Explore the many historical, cultural and maritime treasures along the Navigators’ Route. Well identified with easily recognizable blue signs featuring a white ship’s wheel, this scenic drive follows Route 132 through the tourist regions of Centre-du-Québec, Chaudière-Appalaches and Bas-Saint-Laurent. In this last region, the Navigators’ Route will take you from La Pocatière to Sainte-Luce, as you feast your eyes on magnificent views of the St. Lawrence and its islands.
To find out more about the Navigators’ Route, visit the routedesnavigateurs.ca website.
In Bas-Saint-Laurent, the Navigators’ Route begins in the Kamouraska region where you will drive through picturesque seaside villages with heritage houses that recall the resort areas so popular at the turn of the 20th century. Visit a local fish market, enjoy a sea excursion or learn more about eel fishing in this area.
Rivière-du-Loup, where the St. Lawrence begins to widen into the sea, is a popular place to observe whales (back in 2024). Take advantage of your time here to go on an excursion to the islands in the St. Lawrence to see the Pot à l’Eau-de-Vie Lighthouse, explore the trails on Île aux Lièvres (Hare Island) and observe seabirds.
If you have enough time, head out to Île Verte (Green Island), which is a 30-minute ferry ride from the village of Isle Verte, to see the oldest lighthouse on the St. Lawrence. A little further east, in the Trois-Pistoles sector, you can learn about the history of Basque fishermen or enjoy a sea excursion to the islands in this area.
In Le Bic, you can admire one of the most spectacular views in the region where the St. Lawrence flows between mountains and islands. Be sure to visit Parc national du Bic where you can to enjoy many outdoor activities as you soak up the natural beauty of this area.
The regional urban centre of Rimouski offers a multitude of activities as well as many quality lodging and dining options. Go on an excursion to Saint-Barnabé Island to observe bird colonies or head to the Pointe-au-Père Maritime Historic Site to visit the Empress of Ireland Museum, the Pointe-au-Père Lighthouse and the Onondaga submarine. Breathe in the salty sea air as you stroll along the boardwalk or relax on the fine-sand beach in Sainte-Luce, a few kilometres further east.
Do you want to spend more time in our regions? Extend your trip into Gaspésie or take a ferry from Rimouski (not available in 2023) or Matane across the St. Lawrence to explore the Whale Route.
