What to do in Lower St. Lawrence

Discover what to do in Bas Saint Laurent! Located on the eastern shore of the St. Lawrence River, Bas-Saint-Laurent enjoys an incredible living environment.

Never really colonized by France, Bas-Saint-Laurent remained marginal until the conquest of the English in New France (1790). Since this event, the region has been able to develop and even increase its population tenfold in a few years. Living essentially from fishing and hunting, the people of the Lower St. Lawrence region were particularly interested in the navigation of boats on the St. Lawrence River. Numerous lighthouses are built along the 320km of coastline to allow ships and others to make their way safely. Unfortunately, Bas-Saint-Laurent is infamous for the sinking of the Empress of Ireland. A transatlantic ship with 1477 people on board. On the night of May 29, 1914, it crossed the path of a Norwegian coal merchant who pierced the hull of the ship, allowing water to seep in. In only 15 minutes the Empress of Ireland was submerged and claimed 1012 victims, the deadliest shipwreck in Canada.

From this terrible accident was born the legend of William Clark, who two years earlier had already survived the Titanic.

In the east of Quebec, Bas-Saint-Laurent is surrounded by the Gaspé and Quebec City. The region shares a border with the United States to the south and faces Saguenay, on the other side of the St. Lawrence River, to the north. Composed of several lakes such as Lake Matapedia or Témiscouata, Bas-Saint-Laurent enjoys an incredible setting, not to mention the Canyon des Portes de l'Enfer. A 5km canyon, started by the Grand Falls, which you can cross on a 63m high suspension bridge!

Tourism in Bas-Saint-Laurent began in 1860, with people coming to bathe in the river and enjoy the region's surroundings. Thanks to its long coastline, Bas-Saint-Laurent became a major Quebec seaside resort. On the cultural side, Bas-Saint-Laurent highlights its maritime heritage and its 43 lighthouses, including the lighthouse of Ile Verte, the first sentinel of Quebec! The Pointe-au-Père Maritime Historical Museum will tell you how the maritime heritage of Bas-Saint-Laurent has evolved over the seasons. Although the river is one of the region's greatest attractions, the forests and rivers have also played a role in the development of the Bas-Saint-Laurent. In the 20th century, the region was known for its quality wood, which was demanded in large quantities, and transportation would have been much more complicated without the rivers that allowed the logs to arrive directly in Rimouski.

Now that you're up to speed on the Bas-Saint-Laurent, it's time to find out: what to do once you get there? The answer is: activities of all kinds to discover the region!

Take to the trails and forests of Bas-Saint-Laurent on a bike ride or a hike to come into contact with the local wildlife. At the foot of the mountains, you will have the chance to go rock climbing, a family activity that will appeal to young and old alike. In winter, it will be easier for you to put on skis and ski down the Quebec hills. If you prefer not to use your legs, take the handlebars of a snowmobile or a quad to discover the beauty of the Bas-Saint-Laurent while experiencing a maximum of sensation!

Various activities are available on the St. Lawrence River. Meet the whales on an unforgettable boat trip or take a kayak to discover the Quebec coast! When the cold weather takes over and the lakes freeze over, put on skates and enjoy a real natural ice rink!

So now that you know what to do in Bas-Saint-Laurent, pack your bags and enjoy an unforgettable trip!

Quebec Maritime