Visit Bas-Saint-Laurent
 

Bas-Saint-Laurent, a land of seafarers and farmers, offers you a sea of activities along the coast and in the interior: nature lovers, ecotourism enthusiasts and culture buffs will all be delighted!

ALONG THE COAST

Located on the south shore of the St. Lawrence Estuary, Bas-Saint-Laurent is the most populated region of Québec maritime. It is also where the Gaspésie Tour begins.

This area contains many interesting historic buildings as well as several of the most beautiful villages in Québec including Cacouna, Kamouraska, Notre-Dame-du-Portage and Saint-Pacôme, to name only those recognized by the Association of the Most Beautiful Villages of Québec. In addition, many of the houses in the region possess a distinctive architectural feature: the Kamouraska roof. In a design borrowed from the shipyards, the arched gutter overhangs of these buildings are reminiscent of the wooden hulls of schooners of yore.

IN THE INTERIOR

The Bas-Saint-Laurent interior is characterized by rolling hills, rural countryside and magnificent resort areas. Long trails are great for hiking or cycling excursions of several days. This area is also noted for its fine food: high-quality lamb as well as artisan cheeses, breads and chocolates, not to mention the maple products made at the Domaine Acer economuseum®.

A SEA OF ACTIVITIES

While Saint-André is considered the Mecca of sports climbing in Québec,

Rivière-du-Loup offers exciting whale-watching excursions. In addition, sea kayaking is possible almost everywhere along the coast, and several islands in the St. Lawrence are accessible for wildlife observation, visits to lighthouses or overnight accommodations.

Bic National Park offers visitors an opportunity to commune with nature. This is a magical spot for sea excursions as well as hiking or cycling. Twenty kilometres (13 miles) to the east, the town of Rimouski provides an exceptional natural setting that is ideal for the development of marine sciences. Indeed, this is the home base of the Technopole maritime du Québec, a vast network of professionals and companies dedicated to the development of marine technology.

The Pointe-au-Père Maritime Historic Site presents the history of the Empress of Ireland and its sinking. You can also climb the 128 steps to the top of Canada’s second tallest lighthouse. New this year: visit the ONONDAGA submarine, a one-of-a-kind experience!

Music and art lovers will not be disappointed since towns like Rimouski and Rivière-du-Loup bustle with popular cultural activities and events.

ECOTOURISM

A top ecotourism destination, Bas-Saint-Laurent encourages organizations that respect and showcase the natural environment and offer their visitors quality interpretation. The Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park is one such organization; visitors who explore Lièvres Island and the Pot à l’Eau-de-Vie islands with Société Duvetnor will appreciate all the advantages of this approach.