Articles

10 summer activities to dive into in the Bas-Saint-Laurent

Group of people on the beach
© Bonjour Québec

This summer, experience the charm of Bas-Saint-Laurent, a destination overflowing with natural treasures and epic attractions.

Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff or just want to leave the rat race far behind, this region has everything you need.

Create new memories amid the splendour of the epic south shore of the St. Lawrence River with these ten essential summer activities 

Try some new tastes at Distillerie du St. Laurent

Nestled in a picturesque landscape is a destination that offers a one-of-a-kind experience for connoisseurs of craft spirits.

Dive into the world of distilling at this independent Quebec micro-distillery and discover the region’s delicious artisanal character.

During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to taste a range of top-quality liquors. Stick around for the sunset to top it all off.

Take the Île Verte self-guided tour

Located between Rivière-du-Loup and Trois-Pistoles, Île Verte is a haven of nature and a special seaside experience.

You can make it extra special by doing the self-guided tour that walks you through the magical setting of beaches, rocky shores and tidal flats.

You’ll come across some surprising historic places, get some hiking in, and admire the various species of seabirds flying to and fro around the iconic lighthouses.

Lac et forêt
Un champs avec des maisons

Take a hike in the Bic national park

With its many trails and views to die for, the Bic national park will cast a spell on you.

Hike the forest trails that run along plunging cliffs and take in the epic view over the Saint Lawrence River.

What makes this national park special is that you’ll see not only seabirds, but also seals lounging on the rocks.

Deux personnes qui courent dans des marécages
Un phoque
Trois kayak sur l'eau au couché du soleil

Sea kayak at sunset with the Coop de Kayaks des Îles

Three people in canoes at sunset

For beginner and experienced kayakers alike, the kayak co-op offers you safe, secure, unforgettable tours through the region’s coastal landscape.

Get up close and personal with the mighty river, breathe the sea air and give into the rhythm of the waves.

Enjoy a beer tasting at the Fous Brassant micro-brewery

Four pints of beer served on a terrace

Indulge in new taste horizons at the Fous Brassant micro-brewery.

Its dedicated master brewers will take you on a tour of its operations and explain how they craft their line of beers.

Then you can sit down enjoy their brews with a tasty menu of dishes that pair with them.

Experience the thrill of Hell’s Gate canyon

This geological marvel offers a one-of-a-kind experience in an epic environment.

The canyon trek will blow your mind with its imposing, sheer rock walls sculpted by the rushing waters.

The trails have been cut to thrill as they lead you to the highest suspended footbridge in Quebec.

Discover the views that earned the “Canyon des Portes d’Enfer” – Hell’s Gate Canyon – its name.

Pont suspendu dans la forêt
© Terfa – Canyon des Portes de l’Enfer

Ride the bike trails of Lake Témiscouata national park

Get on your bicycle and set off on a pleasant adventure along the gorgeous shores of Lake Témiscouata.

It’s a chill way to contemplate the breathtaking panoramas, plus you can take a well-earned break to bathe in the crystal waters.

Deux personne à vélo sur une piste cyclable
Plage avec forêt

Get a dose of maritime history at Pointe-au-Père

Phare vue d'en bas

Located on the shore of the St. Lawrence River, this site offers a captivating immersion in Québec’s maritime history.

At the top of the Pointe-au-Père lighthouse you’ll enjoy a panoramic view, while the guided tour of the Onondaga submarine will transport you to the underwater world Canadian submarine sailors lived in for months at a time.

Plus, the interactive exhibit on the tragic sinking of the Empress of Ireland will bring history from over a century ago to life.

Take a beach day at Pohénégamook

With its fine sand and clear water, the Pohénégamook beach is the perfect destination in the Bas-Saint-Laurent to kick back under the sun.

If you’re the sporty type, you can rent canoes, kayaks and paddleboards.

Stroll the picturesque village of Kamouraska

A stroll through this coastal village with its quaint, old homes will bring you back to a slower-paced era.

You’ll come across charming boutiques that showcase the work of local artisans, who you may be lucky enough to meet and chat with.

Head down to the dock for another great view of the St. Lawrence.

Deux personnes qui parlent
Groupe de personnes sur la plage

Summer in the Bas-Saint-Laurent means breathtaking hikes, historical tours and awesome coastlines.

In other words, there’s something for everybody.

Because it’s impossible to cover it all in in a day, the central location of the Rivière-du-Loup International Hostel makes it the perfect basecamp to plan your excursions to the mighty shores of the St. Lawrence River!