Following the Path of the Route Blanche: A Great Northern Adventure from Natashquan to Blanc-Sablon
Immerse yourself in an authentic and unforgettable adventure along the legendary Route Blanche, the winter trail that links the remote villages of the Lower North Shore. In collaboration with Voyages Coste, embark on a 7-day (6-night) expedition from Natashquan to Blanc-Sablon and travel between 500 and 1,000 kilometers—depending on the itinerary—through a landscape of wild beauty, featuring frozen sea, boreal forests, and picturesque coastal villages.
7 days - 6 nights
Double occupancy*
Dates - February 16 to March 31, 2026
*IMPORTANT: In Harrington, Rivière Saint-Paul, and Tête-à-la-Baleine, rooms only offer one bed. If you wish to have two beds (additional room), extra fees apply. Please contact Voyages Coste at
This is where the Route Blanche truly reveals its magic!
Each stage offers the chance to meet welcoming communities, experience the unique network of snow-packed trails maintained specifically for snowmobiling, and immerse yourself in the culture, history, and way of life of the Lower North Shore.
Whether you're a nature enthusiast, seeking authenticity, or simply curious to discover a corner of Québec far off the beaten path, the Route Blanche is an invitation to wonder, freedom, and adventure. So, put on your helmet, prepare your snowmobiles, and let yourself be carried away by the northern wind.
DAY 1 - Natashquan
Welcome to Natashquan: A Cultural Birthplace and Gateway to the Lower North Shore
Your adventure begins in Natashquan, an iconic village of the Côte-Nord and the birthplace of poet and songwriter Gilles Vigneault, whose works have shaped Québec's cultural imagination. Upon arrival, let yourself be charmed by the peaceful atmosphere of this coastal community where culture, history, and the sea intertwine. Take the time to admire the sweeping landscapes, endless beaches, and the famous Magasins du Galet, enduring symbols of a fishing heritage rooted in cooperation and resilience.
After this first northern immersion, settle in at Auberge La Cache, your cozy refuge for the night. This welcoming inn offers the perfect place to unwind and prepare for the expedition that begins the next morning.
A gentle start to your stay… already filled with discovery.
DAY 2 - Natashquan to Harrington Harbour (216 km)
On the White Trail: From Natashquan to Harrington Harbour Island
After a hearty breakfast at your inn, the real adventure begins. You'll head toward Kegaska, where Route 138 ends… but where the legendary White Trail takes over. You will leave your trailer in the village parking lot for the duration of your stay, then suit up and set off on the snowy trails.
Your day leads you to Chevery, passing through the Innu community of La Romaine (Unamen Shipu). This stretch of nearly 200 km plunges you into the heart of the wild Lower North Shore: frozen expanses, northern silence, isolated villages, and coastal landscapes of breathtaking purity. Along the way, you'll have the chance to stop for lunch in a typical survival camp or at one of the establishments in the villages you'll pass—an ideal break to warm up and refuel.
The adventure then continues toward your destination of the day: the charming island of Harrington Harbour (14 km). Accessible only by snowmobile or quad in winter, this English-speaking village—famous for serving as the backdrop for the film La Grande Séduction—offers a true step back in time. Here, there are no cars: only wooden boardwalks, colorful houses, and the warm hospitality of the islanders.
Upon arrival, you'll settle in at Gîte Jean Boarding House, a friendly place where comfort meets authenticity. Your host, Mrs. Jean, originally from Newfoundland, will be waiting for you with a delicious homemade supper—perfect for ending a day filled with discoveries and emotions.
DAY 3 - Harrington Harbour to Blanc-Sablon (294 km)
From Harrington Harbour to Blanc-Sablon: Majestic Landscapes and Coastal Villages
After breakfast at the inn, enjoy a short stroll through the charming village of Harrington Harbour, known for its wooden boardwalks and unique island atmosphere. You will then experience one of the highlights of the trip: a ten-minute helicopter flight offering spectacular views of the island and its surroundings.
You then return to the White Trail toward La Tabatière, with a stop in Baie-des-Moutons, an ideal viewpoint to photograph the village from above (80 km). The route continues toward Pakua Shipi / Saint-Augustin (40 km), following a trail that becomes increasingly rugged, before stopping for a meal at the village restaurant.
In the afternoon, you continue toward Vieux-Fort (88 km), where a visit to the general store immerses you in the daily life of the municipality of Bonne-Espérance. Finally, you cross Rivière-Saint-Paul and Middle Bay (83 km) to reach Blanc-Sablon at the end of the day.
Settle in at Auberge Motel Quatre Saisons, followed by dinner in one of the village's restaurants.
DAY 4 - Blanc-Sablon to Bonne-Espérance (83 km)
Blanc-Sablon to Bonne-Espérance: Culture, Connections, and an Off-Trail Expedition
After breakfast at your inn, you head toward Rivière-Saint-Paul. Once there, you'll meet a local “Costier” who will introduce you to the region's history through a visit to the Whiteley Museum, a must-see in Bonne-Espérance.
Lunch is served at the village restaurant, and the afternoon is dedicated to a guided off-trail expedition that meets Aventure Écotourisme Québec standards. You will set out to explore the Rivière-Saint-Paul archipelago, a wild and impressive area accessible only with an experienced local guide.
Back in the village, you settle in at the Auberge Whiteley Inn before enjoying a comforting dinner on-site.
DAY 5 - Bonne-Espérance to Tête À La Baleine (190 km)
Bonne-Espérance to Tête-à-la-Baleine: Between Vast Wilderness and a Historic Archipelago
After breakfast at the inn, you leave Bonne-Espérance and head toward Tête-à-la-Baleine, a journey of about 190 km through the wide, remote landscapes of the Lower North Shore. A lunch stop along the way allows you to rest and recharge before continuing your day.
Upon arrival, you set off on a guided tour of the Toutes-Îles Archipelago with a local guide certified according to Aventure Écotourisme Québec standards. This area, rich in history and religious heritage, offers unique panoramas and a timeless atmosphere.
At the end of the day, you settle in at Auberge de l'Archipel, where a warm and well-deserved dinner awaits you.
DAY 6 - Tête À La Baleine to Natashquan (254 km)
Return to Natashquan: One Last Journey Through the Great Outdoors
After breakfast at the inn, you head back onto the White Trail toward Natashquan. The route, still fully immersed in the vast northern landscapes, offers one last chance to take in the wild beauty of the Lower North Shore. Be sure to pack a lunch for midday, which you can enjoy along the way.
You will arrive in Natashquan in the afternoon, where you will once again check in at Auberge La Cache for a relaxing evening after this long day on the trail.
DAY 7 - Natashquan - End of the stay
Natashquan: the journey home
After one last breakfast at the inn, it's time to load and secure the snowmobiles onto the trailers for the trip back. You then head out on Route 138, your heart full of memories and the breathtaking landscapes of the Lower North Shore.
Inclusions:
- Accommodation for 6 nights in inns, guesthouses, or hotels depending on availability
- 6 breakfasts, 1 lunch (Jean Boarding House), and 3 dinners (Jean Boarding House, Whiteley Inn, and Auberge de l'Archipel)
- Visit to the Whiteley Museum followed by a one-hour meeting with a local Costier
- Excursion in the Bonne-Espérance Archipelago and in the Toutes Îles Archipelago of Tête-à-la-Baleine with a local guide, in accordance with Aventure Écotourisme Québec standards
- 10-minute helicopter flight over Harrington Harbour
- Assistance from Voyages Coste at all times, located at 454 Jacques-Cartier, Rivière-au-Tonnerre, Tel.: 1.888.619.2496 or (418) 465-2002
- Contribution to the Friends of the Solidarity Cooperative in Fair Tourism
Not included:
- Optional activities and meals
- Snowmobile and trailer rental if you do not have your own snowmobile
- Manulife insurance and/or cancellation protection
- Taxes and service fees
