Continuing our summer family vacation through Quebec's stunning landscapes. After crossing the St. Lawrence River by ferry from Matane to Godbout, leaving Gaspésie behind, we're sharing the second half of this unforgettable trip to Canada's beautiful province.
Vacation Day 14: After disembarking the ferry around 10 a.m., we drove along breathtaking roads alternating between lush greens and sparkling blues, descending to Tadoussac. We stayed three nights at the iconic Hotel Tadoussac, the town's oldest. Pro tip: Skip the pricey hotel breakfast and head to the local bakery instead.
Tadoussac quickly became one of our top destinations. We rented electric bikes for an afternoon exploring the coastline, trails, and a secluded dune neighborhood of generational English homes—serene and picturesque. Don't miss the soap factory, Les Savons de l'Atelier de Tadoussac, where I discovered my first effective dry shampoo.
But Tadoussac shines brightest with its whales. We booked a Zodiac tour slightly north (many operators are onsite too). For families with older kids, opt for Zodiac—it's faster, gets you closer, and incredibly safe; we stayed dry. The oversized suits were hilarious, but temperatures drop 10°C on the river—dress warmly! The sightings were magical.
The seals stole the show with their expressive faces, as if pleading, 'Hey, look at me too!' After weeks of Gaspésie wildlife, we were almost seal-fatigued—hilarious after 15 days!
Tadoussac also gateways to the Saguenay Fjord, one of the world's most spectacular (our firsthand favorite). I regret not lingering longer to fully explore it. Our night in Saguenay city felt wasted; next time, drive straight from Tadoussac to Saint-Félicien Zoo. This village captured our hearts.
For dining, Table des Mathilde was divine. Café Bohème excelled for breakfasts and lunches—highly recommended from experience.
Vacation Day 17: Heading to Saguenay, we paused for an exhilarating guided quad tour at the 5-star farm in Sacré-Cœur village toward Anse de Roche—not the greenest, but pure fun!
Vacation Day 18: After two unremarkable nights in Saguenay, we visited Val-Jalbert's historic village. Inspired by New Brunswick's Acadian site, we expected more. It's authentic—real preserved homes from a paper mill owner's benevolent era with worker perks. Worth it if nearby, especially paired with Saint-Félicien Zoo, but not a standalone detour.
Accommodation misstep: Our lakeside chalet on Lac Saint-Jean was an hour from sites, adding drive time.
The Saint-Félicien Zoo surprised us. Skeptical of zoos (Beauval's our benchmark), but this immersive experience—riding a mesh train through 'free-roaming' animal zones like Thoiry—delivered close encounters galore. A pleasant half-day with diverse exhibits.
We wrapped up south at an outfitter for three nights. Reflections: Extend Tadoussac, add nights in Gaspésie and Forillon National Parks for perfection. This ranked among our best family trips! One wish: Return to Quebec in winter.
