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The beach offers direct access to nature, miles of coastline for walking, traditions like capelin rolling on the beach, outdoor activities, salty air, the pleasure of taking a dip... All this right here... right here at home.
Destination: Côte-Nord
With 800 kilometres of coastline along the river, from Tadoussac to Kegaska, Côte-Nord offers a string of beaches formed by nature. These vast sandy expanses offer a rare, almost timeless tranquillity. With a little luck, you might catch a glimpse of whales blowing or dolphins playing on the surface of the water. In these northern latitudes, sunsets paint the sky and river in spectacular hues. Enjoy the view before heading back to the nearest coastal village.
For many, the dunes of Tadoussac mark the first stop on a road trip to the Côte-Nord. Plus, the end of Route 138 is signalled by the traditional swim in the—warm!—water at Natashquan beach. Between the two, discover a series of coastal landscapes and fishing villages. To admire this panorama from the water, go on a sea kayak or paddleboard outing: this is possible at Attitude Nordique in Baie-Comeau and at Les Vagues in Havre-Saint-Pierre.
Are you continuing your exploration of the Basse-Côte-Nord with the Circuit Nordique Expédition 51? Discover the coastline in a different way by stopping by the Ferme de la Baie du Saumon, which specializes in scallop farming.
Where to sleep?
Make your “nest” at the Parc Nature de Pointe-aux-Outardes, where five giant, ready-to-camp nest boxes offer you an extraordinary stay. Starting this summer, visitors will be able to enjoy a completely revamped welcome and interpretation pavilion.
To put on the itinerary
A beach vacation… at an outfitter
Although Côte-Nord is known for its beaches and the waters of the St. Lawrence, its inland areas are also full of heavenly places. This is true at the pourvoirie Club Lac des Sables et Paradis in the municipality of Bergeronnes, 15 minutes from Tadoussac. The two large lakes that gave the place its name offer vacationers plenty of room to have fun and relax by the water.
Generous in nature and adventures, Côte-Nord has around 50 outfitters on its territory.
Destination: Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean
In Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, all directions lead to the water. On one side, a larger-than-life fjord, bordered by vertiginous cliffs that plunge at depths so impressive that even the largest marine mammals venture there. On the other side, Lac Saint-Jean, this immense inland sea whose sandy shores and gentle lapping instantly make you want to put on your swimsuit.
Around Lac Saint-Jean, 42 kilometres of sandy shore invite you to lay down your towel. There are around fifteen beaches suitable for swimming spread across different municipalities: Saint-Henri-de-Taillon, Métabetchouan–Lac-à-la-Croix, Chambord, Mashteuiatsh… When the wind picks up, thrill-seekers use it to try their hand at kiteboarding with the pros at Progression Kite.
Looking for postcard landscapes? Take the Tour du lac Saint-Jean tourist route and stop at each attraction along the way.
Where to sleep?
In the charming village of Sainte-Rose-du-Nord, the eco-tourism company Exode en nature offers you an unforgettable luxury ready-to-camp experience. Drop off your belongings off at one of the mini-cottages, just steps from the river and Boreal forest.
To put on the itinerary
Pointe‑Taillon National Park (Sépaq)
Every summer, the fine sandy beaches of Parc national de la Pointe-Taillon attract vacationers and outdoor enthusiasts. The banks of the "Lac", as it is affectionately called here, become a place to play for children, a place to relax for adults and a place to rest for water sports enthusiasts and cyclists passing through on the Véloroute des Bleuets. To fully enjoy this little corner of paradise, experience a night under the stars (in a tent) on a peaceful island, just a few paddle strokes from the coast.
Destination: Îles-de-la-Madeleine
Far from the hectic pace of everyday life, the Îles-de-la-Madeleine invite you to slow down, breathe and let yourself be rocked by the sea. This unique archipelago with breathtaking landscapes seduces with its warm atmosphere, its vibrant culture and, above all, its spectacular beaches.
In the Islands, it’s impossible to resist the call of the open sea. With more than 300 kilometres of beaches, these places invite you to swim, take long, invigorating walks or simply spend a moment contemplating the sandbank. Hikers will be delighted to explore the Sentiers Entre Vents et Marées, whose 13 stages amount to a circuit of 230 kilometres. Plus, with the vastness of this sea that bathes the archipelago, there are many options for nautical activities: sailing, surfing, kayaking or zodiac excursions, everyone has their own cruising pace.
To continue the journey beyond the beaches, take a look at this itinerary: Discover the treasures of the Îles de la Madeleine.
Beach holidays made more accessible
Some Québec beaches are now better adapted for people with reduced mobility thanks to the addition of infrastructure such as walkways and sand mats, as well as the presence of amphibious wheelchairs. Also known as “beach wheelchairs” (in French only), these adapted devices are designed to move across various terrains using their oversized wheels. The Kéroul organization presents companies that offer rentals of adapted equipment like this and lists tourist establishments according to their level of accessibility.
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Summer has so much to offer us!
Continue to celebrate the hot season with these fun activity ideas.
