What a luxury we have to live in such an immense territory! Few of us can boast of having visited every nook and cranny. When the need for a change of scenery arises, our vast Belle Province is full of possibilities. We present to you 10 to consider for your next getaway.
1. Saguenay Fjord
Not far from Quebec and 5 hours from Montreal, the Saguenay region is a complete and affordable destination that will appeal to couples and families alike. Nature lovers will be seduced by the impressive Fjord-du-Saguenay national park . Camping, magnificent hikes, via ferrata on the imposing walls of Éternité Bay, water activities or a cruise on the Saguenay are all ways to appreciate the grandeur of the place. And, good news, dogs are allowed on this Sépaq territory.
2. Lac-St-Jean
Walk along this true inland sea which impresses with its immensity and whose shore is punctuated with picturesque villages, mountain ranges and fertile agricultural land. Visit the famous Historic Village of Val-Jalbert , which became a ghost in 1927. It is now an open-air museum that tells the story of life at the beginning of the 19th century, when the community vibrated to the rhythm of its paper factory. Following the west bank, you will also come across the Mashteuiatsh Amerindian Museum, the Cheddar Cheese Museum of the old Perron cheese factory, as well as beautiful beaches to recharge your batteries or have a picnic.
3. La Malbaie
Charlevoix, between river and mountains, offers its visitors magnificent landscapes as well as an unparalleled gourmet route. After a hike in the Hautes-Gorges de la Rivière-Malbaie national park , we stop at La Malbaie to stock up on local products and end the day by trying our luck at the Charlevoix Casino. If you spend the weekend there, don’t miss the musical brunch at Domaine Forget in summer , not far away in Saint-Irénée before heading back.
4. Tadoussac
Go and meet the wildlife in Tadoussac. Known worldwide as one of the best whale watching sites, the village is also a great place to see, in the company of a guide, black bears and wolves in their natural habitat.
5. Pierced
An ideal place to take a little rest, taste the local flavors and enjoy the salty air of the coast. The region is a huge playground for hiking, wildlife watching and sea excursions of all kinds. Don’t forget to go to the glass platform of the Percé Geopark . Suspended at an altitude of 200 meters, it offers a breathtaking view of the famous Percé rock and the surrounding area. And what can we say about the warm welcome from the Gaspésiens who will certainly charm you.
6. Baie des Chaleurs
In this sector of Gaspésie, quieter than the end of the peninsula, there is a wide range of activities for all tastes. The adventurous will want to indulge in freediving in the river with salmon, tube down the Bonaventure River or go deep sea fishing. History lovers will be delighted with a visit to the Bataille-de-la-Bâtaille national historic sites. -la-Ristigouche and Banc-de-peche-de-Paspébiac . The fossil site of Miguasha National Park , as well as the Musée acadien du Québec are also worth the detour.
7. Mingan Archipelago National Park
Welcome to another world! An original place, far from everything, which gives the opportunity to reconnect with nature and what is essential. Explore more than 1,000 coastal islands and islets with surprisingly shaped rock formations. Have fun taking photos of the puffins that inhabit the park. You will definitely make people jealous.
8. Montebello
Buy yourself a large bag of carrots and take the road to Parc Oméga which offers a 15 kilometer safari at the wheel of your car. See unique wildlife up close: bison, wild boars, beavers and deer. Be sure to visit the separate enclosures that house coyotes, foxes, wolves and brown bears. To eat in Montebello, you will find, among others, the magnificent Fairmont Le Château Montebello as well as a chocolate factory with delicious products.
9. Megantic
This region of the Eastern Townships is at the heart of the first international dark sky reserve. Here, a visit to the ASTROLab and the astronomical observatories is a must. Motorcycle enthusiasts will also appreciate the area’s road circuits.
10. Kamouraska
Stop in one of the most beautiful villages in Quebec. Stroll along the main street where the general store, the German bakery, the soap factory and other shops follow one another, as well as the pretty typical 19th century houses. Nearby, in Saint-André-de-Kamouraska, stop off at Tête d’Allumette to admire the river while sipping a craft beer brewed over a wood fire. Looking for tranquility and isolation? Consider staying on Île aux Lièvres, a large wild island in the middle of the St. Lawrence.
Happy discoveries!
