Côte-Nord culture is a blend of Innu traditions and the heritage of European settlers. This combination is reflected in regional flavours and inspires local artisans. Here are some suggestions for places to visit and items you could take home with you!

Arts and crafts

• In Baie-Comeau, visit the Borale Soap Factory. Learn more about how soap is made and purchase their 100% natural soaps made with essences from the boreal forest: wintergreen, thuja, balsam fir, etc.
• Looking for something truly unique? Visit the Atelier Éco-Art studio/boutique in Forestville, where Rose-Marie Gallant (aka La Marchande de Sable, the “Sandwoman”) creates unusual art pieces in bottles using grains of sand in a variety of colours. Make sure you follow her instructions on how to transport these items home!
• If you’re interested in Innu culture, you’ll want take home an authentic souvenir that was made using ancestral methods: dream catchers, art, jewellery, sculptures, accessories, etc. There are several places you can purchase such items, including the Essipit crafts boutique.
• Located in Havre-Saint-Pierre along the St. Lawrence, Place des Artisans is a great place to find original creations made by Côte-Nord artisans. In the summer, you can even watch them at work!

Regional flavours

• At the heart of the village of Tadoussac, La Galouïne Inn offers a boutique where you can purchase gourmet items, including those created on site by Algonquin chef Martin Brisson. His Terroir Boréal products are made with local berries and ingredients from the boreal forest and include confits, infusions, syrups, spreads and other delicacies. Take a few jars home!
• Further east, in Baie-Comeau, the St-Pancrace microbrewery offers hops fans a tasty experience. After touring the brewery and sampling beers with names inspired by the region and its attractions (including Uapishka, Pointe-Noire, Crâââbe and Petite Mécatina), you will undoubtedly want to tuck a few bottles into your suitcase! Find out about points of sale.
• In Rivière-au-Tonnerre, you can discover a small golden yellow local delicacy: cloudberries. Harvested in the region’s peat bogs, these berries are used to make jams, jellies and herbal teas. Visit the Maison de la Chicoutai (Cloudberry House) to purchase these treats.
• Of course, Côte-Nord also offers an abundance of delicious seafood: snow crab, lobster, shrimp, scallops, sea urchins, Stimpson’s surf clams and more! To take some home with you, visit the many fish markets in the region.

Visit the Tourisme Côte-Nord website for even more suggestions of artisans and food producers to discover during your vacation. What will you take home as a souvenir of Côte-Nord this summer?

Ask your airline about restrictions on what you can pack in your carry-on and checked luggage. If you purchase a fragile souvenir, make sure you pack it carefully to avoid breakage.