The picturesque town of Gaspé is situated near the head of Baie de Gaspé. This small town has many amenities, a vibrant downtown, and overlooks the Notre-Dame Mountains, part of the Appalachian Mountain chain. Rolling green mountains line the northern side of the Baie, as we set sail down the bay for the open waters of the Gulf of the St. Lawrence, and splendid days of open water sailing in the mid Gulf.
This experience will differ somewhat from the previous courses, most of which have explored Cote-Nord or the Gaspé Peninsula. This course will be more southerly, and will explore the southern reaches of the Gulf, consisting of two open water stretches knitted together with a stay in the breathtakingly beautifulÎles-de-la-Madeleine.

Days of sailing through the pristine seascapes of the mid gulf will provide an immersion in the beauty, power, and fragility of our natural world. With whales and porpoises to help guide us eastward, enjoy time for learning, talking, reflecting, and simply living in the moment. Under starlit skies, we will be transported to a time long since past, accompanied by the sound of the sea rushing past as we sail under a spread of canvas. Open water sailing offers a way of being that is focused on existing as part of nature, not separate from it, and allowing yourself to exist in harmony with nature.

Arriving atÎles-de-la-Madeleine we will sail along the red sandy cliffs, white sand beaches, and shorelines until we come alongside at Cap-aux-Meules, a village bridging modernity and tradition. We’ll invite people to visit our ship before heading off to explore the island with local youth. A potluck dinner will provide a glimpse of the hospitality, stories, fables, and music of this amazing place.

Iles-de-la-Madeleine is a special place, completely unique in Canada, boasting hundreds of kilometers of beaches, dunes, blowing marram grass, and forests. An archipelago sitting in the middle of the Gulf, this is a wild place, imbued with magic, history, and folklore.

Departing the harbour, we’ll say farewell to the red cliffs and white sandy beaches, and once again immerse ourselves in the seascapes of the gulf, and settle into the reassuring routine of life at sea, warmed by the memories of our time inÎles-de-la-Madeleine.

Making way toward Perce, and the famous Perce rock, we’ll make a shore detour to see the landmark, and if possible step ashore for a short visit, before transiting back around the bend and into the open arms of Baie de Gaspé. Our last evening we will host the season wrap-up party, and invite parents, friends, and the community to join us in celebrating the conclusion of this epic journey!

Valued at $2,550 – the S2S Sailing Access Fund  supports youth who would otherwise not be able to experience the adventure and wonder of sail training by covering some or all travel and program costs.

Tall Ship Expeditions Canada voyages are open to youth aged 14 – 25