Abitibi-Témiscamingue
Bas-Saint-Laurent
Low tides, high plateaus
On the St. Lawrence’s southern shore, coastal levees and hills give way to lakes, woodlands and sinuous rivers. When the setting sun makes the water sparkle and the tidal flats gleam, turning the islands into ghostly shapes, the Bas-Saint-Laurent is at its most moving! The Navigators’ Route traces the shoreline, crossing charming villages that are rich in architectural heritage. You’ll find no shortage of good reasons to make a stop: clambering up a lighthouse, visiting a museum, walking on the shore, sampling local specialties (especially the region’s delectable smoked fish) or simply getting a lungful of fresh air! The serenity of the surrounding landscape is just the right incentive for health and relaxation.
Foghorns and sea shanties
Numerous day trips and cruises will introduce you to the islands punctuating the coastline and the whales that frequent the Saguenay—St. Lawrence Marine Park. See the seabird colonies that cluster on Île Saint-Barnabé across from Rimouski, or admire the picturesquely named Îles du Pot-à-l'Eau-de-Vie (“brandy pot islands”) near Rivière-du-Loup. A stop at Île aux Basques, which faces Trois-Pistoles, will reveal traces of the 16th-century fishermen who once made their living there. Île Verte, the only inhabited island in the region, is ideally explored by bike or by foot. There you can stop and admire the frolicking sea mammals from the foot of the St. Lawrence’s oldest lighthouse (1809). One of the loveliest spots on the river’s southern shores, Parc national du Bic harbours seals and seabirds within an astounding mosaic of islets, capes and cliffs.Backcountry bliss
Cyclists will appreciate the Parc linéaire Petit Témis (130 km/80 mi.), which follows the former rail line between Rivière-du-Loup and Edmundston. The path hugs magnificent Lac Témiscouata and, in Dégelis, joins up with the Sentier national, a hiking trail that connects with Trois-Pistoles. The Border Route takes you to Lac Pohénégamook, a favourite among lovers of the great outdoors, then follows the Maine (U.S.) border right up to New Brunswick. In the winter, the region’s vast interior will make snowmobilers happy with 1,800 km (1,120 mi.) of trails. The Bas-Saint-Laurent: an ongoing love affair!
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