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The Québec maritime Blog

Diane Drapeau

Over the course of numerous culture and tourism projects, Diane Drapeau has developed a strong attachment to buying local and supporting culinary tourism. Curious and passionate about local flavours, she never fails to visit food artisans on her travels and always comes home with a wealth of new discoveries. This is her definition of happiness! Her delight in her finds comes from a great respect for the people who grow and make the products from our regions and an abiding love for the St. Lawrence and its bounty, which are so integral to our culinary identity.

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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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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Off the Coast of the Îles de la Madeleine… A Sea of Flavours!

   |   By Diane Drapeau

Located in the middle of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Îles de la Madeleine are a string of islands linked by sand dunes featuring red sandstone cliffs illuminated by the setting sun and colourful houses and fishing harbours that contrast with the blue of the sea and sky... Out at sea, fishermen haul in their catches, which are then transformed into culinary delights by local food artisans and chefs.

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Off the Coast of Côte-Nord… A Sea of Flavours!

   |   By Diane Drapeau

Côte-Nord borders the majestic St. Lawrence for over 1300 km along the coast as it widens from the estuary into the gulf. Sometimes under the moonlight during a spring tide, you’ll be amazed to see a shoal of capelin rolling in on the waves to spawn. This incredible scene illustrates the richness of the St. Lawrence in this region and provides an example of the many gourmet treasures found here.

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Off the Coast of Gaspésie… A Sea of Flavours!

   |   By Diane Drapeau

Surrounded by the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence and bordered to the south by magnificent Chaleur Bay, Gaspésie is one of the most beautiful regions in the world. Originating from the Mi’gmaq word Gespeg, which means “land’s end,” Gaspésie is a vast peninsula at the edge of the world that also offers a cornucopia of culinary delights to discover!

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Off the Coast of Bas-Saint-Laurent… A Sea of Flavours!

   |   By Diane Drapeau

Locals say: “This side is the sea!” And they’re quite right: the St. Lawrence Estuary, with its persistent tides and briny air, where the sun sets in dazzling displays of blushing pinks and blues, offers all the splendours of the sea. A sea whose salty waters abound with culinary treasures!

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