QUEBEC'S MOST BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPES
21 Jun, 2018
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This week, we asked our ambassador, Marie-Michèle, to help us shine a light on the most beautiful landscapes of Quebec! Her top 5, below.
By : our ambassador, Marie-Michèle Doucet, from the blog Entre 2 Escales
There are so many beautiful places in Quebec! It is difficult to select only 5. Even though I’ve travelled quite a bit around the province, I can’t say I’ve seen everything. That being said, I think we can all agree that the 5 landscapes that I chose are absolutely beautiful and all deserve a place in the most beautiful landscapes of Quebec Hall of Fame. What do you think?
1. L'ACROPOLE DES DRAVEURS (CHARLEVOIX)
It is impossible to visit Charlevoix without taking a tour of the Acropole des Draveurs in the Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park. Often described as the most difficult hike in Quebec, it is also a must-see in the region. Let’s be clear: the climb is difficult (especially the first 1.5 km) and requires a minimum of physical fitness (it is an 11.8 kilometer hike (round trip), with 800 meters of height difference). Rest assured, however, the track offers several spots where you can catch your breath while admiring the view! Once at the top, you’ll quickly understand why this hike is so popular among tourists and locals alike. The view of the Malbaie River and surrounding mountains is simply breathtaking.
2. BONAVENTURE ISLAND AND ROCHER PERCÉ (GASPÉSIE)
Standing on the pier in Percé, one only has eyes for the famous rock of the same name. But right in front, lies Bonaventure Island. Although it is an inherent part of this beautiful scenery, the island itself is often overlooked, because of its majestic neighbour. And I am the first culprit. Looking at my photos, I realized that for the dozens of photos I took of the rock, I only took a small handful of shots of the island in question. Bonaventure island does offer the most beautiful view of the rock, especially with its little houses that date back to the 19th century - when the Le Bouthillier family, who had a monopoly on cod fishing in the region, established one of its fisheries in this idyllic spot.
3. MONT SOURIRE (LANAUDIÈRE)
WOW! We repeated that word at least 100 times during our hike to Mount Sourire (which means "smile" in French). Located in the municipality of Saint-Donat, in the Laurentians, this mountain offers one of the most beautiful views I have seen to date (see photo below, on left). The good news? You don't have to be a seasoned hiker to access this beautiful view. An ascent of just 1 kilometer leads to a lookout that offers breathtaking views of Lake Ouareau and the surrounding mountains. I could have spent hours contemplating this beautiful landscape, made even more beautiful due to the first colours of autumn. The name did not disappoint!
4. THE MAGDALENA ISLANDS
In all honesty, the Magdalena Islands (main image, above) are quite possibly the prettiest region of Quebec. There is so much variety here : beaches, cliffs, adorable colourful houses - the views seem straight out of a postcard. Our favorite spots? South Dune beach, Havre-aux-Maisons, Cape-Alright and the Petite Baie which is absolutely perfect to admire sunrises and sunsets.
5. THE CARBIDE WILLSON RUINS (OUTAOUAIS)
For me, the Outaouais region is synonymous with nature. I live in Ottawa and try to escape to Gatineau Park every chance I get (photo below, on right)! This is probably one of our favourite places in Quebec. The Outaouais region is more than 30,000 square kilometers in size, and home to numerous rivers and lakes. It has no less than 400 kilometers of hiking trails, including my personal favourite, the Carbide Willson ruins, built in the early 20th century. The real treasure of this park. Its rather fairy-like landscape, wouldn't you say?
Visit Marie-Michèle's blog, Entre 2 Escales >>
This week, we asked our ambassador, Marie-Michèle, to help us shine a light on the most beautiful landscapes of Quebec! Her top 5, below.
By : our ambassador, Marie-Michèle Doucet, from the blog Entre 2 Escales
There are so many beautiful places in Quebec! It is difficult to select only 5. Even though I’ve travelled quite a bit around the province, I can’t say I’ve seen everything. That being said, I think we can all agree that the 5 landscapes that I chose are absolutely beautiful and all deserve a place in the most beautiful landscapes of Quebec Hall of Fame. What do you think?
1. L'ACROPOLE DES DRAVEURS (CHARLEVOIX)
It is impossible to visit Charlevoix without taking a tour of the Acropole des Draveurs in the Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park. Often described as the most difficult hike in Quebec, it is also a must-see in the region. Let’s be clear: the climb is difficult (especially the first 1.5 km) and requires a minimum of physical fitness (it is an 11.8 kilometer hike (round trip), with 800 meters of height difference). Rest assured, however, the track offers several spots where you can catch your breath while admiring the view! Once at the top, you’ll quickly understand why this hike is so popular among tourists and locals alike. The view of the Malbaie River and surrounding mountains is simply breathtaking.
2. BONAVENTURE ISLAND AND ROCHER PERCÉ (GASPÉSIE)
Standing on the pier in Percé, one only has eyes for the famous rock of the same name. But right in front, lies Bonaventure Island. Although it is an inherent part of this beautiful scenery, the island itself is often overlooked, because of its majestic neighbour. And I am the first culprit. Looking at my photos, I realized that for the dozens of photos I took of the rock, I only took a small handful of shots of the island in question. Bonaventure island does offer the most beautiful view of the rock, especially with its little houses that date back to the 19th century - when the Le Bouthillier family, who had a monopoly on cod fishing in the region, established one of its fisheries in this idyllic spot.
3. MONT SOURIRE (LANAUDIÈRE)
WOW! We repeated that word at least 100 times during our hike to Mount Sourire (which means "smile" in French). Located in the municipality of Saint-Donat, in the Laurentians, this mountain offers one of the most beautiful views I have seen to date (see photo below, on left). The good news? You don't have to be a seasoned hiker to access this beautiful view. An ascent of just 1 kilometer leads to a lookout that offers breathtaking views of Lake Ouareau and the surrounding mountains. I could have spent hours contemplating this beautiful landscape, made even more beautiful due to the first colours of autumn. The name did not disappoint!
4. THE MAGDALENA ISLANDS
In all honesty, the Magdalena Islands (main image, above) are quite possibly the prettiest region of Quebec. There is so much variety here : beaches, cliffs, adorable colourful houses - the views seem straight out of a postcard. Our favorite spots? South Dune beach, Havre-aux-Maisons, Cape-Alright and the Petite Baie which is absolutely perfect to admire sunrises and sunsets.
5. THE CARBIDE WILLSON RUINS (OUTAOUAIS)
For me, the Outaouais region is synonymous with nature. I live in Ottawa and try to escape to Gatineau Park every chance I get (photo below, on right)! This is probably one of our favourite places in Quebec. The Outaouais region is more than 30,000 square kilometers in size, and home to numerous rivers and lakes. It has no less than 400 kilometers of hiking trails, including my personal favourite, the Carbide Willson ruins, built in the early 20th century. The real treasure of this park. Its rather fairy-like landscape, wouldn't you say?
Visit Marie-Michèle's blog, Entre 2 Escales >>