North Shore Travel Guide
Everything you need to know about North Shore, Quebec - from attractions and outdoors to culture and customs, transportation, and safety.
- Introduction to North Shore
- List of Places to Visit in North Shore
- Hiking/Biking Routes of North Shore
- Best Things to Do in North Shore: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for North Shore
- Food and Drink Scene of North Shore
- Where to Stay in North Shore: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in North Shore: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of North Shore
- Best Time to Visit North Shore
- Do’s and Don’ts of North Shore
- Safety and Health
- Getting to North Shore: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in North Shore
- Where to Go Next from North Shore: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to North Shore
Located in Quebec, Canada, North Shore is a beautiful region that stretches along the eastern coast of the St. Lawrence River. With its scenic beauty and rich culture, this region offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Whether you are looking for outdoor adventures, cultural immersion, or just a relaxing getaway, North Shore has something to suit every taste and interest. In this comprehensive guide to North Shore, we provide you with everything you need to know to plan your trip and make the most of this stunning region.
List of Places to Visit in North Shore
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
To get a glimpse into the rich history and culture of North Shore, here are some of the top museums and historical places you should visit:
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Manoir Fraser: Built in the 1800s, this historic mansion offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of Quebec’s elite of the time.
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Musée de la mémoire vivante: This museum is dedicated to showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Quebec by collecting and preserving stories and artifacts from the region.
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Musée régional de la Côte-Nord: Located in the town of Sept-Îles, this museum features exhibits on the region’s history, industry and culture.
Natural Attractions of North Shore: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
North Shore is a nature lover’s paradise. Here are some of the top outdoor attractions and scenic spots:
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Parc national d’Anticosti: This national park is located on the stunning island of Anticosti and offers an incredible range of outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, kayaking, and fishing.
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Tadoussac Bay: This stunning bay is one of the best places to spot whales, especially beluga whales.
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Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve: With its unique rock formations and stunning scenery, this park reserve is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.
Hiking/Biking Routes of North Shore
The rugged terrain of North Shore provides some of the most challenging and rewarding hiking and biking trails in Quebec. Here are a few trails that you can explore:
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Mont-Saint-Pierre: With a height of 667 meters, this mountain provides stunning views of the St. Lawrence River and is a popular spot for hiking and paragliding.
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Sentier de la Rivière Noire: This trail runs for 10 kilometers along the Rivière Noire and features stunning waterfalls and scenic views.
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Parc Nature de Pointe-aux-Outardes: This park offers a variety of trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes that lead you through stunning forests and meadows.
Best Things to Do in North Shore: Activities and Tours
North Shore offers plenty of activities and tours to keep you busy during your stay. Here are a few suggestions:
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Whale watching: North Shore is known to be one of the best places to spot whales, so make sure you take a whale watching tour.
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Snowmobiling: During the winter months, explore the great outdoors on a snowmobile and enjoy the incredible winter scenery.
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Cultural tours: Take a guided walking tour of the charming towns and villages of North Shore and learn about the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Week-Long Itinerary for North Shore
Here is a suggested itinerary for spending a week in North Shore:
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Explore Tadoussac Bay and take a whale watching tour |
| Day 2 | Hike Parc national d’Anticosti |
| Day 3 | Visit the Musée de la mémoire vivante |
| Day 4 | Go snowmobiling in the backcountry |
| Day 5 | Take a guided tour of the charming town of Sept-Îles |
| Day 6 | Explore the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve |
| Day 7 | Relax and unwind at one of the beaches along the coast |
Food and Drink Scene of North Shore
North Shore boasts a rich culinary scene that draws inspiration from its French-Canadian heritage. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:
Must-Try Dishes
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Poutine: This dish of french fries topped with gravy and cheese curds is a Quebec staple. You must try it at least once while visiting North Shore.
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Tourtière: A classic Quebecois meat pie, tourtière is a must-try when visiting North Shore.
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Tarte au sucre: This sugary, sweet pie is a dessert made with maple syrup - a staple ingredient in Quebec cuisine.
Local Beverages
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Cider: Quebec is renowned for its apple cider, which is crisp and refreshing.
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Ice Wine: Made from frozen grapes, ice wine is a sweet and indulgent wine that is popular in North Shore.
Where to Stay in North Shore: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
North Shore has a range of accommodations to suit every budget and travel style. Here are a few recommendations:
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Hôtel Manoir Petit-Cap: This charming hotel is situated in a historic building and offers stunning views of the St. Lawrence River.
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Auberge Chez Ignace: Located in the town of Tadoussac, this cozy inn has a rustic charm and is situated in a stunning location.
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Hostellerie Baie Bleue: This modern hotel in Carleton-sur-Mer provides guests with a comfortable and stylish stay.
What to Buy in North Shore: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Here are some quintessential North Shore souvenirs and local products to bring home:
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Maple products: Quebec is famous for its maple syrup and maple products. You can find everything from maple fudge to maple candy in North Shore.
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Inuit Art: The Inuit communities in North Shore create some of the most unique and beautiful art, including sculptures, carvings, and jewelry.
Local Culture and Customs of North Shore
North Shore’s cultural heritage is strongly influenced by the French-Canadian tradition. French is the most commonly spoken language, and the region is known for its rich history, music, arts, and cuisine.
Best Time to Visit North Shore
The best time to visit North Shore depends on your interests and preferences. Summer months are ideal for outdoor activities such as whale watching and hiking, while winter months are best for winter sports such as snowmobiling and skiing.
Do’s and Don’ts of North Shore
Do:
- Take a whale watching tour
- Try the local cuisine
- Respect the local culture and customs
Don’t:
- Disturb the wildlife
- Litter or damage the natural environment
Safety and Health
Safety in North Shore
North Shore is generally a safe place to visit, but it’s always wise to exercise caution and keep your belongings secure.
Health in North Shore
Ensure that you have comprehensive health insurance before your visit to North Shore as healthcare costs can be expensive for non-residents.
Getting to North Shore: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near North Shore
- Baie-Comeau Airport
- Sept-Îles Airport
Bus Stations Near North Shore
- Intercar bus lines
Other Options
- Rental car
- Train
How to Get Around in North Shore
The best way to get around North Shore is by car. However, if you don’t have your own car, you can also rely on local taxis and buses.
Where to Go Next from North Shore: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Here are some nearby destinations and excursions that you can take from North Shore:
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Quebec City: The historic city of Quebec is a must-visit for its charming old-world streets and stunning architecture.
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Saguenay Fjord: This stunning fjord is located just a few hours drive from North Shore and offers incredible views and outdoor activities.
Conclusion
North Shore is a charming, beautiful region that is steeped in history and tradition. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural immersion, or just a relaxing getaway, North Shore has something for everyone. With this comprehensive guide, you can plan your trip and make the most of your time in this stunning region.
