Tourism in nature, full of authenticity and fresh air

Manicouagan is where the Côte-Nord starts. You drive on Road 138, also known as the Whale Route, along the St. Lawrence River in the East direction. Some 300 kilometres of coastline where tourism having a special place. Contemplate the nature, landscapes, wide open spaces and be ringside of an extraordinary holiday destination.

Here, you are on the real Whale Route. Officially recognized in 2001 by the Ministère du Tourisme, the Manicouagan is the preferred area of the large marine mammals to get plenty of food. A large amount of krill, the favourite food of the whales, leads them to stay along the coasts of the Côte-Nord from May to October. You can watch them from our many coastal observation sites, in sea kayak or on a cruise.

When you arrive at Tadoussac, you cross the front door of the region. This touristic area has more than 400 years of history. Vacationers from everywhere in the world come to stay in, from the first days of spring until the end of October. Whale watching is of course a popular activity. A stay at the Hotel Tadoussac is also an inevitable choice for tourists. There is also the historic heritage, the hiking trails, the interpretation centres, souvenir shops and the boardwalk along the Bay. Admire the fjord of the Saguenay and Tadoussac Bay, member of the Select Club of The Most Beautiful Bays in the World. A unique landscape. It is only the beginning of a beautiful adventure in the Manicouagan region.

Then continue on Road 138, always on the east direction. Many activities await you. Les Bergeronnes, Les Escoumins, Forestville, Baie-Comeau, Godbout and Baie-Trinité; all these municipalities are great vacation destinations. Bear watching, fishing, bike, kayak, golf, hiking, camping or activities for all the family. The nature waits for you in the Manicouagan.

If you take Road 172, you follow the fjord of the Saguenay to Sacré-Cœur, the last stop of the region. You can spend your holiday in a farm, in a cottage or a Bed & Breakfast with your family. Come and admire the sunsets at L'Anse-de-Roche, you'll want to come back.

In north direction, following the Road 389, where many lakes are available for an improvised fishing or to stay in an outfitter. A visit to the Great Dams: Manic-2 and Manic-5, which are supplied by the reservoir of the Manicouagan crater, is a must see. The Manic-5 dam, a unique architecture built in the 1960s, is worth the detour. Imagine that you can visit the largest dam with multiple vaults and foothills in the wolrd!  Recently, a company offers sightseeing tour on the Manicouagan reservoir. Come and see the traces left by the impact of the meteorite that has shaped this crater, also called the eye of Quebec, 214 million years ago.

The Road 389, also called Trans Quebec-Labrador, opens up the way to the very North East of North America. It is the link to reach Fermont, Labrador City, Churchill Falls and Happy Valley-Goose Bay, where is located the NATO military base. At Goose Bay, a seaway allows you to reach the Newfoundland island.

The region offers you a range of attractions and outdoor activities. As a couple or family, regardless of age, you will find here something in a vacation that you won't forget.

Make the most of the summer season to discover the essential of our coastline. More than 150 kilometres of beach to enjoy for peaceful walks and even swimming. Cruise, camping, hiking, walking, scuba diving and guided sea kayaking trips are paths following the Whale Route. Outdoor and nature at its best.

Under the snow, the region offers the best for all winter activities that you could wish. For alpine or cross-country skiing, hiking, dog sledding, snowshoeing, ice fishing, sleeping in an igloo or tent, Manicouagan is a real destination for recreational outdoor activities. To all snowmobilers: Côte-Nord has more than 2000 kilometres of beautiful trails allowing you to cross the highest bridge for snowmobiling in North America.