Bas-Saint-Laurent

A land of seafarers and farmers, Bas-Saint-Laurent offers you a sea of activities! From the coast to the interior, this region provides numerous opportunities for adventure and exploration, including walks in the forest, on islands and along the shore. Ecotourists and culture buffs will also find much to enjoy here.

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 the western gateway
to the Gaspésie Tour.

This region is home to 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.

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 and overnight stays.

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

Music and art lovers will also find much to enjoy in Bas-Saint-Laurent since towns like Rimouski and Rivière-du-Loup bustle with popular cultural activities and events.

Ecotourism

A top ecotourism destination, Bas-Saint-Laurent is home of many tourism organizations that respect and enhance the natural environment by offering visitors quality interpretive activities. 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.

In the interior

The Bas-Saint-Laurent interior is characterized by rolling hills, rural countryside and magnificent resort areas nestled in the forest or overlooking lakes. Long trails are great for hiking or cycling excursions lasting several days. This area is also noted for its fine food: regional specialties include high-quality lamb as well as locally made cheese, bread, chocolate and maple products.