The Québec maritime Blog

What to Visit in Our Regions: 8 of Québec’s Most Beautiful Villages

   |   By Anne-Josée Pineau

As you travel throughout the maritime regions of Québec, you’ll come across many charming villages, each with a history worth discovering. But did you know that there’s an association of the most beautiful villages of Québec, which has the mission to promote the architectural and historical heritage of these villages as well as the quality of their landscapes? The criteria for being part of this association include a population under 8000, at least one classified heritage building and a few recognized heritage buildings, exceptional scenery and nearby tourist attractions. Here then are eight villages in our regions that meet all these requirements and more!

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Our Regions Seen from Above

   |   By Anthony Lepage

Québec by the Sea covers an immense territory, and each of its four regions has its own distinct characteristics. Discover the spectacular scenery that awaits you here with these magnificent views from above that will give you an idea of the vastness of our natural playground.

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Books to Transport You to Québec by the Sea: Our Recommendations

   |   By Marie-Eve Lagacé

One of the reasons I love reading so much is that it takes me to other places. Books transport me into another world, into settings depicted in detail, and I become attached to a host of characters who accompany me on my discoveries. Are you planning a trip to the maritime regions of Québec? If so, here are a few novels I recommend you immerse yourself in, so you’ll feel right at home once you arrive at your destination!

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Kamouraska: A Must-See Mushroom Tourism Destination!

   |   By Pascale G. Malenfant

More and more travellers are looking for meaningful travel experiences, contact with nature and local communities, a better understanding of the forest and the opportunity to enjoy gourmet delights. The Kamouraska area, in Bas-Saint-Laurent, is a mushroom tourism destination that will meet these travel objectives with a distinctive offer showcasing forest mushrooms!

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Parc national de Miguasha: When Fish Ruled the World

   |   By Olivier Matton

Waves crash on the beach, creating a soothing sound. In the water, fish abound. At first glance, this may sound like a description of one of Gaspésie’s many enchanting coastal landscapes. In fact, it is… some 380 million years ago, in the middle of the Devonian Period. Parc national de Miguasha offers visitors the opportunity to discover what links us to this mysterious lost world, thanks to the park’s exceptional fossil collection.

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Taking Wildlife Photos on Vacation: A Few Tips from a Nature Photographer

   |   By Jean-Christophe Lemay

Who hasn’t wanted to meet the gaze of a charismatic red fox or admire magnificent humpback whales? Québec is home to many spectacular landscapes and lush natural environments. Over the past 10 years, I’ve had the privilege of exploring this magnificent territory and photographing a wide range of wild animals and spectacular scenes. Based on my first-hand experiences during these outings, here are a few practical tips to optimize your chances of having great encounters with Québec’s wildlife and capturing unique photos!

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En Route to Rimouski

   |   By Nathalie Katinakis

Rimouski offers the best of both worlds, combining urban vitality with proximity to nature. Even in the heart of the city, it’s easy to escape from it all along the magnificent Promenade de la Mer boardwalk, which runs along the St. Lawrence. Offering lively festivals and breathtaking coastal scenery, Rimouski is the ideal destination for a road trip that will remain etched in your memory forever!

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8 Places to Stop and Take Photos on a Road Trip in Eastern Québec

   |   By Anne-Josée Pineau

While on a road trip, you’ll want to take a break every so often to stretch your legs for a few minutes. Why not combine this with the pleasure of stopping in a beautiful spot where you can also take great photos with your camera or smartphone? Here are 8 places to stop and take photos on your next vacation in the maritime regions of Québec.

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The Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park

   |   By Olivier Pierson

The Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park is an ideal place to observe whales. From May to October, discovery and wonder await you in this marine protected area located at the confluence of the fresh waters of the Saguenay River and the salt waters of the St. Lawrence Estuary.

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6 Lighthouses to Discover in Côte-Nord

   |   By Patrick Matte

Located on the north shore of the St. Lawrence Estuary, the Côte-Nord region is a true natural gem. Home to vast wilderness areas, long sandy beaches and iconic lighthouses, this region is a favourite among nature lovers and adventurers. Keep reading to learn more about the lighthouses of Côte-Nord.

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11 Lighthouses to Discover in Gaspésie

   |   By Patrick Matte

Gaspésie is home to breathtaking landscapes, picturesque villages and natural sites of great beauty. But did you know that the Gaspé Peninsula is also known for its lighthouses, which bear witness to the region’s maritime past and still fascinate visitors today? These sentinels of the sea offer spectacular views of the cliffs and the St. Lawrence. Keep reading to learn more about the lighthouses of Gaspésie.

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En Route to the Le Rocher-Percé Sector

   |   By Nathalie Katinakis

The Route du Rocher-Percé is a scenic drive in Gaspésie that runs through the towns of Port-Daniel–Gascons, Chandler, Grande-Rivière, Sainte-Thérèse-de-Gaspé and Percé, which is home to world-famous Percé Rock. An iconic natural landmark, this awe-inspiring rock formation is one of the most amazing natural phenomena in the world—seeing it will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of your road trip in this region!

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Discover Hidden-Gem Trails in Our National Parks

   |   By Anne Pélouas

The maritime regions of Québec are home to many national parks. These vast territories in Bas-Saint-Laurent, Gaspésie and Côte-Nord offer lots of popular hiking trails as well as some hidden gems that can be discovered from June to October. Follow the guide!

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Travelling as an Anglophone in Eastern Québec

   |   By Pamela McNaughtan

The maritime regions of Québec are among my favourites in the province. Bas-Saint-Laurent has charming towns, rich marine history and an array of regional flavours. Gaspésie has historic lighthouses, wildlife and stunning national parks. Côte-Nord’s rugged and bracing landscapes include Anticosti Island, the Manicouagan Reservoir and the Mingan Archipelago. The Îles de la Madeleine is where French, English and Acadian cultures interweave, creating a vibrant East Coast destination.

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En Route to Sept-Îles

   |   By Nathalie Katinakis

Nestled between land and sea, Sept-Îles offers a unique tourism experience combining industrial history and natural beauty. Among other things, this city in Côte-Nord boasts a rich Innu heritage and easy access to wild spaces. Discover this outdoor destination by visiting the many local attractions, from the Promenade du Vieux-Quai boardwalk to the Sept Îles Archipelago. You will be delighted by all this area has to offer!

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En Route to Memories: 5 Cultural Activities to Add to Your Road Trip Itinerary

   |   By Anne-Josée Pineau

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the 19th century in the company of British soldiers by visiting the Fort Ingall interpretation site. This authentic reconstruction of a campaign fortress built in Témiscouata in 1839 gives you the opportunity to learn all about a border conflict between Canada and the United States at that time. In addition to visiting the exhibitions with interpreter guides dressed in period military uniforms (or with the new audio guide), you can also watch musket- and cannon-firing demonstrations. If you’re over 18 years old, you can even try to fire a musket or cannon yourself. Learn how to handle a Brown Bess safely before you fire it and/or feel the shockwaves of firing a cannon!

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En Route to Percé

   |   By Nathalie Katinakis

An iconic destination in the region of Gaspésie, Percé is known worldwide as the home of legendary Percé Rock, which features an impressive stone arch that’s 15 metres (50 feet) high. This natural wonder is a popular attraction that’s sure to impress you: your first sight of this limestone behemoth as you drive into Percé is guaranteed to give you goosebumps! It’s also the perfect culmination to a road trip to this picturesque coastal area that welcomes thousands of visitors every year.

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En Route to the Îles de la Madeleine

   |   By Nathalie Katinakis

Breathtaking landscapes, exquisite sea flavours, an endearing island culture… In the Îles de la Madeleine, you can expect beautiful scenery, a rich culinary tradition and warm island hospitality. A vacation in this fascinating archipelago is an opportunity to enjoy intoxicating moments as you discover the Islands’ many attractions.

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Why Visit the Maritime Regions of Québec in June?

   |   By Marie-Eve Lagacé

Eastern Québec offers an unparalleled travel experience all year round, but late spring and early summer are an amazing time for nature lovers and travellers looking for adventure (or rest!) to visit our regions. Here are five reasons to come to Bas-Saint-Laurent, Gaspésie, Côte-Nord and the Îles de la Madeleine in June!

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Winter Favourites from the Québec Maritime Team

   |   By Le Québec maritime

Many people dream of experiencing a real Québec winter… Are you one of them? Whether you’re drawn to the beauty of snowy landscapes or fun winter activities, you too can enjoy winter to the fullest in Eastern Québec! Discover below what the members of the Québec maritime team love about this time of the year.

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Snowmobile-Friendly Lodging in Bas-Saint-Laurent

   |   By Anne-Josée Pineau

From Kamouraska to Rimouski via Rivière-du-Loup and the interior, Bas-Saint-Laurent offers a wide range of scenery. Explore the region along the Bas-Saint-Laurent – Gaspésie Snowmobile Tour or find a home base and ride on loop trails. Here are four establishments you may want to add to your itinerary.

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Snowmobile-Friendly Lodging in Gaspésie

   |   By Anne-Josée Pineau

Famous for abundant snowfall and a vast trail network of over 3000 kilometres (1900 miles), Gaspésie is a dream destination for snowmobilers. In addition, Gaspesians are renowned for their warm welcome. See for yourself by stopping in any of the following lodging establishments during your stay in the region.

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The Battle of the St. Lawrence

   |   By Ulrich Josserand

Are you interested in learning about the hidden parts of history? Take advantage of a trip through the spectacular landscapes of Gaspésie to discover the remains of an all-but-forgotten battle that took place during some of humanity’s darkest hours. If you’re a history buff, you’ll want to learn more about the Battle of the St. Lawrence.

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16 Hikes for the Whole Family in Eastern Québec

   |   By Ulrich Josserand

Hiking is a great way to enjoy the fresh air, discover and learn about local geography, flora and fauna as well as admire panoramic views of magnificent scenery. Here are several hikes accessible to all ages that can be enjoyed in the maritime regions of Québec!

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Regional Flavours: Cheese

   |   By Anne-Josée Pineau

Pretty much everyone loves cheese, right? Not surprisingly, this versatile food is found in all kinds of dishes, from the most refined to the most comforting, including the authentic Québécois dish known as poutine! Cheese is also a great snack to eat in the car on a road trip as well as a favourite at picnics. Are you hitting the road in Eastern Québec? Be sure to visit our artisan cheesemakers, who are constantly coming up with creative ways to showcase local ingredients in their products. Here are six you’ll want to add to your itinerary!

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5 Mountain Hikes in Eastern Québec for Experienced Hikers

   |   By Ulrich Josserand

Gaspésie and Côte-Nord are popular destinations for outdoor lovers. And when it comes to hiking, these regions of Eastern Québec can hold their own when compared to some of the most renowned mountains in the world! Whether you want to stay on marked trails or set off on an off-trail adventure, these hikes will provide you with challenging and exciting experiences. Get your hiking poles ready!

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Escapades on the Lakes and Rivers of Eastern Québec

   |   By Marie-Eve Lagacé

Looking for an escapade in a natural setting? Want to get away from technology and commune with nature? Set off to explore the lakes and rivers in our regions! Bas-Saint-Laurent, Gaspésie and Côte-Nord are dotted with bodies of freshwater where you can enjoy various well-supervised water sports. Discover these magnificent sites that will make you see our destination in a new light!

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Northern Lights: When the Sky Dances over Eastern Québec

   |   By Ulrich Josserand

The beautiful dancing waves of light seen in the night sky are an iconic symbol of the north. If you’ve ever had the privilege of admiring this natural wonder, you’re unlikely to ever forget it. In high-latitude regions, these polar lights are known as aurora borealis, or northern lights, but they also occur in the south (where they’re called aurora australis or southern lights). This phenomenon is thus visible near the magnetic poles of the northern and southern hemispheres. Do you know what causes this unusual light show? And did you know that you can see northern lights in our regions? Keep reading to find out more!

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Postcard-Worthy Landscapes of Eastern Québec

   |   By Anne-Josée Pineau

Sending postcards is probably one of the most common travel traditions! It’s fun to pick out cards for your loved ones to let them know you’re thinking of them and share a piece of your trip with them. Postcards also make great souvenirs of your stay: featuring amazing photos of your destination, they’ll forever remind you of your vacation experiences. Here are 8 photos of landscapes typically found in our regions that would definitely make great postcards!

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5 Surprising Facts about the St. Lawrence

   |   By Ulrich Josserand

Running across the province of Québec, the St. Lawrence is an integral part of the lives of local residents. In addition, this waterway was the main route for European navigators to explore this vast territory, but its importance was already recognized long before that by the First Nations communities living along its shores. The St. Lawrence plays a vital role in the Québec economy, provides access to drinking water and is a source of electric power. However, do you know these five unusual facts about this mighty waterway?

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Explore UNESCO Sites in Eastern Québec

   |   By Ulrich Josserand

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) gives World Heritage status to places or properties around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity. The organization also designates other types of sites, such as global geoparks and biosphere reserves. All three designations are found in the maritime regions of Québec.

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Find Out All about the Islands by Visiting Local Museums!

   |   By Marie-Eve Lagacé

Are you curious by nature and fascinated by history? You’ll find lots of interesting sites to visit in the Îles de la Madeleine! Museums are a rich source of information that will help you get to know and understand this region during your trip. Here are a few sites you’ll want to add to your itinerary.

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Discover Bas-Saint-Laurent in the Fall!

   |   By Nathalie Katinakis

If you want to fill up on fall colours, Bas-Saint-Laurent is a great destination. From scenic tourist routes to amazing hiking trails, this maritime region of Québec has more than one trick up its sleeve to charm those who love this special season!

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