The Québec maritime Blog

4 Unforgettable Things to Do in Côte-Nord

   |   By Anne-Josée Pineau

A land of nature beyond measure, Côte-Nord is a vacation destination that’s sure to charm you. This region is a vast natural playground that’s ideal for a multitude of outdoor and cultural activities. Here are four you won’t want to miss during a road trip in this region!

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Culture and Discoveries: 7 Experiences Not to Miss

   |   By Anne-Josée Pineau

History and culture buffs will love visiting the maritime regions of Québec, which offer a multitude of activities and sites where you can satisfy your curiosity and create memories of a lifetime. Are you planning a trip to Bas-Saint-Laurent, Gaspésie, Côte-Nord or the Îles de la Madeleine? Here are 7 experiences you won’t want to miss!

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5 Good Reasons to Visit Minganie

   |   By Marie-Eve Lagacé

This segment of the Whale Route will take you from village to village all the way to the end of the road, at the edge of the Lower North Shore. Here are five good reasons to follow Route 138 across the Minganie area!

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12 Natural Sites for Outdoor Lovers to Discover in Our Regions

   |   By Nathalie Katinakis

Home to many natural sites worth exploring, Eastern Québec provides an incredible playground for all your outdoor adventures. Let yourself be charmed by the diversity of landscapes in our regions, from rugged coastlines and vast forests to majestic mountains. Here is a glimpse of the natural treasures that await you on your next getaway to our fascinating destinations!

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5 Good Reasons to Visit Baie-Comeau

   |   By Marie-Eve Lagacé

Côte-Nord is home to a unique place that offers glacial history, fascinating industrial and maritime heritage, and access to wild and natural environments. You’ll find all of this and more in Baie-Comeau, a city located about 200 km (120 mi.) east of Tadoussac. Want more details? Here are five good reasons to visit this dynamic city and the surrounding area!

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5 Surprising Facts about Rimouski

   |   By Anne-Josée Pineau

A seaside city offering both urban vitality and proximity to nature, Rimouski promises you a stay that will meet all your expectations, whether you’re a culture lover, outdoor enthusiast or history buff. Are you planning to visit this city in Bas-Saint-Laurent during your next vacation? Here are five facts about Rimouski that may surprise you!

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Whale and Wildlife Observation: 4 Experiences Not to Miss

   |   By Anne-Josée Pineau

The maritime regions of Québec are home to numerous wildlife species, many of which can be observed in their natural habitats: whales, seals, birds, moose, black bears, white-tailed deer and more! If you’re a wildlife lover, here are 4 experiences you won’t want to miss during a vacation in Bas-Saint-Laurent, Gaspésie, Côte-Nord and the Îles de la Madeleine.

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Gourmet Trail Featuring the Local Flavours of the Îles de la Madeleine

   |   By Diane Drapeau

An enchanting archipelago in the middle of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Îles de la Madeleine captivate all who set foot in this region. These islands buffeted by the wind offer many opportunities to connect deeply with nature in a place where time seems to stretch forever between each magnificent sunrise and sunset. Exploring this unique region also means immersing yourself in culinary adventures that feature local delicacies from the land and sea.

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Gourmet Trail Featuring the Local Flavours of Côte-Nord

   |   By Diane Drapeau

Côte-Nord is a region full of charm, where natural beauty and gourmet pleasures combine to offer you an extraordinary road trip experience. Renowned for being home to some of the world’s largest marine mammals, Côte-Nord is also home to many impressive land-based wonders. There’s something magical about this region, which you’ll soon discover as you dip your toes into the cold waters of the Estuary or Gulf of St. Lawrence while gazing at the horizon… Once you’ve set foot here, you’ll want to come back again and again. To discover the region’s many flavours, we suggest you follow the Whale Route, a 1730-km (1075-mi.) round-trip journey along Route 138, which will take you about 13 days if you include a cruise to the Lower North Shore.

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Gourmet Trail Featuring the Local Flavours of Bas-Saint-Laurent and Gaspésie

   |   By Diane Drapeau

Bas-Saint-Laurent and Gaspésie are two regions of natural beauty that continually wow visitors from all over the world. In addition, foodies will be delighted by the local flavours from the land and sea available throughout these regions. The Bas-Saint-Laurent – Gaspésie Tour, a 1270-km (790-mi.) journey along Route 132, which takes about 10 days, is a captivating road trip for those who enjoy long stretches on the open road and look forward to watching the St. Lawrence widen into a gulf while discovering unique landscapes and indulging in culinary delights.

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Hiking along the Sea in Eastern Québec

   |   By Marie-Ève Blanchard

Nothing beats an invigorating walk along the St. Lawrence while lulled by the sound of the waves, the wind and the smell of the sea! Fill your lungs with salty sea air and feast your eyes with coastal beauty as you explore the trails along the shorelines of Eastern Québec.

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5 Good Reasons to Visit La Haute-Gaspésie

   |   By Anne-Josée Pineau

Located on the north side of the Gaspé Peninsula, the Haute-Gaspésie area is a popular destination for nature lovers. Bordered by the sea on one side and the highest peaks of Québec on the other, the area’s 130 km (80 mi.) of shoreline are dotted with charming coastal villages offering warm hospitality. Here are five good reasons to visit Haute-Gaspésie.

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5 Good Reasons to Visit Gaspé

   |   By Anne-Josée Pineau

Gaspé is a popular destination for outdoor lovers since it is home to a vast bay, internationally renowned salmon rivers, fine-sand beaches, a national park and many wildlife species. It also draws history buffs, who will want to visit the many local museums and interpretation sites. Discover our five good reasons to visit Gaspé!

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Discover the National Parks of Eastern Québec

   |   By Annick Beauchemin

Much to the delight of nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, Eastern Québec is home to 10 national parks scattered throughout the regions of Bas-Saint-Laurent, Gaspésie and Côte-Nord. From amazing hikes and wildlife sightings to unique water sports, these parks offer numerous attractions and diverse landscapes. Each park is different, so lace up your hiking boots and set off to discover these spectacular natural sites!

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Road Trips in Eastern Québec: A New York Times Recommendation Plus Other Exceptional Sites

   |   By Le Québec maritime

Located in Côte-Nord, the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve received a major honour this year when it was selected as one of “52 Places to Go in 2024” by the prestigious New York Times. The archipelago ranks alongside many exceptional places around the world and, along with Whitehorse in the Yukon, is one of only two Canadian destinations on the list. And what better way to discover this jewel of our regions than on a road trip? Here then are some road trip ideas to explore Eastern Québec.

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5 Good Reasons to Visit La Baie-des-Chaleurs

   |   By Anne-Josée Pineau

Offering long beaches protected from the wind, temperate waters, spectacular scenery and picturesque villages reflecting a rich cultural mosaic, this part of the Gaspé Peninsula has been attracting vacationers for decades. Here are five good reasons to visit the Chaleur Bay area.

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Farmers Markets in Eastern Québec: Fun and Authentic Foodie Experiences

   |   By Diane Drapeau

Your trip to the maritime regions of Québec would not be complete without immersing yourself in local culinary traditions. Whether you visit Bas-Saint-Laurent, Gaspésie, Côte-Nord or the Îles de la Madeleine, you’ll want to stop at local farmers markets (called marchés publiques, or public markets, in Québec), so you can discover local flavours, enjoy authentic foodie experiences and meet the food artisans who embody the heart and soul of their communities!

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Trekking in Eastern Québec

   |   By Jean-Pascal Côté

The wide-open spaces found in the maritime regions of Québec are an ideal natural playground for long-distance hikers. For an exceptional immersive experience, there’s nothing like spending several days trekking through our wilderness areas, in the mountains, forests or tundra, along rivers or along the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence, wearing your hiking boots and with everything you need in your backpack.

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Why Visit the Maritime Regions of Québec in the Fall?

   |   By Ulrich Josserand

Falling between the high season and the winter holidays, fall is not often thought of as an ideal time to travel. And yet a fall stay in the maritime regions of Québec offers visitors many advantages you may not have considered. Here are six good reasons to come and visit us at this time of year!

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Meet the 3 First Nations in Eastern Québec

   |   By Marie-Ève Blanchard

The maritime regions of Québec are home to three First Nations peoples, each with their own distinct identity, way of life, history and language: the Innu in Côte-Nord, the Mi’gmaq in Gaspésie and the Wolastoqiyik in Bas-Saint-Laurent. To visit these communities is to embark on a journey into the heart of centuries-old cultures and discover vibrant traditions, practices and belief systems.

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8 Getaway Ideas for a Romantic Trip in Eastern Québec

   |   By Annick Beauchemin

Are you looking for inspiration for your next romantic getaway? Look no further! In Bas-Saint-Laurent, Gaspésie, Côte-Nord and the Îles de la Madeleine, you’ll find everything you need to fan the flames of love with your significant other. The sea and spectacular landscapes have the power to evoke a range of emotions, from serenity to exhilaration. Sounds amazing, right? All you have to do now is choose which of these spots to visit on your next trip as a couple!

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Why Visit the Îles de la Madeleine Early in the Season

   |   By Julie Soyez

Have you been dreaming of visiting the Îles de la Madeleine one day? So far and yet so close at the same time, these magical islands are unique in every way, not least because of their spectacular scenery. In this blog post, I’m inviting you to discover this archipelago in the soft spring light of May and June, a time of year that offers many opportunities for authentic experiences.

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Snowmobiling in Bas-Saint-Laurent and Gaspésie

   |   By Yves Ouellet

Bas-Saint-Laurent and Gaspésie are two regions that are deeply connected in the winter, offering you access to both the sea and mountains. Once enough snow falls, they’re crisscrossed with snowmobile trails that will take you along the St. Lawrence to the easternmost edge of the province of Québec.

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Meet Artisans from Eastern Québec

   |   By Marie-Ève Blanchard

The natural elements found in the forest and in the St. Lawrence have always been a source of inspiration—and this is certainly true in the maritime regions of Québec! The exceptional beauty of these regions as well as their distinctive features inspire many talented local artists and artisans. Seaweed, moss, fur, lichen, seashells and more are used by residents of Québec by the Sea to create unique and beautiful items and works of art. It’s hard not to fall in love with the creations of these artisans, many of whom are also environmentally conscious!

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There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather in Eastern Québec!

   |   By Julie Soyez

Your suitcases are packed, you’re feeling excited about your upcoming trip to Eastern Québec, but then you see a disappointing weather forecast… What if we told you that wind, unusual tides, fog and even snowstorms could make your stay in our regions even more memorable? Would you believe it…?

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Cozy Accommodations You Won’t Want to Leave

   |   By Marie-Eve Lagacé

While on vacation, your accommodations are often much more than just a room in which to spend the night, and this is especially true in the maritime regions of Québec. Fortunately, these destinations offer many places to stay where you’re sure to feel right at home, in carefully designed settings surrounded by fresh air and wide-open natural spaces.

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Snowmobiling: What to See in Côte-Nord

   |   By Anthony Lepage

The Côte-Nord region is made up of vast, unspoiled natural landscapes that are criss-crossed by many kilometres of snowmobile trails. Discover the sights you shouldn’t miss on your next snowmobile trip in this region!

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Snowmobiling: Ride Farther with the Matane–Baie-Comeau/Godbout Ferry

   |   By Anne-Josée Pineau

Boarding the F.-A.-Gauthier ferry on your snowmobile to cross the waters of the St. Lawrence in the winter is an adventure you’ll want to experience at least once in your life (and why not more?!)! You can enjoy this crossing while exploring the regions of Côte-Nord, Gaspésie and Bas-Saint-Laurent, which are all popular snowmobile destinations in Eastern Québec.

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3 Good Reasons to Visit the Maritime Regions of Québec in the Winter

   |   By Anne-Josée Pineau

Every year in late November or early December, the first snow falls on our regions… Gradually, as temperatures drop, frost covers the windows, icicles form along rooflines, trees are covered in pristine snow, and landscapes are blanketed in a thick layer of white. In other words, winter sets in for the long haul! Here are three good reasons to visit our regions during this magical season!

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Snowmobiling: What to See in Bas-Saint-Laurent

   |   By Anthony Lepage

Bas-Saint-Laurent is an ideal destination for your next snowmobile trip since this region offers 1800 km (1100 mi.) of high-quality trails as well as landscapes featuring the sea, hills and lakes. Find out more about the winter wonderland that await you in this region!

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Snowmobiling: What to See in Gaspésie

   |   By Anthony Lepage

Gaspésie is a popular snowmobile destination that offers breathtaking sea and mountain scenery as well as 3000 km (1900 mi.) of marked and well-groomed trails. Discover this region’s must-see spots on your next snowmobile trip!

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What to See by Snowmobile in Eastern Québec: The Notre-Dame Mountains

   |   By Anne-Josée Pineau

Bas-Saint-Laurent is a particularly popular snowmobile destination, not only because it offers seaside trails, but also because you can ride inland through the Notre-Dame Mountains. Snowmobiling in this area will give you the opportunity to admire views of pristine valleys, snow-covered forests and frozen lakes. Here are a few spots you may want to add to your itinerary!

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