Trained as a biologist, Sonia Giroux is in charge of education at the Marine Mammal Observation Network (ROMM), where she has spent many years interpreting the natural environment and doing science outreach. Passionate about marine sciences, Sonia enjoys sharing her love of the St. Lawrence with the public by introducing visitors to its natural beauty and observing their enthusiastic reactions. Today, she shares some of her favourite places in Rivière-du-Loup, a town she has called home for the past 15 years.

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• Have drinks before dinner: Le Mirador café bar terrace in Auberge de la Pointe

Le Mirador offers a cosy renovated terrace overlooking the St. Lawrence where you can enjoy cocktails and mouth-watering tapas.

• Eat: L’Innocent café

This friendly café will appeal to vegetarians and carnivores alike and also offers gluten-free options. The atmosphere is casual and the table d’hôte menu is original and reasonably priced.

• Go hiking: Kiskotuk coastal park

This nature park includes several trails and discovery sites along the shores of the St. Lawrence from Cacouna to L’Isle-Verte. Most of the sites have picnic and rest areas as well as trails that showcase local flora and fauna, especially birds.

• Observe wildlife: On the St. Lawrence during a whale-watching cruise or around the islands of Bas-Saint-Laurent

Several different sea excursions depart from the Rivière-du-Loup wharf. You can go out to observe seabirds nesting in the cliffs of the islands or watch the whales and seals that come to feed in the nutrient-rich waters of the St. Lawrence.

• Take beautiful photos: Parc de la Pointe

Parc de la Pointe is where you want to be to admire the most fabulous sunsets over the St. Lawrence. This nature park is a favourite destination among tourists and locals alike for its access to the beach and fresh sea air.

• Go see a show: Cabaret des mauvaises habitudes

This venue is a great place to see a good show while enjoying a drink. Since the venue can only accommodate 200 people, the shows are fairly intimate, which is a completely different experience from concert hall shows!

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• An outdoor activity you can enjoy in Rivière-du-Loup: Ice climbing at Parc des Chutes

Located in downtown Rivière-du-Loup, Parc des Chutes offers 18 artificially created ice routes varying in height from 35 to 55 metres (115 to 180 feet). This site is unique in Québec!

• A place to buy unique souvenirs: L’Algue d’Or products from L’Isle-Verte

Seaweed is incorporated into just about all of the products sold in the L’Algue d’Or gift shop, which is owned by artist Cynthia Calusic. She sells handcrafted paper, art and unique cards of regional landscapes made with local seaweed—everything in the shop is original!

• A local product worth savouring: Beer from the Aux Fous Brassants microbrewery

This microbrewery offers seven craft beers to drink on site or take away. The two young owners believe in buying locally and are also committed to upholding sustainable development practices and producing ecologically responsible products. They therefore favour the use of local ingredients, including organic ones as much as possible.

• One of the region’s natural treasures: Île aux Lièvres

Located off the coast of Rivière-du-Loup, Île aux Lièvres (Hare Island) is owned by Société Duvetnor, an organization that has the mandate to protect this natural heritage site. The island’s tidelands teem with estuary wildlife: they are a breeding area for common eiders and a popular site for grey and harbour seals. Although the island has retained its wild character, part of it is open for hiking in the summer. Several types of accommodations give you the opportunity to spend the night far from civilization in the middle of the St. Lawrence.

When you’re next in Bas-Saint-Laurent, be sure to visit Rivière-du-Loup to take advantage of Sonia’s recommendations. You can also consult our Rivière-du-Loup getaway ideas for more suggestions.