“Sailing” and “Schedule” should never be used in the same sentence. Perhaps not even in the same paragraph.  Our goal is always to do as much sailing as possible and motoring as strictly a last choice, or when sailing is unsafe.   This year, the winds have either been too weak, or from the wrong direction, so had we held to that goal we would still be in Montreal.

But, as the saying goes, sailors adapt so we have revised our plans /goals and have elected to pick our way along the Quebec North Shore in day trips, and it is beautiful Canadian Shield – rocks and trees.  The last time we did this leg we did several longer overnights so we saw little.  These shorter hops have allowed us to enjoy the view and to see a lot more sea life than we would in the dark !

June 19, 2026

Cap a L’Aigle to Tadoussac

The sun came out but flat water; left at a leisurely 10am. Lots of freighters, so we stayed close to shore which afforded us a multitude of Beluga sightings! Some came as close as <100 ft.

We realized that this is the start of our ‘adventure’/holiday/cruising and that before was just a commute. Despite the motoring we were enjoying the journey and that’s what it’s all about. We are mesmerized by the possibility of seeing sea life and it really does deliver up here with seals, minke, fin and beluga whales, dolphins and seabirds (I check my bird book regularly!). Not only is it sightings but smells as well. As we approached Tadoussac there was a pungent fishy smell – it was low tide, then upon entering the mouth of the Saguenay River it was a strong pine aroma…like lying in a bed of pine needles. Ali has a particularly strong sense of smell (this is both a good and bad trait!!).

In Tadoussac we anchored in 5m at low tide so put out extra chain. It looked like they had dropped more private mooring balls in the Bay so space was tight. After 2 more boats arrived and the wind swung we changed location so as not to swing into these moorings. We also tried out our new anchor sail (homemade). Although we had fastened it out and down, the slack wing attachment awoke us at 3am so adjustments were made.

We dinghied to the Marina, paid our $25, had showers then meandered through the various scenic walks in town. Then off to LaBoheme for delicious coffee & treats. A little bit of rain did not deter, and the afternoon was spent at the Microbrasserie! Avoiding overnight sails is a goal this trip – we are cruisers- so planning the next leg is always on our minds.

June 22

Up with the sun (5am) so cast off by 7, no wind, overcast. Tour boat was out and stationary as they had spotted a Humpback whale… our first sighting of these big guys this trip. We had planned a 50nm day hop. No trouble maneuvering into Anse Norbert, found mud in 3m with lots of swing room. A public beach and highway were in sight. However, the bay next door had a grounded sailboat on its beach (!!)… not sure what happened but it is a reminder to be diligent.

Whales are hard to capture on video, but here is our attempt to share a Beluga sighting – a tiny, very white dot in the water coming closer. This video is 1:06 minutes – wait to the end to see it closer:)

June 23

Headed to Baie Comeau in rain, flat water and lots of sea life – Belugas, Minke and seals. Steve in full foulies, Ali hiding below and Tikaani taking the helm (autopilot). We have mirrored our ipad to the B&G and have a remote autopilot so we can stay out of the downpours. For the night, we explored Anse Saint-Pancrace – a beautiful fjord with a waterfall but 30m deep! The Club-Nautique Baie Comeau puts a dock in there for members and visitors but had not put it in yet. Darn! Back to the Baie Comeau Club-Nautique; they did not answer on 68 or the phone, so we chose our spot and with some tight maneuvering had a peaceful night. Yes- they did find us and as we go downriver the $/ft decreases! Nice facilities but not near town.

June 24

Headed out once again flat water, drizzle, some east wind. The guidebook suggestions were not helpful due to wind direction so we hoped the Baie de Homard would serve as an anchorage. It was great with 4m and mud and a wide Bay to swing in. A few lobster traps to avoid and 2 settlements on the shore.

June 25^th was the best day so far as we left early, maneuvered through stunning rock/trees and Ile Grand Caouis to open water, sun and a SW wind at 13 knots. We only have 40nm to Sept-Iles so up went the sails. Not sure if it was because the motor wasn’t on but we had our closest whale encounter yet with him surfacing 20 feet off our beam. We held our breaths but so did he as he didn’t surface again till he was way off our stern. Looks like he met his buddies as there was lots of spouting out there.

Sept-Iles is a huge protected basin and the Club-Nautique has a live camera, so B dock looked clear and most accessible. Landed and here we sit, waiting for SW wind to get to the Mingan Islands. We took out our SOLO bikes and toured the town. A little shopping and eating. Great people, lovely lakefront, active town.

Hoping to do an overnight sail to the Mingan Islands!!

Hope you can see the Beluga on this one!