This excursion is ideal for those who want to discover and observe rare types of birds such as penguins and puffins as well as marine mammals.
The departure is made from Longue-Pointe de Mingan. We will first head towards the northern point of Île Nue. Île Nue, or Naked Island, is a relatively large named after the fact that there is practically no tree on the island. It is covered by low vegetation that looks like tundra which is typical of a subarctic region. The limestone shores of Île Nue are composed of monoliths. Before the Europeans came to America, the island was a shelter and a center of commerce for the transformation of the whale fat in big stone ovens. Ruins of these ovens can still be observed.
We will cross over to the northern point of Île Nue where we will take a break for lunch. This will also be an opportunity for us to observe the monoliths and participate, if wanted, to a guided tour of the island with a naturalist of Parks Canada. We will then head towards the Îlot, a small island nearby where tern colonies nest, before reaching the campsite situated on the eastern side of Île Nue. We will have a good meal before a well-deserved night of sleep.
The next day we will visit Île aux Perroquets (Parrots Island) and the surrounding islands. This island is known for its rare species of birds such as the penguin and puffin. The old lighthouse on the island was once a strange and magnificent site for two families of guardians. A naturalist of Parks Canada will show us around the island and explain its wildlife as well as teach us about its history.
After having lunch we will head towards Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan passing by Île de la Maison and Île du Wreck. Île de la Maison is occupied by tern colonies that will, with a gracious but aggressive flight pattern, show us there presence and sovereignty of the site. Île du Wreck is known for its numerous shipwrecks caused by the risky ocean floor. However, the limestone ocean floor, together with the remarkably clear water, gives us the opportunity to observe the ocean floor wildlife. With a bit of luck, we will also observe seals lying on the warm rocks heated by the sun.
This section of the archipelago is also known for the abundance of minke whales and common porpoise. Even if it is very rare not to see any wildlife, Odyssée Minganie cannot guarantee their presence.
Itineraries are subject to change due to weather conditions and to the availability of campsites.
