SEA-KAYAKING ON THE LOWER-NORTH-SHORE
Sea-kayaking the Lower-North-Shore
DURATION :
7 days sea-kayaking expedition.
9 days from Tête-à-la-Baleine
AREA : Tête-à-la-Baleine, Lower-North-Shore, Québec.
PRICE PER PERSON : 3800$ + tx
WHAT’S INCLUDED? : Click here to know more
GROUP SIZE :
Small groups : 6 to 10 participants. We guarantee the departure as soon as a minimum of 6 participants is reached.
Private departures are also available.
OPERATING PERIOD : June
Cruise on the Bella-Desgagnés
Sea-kayaking
Wild camping
Cultural experience with Voyages CoSTE
Trip dates
- 2026 : June 18th to 27th
Many islands : the Lower-North-Shore
A sea scattered with islands—or a land scattered with waters? Hundreds of islands dot the Lower North Shore, a land of light and mist that forms a true sea-kayaking paradise. Often overlooked because of its remoteness, this wild coastline offers countless route options through sprawling archipelagos, patches of coastal tundra, fjord-like channels, seabird refuges, sheltered bays, and salmon-river estuaries.
While the weather can be challenging in this remote and untamed region, the abundance of islands usually allows paddlers to find passages protected from the open sea and the waves.
Getting there : the Bella-Desgagnés
Beyond the end of Route 138, simply reaching Tête-à-la-Baleine is already part of the adventure. Our itinerary is planned around the schedule of the Bella-Desgagnés, the supply ship that travels weekly between Rimouski and Blanc-Sablon. Along the way, it stops in a series of isolated villages, still not connected with the road.
The journey is long, but each stop reveals a new facet of the Coast.
We’ll meet on board the day before our arrival in Tête-à-la-Baleine. Participants can choose to board at the end of the road in Kegaska, or from another port further along the route—such as Havre-Saint-Pierre or even directly from Rimouski.
Harrington Harbour and Tête-à-la-Baleine
The Bella-Desgagnés reaches Harrington Harbour in the morning—a fishing village set on its own island, made famous by the film La Grande Séduction. We’ll have time for a short walk through the village, wandering along its wooden boardwalks. Then the ship continues toward our destination: Tête-à-la-Baleine. We’ll spend the afternoon visiting the village and preparing for the start of our kayak expedition the following day. Night in a local guesthouse.
All Islands: The Tête-à-la-Baleine Archipelago
Off the coast of the village stretches a maze of islands and narrow channels that locals call rigolets: an ideal world for sea-kayak exploration. Each journey here is unique, shaped by the winds, the sea… and your own curiosity. There is no fixed itinerary—we simply follow the conditions of the moment.
The landscape is rugged yet incredibly bright, at times reminiscent of the Arctic. For seven days, we’ll leave the federal wharf and travel in full autonomy. Each evening, we’ll set up camp on an island—coastal tundra, sheltered coves, river mouths. On some days, we may choose to stay put, explore lightly with unladen kayaks, or hike up a nearby summit for a panoramic view of the archipelago.
Return by Sea
After the expedition, a final night in the village guesthouse offers a welcome moment of comfort before we board the Bella-Desgagnés at dawn. The return trip is the perfect opportunity to contemplate the landscapes we explored—this time from the deck of the ship.
Expedition trip - Advanced level - experience required
You will be an integral part of the team: setting up camp, preparing meals, and navigating each day. Out here, the sea sets the pace. Flexibility is essential—plans may shift, and sometimes patience is required.
On the Lower North Shore, remoteness and weather naturally bring their share of surprises.
This trip is designed for sea kayakers with prior experience and a solid foundation in wilderness camping. Having traveled with us before is an asset, but not required—you simply need to demonstrate the necessary skills.
We will paddle fully loaded kayaks and encounter a wide range of conditions: swell between the islands, chop along cliffs, unexpected waves around exposed points, and the occasional sudden fog.
You will nevertheless be guided by experienced professionals who ensure safety and choose routes appropriate to the conditions. It’s also an excellent opportunity to further develop your skills for future self-supported expeditions.
What's included
- Solo or tandem sea kayaks, paddles and spray skirts
- Neoprene clothing (wetsuit), windproof coat and neoprene booties
- Personal floatation device
- All group equipment (kitchen equipment, group tarp, safety equipment)
- Drybags for personal equipment
- Maps and navigation equipment
- Tents and mattress
- All meals, except those on the Bella-Desgagnés (there is a restaurant and cafeteria on board)
- Guide services and expedition logistics
- Accommodation and visits to villages, with local members of Voyages CoSTE
What you need to bring :
- Upon registering, you will receive a full list of necessary and recommended equipment for this trip
- Your tent and mattress if you prefer using your own equipment
- Round-trip Transportation on the Bella-Desgagnés
Photo gallery
No Images Found!
No Images Found!
Adult : 3800 $
*Price before taxes. The cost per person includes : 1% for the Planet