Bas-Saint-Laurent, which is also known as the Lower St. Lawrence, boasts some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. This region is located on the south shore of the St. Lawrence and is the western gateway to the Gaspésie Tour. Depending on where you are coming from, there are many ways to get here.

A land of seafarers and farmers

Some of the most beautiful villages in Québec are found in Bas-Saint-Laurent, including Cacouna, Kamouraska and Notre-Dame-du-Portage, to name only those recognized by the Association of the Most Beautiful Villages of Québec (in French only). In addition, many of the homes in the region possess a distinctive architectural feature: the Kamouraska roof. In a design borrowed from the shipyards, the curved eaves of these houses are reminiscent of the wooden hulls of the schooners of yore.

The Bas-Saint-Laurent interior is characterized by rolling hills, rural countryside and magnificent resort areas in the forest or overlooking picturesque lakes.

Bas-Saint-Laurent in your plate

The many good restaurants in this region invite you to discover local specialties, such as smoked or marinated fish and seafood, lamb and cheeses, not to mention fine maple products from Domaine Vallier Robert, a maple economuseum®. Be sure to also visit the region’s artisanal bakeries, pastry shops and chocolate factories, as well as public markets where you can enjoy delicious treats while chatting with local food artisans.

A sea of activities

Sea kayaking is possible almost everywhere along the coast, and several islands in the St. Lawrence are accessible for wildlife observation, visits to lighthouses and overnight stays. In the interior, cyclists and hikers can enjoy several days of their favourite activity in the Petit-Témis Interprovincial Linear Park, which consists of 134 kilometres (83 miles) of gravel trails along an old railroad bed. Cyclists can also explore the many other trails in the region, including the Route Verte, which runs along the St. Lawrence.

Three national parks offer visitors the opportunity to commune with nature in Bas-Saint-Laurent. Visit the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park to encounter the marine mammals that live in the St. Lawrence Estuary or head to Parc national du Bic, a magical spot for sea kayaking excursions as well as hiking and cycling. Last but not least, Parc national du Lac-Témiscouata includes an archeological site that bears witness to nearly 10,000 years of human history. You can also enjoy several other activities in this park, such as hiking, canoeing and even rabaska canoeing excursions.

Culture and history buffs will want to visit the region’s many museums and interpretation sites. For example, the Pointe-au-Père Maritime Historic Site presents the history of the Empress of Ireland and its sinking. Onsite, you can also climb the 128 steps to the top of Canada’s second tallest lighthouse and visit the Onondaga submarine.

Music and art lovers will also find much to enjoy in Bas-Saint-Laurent since towns like Rimouski and Rivière-du-Loup bustle with popular cultural activities and events.