Located on the south shore of the St. Lawrence Estuary in Bas-Saint-Laurent, Rivière-du-Loup is a prime tourist destination offering magnificent scenery, a multitude of activities and a vibrant cultural life, along with some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world! Here are seven reasons why you should add Rivière-du-Loup to your itinerary during your vacation in Eastern Québec.

1. Spend the night in a lighthouse on an island in the St. Lawrence

Spending the night on a small island in the middle of the St. Lawrence with just a few other people is definitely a unique experience. Now imagine staying in an authentic 3-bedroom lighthouse, as only a handful of 19th- and 20th-century families had the opportunity to do! That’s the experience Société Duvetnor offers you with an overnight stay at Pot à l’Eau-de-Vie Lighthouse, which includes a guided sea excursion around the archipelago, a dinner featuring regional flavours, brunch and access to the trails on the island. It’s an experience you’ll remember forever!

2. Treat yourself to a hike and overnight stay on a wild island

Do you love walking in the woods but also feel the call of the water? Are you looking for a destination where you can reconnect with nature without having to embark on a long expedition? Société Duvetnor invites you to explore 45 km (30 mi.) of trails on Île aux Lièvres, just 10 km (6 mi.) off the coast of Rivière-du-Loup. You can make the round trip in the same day or take advantage of all the island has to offer by spending the night in a campsite, cottage or inn, with a package that includes all your meals. The sea, the forest and a nature experience far from your everyday life: this is what awaits you on this island!

3. Slow down, relax and recharge

Imagine an island with a gravel road running down the middle of it, covered in fields, dotted with pretty houses and home to the oldest lighthouse on the St. Lawrence, which has been standing guard for over 200 years… Île Verte seems to belong to another era and will give you the impression that time has slowed down. Everything about this island encourages tranquility and rejuvenation. To get there, you’ll have to hop on a ferry or take a helicopter ride, depending on the season. The island also offers many lodging options, including vacation homes such as the lightkeeper’s and assistant lightkeeper’s houses, and campsites.

4. Discover local flavours and meet local food artisans

The Rivière-du-Loup area and the surrounding countryside abound in gourmet products and food artisans who are ready to share their expertise with you. Baked goods, maple products, fresh fruit and vegetables, mead, craft beers, artisanal spirits, lamb, duck and sustainable beef are just some of the delights you’ll find in this area, whether at the public market on Saturdays (from June to October) or on one of the gourmet tours proposed by Tourisme Rivière-du-Loup.

5. Go for a stroll along the coast and soak up a sunset

Rivière-du-Loup invites you to discover Parc de la Pointe where you can soak up a magnificent sunset along with views of the mountains in the Charlevoix region as you explore the park’s 2.5-km (1.5-mi.) paved path along the water. This is the perfect place to stretch your legs and bring your children to play! Follow the self-guided walk with audio commentary (in French only), which will introduce you to local stories and legends.

6. Immerse yourself in a fascinating world

If you’re interested in natural and cultural discoveries, then you’re in for a treat at Kiskotuk Coastal Park! In addition to over 10 km (6 mi.) of hiking trails that offer bird-watching opportunities, you’ll find the Putep ’t-awt observation site on Gros-Cacouna Mountain. (Putep ’t-awt means “beluga trail” in the Wolastoqey language.) This area of the park, which has been developed by the Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk First Nation, includes facilities dedicated to beluga research where visitors can participate in an immersive activity to better understand the lives of these marine mammals. Take a moment to admire a breathtaking view of the St. Lawrence and explore the digital and interactive discovery trail, which offers deeper insight into Wolastoqey culture.

7. Enjoy the city like the locals do

Rue Lafontaine, the main street in downtown Rivière-du-Loup, is particularly well-preserved, with many original buildings. Home to a variety of restaurants, bars and bistros that will suit all tastes and budgets, it bustles with activity in the summer when you can savour your meal on an outdoor patio and enjoy the evening in a friendly atmosphere. Take the time to stroll around the downtown area and chat with the locals, which is the best way to get a feel for the pulse of this city.

The Rivière-du-Loup area also offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets, making your stay a memorable part of your road trip along the Bas-Saint-Laurent – Gaspésie Tour. Enjoy your adventures in this city!