1) What is the temperature in Minganie during summer?
The waters in the Gulf of St. Lawrence moderate the climate in Minganie. We mostly enjoy warm days, cooler nights and the scorching heat is non-existent. Of course, there can be temperatures reaching up to 23 or 24 °C some days, but this is quite unusual. In fact, our typical summer days can be compared to those of September in southern Quebec.

2) What type of clothing do I need to bring on a sea kayaking expedition?
We supply a wet-suit and a life jacket. For the rest, everything will depend on the weather report! At sea, it is generally a bit cooler as soon as the winds start blowing. A pair of sport pants made of quick dry nylon, (sport pants like those that can be transformed into a pair of shorts) and a good waterproof windbreaker are all indicated whether there is wind or rain. Usually, during daytime, you will not need your windbreaker but it is wise to keep it handy for the evening or in case of a change in the weather. Furthermore, if you want to follow your guide on the islands' shores in search of algae or other maritime species, do not forget to bring your rubber boots because puddles are legion everywhere.

Nights at Mingan Archipelago are somewhat cool, around 10 to 15 °C. A good summer or three seasons sleeping bag with a ground mattress are a must. You will also appreciate the comfort of a polar sweater. Synthetic fabric (polypropylene, nylon, etc.) turns out to be the best clothing for sea outings. You will also need sun glasses, a hat, waterproof sun block cream, and for those with sensitive hands, cycling gloves will help avoid blisters.

3) Are there islands surpassing the others in beauty and attractions? Are there monoliths on all the islands? Am I certain to see monoliths during the expedition? And what may I expect to see on a typical expedition?
You will see monoliths on all large islands (there are 27!) because they belong to the same Mingan rocky formation, a formation constituted mainly of limestone which eroded to create the columns or pillars particular to Minganie. But even though they belong to the same formation and while roughly sharing the same attributes, each one of the Mingan islands has its own distinct charm. Therefore, on every expedition with Agaguk, you are sure to see monoliths, rare plants, sea birds, fossils, etc., all elements making the reputation and specificity of Mingan Archipelago.

4) And what about the whales?
Whales and seals are plentiful in the sea around the islands and meetings between whales and kayakists are frequent. That is why, with a little luck, you will observe gray and common seals, not to mention whales! The most common whales around the islands are the little piked whales (which have of little only the name!). Offshore, between Anticosti and Mingan, the immense common whale and the humpback whale (hardly smaller!) which come to feed in these waters have, for some years, been ever-increasing in numbers to everyone's delight. Moreover, one often meets them together with different species of dolphins. And among all these formidably huge species, we must not forget to mention the common porpoises which, as their name seem to indicate, are very common in the Archipelago!

Note that sea mammals being wild animals evolving freely in immensely wide natural surroundings, it is sometimes hard to locate them from kayaks. Therefore, we cannot guarantee that they are always part of the expedition but statistically, luck is on our side and we usually do see whales and some seals. Minganie is certainly one of the best places on the planet to observe cetaceans.

5) Are whales dangerous around sea kayaks?
It is extremely rare that a whale touches a boat because, being very sensitive and for fear of injuring themselves, they avoid to knock or to be struck by anything. Generally rather shy, whales do not show any aggressiveness to human beings. Nevertheless, caution prevails in the presence of a 7 or 8 tons cetacean and we always keep at a good distance so as to respect the intimacy of these animals on one hand, and the code of ethics for the observation of sea mammals, on the other hand.

6) How many persons per guide?
Our groups never exceed the ratio of one guide for six participants.

7) Does one need to be a sea kayak expert to join an expedition with Agaguk?
Absolutely not! At Expedition Agaguk, we specialize in initiation outings, teaching the basic techniques of sea kayaking. At least 80% of our customers have never practiced sea kayaking. They usually return from such an adventure with a great sense of achievement. Contrary to what many could think, the basic techniques of sea kayaking can be quite easily learned and many will be excelling very fast. And it has nothing to do with age. Indeed, sea kayaking is more a matter of stamina, and we have noticed that "older" individuals usually show more of it than younger people. Nevertheless, moving a kayak forward at sea with only paddles, even though it is not a strenuous exercise, requires minimum fitness. Yet, whoever is capable of a day's hiking is also capable of sea kayaking with us on an outing that has every chance of becoming an unforgettable experience.

8) Is it unwise to bring a camera at sea?
Sea water and electronic devices, it is true, do not get along well and to bring a camera at sea entails certain risks. Nevertheless, taking a few precautions (like placing it in a waterproof bag, a Ziplock for example) will considerably decrease these risks. Every year, we guide dozens of persons who bring their cameras at sea and take magnificent photos with no damages done to their valuable material.

9) Will our deposit be refunded if bad weather prevents us from leaving?
Although such occasions are quite unusual because we generally enjoy beautiful summer weather, your deposit would be completely refunded if a bad weather report compelled us to cancel your outing.

10) How much equipment can the kayaks contain?
For one-day outings you can bring all that you will need and even more, like spare shoes or a change of dry clothes.

If you leave for several days and are used to a little hiking, if, on those occasions, you can pack all you need in a standard expedition backpack (100 or 110 liters), you won't have any problem to load your kayak. Besides the food, you will certainly be able to please yourself with a good bottle of wine to enjoy at suppertime or by the campfire and even your espresso coffeepot without any problem. After all, even though we prepare seriously for the expedition, we must not forget that you are on vacation! On the other hand, you should pack all your belongings in small separate plastic bags because the openings of the kayaks' compartments are small.

11) What about drinking water on the islands?
There is none. You will have to bring a filter or to foresee at least a liter and a half of water a person per day. The four-liter packs sold in convenience stores are your best buy. In fact there are some creeks on the islands but the water is not tested and even though there is no known source of pollution, they might hold harmful bacteria (Gardia type for example).

12) When is the best period to plan my sea kayaking outing with Expedition Agaguk?
Seen from a kayak in the middle of nowhere, the heart of the North-Shore beats at the rate of the seasons. Late spring (May and June) is the season of reproduction for down eiders (large sea ducks) and they dominate the scenery. They are in very large numbers and easy to observe (without disturbing them). Later, at the end of June, immense shoals of small fishes (the capelins) gather near the shores getting ready to spawn. And following the shoals of capelins are the little piked whales and seals. On the Archipelago's islands, plants bloom everywhere and the air is fragrant with scents as subtle as the delicate shades of their flowers. The peak of this period comes with the summer solstice when the Archipelago is literally bubbling with life until the outset of autumn, when flowers have already started to fade and the birds are well into their autumn migration.

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