As you know, the On the Tip of the Toes Foundation is leaving for an expedition, August 14-24, and we are happy to share with you these privileged moments, these smiles worth a thousand words, and these fantastic sites.

For its second summer expedition, the Foundation offers an exceptional destination to the seven cancer-stricken teenagers who have accepted the challenge. During the next eleven days, we will travel trough the unique setting of the Mingan Archipelago in sea kayaks. Through the ebb and flow, we will discover the unique and varied flora and fauna of this wonderful area. We will paddle around 500 million-year-old monoliths.
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You are invited to witness and be the privileged accomplices of our young adventurers as they live through this expedition. The On the Tip of the Toes Foundation, in partnership with Expédition Agaguk, sets up the expedition.

The North Shore
Lined by the majestic St-Lawrence River, the North Shore is a natural paradise for those looking for spectacular vistas. Everything here is out of proportion. One can see immense areas of boreal forest, through which flow colossal rivers en route to their ultimate destination, the St-Lawrence River.

This area of Quebec is the perfect destination for those who seek a feast for their eyes! Each day, we will travel through this rich and diversified natural setting. Our destination, the Mingan Archipelago, is located between the Island of Anticosti and the shores of Havre-Saint-Pierre.

The Mingan Archipelago

Witnesses of ancient times, the islands of the Mingan Archipelago are many and extraordinary. Each has its own history and is home to a diversified fauna and flora. The islands go back to pre-historic times, well before the dinosaurs appeared on earth! These rock formations are estimated to be 500 million years old. This is a fascinating story that you will discover throughout your voyage. The name Mingan originates from the Basque, meaning “sand bar”, probably a reference to the neighbouring sand bar where the village of Longue-Pointe is located today.

The islands are not only an oasis of rocks and sand. Indeed, life is rich in this unusual décor. There are more than 450 species of plants, of varied colours and shapes. One hundred or so of them have been designated “rare and of interest”.

The fauna is just as impressive. The Islands is home to flocks of marine birds, seals, whales and even dolphins! With a little luck, we could see on the horizon a baleen whale, the largest of all mammals? We could also witness the antics of a humpback whale or even a flock of Atlantic puffins. All part of the many things to see, learn and experience!

The Sea Kayak Expedition
The ideal way to explore large bodies of water without disturbing their tranquillity, sea kayaking is easy to learn. The expedition will allow you to become familiar with this wonderful sport. Each day, we will discover “new small wonders” that can only be accessed through this mode of transportation. We will visit monoliths, fossil sites and, if we’re lucky, we might even see those who have been called the guardians of the archipelago, the common seals.

This expedition will undoubtedly allow you to be the privileged spectator of nature’s splendour. It will also be a special opportunity for you to meet other active youths. Many bonds will be born of this voyage, and each day we will grow closer to becoming a strong team, ready to face any and all challenges.

So why not start right now to dream of things to come: the immensity of the river, the fauna, the kayak, the islands and, most of all, the other youths who, as yourself, will share an extraordinary adventure, because they are themselves extraordinary.

Thephotos of the On the Tip of the Toes Foundation are available at the following URL:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pointedespieds

Special Invitation!!! Come see the Foundation’s rejuvenated Web site at : www.pointedespieds.com