Longitudinal World Cruise IV

Embark on a scenic cruise to île Niapiskau to learn about its history and view its centuries-old monoliths. After a short stroll to the marina, you will receive a safety briefing and board your vessel. Depart Havre-Saint-Pierre for île Niapiskau, part of the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve and home to Canada’s largest concentration of erosion monoliths. Step ashore for a guided walk with a Parks Canada heritage interpreter, who will share insights as you explore nearly 500 million years of geological history. Follow a trail lined with limestone cliffs and rock formations, sculpted by wind and waves over centuries into remarkable shapes. Take in the sight of these impressive monoliths, some of which stand over 30 feet tall. Local folklore and poetry have given these formations names and stories, including the iconic Dame de Niapisca. After your visit, return to your ship.

Explore two of the Mingan Archipelago’s islands to marvel at impressive geology and wander through arctic flora. Enjoy a stroll to Havre-Saint-Pierre’s marina, where you will receive a safety briefing before boarding your vessel and setting out into the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Trace the shoreline, keeping watch for sea life as you sail to Petite Île Marteau, one of the Mingan Archipelago’s notable islands. Here, meet your Parks Canada naturalist and walk to the lighthouse station to learn about the island’s flora and maritime history. From the lookout, view the limestone cliffs of Grosse Île au Marteau and the collection of monoliths shaped by the sea before continuing to Île Quarry, a natural botanical garden that is home to numerous regional habitats. Glimpse boreal forest, peat bogs, barrens and cliffs as you explore and visit its erosion site to see another striking set of monoliths.

Explore the nature and intriguing sea creatures of Havre-Saint-Pierre at the Mingan Island Cetacean Study. Meet your guide, board your motor coach and set off, tracing the scenic coastline from Havre-Saint-Pierre and marveling at the expansive nature of the region, passing swaths of lush boreal forest and winding rivers. As you pass through Longue Point de Mingan, admire the seaside splendor of the town before arriving at its research center, the Mingan Island Cetacean Study. Here, explore the site with your guide, learning about the center’s research, including long-term studies on the cetaceans of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, including the endangered blue whale. View interactive exhibits and listen to engaging presentations to discover more about the majestic whales that call this region home and the current conservation efforts to preserve their habitat.

Explore the maritime heritage of the Mingan Archipelago with a visit to a historic lighthouse in a small group. Journey along the picturesque coast of Havre-Saint-Pierre, marveling at the blend of seaside splendor and lush pine forest before arriving in Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan. Board your vessel, listen to a short safety briefing and cast off. Navigate through the scenic Gulf of St. Lawrence to Île aux Perroquets. The first lighthouse was built here in 1888 as a response to five major shipwrecks that occurred in the Mingan Archipelago. Here, meet your guide and stroll through the site, admiring the lighthouse and its surrounding buildings, learning about the lives of the keeper, the staff and their families, and discover the role the lighthouse played in helping sailors navigate the archipelago, not only by light but also with flags, sound signals, telegraphs and radios.