Rimouski

Day Trips

Begin your day with a gentle hike along the park’s shoreline trails, where you can spot seals basking on the cold rocks and seabirds diving for fish. The crisp morning air and the sound of waves crashing against the cliffs set an invigorating tone. Bring binoculars to catch rare sightings of eider ducks and white–winged scoters.

Settle down for a seaside picnic by the tidal flats, sampling local cheeses and freshly baked baguettes from Rimouski’s bakeries. Wade into the shallow pools to observe starfish, hermit crabs and other intertidal life. Later, explore hidden coves and fossil beds that reveal marine life from thousands of years ago.

Watch the sun dip below the St. Lawrence, painting the sky in pinks and purples as you sip a warming herbal tea. Gather around a small campfire on the beach to toast marshmallows and share stories under the stars. If the night is clear, lie back and stargaze, listening to the lapping waves as a perfect lullaby.

Stroll along Rue Saint-Germain with a freshly brewed café latte, admiring turn-of-the-century architecture and colorful murals. Pop into local boutiques and antique shops to discover unique maritime souvenirs. Enjoy the buzz of locals setting up shop and greeting neighbors as the city wakes.

Explore the historic Quai de Rimouski, where fishing boats unload their daily catch in a flurry of activity. Stop at a waterfront bistro for a lobster roll or a bowl of hearty clam chowder made with Atlantic seafood. Then wander through Place de l’Évêché park, uncovering plaques and statues that tell Rimouski’s storied past.

Dine at a cozy gastropub in the city center, sampling regional craft beers paired with poutine aux fruits de mer. Afterward, take a twilight walk along the illuminated esplanade overlooking the river. Catch a live folk music performance at a local bar to end the night on a high note.

Arrive early at the Pointe-au-Père Maritime Historic Site to beat the crowds and immerse yourself in naval history. Tour the museum’s interactive exhibits on shipwrecks, navigation tools and WWII convoys. Don’t miss the hands-on sonar display that simulates an iceberg detection exercise.

Descend into the decommissioned submarine Onondaga and experience life below deck, hearing the faint hum of machinery and feeling the tilt of the vessel. Afterwards, climb the iconic Pointe-au-Père Lighthouse for panoramic views of the St. Lawrence Estuary. Refuel at the on-site café with a hearty seafood chowder and fresh bakery treats.

As dusk falls, join a guided ghost tour around the historic site, listening to spine-tingling tales of sailors and shipwreck survivors. The lantern-lit paths reveal the eerie beauty of rusting anchor chains and aged brick walls. Wrap up with a warm drink back onshore while watching the tide roll in.

Drive east along Route 132 to visit the charming villages dotted between Rimouski and Matane. Photograph the distinctive red and white lighthouses perched on rocky outcrops. Each small hamlet offers a glimpse of authentic coastal Quebecois life.

Stop at a family-run smokehouse for smoked salmon sandwiches served on rye bread with homemade mustard. Wander along gravel roads past salt marshes, capturing shots of migrating geese and scenic farmhouses. Chat with local artisans selling pottery and hand-woven blankets at roadside markets.

Return to Rimouski just in time for sunset at La Pointe de l’Anse-à-Gilles, where the rugged cliffs glow in golden hues. Unwind at a seaside inn with a warm bath and a view of the estuary. Treat yourself to a decadent dessert of maple crème brûlée paired with a locally distilled spirit.

Head into the boreal forest surrounding Rimouski, following well-marked trails beneath towering spruce and maple canopies. Listen for woodpeckers tapping ancient trunks and watch for deer grazing in the misty clearing. Carry a field guide to identify edible berries and medicinal herbs.

Enjoy a packed lunch beside a crystal-clear lake, serenaded by frogs and dragonflies. Venture off-trail (with a guide) to remote bird-watching platforms overlooking marshes where warblers and herons gather. Capture close-ups of flora and fauna with your macro lens or sketch pad.

Return to town for a riverside dinner at a farm-to-table restaurant, sampling venison sausage and locally sourced vegetables. Later, gather around a fire pit at your eco-lodge, roasting chestnuts and exchanging stories with fellow travelers. If you’re lucky, hear the distant howl of wolves echoing through the forest.

Begin at the Musée régional de Rimouski, admiring contemporary Quebecois art and rotating exhibits on marine ecology. Participate in a hands-on workshop to create your own collage inspired by coastal landscapes. Chat with local artists about their creative process and vision.

Explore the city’s street art scene on a self-guided mural walk, discovering hidden gems in alleyways and behind cafés. Pop into independent galleries showcasing pottery, textiles and abstract paintings. Take a break at a trendy coffee roaster, sampling beans sourced from around the world.

Attend a live performance at the Grand Théâtre, whether it’s a local orchestral concert, modern dance or avant-garde play. Savor a light supper at a nearby bistro afterward, discussing the show’s themes over a glass of natural wine. Stroll back to your hotel under a canopy of twinkling streetlights.

Meet your guide at the marina for a safety briefing and gear fitting, then launch your kayak into the calm morning waters. Paddle past rocky islets cloaked in spruce, keeping an eye out for seals sunning themselves on shore.

Stop on a secluded beach for a seaside lunch box filled with smoked trout, fresh baguette and tangy apple cider. Continue paddling eastward, exploring hidden coves only accessible by water. Marvel at the towering sea cliffs and the interplay of light and shadow on the waves.

Return to the marina as the sun dips low, painting the river in fiery hues. Celebrate with a nautical-themed dinner aboard a converted schooner, sampling seafood paella and local oysters. Toast to the day’s adventure as you drift slowly back to port.

Wander through Rimouski’s artisanal farmers’ market, where vendors offer fresh produce, cheeses and baked goods. Sample homemade jams, wild honey and organic berries still warm from the sun. Talk to farmers about heirloom vegetables and traditional Quebecois recipes.

Join a cooking class in a historic mill, learning to craft tourtière (meat pie) and maple syrup caramel sauce. Roll up your sleeves as the chef guides you through kneading dough and spicing the filling. Share your creations with new friends over a communal lunch paired with craft ciders.

Embark on a guided food tour of Rimouski’s vibrant night scene, stopping at trendy izakayas, noodle bars and chocolate shops. Sip a signature cocktail infused with local herbs and berries while sampling bite-sized delicacies. End the evening at a cozy wine bar, comparing varietals from Quebec’s emerging vineyards.

Rise before dawn and drive to Pointe-au-Père to watch the sun emerge over the vast St. Lawrence Estuary. Feel the salty breeze and capture the dazzling play of light on the water. Honor the moment with a quiet meditation or a few gentle yoga stretches on the beach.

Treat yourself to a rejuvenating spa afternoon at a nearby wellness centre, indulging in a hot stone massage and mineral bath overlooking the river. Drift into a state of bliss under a warm cedar barrel sauna, then cool off in a refreshing plunge pool. Sip herbal tea infused with local botanicals as you unwind in the relaxation lounge.

Dress elegantly for a farewell dinner at a fine-dining restaurant featuring a tasting menu of regional specialties. Enjoy courses like scallop crudo with sea asparagus and venison carpaccio with chanterelles. Raise a final toast to your Rimouski journey with a glass of ice cider beneath soft candlelight.