Are you planning to visit Bas-Saint-Laurent, Gaspésie, Côte-Nord or the Îles de la Madeleine? My biggest tip for enjoying your adventure to the fullest is to adopt the habits of the locals! Here are a few suggestions to help you discover these regions in a different way and enjoy a memorable trip.

Participate in local events

The maritime regions of Québec are home to much talent and thus host a multitude of events of all kinds. Depending on when you travel and where you’re going, you’ll want to find out in advance what events are taking place so you can join in! Whether indoors or outdoors, fun times await you in the company of locals and other travellers. Here are some of the highly anticipated cultural events that take place every year: Les Grandes Fêtes TELUS, the “Concerts aux Îles du Bic” Chamber Music Festival and Rimouski Festi Jazz International in Bas-Saint-Laurent; and the International Garden Festival, Petite-Vallée Song Fest and Festival Musique du Bout du Monde in Gaspésie. Many other events happen throughout the year, including the celebrations marking the launch of the lobster season in the Îles de la Madeleine in the spring and the Migratory Bird Festival taking place in Côte-Nord in the fall.

Go on guided outings

If your itinerary includes exploring our national parks, visiting museums and interpretation sites, or going on sea excursions or on lake or river excursions, don’t hesitate to hire a guide! Not only will they know the area like the back of their hand, but they will also be able to share a wealth of interesting information and answer all your questions. If you’re planning an outdoor adventure, such as sea kayaking, rock climbing or treetop trekking, a certified guide will make sure your experience is a safe one. Above all, hiring guides will give you opportunities to chat with knowledgeable people who will introduce you to facets of their world you may not be able to discover on your own.

Discover new flavours

Once you’ve tasted Québec’s signature dish, a poutine (for example, at one of these snack bars), you should know that Eastern Québec is also a dream destination for foodies in search of culinary discoveries! Whether you’re visiting food artisans directly during an agritourism experience, going to farmers markets, browsing gourmet food shops or dining at a restaurant, you’ll have many opportunities to discover the rich flavours of our regions and the passion of our food producers. On the menu: fish and seafood, cheese, mushrooms, flowers and other products from our fields and forests, not to mention beers, wines and spirits expertly crafted with quality ingredients. Inquire about local specialties! In Québec, family and friends often gather around the kitchen table to share the pleasures of eating well with loved ones. We wish you the same experience. Bon appétit!

Take the time to relax

Fancy a cup of tea or coffee? When you’re passing through our towns and villages, take the time to stop at a local café to treat yourself to a little energy boost! Why not ask the barista about the most popular items on the menu? Sit at a table indoors or on the patio and people watch as you enjoy your beverage. Who knows? You may even meet some of the friendly locals!

With these tips in mind, I’m sure you’ll have an immersive and memorable trip to our regions!