Travel Blog 
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Apr 15
2008
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Where do traditional East Coast hospitality and charming French culture go hand-in-hand? In Quebec’s Maritime area, which encompasses four travel zones: Bas-Saint-Laurent, Gaspésie, Côte-Nord, and Îles de la Madeline.
Bas-Saint-Laurent
This area stretches south of Rivière-du-Loup and is a popular starting point for vacationsto the Gaspésie. Check out my earlier blog on this area , including the fabled town of Kamouraska, immortalized in writing by Quebecoise literary legend Anne Hébert.
Gaspésie National Park
Preserving some of the most inspiring natural scenery in Quebec this national park boasts the southernmost herd of caribou in Eastern North America. Over 140 kilometres of nature trails makes this area accessible for hearty nature lovers, and the less outdoorsy-type looking to explore. To get here, take Highway 132 north and in Saint-Anne-des-Monts veer inland on Highway 299. And, if you love the environment you will not want to fail to see Éole Cap-Chat for Le Nordais windmill park. This is the highest vertical-axis in the world, and is a testament to the protection of nature in this very beautiful region. And, finally, when you’ve worked up a sweat head to Jardins de lOrme, where handmade soaps are made from locally grown flowers and herbs – refreshing, and a great souvenir to bring home.
Percé Rock and Bonaventure Island
One of the most photographed islands in all of Quebec is Percé Rock and Bonaventure Island. Situated at the end of the Gaspé – from theMi’Kmaq gespeg meaning lands end, this natural beauty has been immortalized in Canadian cultures, featured in postage stamps, commercials, and visual arts. A juxtaposition of experience, Percé is a quaint village featuring fish curing warehouses, mixed with cafes, boutiques, and art galleries. For something truly memorable, try Lelièvre et Lemoignan Gaspé, cod that has been sun-dried in the sea wind. And because cheese is quintessentially French, don’t miss the goat cheese at Ferme Chimo – samples included with the visit!
Îles de la Madeleine
For starters, check out my earlier blog on these very special islands, including stunning photography that will seduce you come to the land of dunes and lagoons. Rising out of the St. Lawrence, you’ll fall in love with the relaxed lifestyle of these islands. Red buttes of sandstone, crashing to the sea, makes for the perfect combination of sandy beaches water sports, and unique marine and seashore biodiversity. The lobster from Îles de la Madeleine is beyond comparison, and Pied-de-Vent is the locally produced soft cheese, with a brie-like rind. To get here: fly into the regional airport, IATA/IACO code YGR, served daily; or take the daily ferry from Souris, PEI on the MV CTMA Madelene.
Côte-Nord Manicouagan
Rising north from Tadoussac, along the north shore of the St. Lawrence River, Côte-Nord Manicouagan is home to some of Quebec’s most robust scenery. From whale watching, to sea kayaking on the Saguenay Fjord, an up close encounter with nature is assured. In fact, this area has been designated as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Just off the beaten track are the Manic-5 dam and Manicouagan impact crater. You can get here by driving North from Quebec City, or via ferry connections linking Rivière-du-Loup, Rimouski, and Matane to Saint-Siméon, Forestville, and Baie-Comeau/Godbout respectfully.
Côte-Nord Duplessis
The secret is out – Côte-Nord Duplessis is one of Quebec’s closest guarded tourist secrets. Starting in Sept-Îles, this area represents an even more feral side of Northern Quebec. Wedged between St. Lawrence River and Labrador, don’t miss the Mingan Archipelago with spooky rock formations that will captivate your with their natural eeriness and distinctiveness. For the absolute adventure, take a Cessna plane from Harve-Saint-Pierre to Canada’s most mysterious island, Île Anticosti. Sold to French chocolatier Henri Menier in 1895, he built the town of Port-Menier to serve as a cannery for fish and lobster. He used the island’s wild terroir as his own hunting grown. It was repurchased by the government of Quebec in 1974. Today, animals frolic amongst untapped nature – the true Canadian hinterland. Unspoiled nature is at your fingertips on Île Anticosti.
Bas-Saint-Laurent
This area stretches south of Rivière-du-Loup and is a popular starting point for vacationsto the Gaspésie. Check out my earlier blog on this area , including the fabled town of Kamouraska, immortalized in writing by Quebecoise literary legend Anne Hébert.
Gaspésie National Park
Preserving some of the most inspiring natural scenery in Quebec this national park boasts the southernmost herd of caribou in Eastern North America. Over 140 kilometres of nature trails makes this area accessible for hearty nature lovers, and the less outdoorsy-type looking to explore. To get here, take Highway 132 north and in Saint-Anne-des-Monts veer inland on Highway 299. And, if you love the environment you will not want to fail to see Éole Cap-Chat for Le Nordais windmill park. This is the highest vertical-axis in the world, and is a testament to the protection of nature in this very beautiful region. And, finally, when you’ve worked up a sweat head to Jardins de lOrme, where handmade soaps are made from locally grown flowers and herbs – refreshing, and a great souvenir to bring home.
Percé Rock and Bonaventure Island
One of the most photographed islands in all of Quebec is Percé Rock and Bonaventure Island. Situated at the end of the Gaspé – from theMi’Kmaq gespeg meaning lands end, this natural beauty has been immortalized in Canadian cultures, featured in postage stamps, commercials, and visual arts. A juxtaposition of experience, Percé is a quaint village featuring fish curing warehouses, mixed with cafes, boutiques, and art galleries. For something truly memorable, try Lelièvre et Lemoignan Gaspé, cod that has been sun-dried in the sea wind. And because cheese is quintessentially French, don’t miss the goat cheese at Ferme Chimo – samples included with the visit!
Îles de la Madeleine
For starters, check out my earlier blog on these very special islands, including stunning photography that will seduce you come to the land of dunes and lagoons. Rising out of the St. Lawrence, you’ll fall in love with the relaxed lifestyle of these islands. Red buttes of sandstone, crashing to the sea, makes for the perfect combination of sandy beaches water sports, and unique marine and seashore biodiversity. The lobster from Îles de la Madeleine is beyond comparison, and Pied-de-Vent is the locally produced soft cheese, with a brie-like rind. To get here: fly into the regional airport, IATA/IACO code YGR, served daily; or take the daily ferry from Souris, PEI on the MV CTMA Madelene.
Côte-Nord Manicouagan
Rising north from Tadoussac, along the north shore of the St. Lawrence River, Côte-Nord Manicouagan is home to some of Quebec’s most robust scenery. From whale watching, to sea kayaking on the Saguenay Fjord, an up close encounter with nature is assured. In fact, this area has been designated as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Just off the beaten track are the Manic-5 dam and Manicouagan impact crater. You can get here by driving North from Quebec City, or via ferry connections linking Rivière-du-Loup, Rimouski, and Matane to Saint-Siméon, Forestville, and Baie-Comeau/Godbout respectfully.
Côte-Nord Duplessis
The secret is out – Côte-Nord Duplessis is one of Quebec’s closest guarded tourist secrets. Starting in Sept-Îles, this area represents an even more feral side of Northern Quebec. Wedged between St. Lawrence River and Labrador, don’t miss the Mingan Archipelago with spooky rock formations that will captivate your with their natural eeriness and distinctiveness. For the absolute adventure, take a Cessna plane from Harve-Saint-Pierre to Canada’s most mysterious island, Île Anticosti. Sold to French chocolatier Henri Menier in 1895, he built the town of Port-Menier to serve as a cannery for fish and lobster. He used the island’s wild terroir as his own hunting grown. It was repurchased by the government of Quebec in 1974. Today, animals frolic amongst untapped nature – the true Canadian hinterland. Unspoiled nature is at your fingertips on Île Anticosti.
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