Tourism, vacations, getaways in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region | Québec’s regions

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The Bas-Saint-Laurent region invites you to its World Good Life Reserve of rivers, lakes and mountains.

You could say the good life is our specialty, seeing as there’s so much for you to see and do here: from islands, lighthouses, national parks and sea mammals, to sunsets, bike paths and local products... Come make the good life yours!

Consult the tourist guide

How to get there

by car/by motorcycle

by bus

by train

Distance between main cities

Montréal

431km

Québec

208km

Gatineau

628km

Did you know?

The region boasts over 800 lakes and rivers... as well as Ponik, its very own lake monster.

The islands of the Bas-Saint-Laurent region

Their charming names bring a smile to your face: Île Verte (Green Island), Île aux Basques (Basque Island), Île Saint-Barnabé (St. Barnaby’s Island), Pot à L’Eau-de-Vie archipelago (Brandy Pot Islands), Île aux Lièvres (Hare Island)… This string of islands dots the St. Lawrence River, and many of them are accessible in the summer, from Rivière-du-Loup, Rimouski or the village of L’Isle-Verte.

Venture out by boat on a guided tour to learn the history of these islands and observe birds, whales, seals, belugas and dolphins... The Estuary Islands National Wildlife Area between Kamouraska and Rimouski protects this stunning natural landscape. Hike, camp, sleep in a lighthouse, bird watch, relax and re-energize: peace and quiet and utter beauty await you.

Did you know the Île Verte lighthouse is the oldest (and first) on the St. Lawrence, built in 1809?

Parc national du Bic

As legend has it, an angel shook out its pockets over the river, creating the Bic mountains and islands. Set in the St. Lawrence estuary, Parc national du Bic features headlands, bays, coves, islands and mountains spread over 33 km² (13 sq. mi.). Strangely, before setting foot inside the park, it’s virtually impossible to imagine the countless vistas and vantage points in store. Once inside, the closer you get to the river, the more magical everything becomes.

It’s postcard perfect: some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world, numerous species of flocking and nesting seabirds, rare plants blooming on the rocky capes, seals basking in the sun and watchful white-tailed deer and foxes... And what a magnificent playground for camping, kayaking and hiking.

The park’s emblem is the harbour seal, commonly spotted on the beach.

Go play in the park

Parc national du Lac-Témiscouata

Surrounding Lac Témiscouata, one of the most magnificent lakes south of the St. Lawrence River, Parc national du Lac-Témiscouata is immense, stretching over 175 km² (68 sq. mi.)! It boasts 10,000 years of human history, from the Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet) hunters and stone carvers to 21st century tourists.

We are only just discovering the rich history of this land through the work of on-site archeologists. The public is invited to take part in archeological digs, so who knows what future vocations this might inspire... Imagine your kids discovering an Indian arrow! Visitors can enjoy canoe excursions and many other outdoor activities, including hikes along more than 35 km (22 mi.) of trails.