Visiting Quebec often goes with a visit in Gaspésie, Quebec City or Montreal. And why not do something different? This summer, let’s go to the Côte-Nord!
With its 1300 km of coastline, immense forests and cheerful inhabitants, this region will not stop charming you and is particularly suitable for a fabulous road trip. And today, we decided to tell you why!
A feeling of adventure
Arriving on the North Shore is already an adventure in itself: we embark the van on a boat to cross the Saguenay Fjord. The lucky ones will be able to see some belugas; this small, endangered white whale particularly likes this part of the fjord. After 15 minutes of crossing, we arrive in Côte-Nord!
Société des traversiers du Québec
We then take the 138, called the “Whale Route”. The bends follow one another, with views on the spruce trees and the river. The road ends in Kegaska, a few thousand kilometers further … It is possible to continue the journey by boat to discover the charming villages of the Basse Côte-Nord
Tadoussac, one of the most beautiful bays in the world
Known as the oldest village in Quebec, Tadoussac is also a member of the very exclusive club of the most beautiful bays in the world. The village owes its international fame to whale watching. It also houses the Centre d’interprétation des mammifères marins.
In June, festive atmosphere guaranteed during the song festival, performers from all over Quebec are on the scene!
Tadoussac
The land of whales
The Côte-Nord is the best place for whale watching in Quebec. Whether from the shore, in a kayak or a zodiac… You will certainly not fail to see our cetacean friends point their fins.
And what could be better than waking up to the sound of whales? A magical experience is offered at the camping mer et monde écotours
Photo credit: Gwenaëlle Dhe
Endless sandy beaches
Swimming enthusiasts will be delighted: the Côte-Nord offers many beaches as far as the eye can see, worthy of the most paradisiacal islands. The river water is said to be cool but it can also reach 27 degrees in some places at ebb tide, we’re not kidding!
Do you prefer not salty water? The region also has many lakes where it is possible to do nautical activities.
Côte-Nord Beach
Breathtaking natural sites
Wild, untamed, spectacular … there is no lack of qualifiers to describe nature here. The region has unspoiled sites which are perfect for exploring and contemplating. The Archipel de Mingan National Park Reserve, and its giant rocks, offers majestic landscapes where numerous colonies of seabirds breed.
Photo credit: Canada Park
Outdoor sports paradise
Hiking, kayaking, climbing … the sites of the region are a real playground for experienced sportsmen and amateurs.
Photo credit: Quatre natures
Good products
Who says sea, necessarily says seafood! Several restaurants in the region offer these treasures of the ocean on their menus. On the sweet side, there are many small fruits: cloudberry, cranberries, blueberries.
To quench your thirst, the St Pancrace microbrewery in Baie-Comeau offers its craft beers with local flavors.
Photo credit: St Pancrace Microbrewery
Gigantism
2h30 north of Baie-Comeau, the Manic 5 dam impresses from the height of 214m. It is the largest multi-arch dam in the world. Its size rivals that of the surrounding nature, which seems to extend to infinity.
Hydro-Quebec hydraulic dam
©Hydro-Quebec
And finally: calm and freedom! This feeling of being alone in the world, like nowhere else!
CôteNord ©Marie Le Poulain
So, convinced? 😉 We still have plenty of good plans. Do not hesitate to contact us!
More information on the Côte-Nord and its attractions: www.tourismecote-nord.com
Marie Le Poulain
Pssss, before leaving to discover the Côte-Nord, come and discover how our vans are designed! Visit our dedicated article 😉
