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May 16 to 21, 2025 (6 days / 5 nights)
Experience a spiritual walking experience on the Sentier Notre-Dame Kapatakan (SNDK) in the Saguenay – Lac-Saint-Jean region, in a small group accompanied by Valérie Carrier and Suzanne Bernard in the spring of 2025.
THIS JOURNEY IS GUIDED IN FRENCH
1,447.00$ – 2,369.00$
RELAXATION AND REJUVENATION
SPIRITUAL WALK
MODERATE +
Do you know the Sentier Notre-Dame Kapatakan (SNDK), nicknamed the “little Compostela of Saguenay-Lac St-Jean”? It begins at the statue of Notre-Dame at Cap Éternité and ends at the statue of Notre-Dame de Lourdes at the Ermitage St-Antoine in Lac Bouchette, covering a total distance of 230 km. We offer you 5 days of walking through the most beautiful stages of the SNDK, featuring breathtaking landscapes. Experience a unique and brotherly adventure safely while supporting the players in Quebec’s tourism industry!
Highlights
– Daily morning meditation, intention of the day, and introduction to mindful walking
– Discovery of the Ermitage Saint-Antoine
– Sunsets over the fjord
– Evening sharing circle
The Plus
– Comfortable accommodations
– Luggage transportation
– Visit to the Pulperie de Chicoutimi, an essential regional museum
– Passage through the largest glacial formation area in Quebec
An artist with a wide range of interests, but also passionate about human relations, Valérie excels especially as a facilitator and group leader. As a guide and accompanist, she is particularly comfortable on pilgrimages, since her deep faith and spiritual experience are the central elements giving meaning to her life. A native of Saguenay – Lac-Saint-Jean, part of her heart remains there, and it’s a pleasure for her to have the opportunity to help people discover this beautiful region and its welcoming people.
After many years of city and corporate life, the warrior in me is giving way to the wild woman. In my constant quest to connect with nature, I’ve been multiplying my encounters with the Forest, where my Allies and the Spirits of Nature manifest themselves to me in unexpected ways. For me, nature is a sacred place where my soul experiences connection to the universe. In the summer of 2019, Joyce Echaquan’s death triggers a grief within me that surprises me with its power. Having no connection with Joyce or her family, I wonder what is taking hold of me. It was at this point that I became aware of my ignorance of the richness of Quebec’s Aboriginal cultures. It was at this time that I took part in singing circles and training sessions with Dominic Rankin, and was introduced to shamanic journeys with Kimiko Tao Fujumoto. My mikana (path) was beginning. Through these encounters, I realized that spirituality is essential to the equilibrium of every human being. It was through this mikana that I deepened my connection with nature. It is therefore with humility that I accompany this Kapatakan trail pilgrimage for a second year.
Meet in Montreal with your guides. Board the 21-passenger minivan with your backpack and depart for Chicoutimi. Stop along the way for lunch (not included $). Upon arrival, visit the Pulperie de Chicoutimi, a must-see regional museum that traces the history of the area and its people, all in an exceptional setting. Check-in at Auberge Le Parasol (CITQ: 055451) or similar. Dinner and overnight stay.
Breakfast at the hotel as each morning. Your first hiking day will lead you to the statue of the Virgin of Notre Dame du Saguenay. Depart from the visitor center of the national park (7.6 km round trip, approximately 3-4 hours of hiking, nearly 300 meters elevation gain). Once at the summit, you will enjoy a magnificent view of the fjord. Snack along the way. After your return, transfer back to Chicoutimi at Auberge Le Parasol (CITQ: 055451) or similar. Dinner and overnight stay.
Depart on foot from Auberge Le Parasol for 24 km of hiking, or depart from the Little White House Museum for 19 km of hiking. You will follow the Saguenay Notre-Dame Kapatakan trails from Mont-Fortin, leaving the Notre-Dame Kapatakan Trail to head toward Motel Princesse (CITQ: 002461) or similar. Check-in at the hotel, dinner at the restaurant, and overnight stay in Jonquière.
Departure by minibus to Hébertville (40 minutes). Mindfulness exercise on the beach of the Lac Vert campground (weather permitting). Depart from the Hébertville church for 24 km of hiking through mostly agricultural lands dotted with kettles, glacial formations. Snack along the way at the arboretum (a chalet with toilets and picnic tables). Alternative departure from the arboretum for 16.4 km of hiking. Arrival in Desbiens and check-in at Auberge Maison Zacharie* (CITQ: 276205) or similar. Dinner and overnight stay. *Note that this accommodation has shared bathrooms.
Transfer by minibus to the starting point for your final leg, from the Saint-André Apostles Church for 26 km of hiking or from the Cavée Road stop for 18 km of hiking toward Lac-Bouchette. Some ups and downs will begin your day through a forested landscape that is part of the boreal zone. Snack along the way. PM: Arrival at the magnificent Ermitage Saint-Antoine du Lac-Bouchette (CITQ: 039955) or similar. Check-in at the accommodation. Free visit of this sanctuary where you will discover, among other things, the replica of the Lourdes cave, the Marian chapel, the reliquary chapel, and the Elzéar-DeLamarre center, with the “Origine” show (optional $). Dinner in the cafeteria, a walk to the cave, and a debriefing around the campfire (weather permitting).
Free morning. Departure at 11:00 AM toward Montreal. Stop along the way for lunch (not included $). Arrival in Montreal in the late afternoon.
PRICE
Explore-Québec Price: $1,447/person (double occupancy)
*This Explore Québec on the road package is offered thanks to financial support from the Quebec Ministry of Tourism. The 25% discount is eligible only for residents of Quebec.
Regular Price: $2,029/person (double occupancy)
Single room supplement: +$340 (**Subject to availability – Limited quantity**)
*Spiritours offers the possibility of twinning. If we are unable to match you, Spiritours will cover the additional costs for registrations made more than 60 days prior to departure but reserves the right to match you even during the trip if necessary.
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THIS PACKAGE INCLUDES
– Minibus transportation according to the itinerary and luggage transportation from one accommodation to another
– Services of a driver and a guide
– 5 nights of accommodation in double occupancy
– 5 breakfasts and 5 dinners
– All scheduled visits
– All taxes
THIS PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE
– Travel insurance
– Tips and personal expenses
– Single room supplement
– Lunches
– Beverages with meals
– Unmentioned visits
– Client compensation fund for travel agents (currently free)
REGISTRATION
Registration Deadline: March 16, 2025 (or when the maximum number of passengers is reached). It is possible to register after this date, but additional fees may apply.
To register: Please fill out the registration form and send it to us with an initial deposit of 25% of the total amount, plus the full amount of insurance, if applicable. Travel insurance is highly recommended and should ideally be paid at the time of the initial deposit. Please contact us to find out your insurance premium.
Number of participants: Minimum 8 – Maximum 14
For more information, please contact:
Frédérique Lafont
(514) 374-7965, extension 207
frederique.lafont@spiritours.com
Testimonial article (click here)
The story of the Kapatakan Trail (click here)
Days 1-2: Auberge Le Parasol (CITQ: 055451)
Day 3: Motel Princesse (CITQ: 002461)
Day 4: Auberge Maison Zacharie* (CITQ: 276205)
Please note that there is a shared bathroom in this accommodation.
Day 5: Ermitage Saint-Antoine du Lac Bouchette (CITQ: 039955)
“The journey was fantastic! I returned home rejuvenated in body, mind, and spirit, eager to continue this wonderful adventure. As I traveled to Saguenay, I knew I would be amazed by the beauty of nature, but nothing could have prepared me for the wonderful community that our group quickly formed under the guidance of the leaders. Thank you for providing this rich program to nourish the soul in these challenging times. I am grateful, and I look forward to checking the program for next year. Best regards.”
– Gabriela, Qc.
Travel insurance is undoubtedly a PEACE OF MIND that allows you to live and fully enjoy your trip. It allows you to deal with the unexpected without finding yourself with a financial burden. Travel insurance allows you to travel in complete SAFETY. Did you know that when you take a group trip with Spiritours, you automatically get a 10% discount on your insurance? Check with your agent for more information, or click below to shop for an individual insurance premium with Blue Cross.
Phone Canada: 514-374-7965
Toll-free: 1-866-331-7965 (CAN & USA)
Fax: 514-788-1520
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