The Québec maritime Blog

Snowmobiling: 3 Good Reasons to Stop in La Matanie

   |   By Yves Ouellet

Located at the gateway to the Gaspé Peninsula, the La Matanie sector provides a spectacular welcome to Gaspésie and gives you access to some of the region’s most amazing attractions… and a snowmobile ride is a great way to discover all that this diverse area has to offer! Here are three reasons to stop in La Matanie on your next snowmobile trip in Gaspésie.

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Snowmobiling: 3 Good Reasons to Stop in Sept-Îles

   |   By Yves Ouellet

As you near the outskirts of Sept-Îles, in the region of Côte-Nord, you’ll find yourself in an increasingly maritime area with features that can be admired nowhere else in the province of Québec. You’ll also encounter a warm and welcoming population that’s much more diverse than you’d expect. Here are three reasons to stop in Sept-Îles on your next snowmobile trip in Côte-Nord.

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4 Century-Old Tourist Sites to Visit in Québec by the Sea

   |   By Valère Brable

The maritime regions of Québec have a rich history and heritage. Whether you spend your next vacation in Bas-Saint-Laurent, Gaspésie, Côte-Nord or the Îles de la Madeleine, you’ll find century-old sites to visit where you can soak up local history. Here are four that are worth discovering.

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Snowmobiling: What to See in Gaspésie

   |   By Anthony Lepage

Gaspésie is a popular snowmobile destination that offers breathtaking sea and mountain scenery as well as 3000 km (1900 mi.) of marked and well-groomed trails. Discover this region’s must-see spots on your next snowmobile trip!

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Snowmobile-Friendly Lodging in Gaspésie

   |   By Anne-Josée Pineau

Famous for abundant snowfall and a vast trail network of over 3000 kilometres (1900 miles), Gaspésie is a dream destination for snowmobilers. In addition, Gaspesians are renowned for their warm welcome. See for yourself by stopping in any of the following lodging establishments during your stay in the region.

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Snowmobile-Friendly Lodging in Bas-Saint-Laurent

   |   By Anne-Josée Pineau

From Kamouraska to Rimouski via Rivière-du-Loup and the interior, Bas-Saint-Laurent offers a wide range of scenery. Explore the region along the Bas-Saint-Laurent – Gaspésie Snowmobile Tour or find a home base and ride on loop trails. Here are four establishments you may want to add to your itinerary.

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Planning a Snowmobile Trip in Côte-Nord

   |   By Le Québec maritime

When you open up your snowmobile trail map of Côte-Nord, you will notice something totally unique in Québec: a single line that more or less runs along the St. Lawrence Estuary for nearly 1600 km (1000 mi.), all the way from Tadoussac to Blanc-Sablon, at the border of Labrador.

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Snowmobiling: What to See in Bas-Saint-Laurent

   |   By Anthony Lepage

Bas-Saint-Laurent is an ideal destination for your next snowmobile trip since this region offers 1800 km (1100 mi.) of high-quality trails as well as landscapes featuring the sea, hills and lakes. Find out more about the winter wonderland that await you in this region!

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Snowmobiling: What to See in Côte-Nord

   |   By Anthony Lepage

The Côte-Nord region is made up of vast, unspoiled natural landscapes that are criss-crossed by many kilometres of snowmobile trails. Discover the sights you shouldn’t miss on your next snowmobile trip in this region!

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Workations in Eastern Québec: 8 Places to Stay

   |   By Anne Pélouas

Outside of the summer season in the maritime regions of Québec, there’s no shortage of accommodation options located in unique settings that offer good Wi-Fi and conducive work environments. Our selection of eight magical sites in Bas-Saint-Laurent, Gaspésie, Côte-Nord and the Îles de la Madeleine will give you a glimpse of what awaits you in our regions.

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8 Beaches and Wharves to Visit in Bas-Saint-Laurent

   |   By Valère Brable

Delimited to the northwest by the St. Lawrence, Bas-Saint-Laurent is a must-see for lovers of coastal scenery. Local wharves, shorelines and beaches are great places to contemplate this region’s incredible natural beauty. Here are eight sites to add to your itinerary.

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8 Beaches to Visit in Gaspésie

   |   By Valère Brable

The sea is all around you in the maritime region of Gaspésie. On this peninsula jutting out into the Gulf of St. Lawrence on the eastern edge of the province, water is part of the scenery, accompanying you all along your drive on Route 132 and creating unique landscapes for you to discover. Here are eight beaches to visit during your trip to Gaspésie.

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Belugas on the Horizon

   |   By Parc marin du Saguenay–Saint-Laurent

Did you know that belugas lives right in the heart of the St. Lawrence Estuary? This isolated and fragile population was the driving force behind a grassroots movement to protect the marine ecosystems of the St. Lawrence and the Saguenay Fjord, which eventually led to the creation of Québec’s first marine protected area in 1998: the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park.

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8 Cafés in Eastern Québec to Add to Your Itinerary

   |   By Annick Beauchemin

Whether it’s a cool day or bright and sunny out, there’s nothing like a good cup of hot or iced coffee to keep you going as you travel throughout Eastern Québec. Here are eight great spots to stop for your daily dose of caffeine during your road trip in our regions. Be prepared to meet friendly and passionate people and enjoy excellent beverages!

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The Lighthouse Trail

   |   By Tanya Paquet

By travelling from one lighthouse to the next, you’ll discover beautiful sites overlooking the sea, many of which were once only accessible to the lightkeepers and their families. The Lighthouse Trail invites you to visit nearly 20 of these sentinels of the sea.

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Where to See Whales in Côte-Nord

   |   By Jean-Pierre Sylvestre, Le Québec maritime

The Côte-Nord region is recognized as one of the best places in the world to see marine mammals. Follow the Whale Route from Tadoussac to Blanc-Sablon, and you may observe up to 13 different species of whales! To help you plan your vacation, here are some observation sites you won’t want to miss in this region.

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6 Picnic Spots in the Îles de la Madeleine

   |   By Annick Beauchemin

The Îles de la Madeleine are an ever-popular destination for lovers of wide-open spaces and local flavours from the land and sea. Not surprisingly, the Islands offer a multitude of ideal settings for memorable picnics. As you explore the region, you’ll have no trouble finding THE perfect spot! Keep reading to discover the best places to purchase picnic fixings and where to enjoy outdoor feasts on this archipelago. Are you ready to hit the road?

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6 Picnic Spots in Côte-Nord

   |   By Annick Beauchemin

A renowned whale-watching destination, Côte-Nord also offers a diversity of landscapes to admire. Finding a good picnic spot is easy since there are so many beautiful parks and rest areas throughout the region. Set off on a road trip adventure along the Whale Route and let yourself be guided by your instincts. You’ll find all the picnic fixings you’ll need in the lovely shops you’ll come across along the way. Now all you need to do is get ready to hit the road!

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6 Picnic Spots in Bas-Saint-Laurent and Gaspésie

   |   By Annick Beauchemin

Fancy a picnic in some of the most beautiful places in Québec? Go on a road trip on Route 132 along the Bas-Saint-Laurent – Gaspésie Tour! You’ll find plenty of spots to enjoy a bite to eat, and you can feast your eyes as well as your taste buds. Here are six stops to add to your itinerary as well as places to stock up on fixings for your picnics. Ready to hit the road?

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How to Fully Enjoy Your Trip in Eastern Québec

   |   By Marie-Eve Lagacé

Are you planning to visit Bas-Saint-Laurent, Gaspésie, Côte-Nord or the Îles de la Madeleine? My biggest tip for enjoying your adventure to the fullest is to adopt the habits of the locals! Here are a few suggestions to help you discover these regions in a different way and enjoy a memorable trip.

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7 Beaches to Discover in Côte-Nord

   |   By Valère Brable

Bordered by 1250 km (775 mi.) of coastline, Côte-Nord is a true paradise for sea lovers. Whether you want to go swimming, go for a stroll or simply enjoy the tranquility and fresh sea air, the region is full of beautiful beaches just waiting to be explored. Here are seven you won’t want to miss!

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Outdoor Fun in the Îles de la Madeleine

   |   By Julie Soyez

Does breathing in the salty sea air of the Îles de la Madeleine while enjoying your favourite outdoor activities sound appealing? Whether you’re into soft adventures or an adrenaline junkie, there’s something for everyone on the archipelago!

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National Parks and Natural Sites: 4 Experiences Not to Miss

   |   By Anne-Josée Pineau

Much to the delight of outdoor enthusiasts, the maritime regions of Québec are home to wide-open, unspoiled natural spaces, including 10 national parks and a wide variety of exceptional natural sites. Are you planning a trip to Bas-Saint-Laurent, Gaspésie, Côte-Nord and/or the Îles de la Madeleine? Here are four experiences you won’t want to miss!

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5 Surprising Facts about Sept-Îles

   |   By Nathalie Katinakis

Located along the St. Lawrence in Côte-Nord near the halfway point of the Whale Route, Sept-Îles offers the ultimate fusion of land and sea in a single destination. With a rich Innu heritage, remarkable history and breathtaking natural landscapes, this fascinating city has no shortage of attractions. Here are five facts about Sept-Îles that may surprise you and will hopefully inspire you to plan a getaway to this destination!

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Gourmet Trail Featuring the Local Flavours of the Îles de la Madeleine

   |   By Diane Drapeau

An enchanting archipelago in the middle of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Îles de la Madeleine captivate all who set foot in this region. These islands buffeted by the wind offer many opportunities to connect deeply with nature in a place where time seems to stretch forever between each magnificent sunrise and sunset. Exploring this unique region also means immersing yourself in culinary adventures that feature local delicacies from the land and sea.

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Gourmet Trail Featuring the Local Flavours of Côte-Nord

   |   By Diane Drapeau

Côte-Nord is a region full of charm, where natural beauty and gourmet pleasures combine to offer you an extraordinary road trip experience. Renowned for being home to some of the world’s largest marine mammals, Côte-Nord is also home to many impressive land-based wonders. There’s something magical about this region, which you’ll soon discover as you dip your toes into the cold waters of the Estuary or Gulf of St. Lawrence while gazing at the horizon… Once you’ve set foot here, you’ll want to come back again and again. To discover the region’s many flavours, we suggest you follow the Whale Route, a 1730-km (1075-mi.) round-trip journey along Route 138, which will take you about 13 days if you include a cruise to the Lower North Shore.

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Gourmet Trail Featuring the Local Flavours of Bas-Saint-Laurent and Gaspésie

   |   By Diane Drapeau

Bas-Saint-Laurent and Gaspésie are two regions of natural beauty that continually wow visitors from all over the world. In addition, foodies will be delighted by the local flavours from the land and sea available throughout these regions. The Bas-Saint-Laurent – Gaspésie Tour is a captivating road trip for those who enjoy unique landscapes and indulging in culinary delights.

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4 Unforgettable Things to Do in Côte-Nord

   |   By Anne-Josée Pineau

A land of nature beyond measure, Côte-Nord is a vacation destination that’s sure to charm you. This region is a vast natural playground that’s ideal for a multitude of outdoor and cultural activities. Here are four you won’t want to miss during a road trip in this region!

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Culture and Discoveries: 7 Experiences Not to Miss

   |   By Anne-Josée Pineau

History and culture buffs will love visiting the maritime regions of Québec, which offer a multitude of activities and sites where you can satisfy your curiosity and create memories of a lifetime. Are you planning a trip to Bas-Saint-Laurent, Gaspésie, Côte-Nord or the Îles de la Madeleine? Here are 7 experiences you won’t want to miss!

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Discover the Many Treasures of Natashquan!

   |   By Olivier Pierson

Natashquan, which means “where one hunts for bear” in the Innu language, still feels a little bit like the edge of the world, no doubt because this village of nearly 300 people in Côte-Nord was, until very recently, the end of Route 138.

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12 Natural Sites for Outdoor Lovers to Discover in Our Regions

   |   By Nathalie Katinakis

Home to many natural sites worth exploring, Eastern Québec provides an incredible playground for all your outdoor adventures. Let yourself be charmed by the diversity of landscapes in our regions, from rugged coastlines and vast forests to majestic mountains. Here is a glimpse of the natural treasures that await you on your next getaway to our fascinating destinations!

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5 Good Reasons to Visit Baie-Comeau

   |   By Marie-Eve Lagacé

Côte-Nord is home to a unique place that offers glacial history, fascinating industrial and maritime heritage, and access to wild and natural environments. You’ll find all of this and more in Baie-Comeau, a city located about 200 km (120 mi.) east of Tadoussac. Want more details? Here are five good reasons to visit this dynamic city and the surrounding area!

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5 Good Reasons to Visit the Matapédia Valley

   |   By Anne-Josée Pineau

Cutting through the Chic-Choc and Notre-Dame mountains, the Matapédia Valley* stretches from the village of Sainte-Angèle-de-Mérici to the village of Matapédia, in Gaspésie. This area features mountains, fields, forests, lakes and rivers, all of which will delight outdoor enthusiasts. Here are five good reasons to visit the Matapédia Valley.

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5 Surprising Facts about Rimouski

   |   By Anne-Josée Pineau

A seaside city offering both urban vitality and proximity to nature, Rimouski promises you a stay that will meet all your expectations, whether you’re a culture lover, outdoor enthusiast or history buff. Are you planning to visit this city in Bas-Saint-Laurent during your next vacation? Here are five facts about Rimouski that may surprise you!

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Whale and Wildlife Observation: 4 Experiences Not to Miss

   |   By Anne-Josée Pineau

The maritime regions of Québec are home to numerous wildlife species, many of which can be observed in their natural habitats: whales, seals, birds, moose, black bears, white-tailed deer and more! If you’re a wildlife lover, here are 4 experiences you won’t want to miss during a vacation in Bas-Saint-Laurent, Gaspésie, Côte-Nord and the Îles de la Madeleine.

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Hiking along the Sea in Eastern Québec

   |   By Marie-Ève Blanchard

Nothing beats an invigorating walk along the St. Lawrence while lulled by the sound of the waves, the wind and the smell of the sea! Fill your lungs with salty sea air and feast your eyes with coastal beauty as you explore the trails along the shorelines of Eastern Québec.

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5 Good Reasons to Visit La Haute-Gaspésie

   |   By Anne-Josée Pineau

Located on the north side of the Gaspé Peninsula, the Haute-Gaspésie area is a popular destination for nature lovers. Bordered by the sea on one side and the highest peaks of Québec on the other, the area’s 130 km (80 mi.) of shoreline are dotted with charming coastal villages offering warm hospitality. Here are five good reasons to visit Haute-Gaspésie.

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5 Good Reasons to Visit Gaspé

   |   By Anne-Josée Pineau

Gaspé is a popular destination for outdoor lovers since it is home to a vast bay, internationally renowned salmon rivers, fine-sand beaches, a national park and many wildlife species. It also draws history buffs, who will want to visit the many local museums and interpretation sites. Discover our five good reasons to visit Gaspé!

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Discover the National Parks of Eastern Québec

   |   By Annick Beauchemin

Much to the delight of nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, Eastern Québec is home to 10 national parks scattered throughout the regions of Bas-Saint-Laurent, Gaspésie and Côte-Nord. From amazing hikes and wildlife sightings to unique water sports, these parks offer numerous attractions and diverse landscapes. Each park is different, so lace up your hiking boots and set off to discover these spectacular natural sites!

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Road Trips in Eastern Québec: A New York Times Recommendation Plus Other Exceptional Sites

   |   By Le Québec maritime

Located in Côte-Nord, the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve received a major honour this year when it was selected as one of “52 Places to Go in 2024” by the prestigious New York Times. The archipelago ranks alongside many exceptional places around the world and, along with Whitehorse in the Yukon, is one of only two Canadian destinations on the list. And what better way to discover this jewel of our regions than on a road trip? Here then are some road trip ideas to explore Eastern Québec.

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5 Good Reasons to Visit La Baie-des-Chaleurs

   |   By Anne-Josée Pineau

Offering long beaches protected from the wind, temperate waters, spectacular scenery and picturesque villages reflecting a rich cultural mosaic, this part of the Gaspé Peninsula has been attracting vacationers for decades. Here are five good reasons to visit the Chaleur Bay area.

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Farmers Markets in Eastern Québec: Fun and Authentic Foodie Experiences

   |   By Diane Drapeau

Your trip to the maritime regions of Québec would not be complete without immersing yourself in local culinary traditions. Whether you visit Bas-Saint-Laurent, Gaspésie, Côte-Nord or the Îles de la Madeleine, you’ll want to stop at local farmers markets (called marchés publiques, or public markets, in Québec), so you can discover local flavours, enjoy authentic foodie experiences and meet the food artisans who embody the heart and soul of their communities!

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Trekking in Eastern Québec

   |   By Jean-Pascal Côté

The wide-open spaces found in the maritime regions of Québec are an ideal natural playground for long-distance hikers. For an exceptional immersive experience, there’s nothing like spending several days trekking through our wilderness areas, in the mountains, forests or tundra, along rivers or along the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence, wearing your hiking boots and with everything you need in your backpack.

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Why Visit the Maritime Regions of Québec in the Fall?

   |   By Ulrich Josserand

Falling between the high season and the winter holidays, fall is not often thought of as an ideal time to travel. And yet a fall stay in the maritime regions of Québec offers visitors many advantages you may not have considered. Here are six good reasons to come and visit us at this time of year!

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Meet the 3 First Nations in Eastern Québec

   |   By Marie-Ève Blanchard

The maritime regions of Québec are home to three First Nations peoples, each with their own distinct identity, way of life, history and language: the Innu in Côte-Nord, the Mi’gmaq in Gaspésie and the Wolastoqiyik in Bas-Saint-Laurent. To visit these communities is to embark on a journey into the heart of centuries-old cultures and discover vibrant traditions, practices and belief systems.

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8 Getaway Ideas for a Romantic Trip in Eastern Québec

   |   By Annick Beauchemin

Are you looking for inspiration for your next romantic getaway? Look no further! In Bas-Saint-Laurent, Gaspésie, Côte-Nord and the Îles de la Madeleine, you’ll find everything you need to fan the flames of love with your significant other. The sea and spectacular landscapes have the power to evoke a range of emotions, from serenity to exhilaration. Sounds amazing, right? All you have to do now is choose which of these spots to visit on your next trip as a couple!

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Why Visit the Îles de la Madeleine Early in the Season

   |   By Julie Soyez

Have you been dreaming of visiting the Îles de la Madeleine one day? So far and yet so close at the same time, these magical islands are unique in every way, not least because of their spectacular scenery. In this blog post, I’m inviting you to discover this archipelago in the soft spring light of May and June, a time of year that offers many opportunities for authentic experiences.

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Snowmobiling in Bas-Saint-Laurent and Gaspésie

   |   By Yves Ouellet

Bas-Saint-Laurent and Gaspésie are two regions that are deeply connected in the winter, offering you access to both the sea and mountains. Once enough snow falls, they’re crisscrossed with snowmobile trails that will take you along the St. Lawrence to the easternmost edge of the province of Québec.

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Meet Artisans from Eastern Québec

   |   By Marie-Ève Blanchard

The natural elements found in the forest and in the St. Lawrence have always been a source of inspiration—and this is certainly true in the maritime regions of Québec! The exceptional beauty of these regions as well as their distinctive features inspire many talented local artists and artisans. Seaweed, moss, fur, lichen, seashells and more are used by residents of Québec by the Sea to create unique and beautiful items and works of art. It’s hard not to fall in love with the creations of these artisans, many of whom are also environmentally conscious!

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There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather in Eastern Québec!

   |   By Julie Soyez

Your suitcases are packed, you’re feeling excited about your upcoming trip to Eastern Québec, but then you see a disappointing weather forecast… What if we told you that wind, unusual tides, fog and even snowstorms could make your stay in our regions even more memorable? Would you believe it…?

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Cozy Accommodations You Won’t Want to Leave

   |   By Marie-Eve Lagacé

While on vacation, your accommodations are often much more than just a room in which to spend the night, and this is especially true in the maritime regions of Québec. Fortunately, these destinations offer many places to stay where you’re sure to feel right at home, in carefully designed settings surrounded by fresh air and wide-open natural spaces.

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Snowmobiling: Ride Farther with the Matane–Baie-Comeau/Godbout Ferry

   |   By Anne-Josée Pineau

Boarding the F.-A.-Gauthier ferry on your snowmobile to cross the waters of the St. Lawrence in the winter is an adventure you’ll want to experience at least once in your life (and why not more?!)! You can enjoy this crossing while exploring the regions of Côte-Nord, Gaspésie and Bas-Saint-Laurent, which are all popular snowmobile destinations in Eastern Québec.

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3 Good Reasons to Visit the Maritime Regions of Québec in the Winter

   |   By Anne-Josée Pineau

Every year in late November or early December, the first snow falls on our regions… Gradually, as temperatures drop, frost covers the windows, icicles form along rooflines, trees are covered in pristine snow, and landscapes are blanketed in a thick layer of white. In other words, winter sets in for the long haul! Here are three good reasons to visit our regions during this magical season!

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What to See by Snowmobile in Eastern Québec: The Notre-Dame Mountains

   |   By Anne-Josée Pineau

Bas-Saint-Laurent is a particularly popular snowmobile destination, not only because it offers seaside trails, but also because you can ride inland through the Notre-Dame Mountains. Snowmobiling in this area will give you the opportunity to admire views of pristine valleys, snow-covered forests and frozen lakes. Here are a few spots you may want to add to your itinerary!

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Snowmobile Contest: An Interview with a Winner

   |   By Anne-Josée Pineau

In February 2023, Lou Lanthier, a resident of Ontario, was finally able to go on the trip he won during our 2021-2022 snowmobile contest. Mr. Lanthier won an 8-day, 7-night stay in Côte-Nord in the company of three guests. We asked him a few questions about his snowmobile adventure upon his return.

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6 Steps to Help You Plan Your Snowmobile Trip in Eastern Québec

   |   By Anthony Lepage

Are you planning to go on a snowmobile trip this winter? The regions of Bas-Saint-Laurent, Gaspésie and Côte-Nord in Eastern Québec are ideal snowmobile destinations thanks to heavy snowfall and the many snowmobile-friendly services they offer. Keep reading to find out how to prepare for your snowmobile trip in our regions so you can enjoy it to the fullest!

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Explore UNESCO Sites in Eastern Québec

   |   By Québec maritime

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) gives World Heritage status to places or properties around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity. The organization also designates other types of sites, such as global geoparks and biosphere reserves. All three designations are found in the maritime regions of Québec.

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