JOURNAL
Essentials to fully enjoy a stay in the Okanagan Valley
By Marie-Pier Leduc - Nomade Magazine If you have never heard of the Okanagan Valley, then I invite you now to do a little research on Google Images. One look at this desert paradise in southern British Columbia will make you want to set foot there! This was my case and I absolutely do not regret this decision. I therefore propose here some essentials to include during your stay. The long sandy beaches This valley quickly gives us the impression of having landed in southern Europe, or even in California. One thing is certain, it is very difficult to believe that we are still in Canada… and yet! The sun shines here every day and the dry, hot summer air makes you want to jump in the water. That's why I start by inviting you to discover some of the most beautiful beaches in the Okanagan Valley.The shoreline of Okanagan Lake, which stretches for miles, is lined with small and large golden sand beaches. I particularly enjoyed Penticton Beach. It is bordered by a promenade where there are several restaurants and kiosks. The atmosphere is festive and you really feel like you are on vacation! Closer to Kelowna, there is also Sun-Oka Beach. Although smaller, it is also superb!If you can't stay in place on the beach in the sun for long, many water activities are accessible almost everywhere on the lake; motor boat, sailboat, water skiing, kayaking, parasailing, tube lazy river and much more! A tour of the vineyards What would a tour of the Okanagan be without a wine tour? Indeed, given the semi-arid climate and the sun which shines most of the time, fruits and vines grow there in profusion. A real must in the region, there are dozens of establishments just waiting to offer you a tasting of their best wines. It is possible to sign up for a guided tour providing transport or to discover the vineyards at your own pace. Only, a reservation will be necessary for the places most in demand. Generally, you have to pay the price, which varies between $5 and $25 depending on the reputation of the vineyard, in order to taste 4 or 5 different wines. This price is often deducted from the purchase of a bottle of wine following the tasting.As for my recommendations, I had a big crush on Frind Estate Winery which is located on the edge of the lake and therefore enjoys an absolutely magnificent view. I suggest you also plan a meal at the restaurant in addition to the tasting, everything was delicious! Summerhill Pyramid Winery and Mission Hill Family Estate are worth a visit if only to appreciate their prime elevated location and unique architecture. For a friendly atmosphere and a more affordable but very refreshing wine list, I highly recommend the hatch as well. Fruits stands Finally, in order to take full advantage of the abundance of fruit in the Okanagan Valley, I suggest you stop at a few roadside kiosks. The region is particularly known for its juicy peaches and delicious cherries! It's the perfect snack for your day at the beach. This rounds out my must-sees in the beautiful Okanagan Valley region. I hope you will have a memorable stay there and fall, like me, under the spell of this little Canadian paradise!
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3 Thrilling activities to discover the Canadian Rockies
By Marie-Pier Leduc - Nomade Magazine If the Canadian Rockies are already catching your eye with their breathtaking landscapes, wait until you discover these 3 unique experiences you could have there! I suggest you admire their beauty from different perspectives while experiencing thrills! Fly over the glaciers in a helicopter The reputation of the Icefields Parkway, this famous highway that connects Banff and Jasper, is well established! Magnificent from all angles, imagine observing the glaciers more closely, from above! The feeling of experiencing a bird's flight above this wild and untouched nature, these mountains as far as the eye can see, these breathtaking glaciers... it's simply memorable. Besides the incredible landscapes that await you, I must say that I loved experiencing a helicopter flight. Thrills are there, but above all a lot of fun! It is definitely a once in a lifetime experience. And what better place to experience it than in the heart of the Canadian Rockies? Several companies offer helicopter flights, but book your place in advance, as it is very popular and with good reason. Personally, I was able to experience it with Rockies Heli Canada and I recommend without hesitation! Raft down the Kicking Horse River Have you ever done rafting? The inflatable river descent is among the most exciting activities I have tried! The enthusiasm is definitely at its height and the giggles are constant. Not far from Lake Louise, we find this activity on the Kicking Horse River. It's a unique and so fun way to explore this sector of the Canadian Rockies and take a dip in the freezing water, why not! I absolutely loved my experience with Wild Water Adventures and suggest you add it to your itinerary if like me you enjoy being on the water. Moreover, several courses are offered depending on the desired level of intensity. So you have no excuse to get wet and try rafting! Admire Banff from above thanks to the via ferrata This activity, which is in fact a mix between climbing and hiking, is carried out by following an aerial course with various obstacles to overcome. If you are afraid of heights, this may not be the best option for you, as this activity is generally practiced at height! That said, if you find the idea of the void under your feet exciting and are looking for thrills, once again, you will be satisfied! During my visit to the Canadian Rockies, it was on the via ferrata of Mount Norquay that I was able to have fun like a child! The guides are passionate and always attentive to our needs. And then, needless to say that at the top, the panorama of Banff is exceptional! To move, escape into nature and admire the surroundings of Banff in all their splendor, this experience is a must. I hope I have made you want to discover the Canadian Rockies differently, by pushing your limits and getting your fill of thrills! If you put these activities on your itinerary, I assure you that you will come back with your head filled with pleasant memories! Have a good trip!
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5 Tips to Help You Eat Healthy When Camping
By TeamNutrition Whether glamping near the breathtaking waterfalls of Ontario's Georgian Bay or setting up camp in Saskatchewan's Grasslands National Park, it is possible to stick to a healthy eating regimen. You might, however, need to be flexible based on what you bring with you and what is available where you camp. Consider this a way to try some new food ideas during your adventure. 1. Plan Recipes Ahead of Time Decide what you will be eating for each meal and for snacks during your camping trip. Check out some recipes for nutritious meals - your dietitian or nutritionist can help - and make a shopping list. Whip up some energy snacks before you leave or make some along the way. Pack up some homemade pancake mixes, granola bars, muffins, cooked pasta, boiled eggs, grain crackers, etc. Planning ahead will make mealtime easier and more fun. 2. Bring Healthy Food for the Campfire Kabobs are always kind of fun, and they are one of the simplest healthy foods you can cook on a camping trip. Veggies are a common choice and can be made to order for each person on the trip. Pieces of salmon or canned chicken can be added. Sweet potatoes can be roasted over a grill or wrapped in foil and thrown into the fire. Even scrambled eggs and tofu can be cooked over a campfire. Exciting and tasty meals are possible, even when being cooked over a campfire. Let your body guide your food choices as you experience new adventures. 3. Practice Mindfulness If you see a camping trip as a means to pounding the s'mores, take a step back. You can still enjoy these campfire favourites even when keeping to your healthy eating routine. This will be the perfect opportunity to practice mindfulness and moderation as you experience each flavour in the gooey, heavenly concoction. Engage all your senses as you bite into deliciousness. Hear the campfire crackle in the background. See the treat you are about to indulge in. Touch the rough graham crackers to your lips. Smell the melting chocolate. Taste the sweetness of the melted marshmallow on your tongue as you feel it stick to the side of your mouth and chin. 4. Fill Your Pockets With Goodness Hiking can use up your energy so make sure you have healthy snacks handy for when you feel that drag setting in. Some high energy snacks that will fit conveniently in a pocket and give you a pick-me-up include: Dried or fresh fruit -The kind of fruit is up to you, but dried is usually easier to carry and store. Trail mix - This can be custom-made with healthy tidbits of your choosing and stored in baggies to keep in your pockets or backpack. Roasted Legumes - This high-fibre, high-protein snack will sustain you throughout your journey. It's easy to make some ahead of time at home by roasting chickpeas. Gluten-free energy bites - This healthy cookie dough snack made of oatmeal, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and other goodies is a great source of energy. They are easy to make and to stash for hikes along your trip. Energy bars - They are useful and easy to carry. Read the label before counting on these, as they can be misleading when it comes to really being a healthy snack. 5. Sprinkle Seeds on Your Meals Almost any meal can be healthier with a sprinkling of seeds that complement the other flavours. Many a dietitian suggests improving even already balanced meals with your choice of seeds. Whole or ground up, your recipes will take on a new pizazz and add some nutritional value including healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids. Sunflower and pumpkin seeds are tasty by themselves or mixed in with other healthy goodies for the go-to of many campers - trail mix. Bonus Tip: Do a Practice Run Before you take off on your camping adventure, spend a night or two under the stars in your backyard, with or without a tent. Practice cooking healthy meals on your barbecue or fire pit without the accoutrements or additives from your kitchen. Make sure your meals are simple, fun and nutritious. See how you feel after snacking on some dried cherries and unsalted sunflower seeds. Happy healthy camping! You got this! - This article was written by the nutritionists and dietitians of TeamNutrition. Their team offers nutrition counselling online and in over 80 locations across Canada. For more snack ideas and tasty recipes or to learn more about healthy eating while travelling, visit their KoalaPro Premium online portal or book an appointment with a registered dietitian.
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3 activities to explore the seabed of Curaçao
By Jessica Gallant The island of Curaçao does justice to the blue liqueur of the same name. When you find yourself in the heart of this colorful Caribbean paradise, you can observe an endless blue sky and a crystal-clear sea to dream of. It is the ideal destination to experience various nautical activities and to connect in a unique way with the flora and fauna. Here are 3 nautical experiences that you absolutely must experience during a stay on the island of Curaçao. Discover a boat wreck while snorkeling I invite you to explore the Tugboat wreck located near Caracasbaai. It takes about 10 minutes to swim before you reach this time-frozen relic at the bottom of the water. The spectacle is quite incredible when the silhouette of the boat begins to appear before our eyes. It is then possible to swim all around to observe the corals that have formed everywhere for years. And what about the fish that have chosen this place as their home! Imagine letting yourself be carried away by the waves among the many colorful fish, all of which have different shapes and unique patterns. It really is an amazing experience! Go on a transparent kayak I loved experiencing a transparent kayak ride on the turquoise water bordering Curaçao. This is a great alternative to enjoy the beauty of the seabed without having to go snorkeling. Indeed, it is easy and pleasant to observe corals from your boat and it is not uncommon to see fish passing below us. And what about the view obtained on Fort Beekenburg and the surrounding area! It is a great activity to experience in complete comfort. Swimming with turtles Who has never dreamed of swimming with turtles? Curacao is home to different species of turtles including the green turtle. If you want to swim alongside these wonders, you should definitely go to Playa Piskado. This is an authentic fishing beach where turtles can be observed swimming from a dock or where it's possible to join them in their natural environment. That said, it is important to remember that you have to respect a certain distance with them and that you must not touch their shell so as not to affect their health. It is an enchanting setting where it is possible to live this unique experience in complete freedom. On your future trip to Curacao, you will be amazed at the wild and vibrant beauty of this Caribbean gem. I wish you a wonderful stay filled with breathtaking sky and sea experiences. *If you would like to be accompanied by a guide during your stay in Curaçao, I would be happy to come with you to allow you to discover all the most beautiful places of this island that I adore. I invite you to visit the following website to discover my different getaways or the options to create a custom-made excursion: www.gonecaribe.com.
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Discover La Paz in Mexico
By Vicky Paquette In these grayer times of this late fall, let me share some warmth and inspiration to warm you up and who knows, maybe add a new destination to your bucket list? Since 2018, I have been traveling the world in a nomadic way for several months. It was with a residence visa in hand that my husband and I put down our backpacks to settle in Mexico. Its mild temperature, its tasty gastronomy, its cultural and natural richness had already conquered me a few years ago. However, where in Mexico, when we know that the country has 31 states in a large and diverse territory? It was in the city of La Paz that we set down our luggage. Here is an overview of what to expect if one day you come to stay there. La Paz La Paz is the capital of Baja California Sur, a state in the Mexican Republic located between the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California. Considered an island by locals due to its geographic location and limited access by roads, La Paz has been kept somewhat away from mass tourism compared to other more popular beach destinations such as Cancun. , Tulum, Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta or Huatulco. What makes this city truly unique and spectacular is in particular its relaxed atmosphere, its mountainous and desert landscapes of its giant cactus forests with this mixture of white sand beaches and turquoise waters, not to mention what is underwater. This is where we find the Sea of Cortez, a protected natural area and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Maritime explorer Jacques-Yves Cousteau even nicknamed it the aquarium of the world. More than 800 species can be observed there, of which nearly a hundred are endemic. Although whale and sea lion watching is one of the most popular attractions in this region, you could say that this is only part of the awesome things you can do while staying in La Paz. Things not to miss Swim with whale sharks between November and February. The whale shark is the largest fish in the world, its size can reach up to 12 meters in length and reach a weight of 34 tons. Despite the fact that it is imposing, it poses no danger to humans. It feeds on plankton and other small pelagics which it filters through its gills. As we are in a protected reserve, the activity is tightly controlled, everything is ethically done in their natural state in order to make the memories memorable for them and for us. Visit the island of Espiritu Santo. This desert island of volcanic origin is a nature reserve and a place of choice to observe, and even swim, with the large colony of sea lions. From September to May, you will have the pleasure of sharing a moment with them while snorkeling. Little sea lions are curious and playful and they will come and circle around you to satisfy their curiosities. Emotions guaranteed. Biking or rollerblading the 5-kilometer cycle path along the sea. Lined with palm trees, sculptures and monuments representing moments in the history of the city of La Paz, it is pleasant to discover. All along its jetty, whether by bike or on foot, it is pleasant to stroll, eat or do a little shopping. Observe the sunsets. In my humble opinion, these are the most beautiful in Mexico. By the way, if you are visiting La Paz, I have grouped my most beautiful sunset spots around La Paz to enjoy them as much on a mountain, on a beach or while sitting comfortably on one of the most beautiful terraces in the city. A must, the beaches! Impossible not to mention them, they are among the most beautiful in all of Mexico, nothing less! The most famous, Balandra, is a huge swimming pool of crystal clear water and white sand whose spectacular beauty is surrounded by arid hills that give the impression of being at the end of the world in this oasis of calm. These are just a few examples of what you can do in La Paz. Mexico is an extraordinary and rich country to discover outside of the popular tours, and despite my bias, I think the Baja California Southern Peninsula is a place to visit at least once in your life. If your heart tells you, follow our adventures and our discoveries under the name of Nomade Amoureux on social networks Facebook, Instagram or on our website www.nomadeamoureux.com, where we share our expat life and our inspirations in Mexico in photo, video and blog post format. Hope to see you one day! Vicky
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Vanlife in Bas-Saint-Laurent with her dog in the fall
By Ariane Arpin-Delorme The vanlife trend has never been so popular in Quebec in recent years and even more since summer 2020. Van road trips allow (almost) total immersion in to the heart of the great wilderness, but also to access places that are otherwise be difficult and by the very fact of leaving the beaten track. Memories of my vanlife experience on the North Shore in 2020 had me so excited, that I wanted to relive the experience this year, to rediscover the Bas-Saint-Laurent and this time accompanied by my dog Kenya. I’m sharing with you my experiences and energizing outdoor activities as well as a few gourmet stops, to better prepare your future trip to the Bas-Saint-Laurent this fall or perhaps next year! Good to know about van rental Interesting to know that in Quebec and in most of Canada you are allowed to do boondocking! Boondocking, is to sleep in your car, your van or your recreational vehicle. Even when wild camping (unless in places where it is clearly stated that it is prohibited to do so). No special permit is required to rent a van in Quebec as in the vast majority of countries. It’s enough to be 21 years old or 25-26 years old with some hire companies in some countries. Consider asking for unlimited mileage. It is also advisable to pre reserve your campsites, especially in summer. Although it’s very easy to find your way, I recommend that using your GPS or Waze on your phone, to give yourself some peace of mind to better enjoy your trip. Don't forget to take an insurance package! Road-trip in a converted van My advice is to rent a converted van, including, among other things, the modules for sleeping, eating (indoor and outdoor) and cooking (including an electric cooler and a portable picnic table, the propane stove and a water tank as well as all the necessary kitchen equipment) and including camping equipment if necessary. You could also add a tent on the roof, a canvas annex above the rear kitchenette, a bike rack or roof box. I had the chance to experience for a second time the excellent service of the company Le Baroudeur, which has been operating since 2017 and is based in 4 main cities in Quebec. Their new Dodge Grand Caravan vans (and now also offering SUV’s) can accommodate up to 4 people, but it's best to be only 2, especially if you don’t travel light like me! Everything you need is included and I was very please to note that there’s no cleaning fees after use. Extra kits such as: techno and mood lights, mosquito nets and mosquito repellents, children's kit, sheets and towels, hammock for 2 people, portable toilet, etc. are available at an extra cost. Small dogs (less than 24 kilos) are accepted (fees apply). Le Baroudeur gave me the opportunity to rediscover Bas-St-Laurent in an authentic, economical, accessible and above all pretty cool way! For more info: https://lebaroudeur.ca/en/ Day 1: Montreal / St-Denis-de-la-Bouteillerie / Kamouraska / Saint-André-de-Kamouraska - About 4h drive / 400 km My most memorable memories: The feeling of being on an adventure; Drive along the magnificent river; Taking some time in the picturesque village of St-Denis-de-la-Bouteillerie; Catching a bite to eat with significant friends who moved to the charming Kamouraska region (a region known among other things for its hundreds of routes of all levels, with spectacular views of the river); Admiring the sunset, an exceptional mixture of pink and orange; Settling into my little house on 4 wheels, ... Outdoor stops: Rental of outdoor equipment (hiking, climbing and kayaking) at the Camping / Ecological Society of the SEBKA Batture, Saint-André-de-Kamouraska https://sebka.ca/ Possibility of a mountain bike stop at Boisé Beaupré, La Pocatière https://www.trailforks.com/region/boise-beaupre-15202/ Gourmet stops: Brûlerie du Kamouraska, Kamouraska https://bruleriedukamouraska.com/ Côté Est, Kamourask https://www.cote-est.ca/ Microbrasserie Tête d’Allumette, Saint-André-de-Kamouraska https://www.tetedallumette.com/ Day 2: Kamouraska / Cycling on the circuit des Églantiers / Notre-Dame-du-Portage / Pohénégamook circuit - About 1h drive / 85 km My most memorable moments: Making myself coffee and prepare my lunch in the small kitchenette behind the van; Walking at low tide on the edge of the river with my dog Kenya; Smiling under an incredible blue sky at the sight of these unique rocky monadnock mounds that dot the Kamouraska plain; Pedaling on the circuit des Églantiers from the heart of the village of Kamouraska; Passing in front of superb ancestral houses along Route 132; Have a cold drink at the Auberge du Portage; Reconnect with Pohénégamook and its beautiful lake, ... Outdoor stops Cycling along the circuit des Églantiers (intermediate level - 42 km) from the village of Kamouraska. Additional itineraries are still possible from Kamouraska, in particular the return trip to Rivière-du-Loup (78 km) or the return trip to La Pocatière (62 km). https://www.bassaintlaurent.ca/fr/quoi-faire/velo/ Gourmet stop: Auberge du Portage https://aubergeduportage.qc.ca/ *For info, the Route des Frontières – The tourist route that leads to the borders of the Bas-Saint-Laurent, along the borders of Quebec, New Brunswick and the State of Maine in the United States is an itinerary of more than 90 km on route 289, with its share of panoramic viewpoints. I only rode it from Saint-André-de-Kamouraska to Pohénégamook, as I then took the road north towards Lake Témiscouata. But to find out if you have more time. Day 3: Pohénégamook / Hiking on Sentier des 3 frontières / Pohénégamook My most memorable moments: Lunching with your feet in the sand at the outdoor base of Lac Pohénégamook; Grabbing a latte and visiting the café-boutique of yesteryear, like a museum; Go hiking on a section of the 3 Borders Trail and feel like you're on a distant journey; Observing the panoramic view of Lake Pohénégamook, the St-Éleuthère and Escourt districts from the Belvédère de la Croix (in the evening, a huge cross lights up there); Reunion dinner with friends to celebrate this little vacation, ... Outdoor stops: Beach at the Base de plein air de Pohénégamook and possibility of renting outdoor equipment (paddle board, kayak, canoe and small laser sailboat) https://www.pohenegamook.com/ Hiking on the Sentier des 3 frontières: This can be done hiking, but also by bike or in a watercraft. In the latter case you can take the navigable network of the Saint-François river, lakes and the Saint-Jean river, from Pohénégamook to Saint-François-de-Madawaska (76 km). http://pohenegamook.net/tourisme/activites-et-attraits/sentier-des-3-frontieres/ Belvédère de la Croix https://www.tourismetemiscouata.qc.ca/vacances-quebec/index.aspx Gourmet stops: Café-boutique d’antan Chenous https://www.facebook.com/Chenous-caf%C3%A9-boutique-dantan-109979104700214/ Microbrasserie Le secret des dieux https://lesecretdesdieux.com/ Day 4: Pohénégamook / Lac Témiscouata / Cycling on Le Petit Témis / Lac Témiscouata - About 1h15 drive / 90 km My most memorable moments: Cycling on my gravel bike and traveling a section of Petit Témis (60 km round trip between the villages of Cabano and Dégelis), between Lake Témiscouata and nature; Making many photo stops on the shores of majestic Lake Témiscouata and between cliffs dotted with ferns, like a jungle; Finding the tranquility of my little cocoon in the van and my dog Kenya… Outdoor stops: Enjoying the shores of magnificent Lake Témiscouata and its national park: the park combines a body of water and low-altitude forest that can also be discovered by taking 8 trails totaling 35 km. Among other things, artefacts have been found there, testifying to 10,000 years of history and human occupation. https://www.sepaq.com/pq/tem/ Cycling along the Petit Témis, (first cycle path in Canada linking Quebec and New Brunswick: 134 km long in sifted gravel and located on the right-of-way of an old railway line. The slope never exceeds 4 % thus making the course accessible to all) https://petit-temis.ca/en/ Gourmet stop: Zele Café, Pohénégamook https://zele-cafe.myshopify.com/ Day 5: Lac Témiscouata / Crossing by boat from Notre-Dame-du-Lac to St-Juste-du-Lac / Grande fourche beach / Rivière-du-Loup - About 1h30 drive / 115 km My most memorable moments: Enjoying preparing meals in the kitchenette at the back of the van; Feeling the sun on my skin between two mini showers; Dreaming of setting sail again while watching the sailboats docked at the marina; Getting back on the road and have the impression of leaving Lake Témiscouata too early; Having a drink and picnic at the Grande Fourche beach in Rivière-du-Loup; Buying fresh produce to cook in the kitchenette of the van... Outdoor stops: Crossing Lake Témiscouata https://traversedutemiscouata.com/ Grande fourche Beach, Rivière-du-Loup https://www.tourismeriviereduloup.ca/fr/membres/plage-du-lac-de-la-grande-fourche/ Gourmet stop: Le St-Patrice https://www.lesaintpatrice.ca/ Day 6: Rivière-du-Loup / Trois-Pistoles / Rimouski - About 1h15 drive / 110 km My most memorable moments: Enjoying the incredible view of the river and breathing in the fresh air from the top of the Belvédère de l’Anse; Walking along the majestic River and be always dazzled by the beauty of the wild landscapes; Pic-nicking on the water's edge, tasting local products, including one of the best cheeses I’ve tasted for a long time from the Fromagerie des Basques in Trois-Pistoles; Finally, visit the Distillerie du St-Laurent, my favorite of all Quebec gins; Having a great time sitting outside the van in good company... Outdoor stop: Belvédère de l’Anse https://www.tourismeriviereduloup.ca/fr/membres/belvedere-de-lanse Gourmet stops: La Fromagerie des Basques, Trois-Pistoles https://fromageriedesbasques.ca/ Distillerie du St-Laurent, Rimouski https://www.distilleriedustlaurent.com/ Day 7: Rimouski / Hiking to the Canyon des Portes de l’enfer / Parc national du Bic - About 1h drive / 75 km My most memorable moments: Sleeping in (well almost); Spending time with Kenya in the van and strumming on my computer for work; Going inland to discover a little gem that’s not so touristy! The Canyon des Portes de l’enfer, easily descending the 300 steps leading to the Rimouski River with the help of Kenya; Crossing the highest suspended footbridge in Quebec (63 m) before setting off on the descent into hell; Taking advantage of majestic landscapes and falls to take pictures; Returning to the parc national du Bic to spend the night... Outdoor stops: Canyon des Portes de l’enfer: This natural gem bordered by 90 m high cliffs also includes a network of hiking trails ranging from 1 to 14 km. https://www.terfa.ca/fr/terfa/canyon-des-portes-de-l-enfer/ Parc national du Bic https://www.sepaq.com/pq/bic/index.dot?language_id=2 Gourmet stop: Cantine côtière – Chez Pierre, Rimouski https://chezstpierre.ca/cantine/ Day 8: Parc national du Bic / Montreal - About 5h drive / 520 km My most memorable moments: Feeling welcomed by the rich and varied landscapes of the Bic national park (only 33 km2 of territory) and quickly feeling myself transported elsewhere; Rediscovering the bays, coves, rocky beaches that had marked me so much in the past; Choosing to hike on the Murailles trails to the one leading to Pic Champlain; Feeling sad to have to take the road back home; But enjoying the views of the river along the way… Outdoor stop: Parc national du Bic: It is 25 km of hiking trails, 15 km of cycle paths and the possibility of sea kayaking to admire the incredible river landscape of this region. https://www.sepaq.com/pq/bic/index.dot?language_id=2 Gourmet stop: https://www.follesfarines.com/ Want to take a van back to Bas-du-Fleuve with Kenya and me? For more info: https://www.bassaintlaurent.ca/ For more info about cycling: https://www.bassaintlaurent.ca/fr/quoi-faire/velo/ For more info about hiking: https://www.bassaintlaurent.ca/fr/quoi-faire/activites-de-plein-air/randonnees-pedestres/
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Contemplate the Perseids in Quebec
By Ariane Arpin-Delorme The Perseids meteor showers, are one of the unmissable activities year after year. The fascination with these elusive thin beams of light is so old that you can't tell when it dates back to. It undoubtedly leads us to eagerly scan the sky like few other celestial objects. This beauty can be admired across Quebec, under favorable conditions. To better observe this fabulous spectacle and not to miss anything, we offer you some tips as well as 5 of the best places to view them. *In 2021, the moon will be a thinner crescent for a while, which makes it possible to envisage almost ideal astronomical conditions! What are the Perseids? Contrary to popular belief, the Perseids are not stars. They are actually small grains of cosmic sand burning up as they enter our atmosphere. Each year, the Earth passes through a cloud of dust left behind by the comet Swift–Tuttle . Each year as our planet returns to the same spot on its orbit around the sun, the meteor showers return annually. During this period, it’s possible to observe up to 80 shooting stars per hour, known as a meteor shower. Tips to fully enjoy the spectacle of the Perseids Choose the right period: the Perseids are visible between July 20 and August 25; Prioritize the optimal viewing time: which is after midnight and just before the first light of dawn. The early evening also has its advantages. It is at this moment that we can see the "grazing" shooting stars, these meteors which graze the atmosphere and which have the particularity of creating very long trails; Avoid light (lampposts, signs, homes and other sources of light interference that obscure the sky); Simply raise your eyes to the sky; Stay away from buildings, trees and all other elements of the landscape that block the view of the sky; Move away from urban centers; Dress comfortably and warmly; Observe as much of the sky as possible with one glance. Do not restrict yourself to too small a part of the sky. Do not stare where a shooting star has just been seen, as the next one is unlikely to be in the same spot; Consult the forecasts; Prioritize a clear and cloudless sky; Avoid evenings with a full moon. The 5 best places in Quebec to observe the Perseids 1-Mont-Mégantic National Park - Eastern Townships Two public observatories as well as numerous telescopes and observation instruments will allow you to discover the splendours of space and the universe. In the evening, look up to the sky of the first international dark sky reserve and take the time to observe the Perseids. You can also take advantage of the moment to climb to the top and visit the Observatory with its 1.6-meter telescope. In the evening, you can also participate in an astronomy evening at the ASTROlab or at the Popular Observatory. https://www.astrolab.qc.ca 2-Mont Cosmos, Saint-Elzéar-de-Beauce - Chaudière-Appalaches Far from any light pollution and offering a clear view of the sky above the valley of the St. Lawrence, Mont Cosmos has been a suitable site for more than 40 years for the observation of shooting stars. In total darkness, a team of volunteers from the Mont Cosmos association and researchers from Laval University offer public observation sessions as well as astrophotography demonstrations. This is one of the most beautiful places to observe the Perseids in Quebec! http://www.montcosmos.com 3-Oka National Park - Laurentians Also standing out for the richness of its historical heritage (including Calvary, its 4 oratories and its 3 chapels), Oka National Park also offers a peaceful place to enjoy an exceptional view of the Perseids. In the Grande Baie and the Serpents River, land and water come together to give birth to ecological gems: wetlands. At the top of the Calvaire d'Oka trail, an exceptional view opens up to Lac des Deux Montagnes and the Adirondacks. https://www.sepaq.com/pq/oka 4-Mont-Bélair Natural Park, Val-Bélair - Quebec Located on the outdoor La Découverte base, in the enchanting setting of the Mont-Bélair Natural Park, the Astronomical Observatory of Discovery (OAD) has unique facilities. Thus providing amateurs with an introduction to astronomy, including the observation of the Perseids. It offers insiders and non-initiates the observation of galaxies, star clusters, nebulae, planets of our solar system and shooting stars. https://www.parcsnaturelsquebec.org/quebec/la-haute-saint-charles/parc-naturel-du-mont-belair 5-Saint-Zénon outfitter - Lanaudière A whole magical observation of the Perseids at the enchanting site on the grounds of the Pourvoirie Saint-Zénon. Besides the absence of light pollution, the top of the mountain near Lac Carotte is very dry. Which actually makes it easier to observe this shower of stars. Here you can explore the sky using telescopes and sophisticated devices that allow you to observe and photograph the Perseids. http://pourvoirie-stzenon.com
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Exploring the Côte-Nord off the beaten track
Par Laurie Labbé In Quebec, it is well know that summer is the best season to go on a roadtrip! Are you looking for a new destination to feel both disoriented and amazed? I suggest you explore the Côte-Nord, a region in eastern Quebec which covers an immense territory and whose wild landscapes will amaze you. The Côte Nord is so much more than Route 138 and here is why! The beaches of Sept-Îles Wherever you go along the the shore of Sept-Îles, you can surely find a wonderful beach to lay your feet in the sand. On Grande Basque Island, well-groomed trails will lead you to several beaches and spectacular viewpoints. In the Sept-Îles beach sector, on the mainland, my favorite beach is called Monaghan beach. From there, you can see very clearly several islands of the archipelago. The most amazing part in all of this? You will probably have several kilometers of beach to enjoy all by yourself! Port-Cartier-Sept-Îles Wildlife Reserve (Lake Walker) This reserve is without a doubt a must-see for any outdoor enthusiast. The landscapes and the variety of activities available in this reserve will make you want to stay there for several days. Whether you choose to pitch your tent or book a ready-to-camp site from Sépaq, you will have access to water activities in a splendid fjord and to hiking trails in the heart of luxurious vegetation unique to the Côte- North. You can even walk through birch and evergreen forests while harvesting your own Labrador tea! The Cap Ferré trail in Havre-Saint-Pierre To complete your roadtrip on the Côte-Nord, you will probably visit the pretty town of Havre-Saint-Pierre, which is the starting point for many excursions to the Mingan Islands (which are certainly worth the detour!). I encourage you to continue your journey a few kilometers further to get to the Cap Ferré trail where you will be able to enjoy an easy hike that will lead you to incredible iron-red rock formations contrasting with the blue ocean! JI hope you will make wonderful discoveries on the Côte-Nord during your next roadtrip! Laurie Do you want to go on more adventures off the beaten track in Canada or internationally? I offer small group organized trips with my travel agency called Yulgo Travels! Please feel free to check out my website www.yulgotravels.com or my Facebook page @Yulgo Travels. See you soon!
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