The Québec maritime Blog
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Kamouraska
Mathieu Dupuis
5 Good Reasons to Visit the Kamouraska Area
Imagine landscapes of coastline, countryside, mountains and villages facing the St. Lawrence as it widens into the sea... This gives you an idea of what awaits you in the Kamouraska area, in Bas-Saint-Laurent. This sector, which stretches from La Pocatière to Saint-André, includes several picturesque towns and villages that offer many attractions. Discover them during your next vacation and remember to breathe in the salty sea air while you’re there! Here are five good reasons to visit the Kamouraska area.
1. Stroll through one of Québec’s most beautiful villages
Located at the centre of the Kamouraska area, the village of Kamouraska is officially recognized as one of the most beautiful in Québec. During a stroll through this coastal village, let yourself be charmed by the main street, which is lined with boutiques as well as homes built in a style typical of 19th-century resort towns. Then head towards the coast to admire the St. Lawrence, islands, the wharf and the intriguing fish weirs used to catch eels… If you happen to be out at the right time of the day, you can also take in a breathtaking sunset!
2. Delight your palate
The Kamouraska area is a popular foodie destination, which is hardly surprising since it is home to several innovative food producers—be sure to visit the bakery, cheese factory and microbrewery! Since the area is located along the coast, you will also find fresh fish and seafood on just about every menu! Have you ever tasted eel? This regional specialty is available for purchase in local fish markets. If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll want to visit La Fée Gourmande, a chocolate shop that makes its own chocolates and caramels. Many regional products are also available in local restaurants such as the Côte Est café-bistro, which offers a menu featuring seasonal ingredients.
3. Discover local talent
The artists and artisans of Kamouraska are famous for their know-how and imagination. Is it living so close to the sea that inspires such talent? See for yourself as you visit the many artisan workshops, art galleries and boutiques in this area. Consider taking home a souvenir: paintings, sculptures, jewellery, ceramic pieces, woodworking items, soaps made with rice bran oil and more. You are bound to find the perfect gift!
4. Soak up local history
Given its rich history and heritage, it’s not surprising that the Kamouraska area is home to so many museums and interpretation sites. Enjoy visiting local churches and heritage buildings, including the old courthouse and the schoolhouse. To find out more about eel fishing, tour the eel interpretation site. Located in a former convent built in 1851, the Musée regional de Kamouraska invites you to discover life in this village from the early days of colonization. Accompanied by guides dressed in period costume, learn about the seigneury, schooners, fishing and more. This museum will delight curious minds!
5. Admire the scenery from the shore, the water or the mountains
The Kamouraska area is also an ideal place to enjoy the great outdoors! While hikers can explore the many trails in this area, cyclists can ride the Route Verte cycling trail, which runs along the St. Lawrence. Want to see the coast from a different angle? Go sea kayaking! You can paddle around the islands in the St. Lawrence. Mountain climbing enthusiasts will be awed by the views from the tops of the cliffs in Saint-André—the rock walls made of orthoquartzite make this sector a very popular climbing destination.
So, what do you think? Which of these attractions in Haute-Gaspésie will you visit during your road trip along the Bas-Saint-Laurent – Gaspésie Tour?
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Author Anne-Josée Pineau
Born in Bas-Saint-Laurent, Anne-Josée Pineau loves this region and is delighted to introduce others to it. Never far from the sea, she’s fascinated by lighthouses and could live on seafood alone! On this blog, she likes to write about our regions’ unusual attractions, make your mouth water by describing local delicacies, and pique your interest by revealing some of the hidden beauty found in Québec by the Sea. In other words, she wants to provide you with lots of ideas for an unforgettable vacation!
(3) comments
Djaouida
What about a bakery that I heard who’s make a good bread
Hi, I think it's Boulangerie Niemand :) | Marie-Eve - Team Québec maritime
Brian Labrie
I came to Kamouraska from east coast USA because I'd discovered that many of my ancestors on the French side were from there and the surrounding towns. I think I chose a good time to come in the 1st week of September - the town was not packed with tourists and the weather was still fairly nice. People were really helpful when they learned I had a personal connection to the area. The best money spent was on the Museum (Musee de Kamouraska) which was great inside and offered an additional guided tour of the village - both for only $12. Niemand's Bakery had just closed for the season but I did buy some great cheeses and jams at Jardin du Bedeau and some gourmet chocolate at La Fee Gourmande. As for restaurants, the best for the money was Poissonnerie Lauzier an authentic fish market/restaurant as good as anything here in New England. I recommend the salmon on rice and salad. L'Amuse Bouche offers a great view of the water but was overpriced and not that great - their lobster roll was one tiny claw padded with tons of lobster salad mix. I loved walking by the quays and seeing the very picturesque houses by the river.
Annelise Klug
My Familie and I have visited Kamouraska since 1976 ,originally inspired by the book with the same name. We love the region and come back every year. So inspiring.
Thanks for sharing! Always nice to see when literature inspires travel! :)