The hotel is located in the heart of Wendake, home of the Huron-Wendat Nation, in the Québec City region. First Nations people have lived here for millennia, and while their numbers and geography have dwindled, the culture and pride of the Wendat Nation are entering a Renaissance, with communities rejuvenating their land and sharing their stories in new ways.

A weekend in Wendat can easily be a week if slow travel is something you’re looking for. The destination offers a blend of luxury hotel hospitality, deep cultural experiences, and a taste of elevated Indigenous cuisine. Here, you will see culture and tradition meet modernity in harmony with nature. Just as intended hundreds of years ago.

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here.
All images by Kateryna Topol.

In luxury and one with nature

Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations stretches along the shore of Akiawenrahk River. Designed by LemayMichaud, this stunning property encompasses a 79-room hotel and a Wendat museum, Musée des Premières Nations.

The sun-drenched lobby welcomes the forest in with floor-to-ceiling windows, trees throwing long shadows across the lounge. My eyes were immediately drawn to this space, thoughtfully arranged with mid-century furniture: polished wood, rounded finishes, and dark glass blending into the exterior forestry. The walls throughout the property are ornamented with Indigenous art, artefacts, old photographs, animal mounts and game hides, harmoniously mixing tradition into the contemporary decor.

This elegant design aesthetic carries through into the guest rooms. Wood panel accents and furniture are accented by gold finishes, green velvet couches, and textured pattern seating. Forest-themed wallpaper, found in every room, amplifies the feeling of wilderness. 

All rooms face the garden or the river by design. Ground-floor suites have a terrace, while those higher up have a Juliet balcony. With the doors open on a calm summer day, light curtains gently moving in the wind, the space feels almost meditative, birds and rustling leaves serving as a musical accompaniment.

Stretching across the perimeter of the hotel is the Tsonywa’ndiyonhrat (We have one spirit) Trail. Along the trail are interpretive panels speaking to the Wendat relationship with nature. The trail meets the museum garden of the Three Sisters: corn, beans, and squash, key components in Indigenous sustainable agriculture and diet. While the trail and gardens are quite small, you can spend hours in this forest learning, delving into the history or simply passing time with a book. This immediate access to nature evokes a sense of peace and tranquillity, unencumbered by the city noise.

Hotel basics: This pet-friendly property has an indoor swimming pool, fitness room, and EV charging stations. Among the facilities are five meeting rooms and event facilities that can accommodate up to 140 people. All of the spaces are suited for conferences, meetings, and weddings. Guided trail tours and an explanatory booklet are available at the museum. 

The duality of hospitality and culture 

The overall architecture is inspired by a longhouse, a traditional dwelling of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquoian¹) people. The hotel lobby shares the entrance with Musée des Premières Nations. Purched on the side of the building, the museum’s cone shape is reminiscent of an Algonquin smokehouse. This design, according to the architects, “also symbolically evokes a lowered stockade, a place where peace and harmony reign and where protective defences are no longer necessary”. 

The museum is a national institution, dedicated to preserving and promoting the heritage of the Wendat Nation. Home to a collection of nearly 350 objects, the museum experience includes the Three Sisters garden, nearby Tsawenhohi House (home of a great Wendat diplomat Nicolas Vincent Tsawenhohi), and the Ekionkiestha’ National Longhouse. 

The museum has guided tours, but my unstructured approach to this weekend meant I was in for a self-guided walk. Slowly navigating the interior with an audio guide, I took time to soak in the dark history of the region, admiring the resilience of its people. The tour travels from the dimly lit main room to a bright modern gallery space, François Vincent Kiowarini. This room is home to an exhibition titled Wendat Endi’ (Us the Wendat), a collection of portraits of people who bear the Wendat culture today.

Exiting through the back, the museum experience continues at the Ekionkiestha’ National Longhouse (Yänonhchia’ in Wendat language), built entirely of wood and bark. The longhouse, along with a smokehouse and a sweat lodge, is set in a reconstructed Wendat village, framed by a tall protective fence. In their prime days, each village had multiple longhouses, some accommodating up to 100 people. The design and year-round practicality of the structure are impressive, taking into consideration heating, sleeping arrangements, food storage, and potential for expansion.

These facilities are still used for private ceremonies and public experiences. Visitors can gather around the fire for First Nation’s Myths and Legends stories or even book an Overnight stay at the longhouse. 

Musée Huron-Wendat
15 Pl. de la Rencontre, Wendake | Map link
Admission rates starting at $13 for adults and $6.50 for children | Get 10% off booking online with coupon code WEB.
Purchase tickets on museehuronwendat.ca | Book a guided tour. 

People of the peninsula

The Wendat are matriarchal communities who originally occupied the land from the Saint Lawrence River to the Great Lakes. Villages across the regions, pushed out by European settlers who brought disease and conflict, moved around looking for a place to rebuild, eventually settling in Wendake in 1697. The original Wendat Confederacy consisted of multiple villages, some with populations of over 2,000 people. Lost to colonisation, many of these villages are still being uncovered by archaeologists across the province.  

With the Great Lakes as a backdrop, the word Wendat means people of the island or peninsula. The word Huron, however, is an exonym given to the Wendat people by the French, who compared Wendat men’s thick hair to a boar’s head. Given the linguistic and historical context of the word, it is no surprise that Wendat Nation officials have been “mulling” dropping the word “huron” from their name.

The Wendat language, Onywawenda’, which predates European contact by a thousand years, was forced out of use by the European settlers. Much of it has been lost but is now slowly coming back to life through research and community efforts. You can see Wendat words in use throughout the museum and other attractions in Wendake. Complex and beautiful, when read out loud, the words have a bit of a ring to them.

Walls of a reconstructed Wendake village and a Longhouse at Musée des Premières Nations in Wendake.

Enchanting night walk with Onhwa’ Lumina

A short drive from the hotel is one of Québec’s most unique tourism experiences, Onhwa’ Lumina. The attraction is a 1.2km night walk through an immersive installation that speaks to all of the senses, drawing visitors into the story. The pathway begins with an introduction to the experience and the Wendat Nation, beautifully illustrated on a circular panel. “Circles are very important to us,” pointed out Dominic Ste-Marie, member of the Wendat Nation from the Yanariskwa (Wolf) Clan, representative of Tourism Wendake. Wendat lean into a circular understanding of the world, one in which all the beings are equal and interdependent in harmonious unity. The circle also resembles the shape of the Earth, the sun, the moon, and the natural cycles of the universe.

As you stroll through the illuminated forest, different Wendat stories come to life around you. Stepping up to the Creation Story projection, my eyes grew wide in amazement, watching Yäa’tayenhtsihk (Sky Woman), fall from the sky to be saved by the Counsel of Animals on what will become the Great Turtle Island. Deeper into the forest, your senses sharpen, searching for the origins of sound and light, looking up at the stars and clan animals in the tree shadows. No words can properly describe what this walk is truly like. This voyage, needs to be experienced in person. 

Onhwa’ Lumina was developed by local artists, storytellers, musicians, historians, and other community members. “There were concerns about sharing the culture with the outsiders this way, but people came together sharing voices and other talents to create the experience,” Dominic shared. “And in having come together to create these stories, many people found a strengthened sense of community and deeper connection to their roots,” he added. 

Later that weekend, walking through the Wendat Endi’ exhibition at the Wendat Museum, I spotted a familiar face, a portrait of a Wendat storyteller, Dominic Ste-Marie.

Onhwa’ Lumina
110 Rue Grand Chef Thonnakona, Wendake | Map link 
Admission: Adults $33.75, children under 5 free, children 6-12 $18, teens 13-17 $25.74
Book on onhwalumina.ca | Find reviews on TripAdvisor.

Seafood board lunch at Restaurant La Traite at Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations.

Flavours, nature, and adventure in Wendake

A taste of Indigenous cuisine

Wendake’s culinary scene is rooted in its heritage. Among signature local dishes are segamité soup, made with the Three Sisters, wild game like deer and venison, and lake fish. 

The signature restaurant at the hotel is La Traite, which serves cuisine inspired by native knowledge and terroir. Every meal begins with bannock (indigenous frybread), with butter. On a sunny day, lunch in the garden terrace is the obvious choice. The lunch menu gets replaced by an all-day menu with a few regional tasting boards available alongside appetisers and snacks. During dinner, you can choose from à la carte and three or four-course tasting menus, optionally accompanied by wine. 

Nearby in the Wendake centre is Restaurant La Sagamité, known for its Yatista, a flaming game meat dish (literally set on fire at your table). This menu is quite robust with a lot of options across all categories, from fish to pizza to tartares. I chose to sit on the wraparound balcony, listening to the nearby waterfall while enjoying deer and elk medallions with seasonal wild berry jam.

Above: Deer and elk medallions and maple tart at Restaurant La Sagamité, Wendake. Below: Restaurant La Sagamité exterior.

Traditional experiences in Wendake

In addition to the multiple experiences offered by Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations, visitors can go on a guided tour of Site Traditionnel Huron Onhoüa Chetek8e. This authentically reconstructed village is open year-round for a wide range of experiences. Guests can book craft-making workshops, tales and legends stories, canoe excursions, tomahawk throws, archery, and snowshoeing adventures. 

One of the biggest events, however, is the Wendake Pow Wow, taking place annually in June. The Pow Wow is a cultural gathering which brings together dancers, drummers, artisans, and visitors from numerous First Nations around the world. 

Longhouse interior at Musée des Premières Nations.

The great outdoors for adventurers of all levels

Once you’ve explored all of the hotel grounds, a slightly longer walking path to pursue is the Rally Ahaha’. This is an hour-and-a-half-long walk that goes through Wendake city centre, along nature paths, and past the Kabir Kouba Waterfall. Kabir Kouba is a 28-meter-wide and 42-meter-tall waterfall, set in a deep canyon, with multiple viewpoints from the top to the bottom. For another day, go further along the 48-km hiking trail following the river deeper into the region.

For those looking to get out on the water, Légaré Canoes, offers kayak and paddleboard rentals and lessons. The route follows a 20-km stretch of the Akiawenrahk River, proposing a different perspective on the land. 

Book directly to take advantage of flexible checkout and other perks at hotelpremieresnations.ca. Compare rate to: Expedia | Booking.com | TripAdvisor | Hotels.com | Trivago

1. ︎

Indigenous Peoples who lived in the Great Lakes are often described as Iroquoian and included a group of nations: Haudenosaunee, Wendat, Neutral, Tionontati, Wenro, and Erie. The term Iroquoian is yet another word introduced by the French, the preferred terminology is Haudenosaunee, or “people of the longhouse” [source].

The post Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations, a gateway to Wendake appeared first on Paths to Travel.

Germain Hôtels is a family-owned business, known for opening chic properties in urban locations (like the location in Québec City). But this property is different. This rural location is a contemporary farm hotel in the heart of Baie-Saint-Paul, Québec. Decades ago, on this land stood the largest wooden farm in Canada, and the current hotel design is an ode to the original farm. 

Much like the rest of the Germain properties, the architecture, interior design, and decor throughout the hotel represent the history and culture of the area. From building materials to interior decor, everything is sourced locally as much as possible. From the very beginning, Germain Hôtels have been pioneers in sustainable development, from building practices to day-to-day operations, and this property takes sustainability above and beyond. For this reason, and many others, Hôtel & Spa Le Germain Charlevoix has a Michelin Key.

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here. 
This hotel stay was hosted by Hôtel Le Germain, which did not review or approve this story.
All images by Kateryna Topol.

The Vibe & Shared Spaces

The hotel consists of multiple pavilions, loosely forming a rectangle around a public square. The square has communal tables and a fire pit, welcoming people from across the area to enjoy a picnic or relax by the open fire. This area is a place of celebration, gathering guests and neighbours for special events and winter ice skating on the seasonal rink. Near the train station entrance is also an art gallery, showcasing local talent inside the space and along walking paths throughout the property.

Through the square is the Spa, and just behind it, following a footpath, is the Germain farm. Grazing across the boundless property is a herd of Scottish cows (coos), perhaps the main attraction at the hotel, always ready for their Kodak moment. Along the farm perimeter are various animal enclosures with chickens, ducks, rabbits, sheep, and seasonal alpaca residents. Further into the farm is a temporary colony of bees, cared for by a local beekeeper. 

A daily walk across the farm curves through animal enclosures, herb and vegetable gardens, and along the train tracks, paralleling a long vegetable patch. For a longer walk, an interior footpath will take you all the way to the Baie-Saint-Paul beach, where you can fish, picnic, and bask in the sun.

In the main building is the reception, two restaurants, and board rooms, spread across multiple levels. Every corner of the hotel is uniquely decorated, heavy on wood finishes and farm-themed decor, but with a modern flair. During summer break months, a ping pong table is rolled out near the couches out back, mostly used by families throughout the day. With an impressive mix of amenities and access to nature, it is easy to spend time on this property, losing yourself in nature, thermal comfort, or in a quiet corner with a good book.

Dining & Farm Notes

Les Labours, located on the second floor, is the pride and joy of the hotel’s culinary program. This farm-to-table open kitchen concept led by Chef Patrick Dubé celebrates regional and seasonal flavours. The kitchen team works closely with the farm team. Chef Dubé and the hotel’s Market Gardener in Chief, Virginie Lagrandeur, meet often, planning for the seasonal harvests and weekly farm picks. Lagrandeur’s team does the picking and stocks the kitchen fridge nearly daily, supplying both restaurants with vegetables and ingredients for fresh pesto, sauces, and garnishes. Anything that is not grown on the farm is sourced from local farmers. Both the farm and the kitchen follow a series of sustainability initiatives, including composting across the property and in the kitchen. 

Market Gardener in Chief at Hôtel & Spa Le Germain Charlevoix, Virginie Lagrandeur

The dinner menu at Les Labours is split into The Farm (Foie Gras, Squab, Deer, Beef, etc), The Sea (QC Oysters, Octopus, Striped Bass, Caviar, etc.), and The Earth, focused on vegetable-forward dishes. Those interested in a guided tasting can indulge in The Experience Labours, a four-course tasting menu with a dish from every category plus dessert. 

Morning breakfast buffet is also served at Les Labours is a fantastic way to start the day. The indulgence selections are set around the open kitchen with an additional hot bar to the side. From eggs and bacon to waffles, pancakes, breakfast charcuterie and smoked salmon, there is plenty to choose from. The restaurant has wraparound windows, offering an unobstructed view across the fields and into town.

Le Bercail, set on the lower level of the main building, is a more casual restaurant with an outdoor terrace. Open for lunch and dinner, Le Bercail kitchen produces fresh appetisers and salads, handmade pizzas, pastas, seafood and meat comfort dishes, and ribs from the hotel’s smokehouse. 

Both restaurants have a robust selection and cocktails and wines, with a focus on regional and Canadian producers. For all the hours between meals, there is a self-serve wine bar in the hotel lobby. Guests can choose from a selection of white and red wines perfectly chilled inside the machine. A quick credit card swipe will dispense a desirable portion of God’s favourite liquid into a branded winglass, which you can take to your room or to the firepit for a perfect nightcap. 

Note: Reservations are recommended for all meals; the hotel is a popular dining destination for locals as much as it is for visitors. 

Inside the Suite

Across the five buildings, there are only 145 rooms at the hotel. Each building has a unique feel and layout. The Les Dortoirs de la Gare building, for example, has pull-down beds and a railway theme. Le Clos was influenced by a historic Charlevoix monastery, so the decor is clean and light, accented by dark wooden beams. Le Moulin is botanically themed, La Bergerie is retro-themed with woven rugs and rocking chairs, and La Basse-Cour leans into the animal motifs and bright colours. 

Le Clos building is best suited for couples and solo travellers and is most commonly featured in the property’s promotional materials. The minimalist decor is punctuated with blue glass and black faucets. Most rooms have a view of the farm, letting the sun in through the windows while coos nibble on hay just outside. Le Clos rooms have large bathtubs with wraparound curtains, adding that extra layer of relaxation for a colder evening or a rainy day. 

In all buildings, rooms on the lower levels have semi-private terraces, while rooms higher up have scenic balconies. Some family-friendly rooms have bunk beds, ready to accommodate up to four guests. All rooms maximise storage capacity with roll-out luggage benches, cabinetry, and underbed storage. Each room is equipped with a glass water bottle (encouraging sustainable water use), goose down duvets and feather pillows, washable and reusable sleepers, bathrobes, Chromecast, and a seating area. 

Signature Room, Clos Building: King bed with storage, lighting accents, and a daybed. Below: Bathroom closeup, view from the window and the bathtub.

Spa & Wellness 

Hotel guests can take advantage of a small gym and an outdoor pool with abstract sunbeds and a few cabanas lining its perimeter. The main allure, however, is The Spa Nordique Le Germain. Open year-round, the spa has a Finnish sauna, eucalyptus steam bath, hot and cold outdoor pools and a snow fountain. The outdoor pools have a great view of the farm, a short distance away from the coo enclosures, which make for some great entertainment. On a hot summer day, a thermal spa might not be the most necessary experience, but on a cold winter afternoon, this circuit is heavenly. One can spend hours soaking in the hot pool or simply relaxing in the sauna, observing the snow, or resting on interior loungers. 

Massage services are available by reservation. 

Special Events

Throughout the year, the hotel hosts a series of seasonal events, embracing nature and terroir ingredients in a mix of fun and community-friendly ways. Last summer, for example, every Sunday was a BBQ DJ party at La Boucane, and Thursday happy hour included oysters. Guided outdoor stretches, garden visits, bike rentals, and pool fitness classes are also on the activity menu. 

Every fall, Hôtel & Spa Le Germain Charlevoix host a unique culinary experience, Champs Libres. Renowned Québec chefs join Executive Chef Patrick Dubé and his team for an exclusive dining series. Each night, a different chef does a Les Labours kitchen takeover, sharing their unique culinary vision with guests and neighbours of the hotel. 

This winter, visitors can expect live music in the lobby and find a festive winter village on the square terrace with maple taffy and mulled wine, among other culinary indulgences. The kids’ activity list includes elf visits, games, a skating rink, storytime, movie screenings, and marshmallows by the fire (available year-round). 

Getting to Hôtel & Spa Le Germain Charlevoix

Charlevoix is a regional county municipality in the Capitale-Nationale region of Québec, Canada, partially located on the bank of St Lawrence River. The drive from Québec City is a bit over an hour, while Montréal is four hours away. If you are planning a road trip through Québec Maritimes, this is a great stop to add to that journey.

Alternatively, you can take a train from Québec City, Train de Charlevoix, which stops on the grounds of the hotel. The train is privately owned and seasonal, and includes some hotel plus train packages with Hôtel & Spa Le Germain, the stop is called Baie-Saint-Paul. There is one departure per day, and the train leaves from the Montmorency Falls grounds (Parc de la Chute-Montmorency). Getting to the train station is a journey in itself: a 10-minute car ride ($35+) or an hour-long bus.

The view from the train is really wonderful, and the train itself is quite comfortable, though the WiFi can be spotty. Pack your own snacks ahead of the journey or purchase from the train host on board. Onboard selection of snacks is limited but does include full, grocery-store-sized cheese packages. As of right now, the train is non-refundable. 

Book directly to take advantage of flexible checkout and other perks at germainhotels.com. Compare rate to: Expedia | Booking.com | TripAdvisor | Hotels.com

The post Stay a while on a farm with contemporary comfort at Hôtel & Spa Le Germain Charlevoix appeared first on Paths to Travel.

The restaurant is one of four preprties in the La Tanière Group, people behind the 2-star Tanière 3, 1-star ​​Légende, and Vieux Carré cocktail bar. This year, L’Orygine received a Michelin mention. 

Much like the rest of the restaurants in the La Tanière Group, L’Orygine is a beautiful property with a spacious dining room and garden-like enclosed terrace in Old Québec City. Diners have an option of ordering a la carte or enbarking on the Discovery tasting menu – a 6-course dining experience optionally paired with wine or cocktails. The signature cocktail pairing, which can be non-alcoholic, takes on a similar approach, using local, seasonal ingredients, perfectly matched to each course. A healthy portion of the wine selections are also local, further reinforcing the idea of staying close to home.

The mastermind behind the menu is Chief and co-owner Sabrina Lemay, who brings her years of culinary experience to this kitchen with constant passion and a uniquely creative eye. 

On the left, Chief and co-owner or L’Orygine, Sabrina Lemay. On the right and below: interior images of the restaurant. Images courtesy of L’Orygine.

Kateryna Topol: Thank you for taking the time to speak with me, Sabrina, let’s start at the beginning – when did your culinary interests first start?

Sabrina Lemay: At a young age, three or four years old, I always loved cooking with my mother. When I was a little kid I told everyone I wanted to be a chef and a businesswoman. Mix them both. My mom is a really great cook, she always let me play in the kitchen without any boundaries. So not only with Play-Doh, but real food, [fostering this love of cooking].

* * * 

Sabrina did a year of culinary school and upon completion enrolled into a program with Fairmon Hotel which allowed her to learn and travel. For a month and a half she staged at Restaurant Marcon, a 3-star restaurant in Saint-Bonnet-le-Froid, France. The travel expereinces made her realise she was more interested in restaurants, not hotels, so she returned to Québec and joined Saint Amour, in Old Quebec, working her way up to sous chef. 

SL: After that, I spent two years working at La Tanière, where I met my future business partner. Two years later, I was looking for a change and went to work at Le Baluchon in the country. My job was to [revive the restaurant] and put it on the culinary map. After that I returned to Québec City and worked at a family restaurant, Les Sales Gosses, it is closed now sadly. 

It was a small restaurant, maybe 60 seats, and it was a really fun lunch and dinner menu, no boundaries for where food comes from so I was able to cook with exoctic spices and so on. I stayed in touch with my contact at  La Tanière. They were looking to move the restaurant to a new location, which is where Tanière 3 is now, and needed a concept for upstairs, where  L’Orygine is. At the time, I didn’t want to be a part of anything big, because I wanted to travel, but they asked if I wanted to make vegan and vegetable-forward food. In Québec, you don’t see that a lot, so I got butterflies thinking about it. The boundary they set was not to use anything outside of Canada, focusing on Québec, so it was a great challenge. We are celebrating our seventh anniversary this year. 

KT: L’Orygine, it’s not fully vegan though …

SL: No, but there is a lot of vegan-friendly food, I don’t like to exclude people because of their dietary restrictions. At L’Orygine we want to include everyone at the same table. We have a 50/50 split menu, vegan and omnivore, they go hand-in-hand. There are a lot of options for both, and when we have to work with allergy restrictions, we embrace it. We like to work with less butter and less cream, to be able to serve more people with allergies but without compromising the taste.

KT: How would you describe your menu?

SL: We have our own garden, all of the produce comes from farms within 200 km radius, our mushrooms are grownd downtown by La Botte Champignonnière. I like to work with vegetables and so all menus start with one [seasonal] vegetable, we cook a lot with the season. I love to work with nostalgia, I think we can reach everybody with a souvenir of food, play with the available ingredients, play with food. I don’t push to far with … spectacular, I prefer comfort food, like food in my home, and like the idea of changing people’s mind. I like having a client who is apprehensive about vegan food and will leave our restauranting thinking “wow, that was amazing,” and will be open to eating vegan over meat. 

KT: You call it homey comfort food, but all of your dishes are pretty spectacular when it comes to plating 

SL: [Laughs] For me it is simple, but because we are at La Tanière, which is a big show when it comes to food, we [elevate our food as well]. I think for me, it’s more about art and soul, everything on the plate is there for a reason, not just to look good. I know we eat with our eyes but I think everything should taste good too. 

I love to use the same ingredient in two-to-three ways. Let’s look at leeks for example, from the bottom, to the white, and the green. A lot of people think only the white is good, and everything else is trash or compos. I think everything on the vegetable or the meat can have a second or third life. We will use all of the ingredients, but maybe not on the same menu. Sometimes we’ll keep a lot of green of the leeks to dry and use them in pasta two seasons later.

We try to have less waste in the kitchen, to waste almost nothing.

L’Orygine summer 2025 menu. Images by Kateryna Topol.

KT: That’s really cool and something I’ve been thinking about a lot at home as well, like when it comes to carrot stems and making carrot pesto instead of just tossing them 

SL: Yes, it’s true. Like, when it is crab time (it’s a really small window) we do a menu of all crab, from amuse-bouche to dessert – all crab. It’s a little bit funky, but we love it so much. We’ll use the shell, dry it, and put it on salt and on the menu. So we really use the whole thing.

KT: Coming into the winter season, Canadian vegetable availability is quite limited, do you pickle and so on? 

SL: Yes, we do a lot of conserves, freezing and drying fruits, a lot of vegetable powder that we keep from summer. But we also have access to a greenhouse for tomatoes, peppers, mushrooms, and so on. There are a lot of fun ingredients in Québec and we use some root vegetables like beets, rutabaga, potatoes… But we need to be creative, because an abundance is not there.

We have a partnership with a farmer, about 45 minutes out of the city, they grow a lot of herbs in the greenhouse. I love fresh herbs in my dishes and now we can have chives and tarragon, kale and spinach, it’s really great. 

KT: How often do you change the menu?

SL: Four times per year, and sometimes in the summer we’ll have a pop-up menu or change certain ingredients throughout the season, like peaches and melons. 

KT: You have cocktail pairings available for Discovery menu, do you work with the bar team on those creations?

SL: Absolutely. When I do the menu, we sit down and do a bit of a brainstorm, discussing the ingredients. So if you eat the lobster, for the non-alcoholic drinkthey use the green of the fennel, we juice it and they put it in the cocktail. We do a lot of things like that. On the autumn menu, it’s apricots. There’s a small window of apricots in Ontario, like two weeks, so we buy a lot, we dry them to use as a garnish on the cocktail… We also work together with the sommelier, they pair the wine to our food, and sometimes they bring wine that they want to work with, and we do dishes to pair with the wine. 

KT: You mentioned you used to travel a lot, do you still? 

SL: I have a three-year-old girl now and the restaurant, so traveling is a bit difficult. My last trip was to Argentina, I do miss it, going with my bike, my backpack, my plane ticket, and just go. Maybe soon.

* * *

Learn more and book dinner reservations at lorygine.com.

Non-alcoholic cocktail pairring for L’Orygine’s summer 2025 menu. Images by Kateryna Topol.

The post L’Orygine’s Chief Sabrina Lemay speaks to her culinary approach & sustainability in the kitchen appeared first on Paths to Travel.

Germain Hotels was founded in the 1980s by Christiane and Jean-Yves Germain. The idea was to create a hotel experience that puts people first, both guests and employees. To this date, the hotel group is owned and operated by the Germain family, who recently appointed the third generation, Marie Pier and Hugo Germain, as co-presidents of the business. Hotel Le Germain Québec was the second property the family opened. Today there are nineteen properties across Canada.

Over the years, Germain Hotels has established itself as a flagship of the Canadian hotel industry and consistently strives to welcome guests as if they were friends in each location. Hôtel Le Germain Québec is a great example of this hospitality and for that, it is recognised by the Michelin Guide. This boutique property is fronted by welcoming smiles ready to share local recommendations and book your hotel reservations. 

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here. 
This hotel stay was hosted by Hôtel Le Germain Québec, which did not review or approve this story.

 Shared spaces at the Hôtel Le Germain Québec. All images by Kateryna Topol.

The Vibe & Shared Spaces 

The shared guest spaces include two rooms: the lounge behind the front desk and a dining area around the corner. The lounge is fitted with multiple sitting areas, soft couches, and a grand fireplace. To the side, is a large table, perfect for those looking to take advantage of the hotel’s game collection. The back room has a small sitting area and two large tables suitable for family gatherings or meetings. Large arched windows flood the room with light from two sides, nourishing the abundant greenery around the space. Germain Hotels have a special appreciation for art, and so naturally, plenty of it can be seen around the property and in room decor. 

On the lower level is a small gym, equipped with a few cardio machines, a multi-purpose weight station, and a dumbbell rack. While there isn’t a spa on-site, the hotel does offer massage services in the room (solo and duo) by appointment. 

Bar & Breakfast

Breakfast is served daily in the hotel lobby lounge 7 AM to 10 AM and includes a great selection of baked goods, savoury options, yoghurt, cereal, and fresh fruits. Each morning the team will also offer you a warm daily special. During my visit, it was a knotted bread made with leftover chocolate croissant dough (one of the many sustainable kitchen efforts), “it’s best enjoyed with some maple syrup,” the host recommended. Breakfast in bed is always an option if requested the night before. 

The self-serve coffee station is available all day, and the lobby lounge has a fun, minimal menu, also available on the private back terrace. On the bar menu are a few savoury snacks, like cured sausages, redfish, and foie gras from Les Canardises farm, and an aperitif platter. The beverage selection includes wines by the glass or bottle, quite a few cocktails, mocktails, beers, and spirits. 

The guests also have an option to order food from two nearby partner restaurants, Pizzéria NO.900 and Échaudé Restaurant, a Michelin Guide restaurant. 

Inside the Suite 

There are three types of rooms at the Hôtel Le Germain Québec: The Prestige (king bed, large sitting area), The Signature (king), and The Classic (king, queen, or two double beds). All rooms have an unobstructed view of Port of Québec with plenty of sunlight streaming into the suite (blackout blinds are available). The decor differs slightly from room to room, but they all have a working area, a place to sit, stocked fridge, and a modern bathroom. 

The dark wood accents carry through into the white tile bathroom outfitted with a soaking tub, soft towels, and luxurious cotton bathrobes. All rooms are also stocked with an amenity kit complete with feminine hygiene products and even a nail file, something we don’t see often. 

Turndown service is offered every night. 

Sustainability & Social Causes

Germain Hotels are very serious about sustainability and have been building it into the business from the start. These efforts can be seen in refillable bath amenities, glass water jugs in the room (filled up for you at turn down), locally sourced products, and many other less-seen initiatives throughout the chain. Hôtel Le Germain Québec specifically holds a Biosphere Certification, Green Key Certification (3 of 5), and HERE we recycle + “Performance” level certification for best practices in waste management. 

Book directly on germainhotels.com to take advantage of flexible checkout. Receive a price match for a lower rate found on another website with a 10% discount top up. Compare rate to: Expedia | Booking.com | TripAdvisor | Hotels.com 

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This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here.
Last updated: September 5, 2025.

Getting to & Around Quebec City

Whether you’re coming from Toronto, Montreal, or another major city, the easiest way is to fly directly into Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB). A slower and more scenic option is VIA Rail, at this time the journey from Toronto is roughly 8 hours. There is a new plan for a Québec high-speed rail project which would cut this journey down to 3 hours, but it will take a few years to realise. Once in the city, the public transit options are limited to the RTC bus routes (learn more about public transit), however, if you are in a rush, a taxi or an Uber is a better option. For the most part, you can easily access most of the city on foot, but not without a few fairly steep hills. 

Rest areas at the Québec City airport lounge.

From charming streets to waterfall views: 
What to see & Do

Old Québec is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is naturally the top tourist destination. Having walked through the stone city walls, you are immediately greeted with colourful houses lining narrow streets, live plants ornamenting the windows. Wander the streets of Petit‑Champlain, pause in Place Royale, tour Château Frontenac, and stroll along the riverfront Dufferin Terrace. Petit‑Champlain is tightly packed with artisanal shops, cafes, and scenic terraces. One of the narrower alleyways is lined with local artists selling one-of-a-kind art prints and handicrafts for those looking to bring gifts home.

The lower part of Old Québec can be accessed down a steep road, a multi-layered staircase (which does offer a great view) or a funicular. Funiculaire du Vieux-Québec runs from 9 AM to 9 PM and is definitely worth taking at least to come back up; payments are by cash only.

A fun way to see Old Québec is on a group tour paired with some locally famous food stops, or broaden the tour beyond the stone walls with a Craft Brewery and Beer Tasting tour. A slower and more scenic option is to see the city from the water with Croisières AML. This is a comfortable boat with complete amenities that loops along the river to Montmorency Falls and back. The evening cruise option includes a cocktail reception with a DJ. 

The 83-meter waterfall that the boat offers a sneak peek at is Montmorency Falls (Parc de la Chute-Montmorency), located just 15 minutes outside the city. Montmorency can be a half, if not a full-day destination, all on its own. Here a glass cable car will take you up and if time permits, you can walk all around the falls back down to the visitor’s centre using a wooden staircase. At the top of the falls is The Manoir restaurant and terrace with a panoramic view. A suspension bridge will take you directly across the falls but if an adrenaline rush is more your speed, there is a double zipline that runs along the waterfall barrier.

Among the many museums and historic sites are the British fortress Citadelle de Québec, Basilica Cathedral Notre-Dame de Québec, Musée National des Beaux-arts du Québec for the art lovers, Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Shrine, and Musée de la Civilisation. Plan at least two hours for your Musée de la Civilisation to properly explore the museum. The architecture of the building is a treat in itself with a public viewing terrace, interior courtyard, and various geometric layers.

Huron-Wendat Museum, located in the Hôtel – Musée Premières Nations, offers a wonderful insight into Wendat culture. In the evening, visitors are invited to take part in the Immersive Multimedia Night Walk, Onhwa’ Lumina. Make sure to check their events calendar for interactive and storytelling experiences and get a taste of First Nations cuisine at La Traite or La Sagamité. Make this an overnight with a stay at the Hôtel – Musée Premières Nations and spend the weekend hiking and learning in Wendake. 

Left: Hôtel – Musée Premières Nations and Huron-Wendat Museum. Right: Entrance into Onhwa’ Lumina in Wendake.
Below: Exterior of Musée de la Civilisation.

From fine dining to microbreweries: 
Where to eat & drink

Old Québec is perhaps best for quick snacks and terrace beverage breaks. Though Restaurant La Buche is a city staple, infamous for their comfort food and Canadian menu. Buvette Scott is perhaps the best stop for French cuisine in the downtown core, offering decadent dishes like bass parfait and potato pave paired with natural and unique wines. While in the area, make sure to stop by Le Projet – Spécialité Microbrasseries for a fresh beer flight.

Further towards the Pier is a fine dining trifecta: Bistro L’Orygine, where you will find farm-to-table sustainable menu options, below is the two-star Michelin-rated Restaurant Tanière³, where each course is served in a new environment, and between the two is a speakeasy-style cocktail bar, Vieux Carré, focused on local ingredients only.

Bistro L’Orygine, a few courses from the 6-course tasting menu.

The culinary epicentre of Québec City is stretched along Rue Saint-Joseph E., the Saint-Roch neigbourhood. La Korrigane Brasserie Artisanale and Chez Tao! offer a lively, casual atmosphere with comfort food favourites and cold pints. Le Clocher Penché, Le 101 Restaurant de Quartier, JJacques, L’Affaire est Ketchup are great options for an elevated or romantic meal. La Boîte à Pain and Birra & Basta are great for wood-fired pizza; Birra & Basta also have frequent pasta specials. Honō Izakaya is a local favourite for Japanese food, and soon will be opening a bar in the back.

For beer fans, Noctem Artisans Brasseurs St-Roch in the area is a great option for a crisp flight. Plenty of natural wines are sold in local liquor stores (SAQ), but if you are looking to taste a few, Restaurant Ouroboros has a lovely selection. No visit to Quebec is complete without a bagel, get yours at Bügel Fabrique de Bagels.

Above: Tiki cocktails and noodles at Chez Tao!
Below: Cocktails and oysters at JJacques.

A wellness break in the heart of the city 

Strøm Spa Nordique is located just below the Planes of Abraham, right in the heart of the city. As soon as you enter the spa, the noise of the city fades away in the quiet of the river shore. Sunbathe with a book by the infinity pool, rest in many indoor and outdoor quiet areas, dip between hot and cold pools, or follow the complete circuit through wet and dry saunas. The on-site restaurant, Nord, is a creative gastronomic space with a fine-tuned menu focused on seasonal ingredients and boreal-inspired cuisine. 

The spa is open year-round; advance reservations are strongly recommended.  

A few images from Strøm Spa Nordique, located in the heart of the city.

From castles to boutique hotels: 
Where to stay

One of the most notable structures in the city is Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, a classic Fairmont property with every amenity you can think of. Among the many other hotels in Old Québec are the clean and modern Hôtel Cap Diamant, Hôtel Le Germain (full review) with spectacular views of the city, and the grand Hotel 71 by Preferred Hotels & Resorts. For a more unique experience, choose a smaller property, Hotel Du Vieux Quebec with a rooftop farm garden.

Stay closer to the restaurant row at the Hilton Quebec, where you can enjoy the rooftop pool even in the winter, or Le Capitole Hôtel. Le Capitole Hôtel is a luxury pet-friendly property with a spa, gym, and a stunning restaurant. A mid-point alternative is the recently renovated Best Western Plus Centre-Ville. Located a block up from Rue Saint-Joseph E, this hotel has a beautiful indoor pool, a small gym, and a spacious restaurant.

Above: Hôtel Le Germain Québec, King Suite.
Below: Best Western Plus Centre-Ville pool and courtyard.

Festivals & Events in Québec City

From Winter Carnival to St. Patrick’s Day and New France Festival, there is something on every month. One of the biggest festivals in Québec, Festival d’été de Québec (FEQ), is hosted for 10 days in the Québec City centre, gathering thousands of people from across the country. This music festival takes over Planes of Abraham and the entire downtown core with multiple stages showcasing artists of all genres and levels of celebrity.

Early September, Rue Saint-Joseph E, is transformed into a free public music and food festival, St-Roch XP. Food vendors from across the street host pop-ups selling small bites between a range of unique music stages in concert venues, shops, and various street corners. This is a great way to see the city, discover new music, and taste the wide range of dining options as small bites.

Turn this weekend into a week-long stay:
Day trips from Québec City

Île d’Orléans is a commonly packaged destination with QC. This charming island consists of 6 villages and can be seen by car or on a group tour. Here you will find historic heritage sites, artisanal shops and food producers, and art galleries. The two not-to-miss stops are Cassis Monna and Daughters La Monnaguette, for some wine and ice cream, and Richard Boily Maple Grove for an informative maple syrup learning experience.

Combine Old Town and Montmorency Falls into a tour, pair Montmorency Falls and Ile d’Orleans into a half-day tour, or visit the Island of Orleans on a wine Tour. 

St-Lawrence River is an excellent location for whale watching. The boats go as far as Charlevoix, offering plenty of opportunities to spot these majestic creatures. Choose a Zodiac tour to get up close and personal with the whales or the dry comfort of a larger boat. This is an 11-hour tour and requires advance booking.

The post The ultimate guide to Québec City appeared first on Paths to Travel.

Cover image by Ludovic Migneault. All body images in this article are courtesy of the mentioned property or tourism board.

Camp Boule – Buvette de Montagne in Charlevoix

A restaurant and bar located in a mountain chalet serving up a gourmet menu in Le Massif de Charlevoix. Chef David Forbes draws inspiration from changing seasons, local forests, and farm products curating a culinary experience rich in flavour. The restaurant also promises daily specials making each dinner a one-of-a-kind meal.

To learn more and reserve visit lemassif.com

Forêt récréative de Val d’Or, Agnico Eagle trail 

Val-d’Or Recreational Forest spans 50 km² and invites visitors to explore its trails. The park can be seen on foot, by bike, on snowshoes, cross-country skis, ice skates, fat bikes, and in-line skates. The hikes cut through pure boreal forest and offer a few shelters along the way to rest and warm up. 

More information on foretrecreative.com
Daily rates for all activities can be found on foretrecreative.com/hiver

Learn how to cook with winter products in the Notre-Dame Abbey, Saint-Jean-de-Matha

Val Notre-Dame Abbey is all about finding new ways to help people experience edible forest products. This winter they are offering a cooking class in the deep woods inside a specially set up yurt. In addition, you can also try the people’s favourites including BBQ snowshoe hikes and sugaring-off meals featuring forest edibles.

More information on abbayevalnotredame.ca

Visit a German Christmas Market in Québec City 

The largest annual Christmas Market in Québec is set to return November 24 – December 23, 2022 (Thursday to Sunday). For the 15th-anniversary market organizers added a few new activities including Santa Claus castle at Place d’Armes and a giant marionette parade on Saint-Jean Street.

More information on noelallemandquebec.com

Eat cheese and drink wine in the Eastern Townships

The small yet mighty Eastern Townships are home to 20 vineyards, 29 microbreweries, and 16 cheese factories. The wine route spans a whopping 140 km so it can certainly be a road trip on its own. Here you will also find La Station cheese factory and ECONOMUSÉE®. At this factory, the artisanal cheese is still made using traditional methods by the members of the Bolduc family who have been passing on the traditions for many generations. The museum offers immersive tours, cheese tastings, and multimedia shows. This region alone could make this article into a much longer list than “13 things to do in Québec”. But that’s for a later time…

More information on easterntownships.org

Taste some beers at the new microbrewery in Old Chelsea

The very first microbrewery in the village of Chelsea in the Outaouais region. Located near Gatineau Park (which offers 89,000 acres of forest, lakes, and trails) Chelsea & Co is a cool and friendly spot serving up locally brewed, artisanal, sustainable beers. In their own words, “Chelsea & Co is a place where we invent an experience that bridges the gap between beer and the outdoors”. If you chose to visit this area a lovely nearby accommodation is Laurette Lodges. 

More info at chelseaco.ca

Immerse into Indigenous Québec with the evergreen winter package in Waconichi

This breathtaking boreal forest territory is located across the Albanel-Mistassini-and-Waconichi Lakes Wildlife Reserve, operated by the Nibiischii Corporation ᓂᐲᔅᒌ (Land of Water). The land harbors a vibrant culture of the Cree Nation of Mistissini. Among many activities on this wildlife reserve are canoe-camping, floating accommodations, cultural workshops, canoeing, fishing, yoga, hiking, sky gazing, snowshoeing, and drive-in movies by the water.

Learn more on indigenousquebec.com and nibiischii.com

Winter glamping across the region

The region has an impressive selection of new and updated glamping accommodations. Charlevoix alone, for example, has a few mention-worthy properties:

• Scandinavian-inspired properties in  Repère Boréal
• Trendy mountainside Dômes
• Intimate luxury stays at the Momentôm Refuges Nature (equipped with a private terrace and spa!)
• Some absolutely stunning mirror homes: Réflexion – Maisons Miroirs. 

Lanaudière-Mauricie region, located just between Montréal and Québec City, also has a range of wonderful accommodations. Here you can stay in the Les pieds sur Terre, aka the Orion Bubbles, and even a small Hobbit House,  all equipped with a private jacuzzi. Also in the area is a new clean, modern, well-equipped cabin in Saint-Jean-des-Piles, called Nature Nature. If you are planning a trip to MTL, a few other tips for what to do in Montréal can be found in this article.

Both images are of Dômes Charlevoix

Walk the Laurentides Treetop

Climb up this 40-meter-high panoramic tower for a spectacular view of Mont Tremblant across a forest-heavy region. To get to the tower you will stroll a nearly one-kilometer-long path through the Laurentian forest. The entire experience is safe and universally accessible so it is a fairly easy adventure. 

More information on sentierdescimes.ca

Ski and dine at the Chic-Chac in Gaspésie

This is a brand new après-ski experience in the Murdochville church. The Church was built in the Scandinavian style and features a resto-bar, large performance venue, retail shop, and space for equipment rentals. In the winter this resort destination offers backcountry skiing (skinning, catskiing, heliskiing), downhill skiing on soft powder snow, and snowmobiling across groomed trails.

More information on quebecmaritime.ca/en/company/chic-chac and chic-chac.com

Embrace nature at the La Mauricie National Park

In the winter this park turns into a Wonderland where you can snowshoe, cross-country ski, hike, bike, ice climb, fish, and even stay overnight in one of their unique accommodations. Fun fact: 93% of this park is covered by forest and has over 150 lakes of mixed sizes. There are also multiple waterfalls all of which would look equally stunning covered by a lush of snow. 

More information on pc.gc.ca

Go skiing in Mont-Tremblant, where they swear anyone can learn how to

It is a well-known fact that on this side of Canada Mont-Tremblant is the best place to go skiing but what Tremblant village really offers is an entire experience from lessons and rentals to casual ski-apres once the sun has set. These, much more approachable mountains, offer 755 acres of skiable terrain with 102 trails across 4 distinct faces. Between the slopes are shops, restaurants, a wide range of accommodations, and around-the-season entertainment. 

Learn more on tremblant.ca

Stay and eat at Les Chalets Baie Cascouia

Number 13, last but not least, is an amazing property in Québec. The chalet offer is a two-in-one, optional of course but sounds fantastic so let’s go. Located in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean guests of the cottages can add a regional meal option to their reservation which will include a traditional meal with authentic Saguenay–Lac-Saint- Jean tourtière and homemade blueberry pie. If you come, Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean offers a fun range of activities from snowmobiling to hiking so you will not get bored. 

More information on chaletgitesaguenay.com

The post 13 things to do in Québec this winter appeared first on Paths to Travel.

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here. 

From bagels to experimental cuisine:
Where to eat & drink

If you are staying near Old Montréal and looking for a nice view head to the Terrasse Nelligan (inside Hotel Nelligan). Nearby directly on Sain-Paul Street is Pub Wolf & Workman, a casual fun spot with a hearty menu and backyard patio sprinkled with twinkly lights. For a late night and some dancing, there is Santos, where you can also grab some Spanish tapas. This spot, however, is mostly known for its party atmosphere.

Heading further inland are many other interesting neighbourhoods with fun and exciting spots to try. In Marconi-Alexandra is a new-ish restaurant called Taverne Atlantic. Upon entry, you will be pleasantly surprised by its openness and vintage-inspired decor. The back bar, which stretches along the entire room, is rumoured to have been in storage for decades just waiting for a perfect spot like this. The drink menu is a wealth of natural wines, local beers, and craft cocktails. The food selection is a mix of classy pub food and a variety of fresh salads. Make sure to check out their upper terrace.

A short walk along Rue Beaubien East will take you to Isle de Garde, an independently-owned brewery and restaurant serving up in-house-made beers, fun wines, and delicious foods. On this side of town, I’ve also recently found a lovely bistro called Bloomfield. The eye-catching decor is just the beginning of all the beautiful things. The menu boasts an equally beautiful selection of dishes like Lebanese Chicken, Jerusalem Plater, and the infamous Avocado Toast.

For a one-stop destination, this Montréal City Guide recommends the very cool Fugazzi Pizza for dinner (Centre St.) and Milkyway Cocktail Bar right above for all the late-night fun. If you have the time, venture off the beaten path to the newly opened Chez José Café. Here you will find hearty meals and delicious cocktails. For a bigger adventure drive out to Tiradito on Rue de Bleury for experimental open-kitchen Peruvian cuisine and craft cocktails.  And of course, an absolute must-stop when in Montréal is the St-Viateur Bagel. These folks have been making bagels since the 50s and are basically the spot to get a Montréal bagel. In fact, get a dozen and store them at home in a freezer until the bagel craving kicks in. 

From explorative walks to live music events:
What to see & do

Montréal is a nice city to walk around. Just pick a neighbourhood and explore, diving into small side streets to take in the architecture and spiral staircases. Step out of Old Montréal and take a stroll along the waterfront, grabbing souvenirs from local vendors. See the city from a new angle from the top of La Grande Roue de Montréal  Ferris wheel. First Fridays are also back in the Olympic Park. Come and enjoy various food truck vendors, restaurant pop-ups, and music parties. 

Cirque Éloize has multiple events in the city. La Guide is showcasing Inuit and First Nations artists while MUMAQ is looking at craftsmanship over time. You can also learn about the environment and sustainable ways to live in the Biosphère or immerse yourself in alternate realities at the PHI Centre. That’s just a few examples of what’s on, make sure to check mtl.org for up-to-date announcements. Over the summer months, all the way through to October 12th visitors can enjoy PassportMTL, which allows you to see 5 attractions of your choice at the cost of $95 (+tax).

Bonus: A bit more about Montréal with some other ideas can also be found in Canada by rail: the best of Ottawa, Montréal, & Québec City story.

In the summer there are also many music festivals: International Jazz Festival takes place from June 30 to July 9, the infamous Osheaga is on from July 29 to 31, Mutek has moved to August 23 through 28 (electronic and experimental), while Piknic Electronic stretches over multiple weekends throughout the warmer months until October 2nd. 

Casual simplicity and mixed luxury:
Where to stay

Note: You will notice I share the hotel booking link and a booking.com link because depending on which site or membership you use you might have a better deal with one over the other. Personally, I’ve been using booking.com for many years and often get lower rates there. 

Humaniti Hotel Montréal, Marriot Bonvoy’s Autograph Collection

Located near the city’s cultural district Quartier des Spectacles and a short walk away from the Old Town Humaniti is a lovely modern hotel that you can make a home for a day or five. The hotel decor is gracefully minimal with bright splashes of colour seen in art and various interior decor (like the yellow accent chairs) contrasted by the black and white. The rooms are spacious the windows are floor-to-ceiling and there is plenty of storage for a long-term stay.

On the ground floor is a wonderful bakery, Boulangerie Ange. This corner of the hotel gets particularly busy during lunch, filled with energetic office crowds and hotel guests alike. I left the room to have lunch here a few times, indulging in the fresh-baked baguette sandwiches, savoury tarts, and creamy desserts. The hotel is also home to H3 Restaurant which overlooks the courtyard with the maple tree art installation. The restaurant services breakfast, lunch, and dinner while the H3 Lounge on the same floor opens for evening cocktail hours.

The most exciting part of this hotel, however, is the rooftop pool and lounge. During my last visit, the pool was not quite fully open but in the summer months, it turned into a tropical paradise with plants, cabanas, and cold cocktails served on the terrace. The pool is a part of the Humaniti Spa and gym.

Rooms start at $440 for King
Book directly on humanitihotel.com or on booking.com
Make sure to collect Marriot Bonvoy points during this stay.

Hôtel Birks Montréal

Five-star hotel situated in Montréal’s Downtown, a 10-minute walk to Old Town. This is a luxury hotel, boasting old-world wealth with a modern touch. On site is a modern French brasserie, Restaurant Henri, and Valmont Spa. 

Rooms start at $460 for King or two Queens 
Book directly on hotelbirksmontreal.com or on boking.com

Le Petit Hotel Montréal

A smaller boutique hotel set in the heart of Old Montreal a stitch away from the waterfront. The hotel is a 19th-century historic building that embraces its history through special design and works with local makers on custom-designed furniture.

Rooms start at $350 for Queen 
Book directly on petithotelmontreal.com or on booking.com

The post Montréal City Guide: beyond the old town charm appeared first on Paths to Travel.

The region is best suited for slow travel. This journey should be taken at a leisurely pace with enough time to indulge in fresh seafood and soak in the tear-inducing sunsets. The route you choose to take can be thematic:

• Go door-to-door exploring lighthouses (there are over 40)
• Focus on food and local breweries and distilleries (over 25 combined)
• Pursue the land-to-sea route that takes you across the blue waters face-to-face with the likes of Moby Dick. 13 species of whales can be seen here.

But I wanted it all [insert a greedy laugh]! Realistically speaking, seeing it all would take many trips and many weeks. Nonetheless, we got a healthy preview of what this vast region has to offer even on our week-long adventure.

This road trip itinerary will loop around Gaspésie with a wholesome stop in Percé where you can lose all sense of time looking out at the turquoise waters. It will take you to the Land’s End and an island populated only by birds and memories. On this road trip, we will pull over for a cold pint at a microbrewery on the beach and taste small-batch gin inside a 147-year-old church. So buckle in, the adventure starts now!

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here.
The trip was planned with the assistance of the Québec Maritimes Tourism board which did not review or approve this article. 

Key travel points:

When to visit : Québec Maritimes has something to offer full year-round. The main season for tourism is summer which offers a bounty of activities and a much larger dining selection. 

Plan your trip : Many additional trip itineraries can be found on the official website at quebecmaritime.ca

Plan ahead : This is a small community that much like everyone else suffered from the pandemic. It is important to plan and book in advance.

Getting here : The closest airport is Québec from where you can either catch a connection to Mont-Joli Airport or drive. Alternatively, there is also an option to take the Montréal-Gaspé train to Bas-Saint-Laurent. We drove all the way from Toronto.

Land acknowledgement:
Gaspé Peninsula is the native land of the Mi’kmaq First Nation (spelling variants are Micmac and Mi gmaq).

* * *

Part One: Welcome to Gaspésie!

We check in at Hotel & Cie, it has been a long drive. This 42-room hotel offers comfortable contemporary decor and complimentary breakfast served to your room. The property is located in the heart of Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, a quiet town but in a great location for a good night’s sleep before a full day of adventures. On the premises is a lovely resto-pub called La Broue dans l’Toupet Pub Gastronomique ($$) serving up casual favourites with a maritime twist. Alternatively, there is a nearby Le Malbord Microbrewery ($$) where you will find bistro-style plates and other meat-forward bread and bun-type dishes. 

Hotel & Cie ****
hoteletcie.com, rooms starting at $124 CAD per double 
90, boulevard Sainte-Anne Ouest, Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, G4V 1R3

The first full day is a long scenic drive from Sainte-Anne-des-Monts to the town of Gaspé. Route 132 will take you all the way there with plenty of scenic stops and points of interest. Looking out of the window is the overwhelmingly vast Saint Lawrence River, weaving around the rocky mountainous edge of the road. An occasional waterfall runs down the side. This part of the road is peppered with motels, a clear indicator that it is a desirable and popular tourism destination. In mid-September, however, the towns seemed quiet and resolved. 

The smooth coastal drive is a host to a range of lighthouse stops. The big red La Martre Lighthouse (map location) is the first one, followed by Cap-de-la-Madeleine Lighthouse (map location) an hour or so later. A short turn off the highway Cap-de-la-Madeleine has a lovely panoramic view and an on-site museum. Here you could take an interpretive tour filled with tales and legends told by a local guide.

Stomachs growling we turned in to grab a bite at the infamous Cantine du Pêcheur ($$) but to our disappointment, it was closed for the season. A brief search turned up a nearby seafood place La Cantine du Quai ($), a food truck parked on the fishing dock near a marine club. A lineup of people and a full parking lot of cars was a clear indicator this is the place to be for lunch and my first of many delicious tiny shrimp meals [image below].

Further along the road, on the outskirts of the Forillon National Park is Canada’s tallest lighthouse and historic center, Cap des Rosiers (map location). The best view of this white giant, however, is from a nearby beach on the Northern Section of Forillon (map location) [cover image]. Stretching around the bend this side of the park can be explored slowly in a loop down a wooden boardwalk, through the tall grass, and back across a pebbled beach.

With three lighthouses behind us, it is time to mix things up. A quick drive cutting across the park is La Chute – a short hiking trail that leads to a wide, 17m waterfall with a red Muskoka chair looking up at the crystal water crashing at its foot. The trail goes from ground to boardwalk and involves some stairs, but this minimal effort leads to a lovely and very photogenic reward. 

Note: There are a few mixed instructions on how to get to the falls so here is a map location. For the best route, if you have an iPhone, key in “La Chute Trail Red Chair” in Apple Maps or find it on AllTrails.

Bonus: If you have time, stop at Cap Bon Ami  (map location) to see the view of Land’s End and walk on the beach.

Part Two: From Gaspé to Percé 

Here for an overnight, we walk up to a charming white house with a blue roof and intricate wooden finishes. A medium-sized B&B called Auberge Sous Les Arbres greats us at the top. This is an ancestral property with a shared lounge and dining area, stunning classic decor, and a garden terrace outback. Upon arrival, we were invited to taste locally produced gin (later available next to the coffee alongside other regional liquors) and took a moment to fill out our breakfast preferences. Having arrived early enough in the day to not have to rush for dinner the two of us, equipped with some French wine picked up in the Québec SAQ, relaxed in the courtyard reflecting on the drive so far and planning for the day ahead. 

For dinner, Le Brise Bise ($$) located across the street, is a popular and recommended spot. Being one of very few in town open off-season the restaurant fills up quickly so reservations are strongly recommended. The menu features an expected fanfare of comfort food and fruits of the sea, like hearty club sandwiches and seafood coquille, a baked dish of mashed potato stuffed with seafood. A first for me and one I might need to learn how to make at home. 

Auberge Sous Les Arbres ***
aubergesouslesarbres.com, rooms starting at $140 CAD per double 
146 Rue de la Reine, Gaspé, QC G4X 2R2, parking is at the back of the property around the corner

If time permits, you could stay here for a few days, exploring the nearby sites, heading out for long hikes, and enjoying the seafood. Our itinerary was a bit tight so a sleep and a breakfast later we were back on the road heading towards Percé.

The drive to Percé only takes about an hour so we spend some time exploring Pointe-Saint-Pierre (map location). A short walk from the parking lot of Route de la Pointe-Saint-Pierre ends at the sharp edge of a 10-meter-high coastal cliff. You can stroll along the edge from end to end, absorbing the view of the littoral landscape from the meadows, and taking in the endless view of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. A rocky pathway can take you down to the beach, completely blanketed with black mussel shells. 

Up next is a boat tour with Les Bateliers de Percé which loops around the historic Percé rock and docks at the l’Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé national park. Percé Rock is probably the most famous tourist attraction in the QC Maritimes. Towering 88m above water and 471m long with an open arch (one of the world’s largest natural arches) the rock is home to a wide variety of birds. The shape and size of this natural structure are truly fascinating and naturally photogenic. Our boat is full of people looking up in amazement, gasping at the view and laughing at the guide’s occasionally comedic remarks and dry jokes. Having now seen the rock from all sides the boat turned toward Île Bonaventure.

The island, no longer occupied by humans, is home to the largest migratory northern gannets bird refuge in North America and one that is accessible on foot. As we get closer and closer the patches of birds are seen more clearly. The entire edge of the island is covered with white gannets, nesting, perching on rocks, cruising in groups over the edge, chirping at the seals floating on the water. This view is truly spectacular; this island belongs to birds. 

Bonaventure used to be a lived island but over time as people moved away to the mainland the land was purchased by national parks who now work hard on preserving its natural biodiversity and historical significance. There are many trails through the park, looking out at the Percé Rock, passing through what used to be people’s homes, and almost all of the paths leading to the bird colony. 

Booking: Book directly with lesbateliersdeperce.com
Tickets: Island + Percé rock is $42/adult, directly to the island $38/adult + $9/adult fee for park access (park pricing here). 
Timing: Tour departure times are on the hour 9:00 am to 4:00 pm but they can change end of season.
Duration: If you plan to explore the island make sure you have at least 3 hours. Bring lunch, there are options on the island but they are limited

Having witnessed one of the most spectacular bird sanctuaries in the world it was time to check in for our next overnight stop: Riôtel Percé*. Nestled on the edge of the water, near the town center, the hotel windows have a panoramic view of the coast. I wasn’t expecting much walking in but the spacious room with a wide-open view of the sea made me gasp upon entry. Our King suite was outfitted with a large desk, two sitting areas, and wall to wall balcony, looking directly at the water and the town’s main attraction.

With more time in hand, I would’ve spent many mornings sipping coffee on this balcony, listening to the sea. The property stretches along a pebbled beach which you can take all the way into the town center. There is a green playground, picnic tables, and a few fire pits, fully prepped for evening relaxation, just throw in a match. Breakfast is served in the main building at a lovely, newly renovated restaurant, which also looks out at the beach. 

Riôtel Percé ***
riotel.com/fr/hotels/perce, rooms starting at $150 CAD for two queens 
261 Rte 132, Percé, Québec G0C 2L0
Open May 20 to October 9 inclusively

There are a few restaurants in town but given their popularity reservations are definitely helpful. We opted in for dinner at La Maison du Pêcheur ($$$) and pre-drinks at the Pit Caribou brewpub. While the restaurant was a classy fair the pub had a feeling of a local favourite. The pub is a place where industry people come to hang out after work. Just the vibe we were looking for. Wrap up the day with a nightcap by the fire pit back at the hotel.

Part Three: From Percé to Carleton-Sur-Mer

After breakfast, we walk over to Percé UNESCO Global Geopark. There is a lot to do and see here, including a multimedia presentation on the 500 million years of Percé geological history. If you have time there is a lot to explore at the park but the must-do activity is the suspended glass platform. Situated 200m above ground but a quick, rocky shuttle bus will take you up there in no time. The platform, on which you have to step out barefoot, opens up on the vast view of the sea and the Percé Rock. When done, you can hike down, zipline, or go for a short hike through the magical forest. It is an actual trail and it is a little magical, in that child storybook kind of way. 

Tickets: Depends on your activity selection, the glass platform is $11/adult plus a $6 shuttle. 
Timing: Open year-round from 9 am to 6 pm.

On the way out of Percé, we visit a distillery called La Societe Secrete. It is an artisanal distillery, located in a 147-year-old Anglican church, focusing on 3 products only and using all local, and hand-harvested botanicals. They even have their own colony of bees. Nearby is also the Pit Caribou Microbrewery at the edge of a L’Anse-à-Beaufils fishing village. Order a fresh pint of beer from the brewery window and enjoy the beach views from their back patio. 

One more culturally and historically important stop is Site Historique National de Paspébiac. In its prime time, this site was the main source of income for people in the area and one of the biggest salted cod distributors in the world. This is two centuries of fishing history with well preserved 11 buildings. In these buildings fishing vessels were built, the fish was processed, stored, and traded. A guided tour is strongly recommended because the stories they have are epic and entertaining. 

Tickets: $14/adult, pre-book on sitepaspebiac.ca
Timing: Early June to early October 9 am to 5 pm daily; with reservations for groups until mid-October.

Next in our destination guide is an overnight in Carleton-Sur-Mer at Hostellerie Baie Bleue. A classic motel with 5 buildings and 7 cottages a road away from the sea. The rooms are clean, with modest modern decor and comfortable bedding. There is an on-site pub called St-Joseph, where you get your morning meal. Across the road is a long boardwalk that stretches across town past charming vacation homes and public amenities. The boardwalk will take you directly to Marin D’Eau Douce ($$), a small seafood restaurant with a serene candlelit mood. Reservations are strongly recommended.

Hostellerie Baie Bleue ***
baiebleue.com rooms starting at $104 CAD per double 
482, boulevard Perron, Carleton-sur-Mer (Québec) G0C 1J0

Land acknowledgement:
Côte-Nord region is the native land of the Innu (formally known as Naskapi-Montagnais). 

* * *

Part Four: Moving on to Tadoussac

Our day begins early with a drive to Trois-Pistoles–Les where we catch the ferry to Bergeronnes. This drive is nearly 4 hours, straight along the highway, followed by a 90-minute ferry ride. On a clear day make sure to keep your eyes on the water for whales and other sea creatures. 

Booking: traversiercnb.ca 
Tickets: Starting at $54 per vehicle plus $24.50/adult passenger 
Ferry timing: May to mid-October
Note: it is strongly recommended you arrive an hour early to ensure your spot. Once the car is parked you can no longer access it so grab everything you need right away.  

A quick 10 min drive from the ferry docking is Cap-de-Bon-Désir Interpretation and Observation Centre, a member of the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park. Upon entry first thing you will notice is the lighthouse. My favourite part of this stunning park is the natural observation platform. Waves of light-coloured, smooth rock formations stretch as far as the eye can see on the left, warm water nestled between them, leftover from high tide. Many people come to spend hours here in the hopes to see at least one of the 13 species of whales that can be spotted from the park. During our brief visit, we did not see a whale but did come across a wild bunny and a teen black bear nearby, just running across the highway. 

Timing: June 19 to October 11, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Tickets: $7.90/adult, includes admission to the Marine Environment Discovery Centre on the same day

Côte-Nord region is best known for whale watching so even in mid-September it was a bustling place to be. We reached Tadoussac in under an hour for our overnight stay at the historic Hôtel Tadoussac. The hotel is a classic wood building with antiquated elegance. On the grounds are a wealth of picnic tables, tennis courts, and many sitting areas. The entire property is facing the water, you could spot a whale directly from the shore. Sadly by the evening, the fall weather began to take ownership, unseasonably late.

Hôtel Tadoussac ***
hoteltadoussac.com rooms starting at $149 for queen 
Open May 6 – October 31
165, rue Bord de l’Eau, Tadoussac, G0T 2A0  

There are quite a few options for dining in town but even in low season, they book up fast. We’ve had the pleasure of having a meal at the Hôtel Tadoussac restaurant ($$) and on a separate night at the lovely Chez Mathilde ($$$). Chez Mathilde is a family-run fine-dining spot, just up the street from the hotel. The restaurant offers technique-driven set courses and a la carte. This classy joint had a live pianist (an excellent one to say the least) and an option to dine at the chef’s table. During our brief stay in town we also quickly became regulars at the Tadoussac Microbrasserie. It is a fairly intimate brewery where you can spend hours indulging in fresh brews and pub snacks. There is also a fun stack of table games available for all patrons. Other notable dining options are:

• Le Gibard ($$), a casual fun cafe
• La Galouïne Restaurant ($$) for a good seafood selection

Whale watching is the main reason for our stop at Tadoussac. We got to see plenty of those in a much more comfortable way than I could’ve ever imagined with Croisières AML Cruises. More about this whale tour here. After our whale-watching excursion, we went directly back to the microbrewery where clearly many other people had a day similar to ours.

Whale Watching tour 
Timing: Late April to late October
Booking: croisieresaml.com
Tickets: Starting at $94.99 for Zodiac and $99.99, prices can change so check the website. There is an option to add a lunch box for all fairs for $17.99

If time permits, visit Marine Mammal Interpretation Center (CIMM) to learn more about the marine mammals you saw during the day. The center is located near the marina right in town and can be easily accessed on foot with a slow stroll along the shore. 

CIMM
Timing: June 7 – late September 
Tickets: $15/adult

With many activities checked off my bucket list, it was time to go home and the Baie-Sainte-Catherine ferry will get you to the mainland for free year-round. 

Note: The ferry is quite small and fits just a few vehicles, if you find this line is too long there is an alternative route around the bay that can also take you back to the main Québec highways. 

The post The great adventure through Québec Maritimes appeared first on Paths to Travel.

Tadoussac, located in the Québec Côte-Nord region, has been a prime spot for whale spotting since 1979. The climate creates a perfect environment for a dozen marine spaces to visit the Lower Estuary seasonally and for some to even live in the area full-time. So naturally, as many as 200,000 people visit the region annually to catch a glimpse of these mystical and majestic creatures.

Clinging to my raincoat sleeves I followed the boat attendant onto the deck, exposing the wristband with that infamous acronym “VIP,” not giving a second thought to what that might entail. The interior stewardess, a pleasant French lady dressed in a navy skirt suit, gracefully gave us a tour of the room. Here you get the best view of the water, she gestured to the floor-to-ceiling glass window wrapping the front of the boat. Here are our beverage options. Above is the private observation deck. On the way back they will serve locally sourced snacks. Once the initial surprise of this cozy comfort and glamour had passed we settled on a soft leather bench looking out at the St. Lawrence River.

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here.
This excursion was booked with the assistance of the Québec Maritimes Tourism Board which did not review or approve this article.

Whale watching in Québec Maritimes is an exercise of patience. Once the boat left the dock and all of our travel companions got their beverages of choice (sparkling rose for me) we were all glued to the window, scanning the water inch by inch while listening to the room, just in case someone spots one. Is that it? No that’s just a rock, everyone sits back down. A voice over the speaker directs us to turn to our 12 o’clock were a mom and a baby are gently blowing water into the cool air. People begin to move in that viewing direction with excitement, held back by that uncomfortable safety hesitation, after all, we are still in the global pandemic, masked and slightly afraid of human contact. 

As we navigate further and further away from the shore we see more and more fountains and breaches in the distance. Sperm whales are matriarchal species and travel in pairs: a mature female and a younger whale. The pairs come together into a pod of up to 20 whales with male whales traveling in and out of different pods solo. From the lower deck to the top people moved in waves around the nose of the boat, chasing the whale pairs popping up on different sides of the vessel. 

Land acknowledgement:
Côte-Nord region is the native land of the Innu (formally known as Naskapi-Montagnais). 

* * *

Suddenly, we were right in the middle of a whale training camp with pairs of adults and youngsters popping up around, breaching, diving for a prolonged period, and coming up for air a distance away. The younger whales did not break the surface fully but followed the grown-ups closely in harmony, exposing their dorsal fins and imitating their adult flipper movements, as if waving to their whale friends. If you watch long enough it almost seems like they are cruising on their backs, splashing around, smiling at the sun, but every movement has a purpose. Breaching helps them get rid of various small pests, blowing releases gas, and these fin waves, called “pec-slaps,” are for flirting. 

Every time an adult caught air close by, shared sing of “ohs” and “wow’s” would travel through the deck to be only followed by “Look! There is another one!” Despite the freezing wind, a small group of us were huddling on the top deck, trying to get an unobstructed photo of a perfect whale breach while porpoises were cruising along with the boat. An occasional seal would surface between waves, looking up at us with its sweet beady eyes.  But time passes fast when you are having a good time so soon enough we had to turn back. The return journey was eased with a snack box sizeable enough to make me consider skipping dinner – a wealth of local sea products and baked goods, including some of the freshest smoked salmon I’ve ever had. 

Arriving back to the middle estuary we were greeted by a pod of beluga whales, splashing around close to shore. These almost cartoon-like whales are the only species that live in the St. Lawrence year-round. Docking back in town atmosphere on the boat changed, there was a different kind of excitement in the air, a type of satisfaction from finally having checked something off your wish list, we saw whales, many whales! “I cannot wait to show the pictures to… well anyone who asks,” I thought to myself while finishing up a chewy browny with a Baileys and coffee. This is, by far, the best possible way to see whales in this climate.

Croisières AML Cruises have been operating in the region from the start as an eco-responsible family business running tours, charters, and Zodiac boats across the province. Book directly by visiting croisieresaml.com. The VIP excursion description can be found here. 

The whale-watching tour was just one of our many adventures on the road trip through the Québec Maritimes, see the full Destination Guide.

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The four regions that make up Québec Maritimes are Bas-Saint-Laurent, Gaspésie, Côte-Nord, and Îles De La Madeleine. The scenery here is similar to what you would see in New Brunswick, after all, they are neighbours. But QC Maritime stands strong as an individual. The nature of the area serves itself well for slow and sustainable travel and if time permits one can easily spend 3 weeks exploring the 300km of combined coastline. I cannot possibly cover everything there is to do (it could be volumes of typed books!) but here are just a few reasons to add QC Maritime to your travel bucket list:

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here. 

Nature & Adventure

QC Maritime is home to 10 national parks, some on the coast, some landlocked. Four of the ten national parks are in Gaspésie and the topography of Gaspésie National Park might feel like the tip of the earth. Here visitors can see the famous Percé Rock and take in the breathtaking scenery that is Chaleur Bay. Bas-Saint-Laurent is a blend of coastal, rural, and forest scenery while Côte-Nord is recognized as one of the best places to see the whales (more on that later). Îles de la Madeleine, on the other hand, is most famous for its white-sand beaches and red cliffs. Anywhere in the region, you can explore coastal beaches, go hiking, discover waterfalls, learn sea kayaking, catch your own dinner, and maybe even shed a tear looking at amazing sunsets and sunrises.

Lighthouses 

Naturally, QC Maritimes has lighthouses. Many, many lighthouses. Your entire road trip could focus on lighthouses and take a nearly 14 days driving from Rivière-du-Loup to Tadoussac (or just a bit over 3 hours by boat). Lighthouses are part of the local heritage and there are over 40 of them spread out across the coast. Eighteen of these lighthouses offer tourism-related activities or services (like accommodations). Learn more about the Lighthouse trail here. 

Tip from the locals: the temperatures changes throughout the day so bring layers and warm clothes if you are planning a water excursion.

Marine life exploration & Whale watching 

The Gulf of St Lawrence is a sanctuary for a lot of marine life and especially whales. GREMM centre, located in Côte-Nord, is an impressive research facility where marine biologists focus on studying whales in order to better protect them. The centre also has a very informative visitor’s centre. A must-do while visiting the region, of course, is seeing the whales firsthand and you can do so from many points along the coast. 

The Québec Whale Route spans from Tadoussac to Blanc-Sablon along the shore of Côte-Nord. If following the recommended route, this trip would take 13 days driving or 4 days by boat. This is a designated whale route where visitors can observe 13 different species of whales, some even from land! 

The best time to observe whales is between May and October; learn more about whales on Whales Online.

Food & Drinks

Farm-to-table cuisine and let’s call it ocean-to-table seafood is one of the many highlights of QC Maritimes. Fresh seafood is something that you would find basically anywhere but much like with any other activity there is a recommended Flavour Trail. The highlights of the local cuisine naturally include seafood but you will also find plenty of game meat, fine cheeses, berries and vegetables, and of course – microbreweries and distilleries. 

The Beer Route includes over 100 different craft breweries across all four regions and cant take up to 12 days by car (2 hours by ferry). This is the eat, drink, and be a marry-type of adventure. 

Sustainability note: QC Maritime is Smart Seafood certified and is working tirelessly on maintaining sustainable fishing practices.

Unique accommodations 

As one would expect, there is a wide variety of accommodations, from camping grounds to hotels and everything in between. I would like to focus on some of the most unique properties. First of all: lighthouses! Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve has a 4-star lighthouse property, St. Lawrence has a 200-year-old B&B called Maisons du Phare de l’Île Verte, and Gaspésie is home to the restored 102-year-old Pot-à-l’Eau-de-Vie – just to name a few. 

Among other unusual accommodations, there is a Perched Chalet in Kiskotuk Park, Tiny “Tint Houses” powered by solar energy, floating Yurts, stargazing forest Canopèes, and many, many more. 

Québec Maritimes is not just about sightseeing and tasting, it is a feeling and a place to meet (what I was promised would be) some of the nicest people in Canada. This is a place where your sunset conversations around the fire pit might be interrupted by whale songs. A place to recharge after a long and painful lockdown and feel the vastness of the universe under the star.

Some notes from Parks Canada

Due to the global pandemic your upcoming visit will be different than in past years. Some national parks might have limited access to facilities and services, frequent updates can be found here. 

Reservations for trips between May 2021 and March 2022 are now open. There is also a Parks Canada Mobile App which can be helpful when planning your travel and has interactive park maps. 

The post The many reasons why Québec Maritime should be on your bucket list appeared first on Paths to Travel.