Located on the banks of the St. Lawrence, Rivière-du-Loup is a dynamic city along the Gaspésie Tour that you'll enjoy visiting during your next trip to Bas-Saint-Laurent. It offers a multitude of activities and tourist attractions. Here are five that offer great photo opportunities!

1. Humpback whales putting on a show

From the Rivière-du-Loup wharf, board a Croisières AML sightseeing boat and enjoy an unforgettable whale-watching cruise in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park. This protected marine area is one of the best places in the world to observe marine mammals. From the deck of the AML Levant, you will undoubtedly ooh and aah as you admire the show. Humpbacks are known for the spectacular images of their black and white tails, taken as they dive underwater after surfacing to breathe. Keep your eyes peeled, as you won’t want to miss catching such an amazing shot!

2. Cosy cottages in the middle of the St. Lawrence

Located in the St. Lawrence River off Rivière-du-Loup, Île aux Lièvres (Hare Island) welcomes you for a stay in an inn, campsite or cottage. Sleek and modern in their design, the most recent cottages (Le Bécasseau and L’Épervier) provide a striking contrast to the island’s wild nature. Be sure to take pictures... your friends will be jealous! While you’re on the island, go for a hike through the forest or stroll along the water’s edge and observe marine wildlife. In the evening, let yourself be soothed by the sound of the waves... To get to Île aux Lièvres, take the Société Duvetnor boat from the Rivière-du-Loup wharf.

3. An oasis of wilderness in the heart of the city

Some 50 hectares (120 acres) of greenery, over 10 kilometres (6 miles) of trails, forests, a river and an orchard all await you in Parc des Chutes (Falls Park) in Rivière-du-Loup. While you’re looking for the best spots to take pictures, you’ll find it hard to believe you’re in the heart of the city! There are several trails to explore, depending on how much time you have. Don’t miss the 33-metre (108-foot) falls that give their name to the park and the old hydroelectric power plant, which is still functional.

4. A sentinel that has been standing guard for over 200 years

The oldest lighthouse in Québec stands guard on an island in the middle of the St. Lawrence. Built in 1809, the Île Verte Lighthouse will take you on a captivating voyage through time. Visit the museum to learn about the history of the lighthouse and how its light system and sound signals work. This site is so photogenic that you’ll want to keep snapping pictures! For an unusual experience, spend the night in either the lightkeeper’s or the assistant lightkeeper’s house, where peace and quiet await you. To get to the island, take the ferry from the village of L’Isle-Verte.

5. Birds in their natural habitat

Are you a birding enthusiast? If so, you’ll want to visit the Kiskotuk coastal park, which runs alongside the shore of the St. Lawrence from L’Isle-Verte to Cacouna—a perfect place to observe birds in their natural habitat. Depending on the season and where you are in the park, you’ll be able to sight various species of ducks, Nelson’s sharp-tailed sparrows, Canada geese and razorbills, among others. You can also enjoy hiking, cycling, sea kayaking and some interpretive activities in the park. In case you’re curious, kiskotuk means “bare land at low tide” in Wolastoqey, the language of the Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet).

Are you feeling inspired by these photo ops? Start planning your trip to Rivière-du-Loup today!