, take a ferry to Tadoussac (Free service).
Equipment Requirements: There is no special equipment required. Good walking shoes recommended.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Check-In/Orientation
(Sunday, August 18)
   
 Arrive To: Check into Hotel Tadoussac after 2:00 p.m. Free time before dinner to explore the hotel and the village of Tadoussac
 Dinner: Dinner at Le Bateau
 Evening: Program information and orientation.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Tadoussac
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Whale Watching Safari/Whale Museum
(Monday, August 19)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at Hotel Tadoussac
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: Whale Watching Safari. We embark on a morning whale watching safari with an experienced naturalist to see Fin, Minke and Beluga whales perhaps Humpback, Sperm and Blue whales. The Gulf and Estuary of the St. Lawrence form a kingdom for whales. They are like an open air laboratory for biologists fascinated by these giants. Since the beginning of the 1980's, the St. Lawrence has also become an incomparable destination for those wishing to attempt an encounter with whales. The onboard museum will also give you more insight on these magnificent creatures of the sea.
 Lunch: Lunch at the Marina.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Sea Mammals Interpretation Centre. Visit CIMM Museum (Le Centre d'Interprétation des mammifères Marins or the Sea Mammals Interpretation Centre). There you'll discover the fascinating and mysterious world of the St-Lawrence whales with our Museum specialists. Where can one see them? How to recognize them? The Museum’s exhibitions, aquarium, skeleton collection and reconstitutions of sea-mammals, films and slide-shows are not to be missed. Listen to the underwater sounds of the Saguenay River; see spectacular images and reproductions of whales, and more.
 Dinner: Dinner at Café du Fjord.
 Evening: A presentation will provide insight into the local culture and history. See a video on The Mighty River. Grandchildren go on a Treasure Hunt.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Tadoussac
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Saguenay-St Lawrence Marine Park/Sand Dunes
(Tuesday, August 20)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at Hotel Tadoussac
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: Saguenay St. Lawrence Marine Park. Learn about the role and activity of the Whale research station and Saguenay –St. Lawrence Marine Park. A unique natural environment: the majestic waters of the world’s largest estuary mingle here with those of the longest fjord in Eastern Canada. This encounter between the St. Lawrence Estuary and the Saguenay Fjord produces exceptional oceanographic phenomena, such as cold waters welling up to the surface, that foster biological diversity. As well as a rich natural heritage, the marine park area has a significant cultural background and fascinating history. Physical traces of human life, as much as 8,000 years old, bear witness to their presence here. Walk Pointe a l'Islet to the mouth of the Saguenay with our youth coordinators.
 Lunch: Lunch at the hotel.
 Afternoon: EXCURSION: Sand Dunes. A highlight for grandchildren is to view and play in the sand dunes - descending 200 feet to the shore. A footpath winds its way through the dunes. Free time to explore.
 Dinner: Dinner at Hotel Georges.
 Evening: Evening activities for the grandparents and grandchildren.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Tadoussac
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Archo-Topo at Bergeronnes/Escoumins Pilot Wharf/Cap Bon Desir/Diving Centre
(Wednesday, August 21)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at Hotel Tadoussac
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: Archo-Topo & Essipit Reserve. On a field trip to Archo-Topo at Bergeronnes to learn about the archeology and natural history of the area and the making of Indian Pottery. A guided bus excursion takes us through the Indian Reserve at Essipit. When settlement of the area first began, the community owed its survival—and lifestyle—to the use of natural resources. Essipit, established where traditional shipping routes intersected, took advantage of its enviable location to do business with travelers. Native peoples on the St. Lawrence River’s north shore traded with Vikings, Basque whalers, and even Jacques Cartier. The advent of the logging industry in the 19th century completely transformed life in the area, opening up navigable routes and making subsistence activities possible in outlying locales. It was at this time that the federal government created reserves, including Essipit, founded in 1892. Reserve residents developed new economies based on trade and crafts.
 Lunch: Lunch at Le Bouleau restaurant.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Marine Environment Centre & Cap-de-Bon-Désir Lighthouse. Visit the Marine Environment Centre and learn how ships’ captains conquered the St. Lawrence over the years, in an exhibition on navigation on the river. Listen to the Cap-de-Bon-Désir lighthouse tell about its past and the lives of its keepers. Cap-de-Bon-Désir is also an excellent place from which to admire the St. Lawrence Estuary and the many species of marine mammals there, including minke, common and blue whales, belugas and many species of seals and seabirds. Optional visit to the Belgian Chocolate Shop.
 Dinner: Dinner at La Bolée
 Evening: Free evening.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Tadoussac
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Pointe Noire Whale Observation/Beluga Interpretation Centre
(Thursday, August 22)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at Hotel Tadoussac
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: St. Lawrence Estuary. Pointe-Noire offers an impressive panoramic view of the Saguenay fjord and the St. Lawrence Estuary. From its strategic geographic location, you will be able to observe whales and other marine mammals, as well as other oceanic phenomena indigenous to the confluence of the Saguenay and St. Lawrence rivers.
 Lunch: Picnic lunch at Baie Ste Marguerite Beluga Interpretation Centre.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Beluga Interpretation Centre. The St. Lawrence beluga and its habitat are at the heart of a permanent exhibit that is sure to delight park visitors. You will appreciate the many facets addressed and the dynamic nature of the presentation. Visit a wild animal farm and walk on the beach. Return to Tadoussac.
 Dinner: Dinner is at La Galouine restaurant.
 Evening: FAREWELL EVENING: Farewell celebration and activities.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Tadoussac
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Whale Safari/Independent Departures
(Friday, August 23)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at Hotel Tadoussac
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: Whale Watching Safari. We embark on a morning whale watching safari with an experienced naturalist to see Fin, Minke and Beluga whales perhaps Humpback, Sperm and Blue whales. The Gulf and Estuary of the St. Lawrence form a kingdom for whales. They are like an open air laboratory for biologists fascinated by these giants. Since the beginning of the 1980's, the St. Lawrence has also become an incomparable destination for those wishing to attempt an encounter with whales. The onboard museum will also give you more insight on these magnificent creatures of the sea.
 Lunch: Lunch at the Marina followed by independent departures.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


Quebec: Bonjour, eh?


Author: H. Keith and S McCully


Saguenay, River of Deep Waters


Author: Blowden Davies




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