
Halfway between Quebec and Gaspé is the Bas-Saint-Laurent’s regional capital and Quebec’s oceanographic capital: Rimouski. Located on the east shore of the Rimouski River, the parc Beauséjour offers concerts, cycling paths, hiking, in-line skating and snow scooter trails, as well as musical picnics every Sunday during summer.
A few minutes from downtown, you will have access to three hiking trails of 5 kilometres each. The Sentier du Littoral runs along the salt marshes and wooded areas and leads to the Rocher Blanc where Bernard Voyer, a famous mountain climber born in Rimouski, learned how to climb. The two other trails run along a salmon river and are linked by suspended bridges.
If you want to discover the art of the region, take the route des Métiers d’art where you will be able to visit 4 workshops in which 40 craftsmen are gathered and present their local products. If you would like to discover the region with a guide, the circuit Fêtons Tour is recommended. You will visit sites, attractions, artist workshops, discover geology, history, wildlife, flora and legends in the comfort of a minibus. You will see Le Bic, Saint-Fabien, Rimouski, Métis, the highland and several other places upon request.
The Musée régional de Rimouski is also worth a stop. It is located in the first stone church to be built in Eastern Quebec. This museum presents exhibitions on contemporary art, regional history and sciences. Go on an excursion to the Saint-Barnabé Island where you can hike, observe birds, herons, seals, exceptional flora, walk on the beaches or have a picnic. At the Pointe-au-Père lighthouse, which is a Canadian historic site, climb up the 128 steps and admire the exceptional view on the river. In the Hangar de la Corne de Brume, you will discover an exhibition on the different sound signal systems that allowed sailors to know their position in bad weather. If you prefer lying down on the beach, you might meet many scuba divers and kayakers here.
The Musée de la Mer is another place you might want to visit. It presents the little-known history of the Empress of Ireland ship. This ship sank in 1914 and killed 1,012 people. This is considered one of the biggest sea disasters in Canada. You will find an exhibition presenting testimonies and various pieces from the ship. Then, stop by the Pointe-au-Père National Wildlife Area to observe wildlife and marine flora.
In September, the Festijazz international de Rimouski is an event you don’t want to miss. You will meet artists from everywhere in the world, who came especially to show their talent and entertain you. For those who like winter activities, a stop is required at the ski resort Val Neigette! The slopes were especially made to welcome skiers and snowboarders of all levels. You will have access to 17 ski and snowboard trails, 5 cross-country ski trails and one snowshoe trail. Moreover, an international snomobiling trail passes near the resort’s main lodge and welcomes a dog sledding competition each year. Finally, visit the maison Lamontagne, an interpretation centre on Quebec domestic architecture. You can attend the exhibition “De Pierre, de bois, de brique” that relates the evolution of house construction in Quebec, from the 18th and 19th centuries to nowadays.
Regional Products
Festivals & Events
Concours de sculptures de sable
Festi Jazz international de Rimouski
Saint-Gabriel Country Western Festival
National Historic Sites
Regional Parks
Wildlife Observation
Accommodation
Towns and villages
The Bas-Saint-Laurent Travel guide is a mine of tourism information concerning the activities, attractions, events and accommodation of the region. The Bas-saint-Laurent tourism guide includes the vacation resorts, the green spaces and agrotourism, as well as the heritage attractions and the beautiful sunsets.
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