Kamouraska
Kamouraska lives at the pace of the St. Lawrence. Its three archipelagos with thousands of seabirds and the backdrop of the Charlevoix mountains make for some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. Just an hour and half from Quebec City, Kamouraska is the gateway to the Bas-Saint-Laurent. From La Pocatière, the cradle of Canadian agriculture, head out to explore the country villages: Kamouraska, with its beach and colourful streets; Saint-André, a renowned rock-climbing destination; or Saint-Pascal, with its hiking trails. Be sure to take Route 132, the “Route des Navigateurs,” to enjoy the beautiful scenery!
Rivière-du-Loup
An amphitheatre offering fun for the whole family, Rivière-du-Loup is best enjoyed as “surf and turf” experience. Stroll along the St. Lawrence at the Parc de la Pointe or admire the stunning 33-meter waterfall while enjoying a picnic in the heart of the city. Home port for the ferry between the Bas-Saint-Laurent and Charlevoix regions, Rivière-du-Loup is also the take-off point to the Société Duvetnor's islands, where you can stay in an inn, cabin, campsite or a real lighthouse surrounded by hundreds of seabirds and marine mammals. Or you can head out on a whale-watching cruise to see these marine mammals in their natural environment with your own eyes. On Île Verte, relax at the site of the oldest lighthouse in Québec, built in 1809, and stay in the light keeper's house!
Témiscouata
Fresh air, breathtaking landscapes, a national park devoted to archaeological discoveries in a region criss-crossed by beautiful waterways and the Petit Témis bicycle path - that's Témiscouata! Témiscouata charms its visitors. When the wind falls, the waters of its many lakes reflect a landscape shaped by the Appalachian Mountains. Take one of the driving tours: the Route des Frontières or the Route des Monts Notre-Dame. Make archaeological discoveries at Parc national Lac-Témiscouata, enjoy water sports at the Centre de plein air de Pohénégamook, or follow the Petit Témis bike path between Rivière-du-Loup and Edmundston, New Brunswick.
Les Basques
In Les Basques, a whole swath of history lives on in the architectural heritage and on the Île aux Basques, formerly a refuge for Basques fishermen who came from Europe to hunt whales. And outdoor enthusiasts won't be left wanting! History buffs will enjoy the Trois-Pistoles heritage tour. At the Mont-Saint-Mathieu outdoor recreation centre, skiing, golfing and camping reign supreme, each in its season. Stay in one of the cabins on the Île aux Basques, where Captain Jean-Pierre Rioux will be your guide. He's sure to take you to see the seals relaxing on the rocks. Don't forget to stop at the Fromagerie des Basques to sample their renowned “kwick, kwick” cheese!
Rimouski-Neigette
Rimouski-Neigette and the St. Lawrence are as one. Just the sight of the Bic Islands will make you want to stop here. Activities abound, from bike paths to the trails of Parc national du Bic to the Site historique maritime de la Pointe-au-Père. In Rimouski-Neigette, the Empress of Ireland museum tells the story of a maritime tragedy on the scale of the Titanic. Climb to the top of the lighthouse for breathtaking views and tour a real submarine, the Onondaga. Play explorer on the Route des Monts Notre-Dame, winding through a mountain range formed over 200 million years ago. Rimouski, the maritime capital of Quebec, offers a wide range of activities, restaurants and bars as well as a multitude of hotels, inns, B&Bs and campgrounds to suit all tastes.
La Mitis
La Mitis welcomes you for a vacation in harmony with nature. No matter the season, the area has an abundance of activities on the water or in the mountains so you can relax and have fun in the sand or snow. La Mitis is just three hours from Quebec City via Route 132, the “Route des Navigateurs.” There are plenty of reasons for a nice long stay. Visit the Reford Gardens with 3,500 plant species and varieties, swim in the river, relax at Domaine Valga or at the beautiful Sainte-Luce beach, and stroll the famous promenade at Anse-aux-Coques. The Parc du Mont-Comi offers many activities, including skiing in winter and mountain biking in summer. Picture : Mathieu Dupuis
For more information on the region :
Tourisme Bas-Saint-Laurent
480, rue Lafontaine
Rivière-du-Loup (Québec) G5R 3C4
Canada
Phone : (418) 867-1272 / toll free : 1 800 563-5268 (Canada and USA)
Fax : (418) 867-3245
E-mail : secretariat@bassaintlaurent.ca
www.bassaintlaurent.ca/en/
