The Canadian Tourism Commission is building a collection of travel experiences that will be used to show the world what Canada is all about. At the moment, five organizations in Québec maritime have been selected to join the ranks of the Signature Experiences Collection®!
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 Pointe-au-Père Maritime Historic Site | 200 Years of Maritime History
Board the only submarine open to the public in Canada and find out about the daily lives of the 60 men who lived for months at a time in this 90-metre (300-foot) submarine. The audio-guide commentary will plunge you into this fascinating and little-known world. In addition, you can spend a night aboard the Onondaga and play the role of an apprentice submariner!
The Empress of Ireland Museum presents the history of the Empress of Ireland passenger ship, from its construction in 1906 to its tragic sinking on May 29, 1914, which killed 1012 people. Discover a large collection of artefacts from the wreck, period photos, interactive terminals and eyewitness accounts. A multimedia show will take you back to this tragic night.
Visit the old buildings from the light station and the Pointe-au-Père Lighthouse, which played a central role in the history of navigation on the St. Lawrence River. Built in 1909, this lighthouse is one of the tallest in Canada. A guided tour will take you to the top, where you can admire the fabulous view.
Find out more about the Pointe-au-Père Maritime Historic Site
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 Reford Gardens | Crossroads of Architecture, Art and Gardens
Celebrating 50 years of being open to the public, the Reford Gardens are a national historic site of Canada designed in the spirit of 19th-century collector’s gardens. Some 3000 species, cultivars and varieties of plants, including the famous Himalayan blue poppy, can be found in over a dozen gardens. Estevan Lodge, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year, presents a permanent exhibit on the summer stays of Elsie Reford (who created the gardens from 1926 to 1958) and her family. New this year: Elsie’s vegetable garden and a museum of gardening tools.
The 13th edition of the International Garden Festival showcases London designers and presents about 20 contemporary conceptual gardens. To fully savour your visit, you are invited to taste the bounty of the Gardens in the restaurant, at one of the two cafés or with a selection of products prepared at the Gardens, which are perfect to take home in your suitcase.
Find out more about the Reford Gardens
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 Exploramer | A Laboratory at Sea
Exploramer is an activities complex focused on the marine environment of the St. Lawrence River, offering an aquarium park with fish and other marine organisms from the St. Lawrence, sea excursions and interpretive activities to explore the underwater shoreline. Visit the many tanks and aquariums and dip your fingers into touch tanks to touch live shellfish, crustaceans and echinoderms. Participate in sea excursions to discover the biodiversity of the St. Lawrence ecosystem, watch the fishing traps being hauled in, collect scientific samples and observe amazing marine mammals.
Exploramer also has a gift shop you can browse for souvenirs and local handicrafts, as well as a café-terrace offering regional products and a view of the sea.
Find out more about Exploramer
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 Chic-Chocs Mountain Lodge | Wilderness Fun with Style
Designed with the greatest respect for the natural environment, the Chic-Chocs Mountain Lodge offers comfortable and friendly accommodations in the heart of an untamed natural setting. The Lodge can accommodate up to 36 guests, thus preserving a sense of privacy. The common areas, such as the dining room and lounge, encourage conversation and interaction with other guests. The balconies and large windows offer superb views of bare mountain peaks, the Chute Hélène waterfalls and miles of virgin forest. At 615 metres (2000 feet) in altitude in the Chic-Choc Mountains, the air is pure and you will be filled with a sense of well-being. Admire the stunning landscape spreads out below you and enjoy your favourite activities in the company of experienced guides.
Find out more about the Chic-Chocs Mountain Lodge
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 Fjord en Kayak | Wildlife Encounters on the Saguenay Fjord
Fjord en Kayak offers you a paddling adventure in the heart of a wilderness area: the Saguenay Fjord and the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park. Located in L’Anse-Saint-Jean, which has been recognized by the Association of the Most Beautiful Villages of Québec, the company offers excursions for all kayaking levels, from beginner to expert. Packages lasting from several hours to 2 to 5 days (kayak camping) are available. During longer excursions, you will have the opportunity to observe belugas and other species of whales.
Guides will introduce you to the beauty of the Saguenay by telling you about this area’s natural environment and history. They also share local legends during family excursions. Keep your eyes peeled and you may even spot the Saguenay Fjord’s sea monster!
Find out more about Fjord en Kayak
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