In my previous blog post, I wrote about 5 good reasons to motorcycle in the maritime regions of Québec. In it, I listed why I think Eastern Québec is a destination that is worth visiting and revisiting. Now that I’ve convinced you to come motorcycling in our regions, here are what I consider the best places to stop along your journey.

On a motorcycling trip, it’s important to take breaks, change positions and stretch your legs. Depending on your bike, the distance you cover between stops may not be very long. Personally, I like to stop by water, which makes for a pleasant change from more ordinary roadside rest areas.

Admire panoramic views while breathing in fresh sea air and squinting against the reflection of the sun on the water. Watch the comings and goings in a bustling fishing harbour. Chat with fishermen returning to port with their catches of the day. (You’ll learn all kinds of things!) Here then are my favourite places to stop for an enjoyable break while motorcycling in the maritime regions of Québec.

In Gaspésie:

• Surprise Hill (Côte Surprise) (located just east of the village of Percé), where you can admire a view of Percé Rock, and the wharf of the Vieille Usine in L’Anse-à-Beaufils
• Pointe Tracadigash, in Carleton-sur-Mer, where you can see the lighthouse and even watch outdoor shows
• Gîte du Mont-Albert, if you’re riding through Parc national de la Gaspésie, in the heart of the peninsula

In Bas-Saint-Laurent:

• Saint-Fabien-sur-Mer, where you can admire the St. Lawrence (if you’re riding east on Route 132, turn left on Route de la Mer to get there)
• Along Lake Témiscouata (while you’re there, visit Parc national du Lac-Témiscouata)
• The wharves in Kamouraska (an area with a rich architectural heritage)

In Côte-Nord:

• The roadside rest area in Tadoussac (on Route 138, near the Tadoussac Campground), where you can admire a superb view of Tadoussac Bay
• The Les Galets heritage site in Natashquan, as well as the village’s wooden bridges and fishing harbour (motorcycling all the way to the end of the Whale Route is an interesting challenge!)

In the Îles de la Madeleine:

• The lookout on Cap aux Meules Island, which offers an impressive view of the wharf, the sea and the village (from Chemin Principal, turn onto Chemin du Quai and follow the signs for the lookout; there’s a parking lot and several steps to climb)
• Pointe de la Grande-Entrée, where you will find a charming fishing port packed with brightly coloured boats (to get there, follow Route 199, which ends at the wharf)

Bonus: Ferries are a great way to travel quickly while soaking up beautiful maritime scenery and enjoying onboard amenities.

As you can see from this list, I love the sea, wharves and marinas. Luckily, the St. Lawrence shoreline is dotted with small fishing harbours. And let’s not forget Chaleur Bay! All this to say, I recommend you stop in these spots and see for yourself how they will recharge your body and spirit! Happy riding!