On board a Zodiac, head to the Grande-Ile kayak base camp for a full-day kayak and hiking excursion in the heart of the archipelago.
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Level: Easy
You don't need to be an expert to discover Grande-Ile by kayak and on foot. All you need is the courage and a taste for adventure. It's a beautiful initiation off the beaten path.
The Grande-Ile experience
Grande-Ile is located in the heart of the Mingan Archipelago. It is the largest, wildest, and certainly the most majestic island in the archipelago. As it is remote from Havre-St-Pierre, few adventurers have the chance to explore it.
Grande-Ile has its own personality: its cliffs are unique and imposing, featuring clusters of monoliths called the Château and the zoo. It is home to impressive seal colonies, and there are numerous seabirds in the area.
The departure is from Havre-Saint-Pierre by Zodiac to reach Grande-Ile, where we will embark on sea kayaks. During this cruise, we will navigate the Mingan Channel and pass by the islands in the central sector of the archipelago, a navigation route favorable for encounters with marine mammals and to be enchanted by the evening lights on the way back.
Once on site, we find ourselves in a place seldom visited by tourists. It gives the impression of being alone in the world. Then it's an adventure according to the tides and weather, kayaking along the shores and hiking to visit a part of Grande-Ile.
General information
- Duration: 8 to 9 hours in total
- Departure at 9 a.m. and return in the late afternoon
- 30-minute Zodiac crossing of the Mingan Channel at the beginning and end of the trip
- 12 years old and above (each young person must be accompanied by an adult)
- We require a minimum of 6 registered participants.
- The total distance covered by kayak is approximately 8 km, depending on weather conditions and tidal currents. The hiking distance varies between 3 and 5 km depending on the location. The kayaking route takes place in a sector protected by the islands. The hiking trail is uneven. The kayaking and hiking are considered easy. Anyone who has paddled a bit and can walk for a few hours can join this adventure.
- Signing of the liability waiver and medical form before departure
- Reservation is mandatory
- Departure and return are from Havre-Saint-Pierre (Marina; Pélagie Cormier building) at 9 a.m. Please arrive 20 minutes in advance
What is provided
- Round-trip by Zodiac between Havre-Saint-Pierre and Grande-Ile
- "Mustang" type clothing (windbreaker) for the Zodiac portions if the weather is cold
- Lunch (Lunch consists of smoked salmon pita, broth, and a dessert composed of seasonal fruits. ***Please inform us of your dietary preferences or possible allergies when making the reservation.)
- Services of a guide
- Double kayak, paddle, spray skirt
- Neoprene clothing (wetsuit), windbreaker coat, and neoprene boots
- Basic training to enable autonomous movement during the excursion
- Waterproof bags: can be used for your camera, snack, and a change of clothes
What you need to bring
- Change of clothes
- Your complete waterproof kit or waterproof-breathable clothing (anorak), pants, and coat (the weather can change rapidly)
- Water shoes or sandals (however, you can use Noryak's boots)
- Hiking shoes for the hike
- Warm sweater like a "polar," synthetic clothing (avoid cotton)
- Water bottle and snack
- Personal medication if needed
- Sunglasses and a strap to prevent losing them
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Camera
Price*
- Adults $215 per person
- 15-17 years old $190 per person
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*your 1% contribution for the planet is included; price before taxes.
**A 3% reservation fee is charged for online bookings.
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Dates 2023
- June: 19-20-21-22-26-27
- July: 2-7-8-9-16-21-22-29
- August: 5-10-12-24-25-26
- Other dates may be available during the summer depending on demand.
