Roadtrip in Quebec: Bas-Saint-Laurent, discover local businesses

A bit like last summer, many of us are going to spend their vacations in Quebec. And fortunately, with the déconfinement, everything suggests that we will have much more freedom this year. It's time to explore the four corners of our beautiful province and take advantage of all it has to offer!

A region particularly prized for its coastal landscapes and pretty villages, the Bas-Saint-Laurent is full of activities and places to visit. Here are some suggestions if you are in the area!

Filling the belly with Captain Lobster

Located in Sainte-Flavie, the Capitaine Homard restaurant is a must! A veritable maritime museum, this place abounds with decorations on the ceiling and on the walls: lobster cages, fishing nets, buoys, anchors, starfish, etc. It is even possible to buy some of these items in the souvenir shop. You can also buy fish, seafood, as well as chilled and frozen dishes.

Discover the Pointe-au-Père Maritime Historic Site

If you go near Rimouski, you absolutely must go to the Pointe-au-Père Maritime Historic Site. On site, you will immediately see the impressive Onondaga submarine of the Royal Canadian Navy. This museum ship with a length of 90 meters can be visited with an audio guide to learn more about the life of the sailors on board. Next door is the museum dedicated to the Empress of Ireland, the famous ocean liner that sank nearby in 1914 and a lighthouse that you can enter again when the pandemic is behind us.

Visit the sunflower fields of the Pré Rieur Farm

Le Pré Rieur processes sunflower seeds to make oleic oil and also produces yellow pea flour . This organic oil rivals the best olive oils on the market! And Pré Rieur flour adds a good dose of protein to your meals, in addition to being rich in iron and fibre.

Although the Saint-Jean-Port-Joli establishment is not open to the general public, it is still possible to go there by appointment to obtain their products. But, if you happen to be in the Bas-Saint-Laurent in August, I strongly suggest that you go and admire the impressive fields of sunflowers at the Lapokita farm school in La Pocatière, which cultivates for Le Pré Rieur. You can visit these fields for free, which stretch as far as the eye can see and which are very close to highways 20 and 132.

Have a pint at the Tête d'Allumette microbrewery

Can you imagine a summer day drinking a good cold pint with a view of the river? The Tête d'Allumette microbrewery is the place to go! Brewed over a wood fire in a rustic way, the beers are varied and unique. The ideal combo? A beer tasting board, local products as an accompaniment (such as sausage or cheese, which can be ordered on site) and a beautiful sunset!

Discover the products of Aliments Gaïaska

This Saint-Pascal business is unfortunately not open to the general public, but since the majority of its points of sale are in Bas-Saint-Laurent, this is the perfect opportunity to try its products! Gaïaska produces and transforms hemp to make a very tasty and sweet protein powder. This super food is eaten in a "shake" to give yourself a little energy or serves as a base for succulent desserts.

Discover other Roadtrips across Quebec to discover local businesses : Montérégie , Thetford Mines

Reviewed by MF Editorial

cover photo credit: Véronique Allard