Quebecmusts.com - Region of Bas Saint-Laurent

Along the shores of the lower St. Lawrence River, so wide here that the locals call it “la mer” (the sea), lies the picturesque Bas-Saint-Laurent region, with its diversified, spectacular natural vistas. It’s a region of long sandbars, several islands (only one of which is inhabited year-round), mountains and valleys, each more inviting and wondrous than the last. The legends and secrets of these charming villages are equalled only by the richness of their heritage architecture and the warmth of their inhabitants’ welcome.

© Parc national du Bic, Jean-Pierre Huard, Sépaq

A park by the sea

Parc national du Bic will delight you with its mountains, islands, bays, coves and capes that seem to go on forever. It is also home to thousands of sea birds and seals.

Take to the water!

Whether you want to escape to the islands for a few hours or for days on end, or to observe the marine mammals, plenty of excursions on the river are available.

Don’t forget your bicycle

Petit Témis linear park crosses the Rivière-du-Loup region and runs all the way to the New Brunswick border. Along its 130 kilometres (81 miles) are natural treasures inaccessible by car.

Discover Basque fishing traditions

Visit the camps used by the Basques, who sailed immense distances to hunt whales. The ovens used to heat the mammals’ blubber can still be seen today on Île aux Basques.

Four lighthouses, including the oldest on the St. Lawrence, stand guard over the region. Most can be visited, and at one, you can even stay the night!

The charm of the area’s villages inspired great writers, like Kamouraska’s Anne Hébert, and Émile Nelligan, who spent many summers at Cacouna.

The names of many towns and villages come from First Nations languages. Learn about them: you may be surprised at some of their meanings!

At the beginning of the 19th century, Bas-Saint-Laurent was a trendy holiday destination for well-to-do families from Canada and the United States.

At the Musée de la mer, learn the story of Canada’s worst-ever maritime disaster, the sinking of the Empress of Ireland, and view treasures from the wreck.

For a great side trip, from La Pocatière, head along Route 230: the high plateaus overlooking the coastline afford one magnificent view after another.

If you decide to go on a river cruise, don’t forget a hat, as well as a warm coat and shoes, even in the summertime, to properly enjoy the cool air out on the water.

In the evening, take the time to watch the sun set slowly and majestically behind the mountains of the Charlevoix region; the spectacle is breathtaking.

Calling all gourmets: the region is renowned for a variety of seafood delights, from traditional smoked fish dishes to eel.

	For more information: Tourisme Bas-Saint-Laurent

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