Designed from the ground up for a maximum of 24 guests in North America, this Small Group Discovery tour offers up-close experiences, meaningful local connections, and unique discoveries that go beyond traditional touring.Say bonjour to charming fishing villages, dramatic coastal landscapes, and the rich culture of French Canada. Cruise around iconic Percé Rock and Bonaventure Island, watch for beluga whales on the spectacular Saguenay Fjord, and discover the natural beauty of the Gaspé Peninsula. Along the way, sample strawberry wine crafted from local berries, enjoy a traditional lunch at Banc-de-Pêche-de-Paspébiac National Historic Site, and visit a family-owned dairy along the Charlevoix Flavour Trail.Stroll the cobblestone streets of Québec City, experience the vibrant culture of Montréal, and discover the traditions, flavors, and maritime heritage that define this remarkable region. From the shores of the St. Lawrence River to the cliffs of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, this Small Group Discovery journey reveals a side of Canada rich in history, culture, wildlife, and unforgettable scenery..
Small-Group Discovery Dates Available
Select Globus 2021 North America tours are limited to an average of just 24 guests per tour. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus North America tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery Europe vacation is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.
Special features included in this tour:• Guided sightseeing in Montreal, including a visit inside Basilique Notre-Dame, renowned for its Gothic Revival architecture and dazzling interior• Visit to Pointe-au-Père Maritime Historic site and Empress of Ireland Museum to learn the story of one of Canada's most significant maritime disasters• Visit to Miguasha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its exceptional fossil discoveries dating back millions of years• Strawberry wine tasting and farm visit at Ferme Bourdages Tradition, showcasing a unique agricultural tradition of the Gaspé Peninsula• Guided tour and lunch at Banc-de-Péche-de-Paspébiac National Historic Site, preserving the region's rich fishing heritage• Cruise to Bonaventure Island and around Percé Rock, one of Québec's most iconic natural landmarks and home to thousands of seabirds• Visit Forillon National Park and Cap-des-Rosiers Lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse in Canada• Visit to Reford Gardens (Les Jardins de Métis), renowned for its spectacular horticultural displays and coastal setting• Ferrry crossing on the St. Lawrence River from Rivière-du-Loup to Saint-Siméon, offering scenic views of one of North America's great waterways• Visit Charlevoix Laiterie along the Charlevoix Flavour Trail to discover the region's celebrated artisanal food traditions• [LF] Whale-watching cruise on the Saguenay Fjord with a naturalist guide to learn about the marine life of this remarkable ecosystem• Guided sightseeing in Québec City, North America's only walled city north of Mexico• Dinner in a restored 17th-century flour mill on Ile d’Orléans, known as the birthplace of French America• Small Group Exclusive experiences designed for deeper connections with the people, places, and traditions of Québec
Meals
Meals & Itinerary
Breakfast daily, 2 Lunches, 5 Dinners
Notes:
Scenic and whale-watching cruises are subject to favorable weather conditions.Guests with mobility concerns may experience uneven surfaces for ferry loading and unloading, and limited access to passenger amenities on board certain vessels.Guests should be prepared for easy but sustained walking throughout the tour.
Itinerary
Day 1 ARRIVE IN MONTRÉAL, QUÉBEC
Your Small Group Discovery Tour begins! At 6:00 p.m., meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.MONTREAL-OLD-CITY.jpg
Day 2 MONTRÉAL
Magical Montréal After breakfast, enjoy sightseeing with a Local Guide. The rest of your day is free to explore this lively city on your own. Your Tour Director will be onsite to provide ideas for shopping, dining, and exploring. TOUR HIGHLIGHTExplore the cultural capital of Canada where Québécois culture and heritage are celebrated in Vieux-Montréal with cobblestone streets and grand buildings showcasing European flair. Visit the Basilique Notre-Dame with its stunning stained glass and enjoy shopping and lunch in the trendy historic Plateau Mont-Royal neighborhood.MONTREAL-ST-JOSEPH-ORATORY.jpg
Breakfast
Day 3 MONTRÉAL–RIMOUSKI
Maritime Marvels Follow the historic Navigator’s Route along the St. Lawrence River into the Bas-Saint-Laurent region for an overnight stay in the maritime center of Rimouski. Recharge in Saint-Jean Port-Joli where nature meets artisan talent with local woodworking, brought to the area by the French settlers in the late 17th century. Free time this evening – perhaps take in the sunset over the St. Lawrence River or stroll through downtown. TOUR HIGHLIGHTExplore historic towns and maritime ports as you travel part of the scenic path of the Navigator’s Route along the southern half of the St. Lawrence River through the beauty of the Quebec countryside and quaint Victorian villages.RIMOUSKI.jpg
Breakfast
Day 4 RIMOUSKI–MIGUASHA NATIONAL PARK–CARLETON-SUR-MÉR
Sea Legends & Ancient Creatures Start your grand tour of the spectacular Gaspé Peninsula featuring panoramic views of the sea, beaches, and cliffs. Continue along the St. Lawrence River to Pointe-au-Père Maritime Historic Site, home of the Empress of Ireland Museum, to learn about the transatlantic liner’s history and doomed fate. Travel through the Matapédia Valley, named for the salmon-rich Matapédia River, for a guided visit to Miguasha National Park. Continue to the Carleton-sur-Mer. TOUR HIGHLIGHT Explore the magnificent natural world of UNESCO World Heritage Site, Miguasha National Park, where prehistoric fossil fish and plants reveal the story of how some of the first vertebrates adapted to life on land. MIGUASHA-NATIONAL-PARK.jpg
Breakfast
Dinner
Day 5 CARLETON-SUR-MÉR–BANC-DE-PÊCHE-DE-PASPÉBIAC NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE–PERCÉ
Seascapes, Strawberries, and Shipbuilding After a morning at leisure, continue your adventure through the Gaspé Peninsula countryside to Ferme Bourdages Tradition Farm, the local experts in everything strawberries since 1821. Visit strawberry fields with sea views and discover the secrets behind the art of making strawberry wine and liqueurs before tasting them. Continue to the Banc-de-Pêche-de-Paspébiac National Historic Site for lunch and a guided tour. Later, arrive at the seaside village of Percé for a 2-night stay. TOUR HIGHLIGHTVisit the remarkable Banc-de-Péche-de-Paspébiac National Historic Site to explore the open-air museum and original buildings dating back to 1766, witness the history of the Gaspésie fishing industry, and watch traditional shipbuilding and net-mending demonstrations. XGTY-BANC-DE-PECHE-DE-PASPEBIA.jpg
Breakfast
Lunch
Day 6 PERCÉ. EXCURSION TO BONAVENTURE ISLAND & PERCÉ ROCK NATIONAL PARKS
Peninsula Discoveries & Lobster Seaside Today, discover the iconic gems of the Gaspé Peninsula. After breakfast, relax on a scenic cruise around the famous 
Percé Rock, also known as the “Pierced Rock” and enjoy a guided visit to Bonaventure Island National Park to observe the stunning seabird colony and marine wildlife that frequent the region. Spend the afternoon at leisure. Return to Percé for a local seafood dinner. LOCAL FAVORITEExplore Percé Rock and Bonaventure Island National Parks, home to one of the largest migratory bird refuges in North America. It is home to more than 100,000 northern gannets, and is the most accessible in the world. Wander the hiking trails or enjoy the heritage trail to learn about the rich natural, historic, and geological wonders of the island.PERCE-ROCK-NATIONAL-PARK-GASPE.jpg
Breakfast
Dinner
Day 7 PERCÉ–GASPÉ–FORILLON NATIONAL PARK–GRANDE VALLÉE–MATANE
Seaside Parks & Captivating Cliffs Visit Forillon National Park, the official beginning to the International Appalachian Trail. The park is home to traditional fishing villages, pebble beaches, and quiet coves. Follow the peninsula road to visit the Cap-des-Rosiers lighthouse, the tallest in Canada, lighting the way since 1858. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Gaspé. The afternoon’s drive provides some of the best scenery of the peninsula with soaring cliffs, lighthouses, and expansive views of the St. Lawrence River. Late afternoon arrival in Matane, the hub of Gaspé’s thriving shrimp industry. LOCAL FAVORITE Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Gaspé on Forillon’s peninsula to experience the quaint fishing traditions still treasured here. Cod fishing was a main part of the culture and economy in the Gaspesie region for more than 200 years; in 1992, cod shortages shifted the focus to salmon, striped bass, and mackerel. FORILLON-NATIONAL-PARK.jpg
Day 8 MATANE–LES JARDINS DE METIS–CHARLÉVOIX REGION-LA MALBAIE
Garden Light and Fresh Delights Change gears from fishing to flowering plants at the famous Les Jardins de Métis, better known as the Reford Gardens. Enjoy a ferry ride to cross the St. Lawrence River and continue to the beautiful Charlévoix region, a thriving culinary destination. Continue to Rivière-du-Loup for a scenic ferry crossing of the St. Lawrence River to Saint-Siméon on the northern shore. Arrive in the beautiful Charlévoix region, a thriving culinary destination with picturesque villages lining the riverbanks, for an overnight stay and dinner in La Malbaie. LOCAL FAVORITE Few gardens have been built under such adverse atmospheric conditions as the stunning Les Jardins De Métis. These thoughtfully designed gardens (also called Reford Gardens) were built from 1926 to 1958 by innovator and horticulturist Elsie Reford, who spent thirty years transforming a fishing camp on the Métis River into a vast 40-acre estate garden brimming with bold and innovative character. Stroll amid some 3,000 plant varieties, including the famous Himalayan blue poppy, as part of 15 gardens in a naturally beautiful botanical wonderland. Spend time exploring the many areas of the gardens, such as the Linear Garden, the Stream Garden, or Bird Garden specifically designed to attract many varieties of species.QUEBEC-CITY-STREET-VIEW.jpg
Breakfast
Dinner
Day 9 LA MALBAIE–SAGUENAY FJORD–BAIE-SAINT-PAUL–QUÉBEC CITY
Whale Tales & Traditional Tastes Travel along the north shore of the St. Lawrence River to the breathtaking Saguenay Fjord to embark on a whale-watching cruise in the heart of the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park. Travel on the “Charlevoix Flavour Trail” and explore innovative sustainability initiatives and rich dairy heritage at Laiterie Charlevoix. The family-owned artisanal dairy is famous for expressive fine cheese and eco-friendly production. Continue the journey to romantic Québec City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for being one of the most historic and best-preserved cities in North America. Tonight, explore Québec’s Parisian ambiance by visiting the shops in the Petit-Champlain district or enjoying the French-inspired cuisine at one of the many restaurants. LOCAL FAVORITEEmbark on a fantastic adventure on the spectacular waters of Saguenay Fjord. Board your whale-watching cruise in the stunning Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park, known for having a wide variety of whale species in the water. On board, a naturalist guide will introduce you to the marine mammals of the area including the endangered species, such as the blue whale and the St. Lawrence beluga whale.TOUR HIGHLIGHTNestled in the heart of Old Québec, Hôtel Manoir Victoria offers historic charm, modern comfort and a distinctly Québécois experience. The name “Victoria" evokes the era and legacy of Queen Victoria, whose reign coincided with an important period in the development of Québec City and Canada.SAGUENAY-FJORD.jpg
Breakfast
Day 10 QUÉBEC CITY
French-Canadian Treasures Explore the historic walled city of Québec with a Local Guide to see the Place d’Armes, the Laval Seminary, the star-plan Citadelle, and the Place Royale. Also see the Old-world houses crowding the narrow streets in Lower Town by the St. Lawrence River, and the historic Plains of Abraham in the French-founded city, port, and capital of Canada’s Québec province. Enjoy leisure time this afternoon amid the splendid views and ambience of the surrounding landscape, described by Charles Dickens as the “Gibraltar of North America.” Tonight, travel to Ile D’Orléans for a farewell dinner in a restored 17th-century flour mill. TOUR HIGHLIGHTOne of the oldest cities in Canada— Québec City retains more than 400 years of tradition, architecture, and Old-World charm in the only fortified city north of Mexico whose walls still exist. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a romantic city of narrow cobblestone streets, stone buildings, fortifications, and rich French-Canadian culture and cuisine. QUEBEC-CITY-VIEW.jpg
Breakfast
Dinner
Day 11 QUÉBEC CITY–MONTRÉAL
Safe travels until we meet again! After breakfast, depart for Montreal and enjoy a seamless transfer to the airport. Please schedule your departure flight from Montreal Trudeau International Airport for 3:30 p.m. or later. Want to explore more of Montreal on your own? Extra nights are available for purchase. MONTREAL-SKYLINE.jpg
Breakfast
Tour Director
With GLOBUS, there’s no better way to get to know your destination than through the eyes of a Tour Director. We’d like you to meet one of our Tour Directors, who average over a decade of experience and are representative of the type of expert that will be with you on your vacation.
PETER CHOBANOV
Escorting tours for more than 20 years
Escorting tours for more than 20 years
“I am a geographer, so what better job can one have than to show off my country! Born and raised in Ontario, I make Quebec my home today. I met my wife on the job and our kids were born into my world as a tour director. I wouldn't have it any other way! Travel is a passion and I love to share the beauty of my country from the Atlantic to the Pacific and all parts in between. Whether it¿s a personal tale, a yarn about fishing, government intrigue, or a close-up bear encounter, I love to tell a Canadian story (or 10), which makes for a more personal and compelling journey. After all, isn't that what travel is all about?”
Optional Excursions
No matter what you’re into: food, wine, history, art, music or anything else,
we give you the freedom to personalize your vacation with optional excursions that speak to your interests.
When you book your excursions with us, you can be assured that every optional excursion that we offer coordinates with the free time that you'll have in your destination,
so you'll never have conflicts between included and optional activities.
Our team of travel experts carefully selects each optional excursion that we offer to ensure that you receive the highest quality at a great value.
Our tried-and-true partners have a finger on the pulse of the city in which they operate so they deliver the very best experiences.
We offer experiences you cannot create on your own and because you’re booking with us, we coordinate all your transportation and timing needs.
The following optional excursions are examples only for this vacation. These may or may not be offered, and availability is subject to days of operation and seasonality. Please select a departure date to view optional excursions and pricing for a specific date (due to currency fluctuation, pricing shown is subject to change until purchased). Optional excursions are available for purchase on our MyGlobus site 90 days prior to the tour start date.
Price Ranges
$ ($50 CAD and under)
$$ ($51 - $100 CAD)
$$$ ($101 - $150 CAD)
$$$$ (Over $150)
No Excursions are available at this time.
The “Starting at” or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per person based on twin occupancy and any applicable port charges, non-commissionable taxes and fees and intra-vacation flight are included in the price shown. Any included overnight stay in Canada, applicable GST/HST is also included in the price shown. International airfare, however, is not included. If price is crossed out, the new price shown includes a limited time promotional offer(s). Please review current promotions or deals for additional information.