Outdoor activities
Country routes
Border RouteWhere history, myths and legends abound
The territory of the Bas-Saint-Laurent region shares its borders with New Brunswick and the U.S. state of Maine. By taking the Border Route (Route des frontières), you’ll discover a rich history marked by the presence of the Malecite nation, the inauguration of the railway in 1911 and bootlegging—the sale of contraband liquor during the American prohibition of the 1920s and 30s. And there’s no denying the Border Route’s political geography, for it boasts border crossing points, boundary markers and an international bridge, not to mention the natural border formed by the St. Francis River.
Ponik the enigma
One of the region’s most famous legends is that of the Lac Pohénégamook Monster. Over the years many people claim to have caught a glimpse of this enigmatic creature. Its nickname is Ponik, but its true identity is shrouded in mystery! Pohénégamook’s magnificent lake and the many outdoor activities that can be enjoyed on or around it make the site a popular resort area. At any time of the year you can visit the Musée du Domaine and travel back in time through its collection of antique cars. At the Économusée de l'ébénisterie, you’ll learn the secrets of the cabinet-making trade. Lastly, since 1906, people have been using Pohénégamook’s small international bridge to travel between Canada and the United States.From village to village
The three borders meet near Beau Lake, in Saint-Marc-du-Lac-Long (at the mouth of the St. Francis River). Not only can you enjoy water sports in this village, you’ll find its slate mine makes for an interesting visit. An arts and crafts centre located in a former railway station in Rivière‑Bleue is well worth the detour. In Saint-Jean-de-la-Lande, you can travel over the Romain-Caron covered bridge, built in 1940. Wherever you stop along the Border Route, you’ll be surrounded by the natural beauty of the Témiscouata region and its myriad forests, rivers and lakes!Your itinerary
The Border Route (Route 289 in the Bas-Saint-Laurent) stretches for 92 km (57 mi.), linking the village of Saint‑Alexandre to the village of Saint-Jean-de-la-Lande, by way of Pohénégamook, Rivière‑Bleue and Saint-Marc-du-Lac-Long.
