Québec’s Fins, Feathers & Fall Colours
October 2-8 2027
This 7-day autumn expedition takes you to Québec’s wild North Shore, where the St. Lawrence River meets boreal forest at the height of fall. Timed for peak whale activity, migratory birds, and vibrant autumn colour, this journey explores one of eastern Canada’s most dynamic seasonal landscapes, with opportunities to photograph fin, minke, humpback, and blue whales alongside raptors and seabirds. Traveling between coastal viewpoints, zodiac excursions, and forested inland settings, we’ll immerse ourselves in a fleeting moment when ocean giants, migratory birds, and fall colour converge along Québec’s dramatic shorelines.
Québec’s North Shore Landscapes
Explore Québec’s rugged North Shore, where coastline, mountains, and open river collide
Photograph sweeping seascapes, rolling hills, and quiet, off-the-beaten-path locations during peak fall colours
Experience a slower pace of travel, allowing time to fully engage with each scene
Work with the rich, directional light of autumn to add depth and mood to your images
Discover hidden viewpoints and lesser-known corners that feel untouched and timeless
Whales, Birds & Seasonal Movement
Observe whales in the St. Lawrence, including humpbacks, minkes, and the elusive blue whale
Capture dynamic moments as whales surface, dive, and interact in coastal waters
Witness fall migration, with raptors, owls, and songbirds moving through the region
Combine wildlife with landscape, framing animals within dramatic coastal backdrops
Focus on behaviour, timing, and storytelling during one of the most active seasons of the year
Flexible, Hands-On Learning in the Field
Learn in a small group setting with plenty of one-on-one time and direct feedback
Adapt each day in the field based on conditions, ensuring you’re always in the right place at the right time
Receive guidance tailored to your photography skill level - whether beginner or advanced
Take part in group photo discussions, image reviews, and shared learning moments that deepen your abilities
Benefit from a collaborative environment where questions, experimentation, and creativity are encouraged
Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Québec City
Welcome to historic Québec City! We encourage you to spend the day exploring its cobblestone streets, riverfront, and vibrant food scene at your own pace. We’ll come together in the evening for a welcome dinner, where you’ll meet your guides and fellow guests and prepare for the journey ahead.
Days 2-4: Charlevoix, Migration & Autumn Landscapes
We leave the urban rhythm of Québec City behind and follow the St. Lawrence River into the Charlevoix region, where the coming days are dedicated to exploring a rich blend of wildlife and autumn landscapes.
During our time here, we’ll visit Cap Tourmente to photograph migratory birds in beautiful light, while also travelling through areas like Baie-Saint-Paul, staying open to spontaneous wildlife encounters and scenic stops along the way.
We’ll explore lesser-known national parks such as Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie and Grands-Jardins, where the landscapes shift dramatically, from steep valley walls and dense forests to tundra-like terrain and boreal ecosystems. These diverse environments offer endless opportunities for strong composition and visual storytelling. Wherever we go, the changing fall colours create constantly evolving scenes, making each outing unique.
Each day is shaped by light, weather, and wildlife activity. While certain windows are set aside to take advantage of the best conditions, much of our time remains flexible, allowing us to explore, adapt, and make the most of what the region reveals. With guidance throughout, you’ll deepen both your connection to the landscape and your approach behind the camera.
Days 5-6: Tadoussac, Whales & Fall Migration
We continue north to Tadoussac, where the St. Lawrence meets the Saguenay Fjord and marine life concentrates in rich feeding waters. Over these days, we head out on whale-watching excursions, timing departures for optimal light and photographic conditions.
This is also a peak migration corridor for birds. We work coastal edges, forest openings, and shoreline viewpoints to photograph seabirds, raptors, and migrating songbirds moving through the region. Flexibility will be key as we respond to weather, movement, and light.
Evenings are spent along the coast at locations such as Cap Bon-Désir or the Tadoussac shoreline for sunset photography. One night includes a visit with researchers from the Tadoussac Bird Observatory for an owl banding session, observing and photographing these nocturnal birds up close. When conditions allow, we may also explore inland trails in the Baie-Sainte-Marguerite fjord area.
Day 7: Return to Québec City
We begin our return to Québec City, following the St. Lawrence River with time for a final shared lunch along the way. Arriving in the city, we say au revoir as our trip comes to an end.
Itinerary details may shift based on weather, wildlife activity, and light conditions; however, all core experiences and inclusions will remain unchanged. This trip is scheduled to coincide with Québec’s fall colours, though peak foliage timing varies each year and cannot be guaranteed.
Where We’ll Go
Our 7-day journey begins and ends in Québec City, guiding us east along the St. Lawrence River into the heart of the Charlevoix region, one of Canada’s most stunning landscapes, shaped by an ancient meteorite impact and defined by rolling mountains, river valleys, and vibrant autumn forests. From the migratory haven of Cap Tourmente to the dramatic canyon walls of Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie, we’ll explore a region rich in biodiversity and visual contrast, offering exceptional opportunities to photograph fall colour, sweeping vistas, and fleeting wildlife moments.
Beyond Charlevoix, we continue to Tadoussac, where the Saguenay Fjord meets the St. Lawrence and the landscape shifts from forest to sea. This dynamic confluence creates one of the best places in the world to encounter whales, while also serving as a critical corridor for migratory birds. Along rugged shorelines, forest edges, and windswept coastal viewpoints, we’ll immerse ourselves in Québec’s wild and untamed beauty.
Photography Skills You’ll Build
Camera & Phone Techniques
Get comfortable with your gear while fine-tuning exposure, focus settings, and composition. Whether you’re shooting on a camera or smartphone, you’ll leave with a stronger technical foundation and more confidence behind the lens.
Capturing Birds & Whales in Action
Practice photographing fast-moving birds and surfacing whales along the St. Lawrence. You’ll work on timing, tracking, and camera settings to consistently capture sharp, well-composed wildlife moments.
Composing in Dynamic Landscapes
From vibrant fall foliage to rugged shorelines, learn how to simplify scenes, work with layered colours, and adapt to changing light conditions to create clean, compelling images.
Reading Wildlife Behaviour
Understand how birds and marine life move and behave, helping you anticipate action and position yourself for those fleeting, story-rich moments.
From Grand Vistas to Fine Details
Photograph sweeping autumn landscapes, misty river scenes, and intimate details like leaves, textures, and bird portraits—building a well-rounded and visually diverse portfolio.
Building a Visual Story
Develop your ability to curate and edit your images into a cohesive collection. You’ll explore techniques to enhance colour, mood, and continuity across your fall and wildlife photography.
Trip details
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Total Cost is $4,995CAD (+tax) per person. We limit the trip to 8 guests with with 2 photography guides.
A non-refundable deposit of $1500CAD (+tax) is due upon booking.
The remaining balance ($3,495 CAD + tax) is due 90 days before your departure date.
For full details on inclusions, see What’s included.Given the nature of our seasonal business and the relatively small window of operation, cancellations within 90 days of departure are non refundable unless the dates in question are able to be filled. We will make every attempt to try and fill your spot in order to issue a full refund (minus a 10% transaction fee), but if unable we reserve the right to keep payment. Travel insurance is required.
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Night one is spent at the Cofortel Hotel in Québec City, perfectly located near the airport for easy access.
As we move North, we settle into a mountain home near Baie-Saint-Paul, tucked among glowing fall foliage; a quiet, restorative base surrounded by autumn colour. There will be shared bathrooms during this portion of the itinerary.
We then round our trip at the historic Tadoussac Hotel. Perched above the St. Lawrence since 1864, this iconic wooden hotel, one of the oldest in Canada, has long served as a gateway to the whale-rich waters and storied landscapes of Québec’s North Shore.
For hotels and our private residence, rooms will be shared between guests, with respect to gender (unless prior arrangements are made).
Single supplements are available for hotel stays for those who prefer private accommodations, however we cannot guarantee a single room at the private residence. Please contact us for details. -
Québec’s food scene is internationally celebrated for its European influences, and you’ll experience it firsthand with dinners at locally renowned restaurants.
To maximize time in the field, lunches will often be enjoyed on the go - with light fare picked up from cozy cafés or prepared ourselves.
Depending on our accommodations, breakfasts will either be hearty meals at our hotel or at your leisure while staying at our Charlevoix residence.
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Accommodations: All accommodations including hotel stays and private mountain residence for the duration of the trip.
Transportation: All transportation to activities starting the morning after the welcome dinner and return to Quebec City.
Food: Welcome dinner and hotel breakfasts.Activities: Full days of wildlife viewing, including whale watching, bird viewing, meeting with the bird researchers, and transportation.
Photography: Hands-on photography workshops and field sessions, led by guides with deep naturalist knowledge and years of on-the-ground experience in the region.
Permits: Applicable permits, park user fees, and First Nations protocol fees. -
Transportation between your home and Quebec City
Travel or cancellation insurance (required, see below for more information)
Accommodations before or after the trip days
All lunches and all dinners (outside of welcome dinner). Breakfasts at mountain residence. We have planned stops at grocery stores for you to purchase the supplies you need. We will make some stops at local cafes and restaurants,
Alcohol (beer, wine, spirits, etc.)
Guide gratuities.
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Quebec City is easily accessible by plane, train, and car.
Plane: Arrive at Jean Lesage International Airport, our hotel is nearby. It is 20 minutes from downtown, if you would like to explore Quebec City!
Train: Gare du Palais station is located in the downtown area. Ubers and taxis are available to get to Cofortel Hotel.Car: drive to Cofortel Hotel
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Prior to departure, guests must have in place, comprehensive insurance coverage including medical and emergency evacuation, trip cancellation and interruption, and baggage insurance - this is at your expense; we will require proof of insurance. Any losses experienced because of incorrect travel planning or not securing adequate insurance will also be the full responsibility of the passenger.
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This is a soft-adventure expedition, designed to be accessible and unhurried, with few light 1-3 hour hikes and little travel over strenuous terrain.
Québec’s North Shore is famously dynamic, and autumn weather can shift quickly. Cool temperatures, coastal winds, and changing ocean conditions mean that proper layers and waterproof gear are essential for comfort and safety throughout the trip.
Participants should be comfortable traveling together by shuttle between locations, with some longer driving days. Regular rest stops are built in, and travel time is treated as part of the experience, offering scenic views and opportunities to rest.
To make the most of peak light and wildlife activity, select outings will take place in the morning and evening, when conditions are best for photography.
Accommodations include shared hotel rooms and a shared mountain home, with shared bathrooms at the mountain home.
Single supplements are available for hotel stays for those who prefer private accommodations. The mountain home cannot guarantee individual rooms for each guest.
Ready to explore Québec ?
Do you have questions or want to learn more about this trip? Contact us anytime. We’re happy to provide additional details and help you plan your experience.
