Longue-Rive Travel Guide

A comprehensive travel guide for Longue-Rive in Quebec, Canada, including an introduction, places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Longue-Rive

Longue-Rive is a small rural village in the Manicouagan region of Quebec, Canada. With a population of just over 1,000, this charming destination is known for its beautiful natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

Famous for its hiking and biking trails, Longue-Rive is also home to a variety of attractions, including museums, historical sites, and beautiful beaches. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or a history lover, you’ll find plenty to see and do in this picturesque town.

List of Places to Visit in Longue-Rive

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • La Maison Antoine-Grondin - A historic house museum that offers a glimpse into the life of a 19th-century Quebecois family.
  • Saint-Joseph-de-Lepage Church - A beautiful church that dates back to 1871 and is known for its stunning stained-glass windows.
  • Moulin des Pionniers - A museum that showcases the area’s history of milling and agriculture.

Natural Attractions of Longue-Rive: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • La Pointe-aux-Alouettes Beach - A beautiful sandy beach that’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and picnics.
  • Parc Naturel de l’Anse de Roche - A large natural park with hiking trails, bird-watching, and stunning views of the St. Lawrence River.
  • Sentier des capucins - A hiking trail that follows the beautiful Capucins River and offers stunning views of the surrounding forests and mountains.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Longue-Rive

Longue-Rive is known for its extensive network of hiking and biking trails that offer beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes. Some of the top routes include:

  • La Forestière Trail - A 7.5 km trail that winds through the forest and along the Capucins River.
  • Le Rocher de la Pointe - A challenging 8 km hiking trail that leads to stunning views of the St. Lawrence River.
  • Le Circuit des Belvédères - A scenic 12 km route that showcases the best views in the area.

Best Things to Do in Longue-Rive: Activities and Tours

  • Whale Watching - Embark on a whale watching tour to see the majestic mammals up close.
  • Kayaking - Rent a kayak and explore the beautiful Capucins River.
  • Fishing - Cast a line in one of the area’s many streams and rivers.

Week-Long Itinerary for Longue-Rive

Day Activity
1 Visit La Maison Antoine-Grondin and enjoy a beach day at La Pointe-aux-Alouettes Beach
2 Hike the La Forestière Trail and enjoy a picnic in Parc Naturel de l’Anse de Roche
3 Visit the Moulin des Pionniers museum and have dinner at a local restaurant
4 Take a whale watching tour and visit Saint-Joseph-de-Lepage Church
5 Rent a kayak and explore the Capucins River
6 Enjoy a day of fishing on one of the area’s many rivers
7 Hike the Le Rocher de la Pointe trail and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant

Food and Drink Scene of Longue-Rive

Must-Try Dishes

  • Poutine - A Quebecois specialty made with French fries, gravy, and cheese curds.
  • Tourtière - A savory meat pie that’s a staple in Quebecois cuisine.
  • Cretons - A pork spread that’s popular in the region.

Local Beverages

  • Ice Cider - Made from apples that are left to freeze on the tree, ice cider is a sweet and delicious dessert wine.
  • Labrador Tea - An herbal tea made from the leaves of the Labrador Tea plant.

Where to Stay in Longue-Rive: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Auberge Chez Truchon - A cozy inn with comfortable rooms and a restaurant that serves delicious regional cuisine.
  • Gite La Maison Antoine-Grondin - A historic bed and breakfast that offers a unique and authentic Quebecois experience.
  • Le Refuge Naturel - A rustic cabin that’s perfect for those looking to get away from it all and reconnect with nature.

What to Buy in Longue-Rive: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Maple Syrup - Quebec is known for its delicious maple syrup, which makes for a great souvenir or gift.
  • Local Crafts - Visit the local boutiques to pick up handmade crafts and souvenirs made by local artisans.

Local Culture and Customs of Longue-Rive

Longue-Rive is known for its rich cultural heritage, which is deeply rooted in the region’s French-Canadian history. Visitors will find a friendly and welcoming community that takes pride in its traditions and customs.

Best Time to Visit Longue-Rive

The best time to visit Longue-Rive is in the summer months, when the weather is mild and the trails and beaches are at their best. June through August is peak tourist season, so it’s best to book accommodations and tours in advance.

Do’s and Don’ts of Longue-Rive

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Be mindful of the environment and follow the Leave No Trace principles when hiking and camping.

Don’t:

  • Leave trash behind or disturb wildlife.
  • Ignore safety warnings and guidelines when engaging in outdoor activities.

Safety and Health

Safety in Longue-Rive

Longue-Rive is a safe destination, but visitors should take precautions when engaging in outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking. Always follow safety guidelines and be aware of your surroundings.

Health in Longue-Rive

Visitors to Longue-Rive should take standard health precautions and ensure they have adequate travel insurance. It’s also important to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun when engaging in outdoor activities.

Getting to Longue-Rive: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Longue-Rive

The closest major airport to Longue-Rive is Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport, located approximately 350 km away. From there, visitors can rent a car or take a bus to Longue-Rive.

Bus Stations Near Longue-Rive

Greyhound Canada offers bus service to nearby towns like Baie-Comeau and Sept-Îles, which are both within driving distance of Longue-Rive.

Other Options

Driving to Longue-Rive is also an option, as the town is easily accessible by car via the Route 138 highway.

How to Get Around in Longue-Rive

The best way to get around Longue-Rive is by car, as many of the area’s attractions and hiking trails are located outside the town limits. Visitors can also rent bicycles to explore the local area.

Where to Go Next from Longue-Rive: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Baie-Comeau - A larger town located approximately 100 km away, known for its cultural attractions and beautiful beaches.
  • Sept-Îles - A coastal town located approximately 150 km away, known for its scenic views and outdoor adventures.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking to explore the great outdoors or soak up some local culture, Longue-Rive has something to offer everyone. From hiking and biking to whale watching and museums, this charming destination is the perfect place to experience the beauty and history of Quebec’s Manicouagan region.