Bas-Saint-Laurent
Ecotourism paradise
The St. Lawrence River as far as the eye can see, islands, long flats, mountains, farming valleys, rivers and lakes—that's what's in store for you in this diverse and spectacular region! The view of the setting sun over the Charlevoix mountains is a vision to behold. This land of legend has a rich architectural heritage of lavish homes and breathtaking churches. Along the Navigators' Route, you'll pass through charming villages with ancestral homes. You can climb to the top of a lighthouse, take a hike, learn all about eel fishing, go snowmobiling on an impressive 1,800-km (1,120-mi.) network of trails, relax at one of the many health centres, or savour a traditional dish, including smoked fish, the pride of the region. All of this is just waiting to be enjoyed in this beautiful maritime region of Québec!
A thousand and one maritime pleasures
To fully appreciate the river's treasures, what better than a boat trip? Take a whale-watching cruise in the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park (which includes the St. Lawrence estuary as well as the Saguenay fjord, on the other side of the river). Observe the hundreds of marine birds that nest on Île Saint-Barnabé, near Rimouski, or on the Îles du Pot-à-l'Eau-de-Vie archipelago, near Rivière-du-Loup. Why not sleep in the lighthouse while you're at it? Explore Île aux Basques, across from Trois-Pistoles, and learn about the history of its inhabitants in North America. Enjoy the great outdoors on Île Verte, an oasis of tranquility with appealing hiking and cycling opportunities. You can also watch marine mammals from its shores and spend a night at a charming inn.
Beautiful rivers, beautiful countryside
On land, the Parc national du Bic, near Rimouski, will enchant you with its mosaic of tiny islands, reefs and promontories. Hop on your bicycle and head for the Parc linéaire Petit Témis (130 km / 80 mi.) to circle the immense Lac Témiscouata, set between Rivière-du-Loup and Edmundston, New Brunswick. You can also get your fill of outdoor activities in both summer and winter at Lac Pohénégamook. At Fort Ingall, in Cabano, you can see what life was like under the British military occupation during the U.S.-Canada border conflict. Don't forget to tour the Témiscouata rose gardens!
You'll be swept away by the mosaic of dramatic landscapes that is Bas-Saint-Laurent!