The effect is always immediate. As we walk along the small path leading to our tiny house at Domaine Floravie—bordered by the river and vast fields filled with wildflowers—the feeling of being on vacation sets in instantly.
Year after year, this region charms me as it did on my very first day. After so many visits, I’ve discovered a whole host of favorites that I’d like to share with you here.
Just five hours from Montreal, the Bas-Saint-Laurent region is easy to reach… and incredibly rich in experiences.
Whether you’re stopping over on the way to Gaspésie or planning a long weekend getaway, you’ll find hiking, cycling, outdoor adventures, great food, and culture all waiting for you.
So, what’s there to see and do in the Bic and Rimouski region? Here are my tried-and-tested suggestions!
Parc national du Bic: must-do activities to discover
A true jewel of the Lower St. Lawrence, Parc national du Bic is without doubt one of the region’s must-see activities.
With a third of its surface area in the water, it offers breathtaking scenery of islands, cliffs, rocky coves, and peaceful bays.
Activities at Parc du Bic include :
- Hiking, with trails that run along the coast, through the forest, or up to spectacular viewpoints;
- sea kayak trips to explore the park from the river;
- and, of course, seal watching, often seen basking on the rocks at low tide.
For hiking enthusiasts, there are several trails worth a visit, but the “Le Grand Tour trail” is undoubtedly the most impressive.
It literally loops around part of the park along the coastline, but it’s only accessible at low tide, so it’s important to plan your outing according to the tide schedule.
Parc national du Bic – 3382 route 132 West, Rimouski
Visit the Pointe-au-Père Maritime Site
The Pointe-au-Père maritime site is undoubtedly one of Rimouski’s must-see activities for young and old alike.
This historic site includes three main attractions: the exhibition on the sinking of the Empress of Ireland, the Onondaga submarine and the lighthouse station.
The exhibition on the Empress of Ireland shipwreck
Did you know that the sinking of the Empress of Ireland is the greatest maritime tragedy in Canadian history?
Although it occurred in 1914, just two years after the Titanic, it is far less well known.
The exhibition recounts the history of the liner and its passengers, as well as diving expeditions to the wreck and preservation efforts. It’s a visit that’s touching, fascinating and rich in discovery.
The Onondaga submarine
It’s impossible to stay indifferent during a visit to the Onondaga submarine, the first submarine in Canada to be opened to the public. The experience is both fascinating and intense, especially given the confined space.
With the help of an immersive audio guide, you can explore 90 meters of narrow corridors: operations room, periscopes, torpedo room, bunks… Discover the daily lives of the 70 crew members who lived in this confined space.
Claustrophobes please refrain! During our visit, one person even had to rush out – the atmosphere is truly realistic.
Pointe-au-Père lighthouse
Final stop: the Pointe-au-Père Lighthouse, built in 1909.
It’s the second tallest lighthouse in Canada, with 128 steps to climb for a spectacular view of the region.
It also houses one of the few original prisms still intact in Quebec.
Pointe-au-Père maritime site – 1000 rue du Phare, Rimouski
Hiking: The Most Beautiful Trails Around Rimouski
The Rimouski region is full of great hiking opportunities. If you’re looking for outdoor activities, here are a few trail ideas to get some fresh air… and stunning views.
Beyond Parc du Bic, which remains a top choice, you can also explore the trails of the Duchénier Wildlife Reserve or even take a boat excursion to Saint-Barnabé Island. But if I had to recommend only two, here are my personal favorites.
Canyon des Portes de l’Enfer
The park’s spectacular trail leads to an impressive 90-metre-deep canyon, with the highest suspended footbridge in Quebec (63 metres).
Several trails are available, including a longer one leading to the Grand Sault waterfall.
The forest, rock faces and wooden staircases give this hike a unique character.
Canyon des Portes de l’Enfer – 1280 chemin Duchénier, Saint-Narcisse-de-Rimouski
Belvedere Beaulieu de Saint-Simon / Parc du Porc-Pic
A lesser-known but beautiful spot! Located in Saint-Simon-de-Rimouski, this 2 km trail, which can be explored on foot or by bike, leads to a belvedere offering a splendid view of the river and surrounding hills.
Parc du Porc-Pic is peaceful, accessible, and perfect for a short hike.
Belvedere Beaulieu / Parc du Porc-Pic
Visit the Jardins de Métis, an outing not to be missed
Got a little time on your hands? A great idea for a day trip is to drive to Sainte-Flavie, at the gateway to Gaspésie, and continue a little farther to visit the Reford Gardens (Jardins de Métis), located less than an hour from Rimouski.
Ranked among the most Nordic gardens in North America, they offer a sensory, historical and artistic experience.
Strolling through the beautiful flower-lined paths is a true delight, with the scenery evolving with each bloom and season. The visit is also an opportunity to learn more about their creator, Elsie Reford, and the vision behind this unique place.
Contemporary art installations and temporary exhibitions are scattered throughout the gardens, adding a cultural dimension to the exploration.
Jardins de Métis – 200 route 132, Grand-Métis
Explore the region by bike
Even if you’re not an avid cyclist, it’s hard not to notice how well Bas-Saint-Laurent lends itself to discovery by bike. Several itineraries allow you to take full advantage of the scenery while pedaling:
- the Route Verte which crosses the region, partly skirts Parc du Bic and offers safe segments perfect for a half-day outing.
- Route 132 between Le Bic and Sainte-Flavie offers beautiful views of the coastline, although you sometimes have to share the road with cars.
Where to sleep in the Rimouski and Bic region
Domaine Floravie
There are many accommodation options in the Rimouski and Parc du Bic area, but if there’s one experience you’ve got to have at least once, it’s a stay in a tiny house at Domaine Floravie.
Open since 2012, this eco-friendly riverside estate offers a variety of accommodation options, but it’s the mini-homes on wheels that literally steal the show.
These small, eco-friendly chalets, insulated with hemp wool and powered by solar energy, offer all the comforts you need in a compact version: kitchenette, dining table, cozy bed, bathroom with compost toilet… and even a small living room, depending on the model chosen.
The site is superb at any time of day, and a number of paths on the estate allow you to walk along the river and admire the view.
We saved a few hours to just stay at the cottage and read outside, to the sound of the waves and the birds singing.
A real little paradise for relaxing and slowing down.
Domaine Floravie – 100, Route Santerre, Rimouski, Qc
For reservations
Local food and eating out: our good adresses
From fresh seafood to renowned restaurants, microbreweries, gourmet boutiques and small markets, the area around Rimouski, Le Bic and Sainte-Flavie has something for everyone.
Here are some of our best gourmet addresses, tried and tested.
In Le Bic
Le Mange-Grenouille: The Auberge du Mange-Grenouille restaurant is well worth a stop on your visit to the region. It serves refined market cuisine featuring local products, in a magnificent ancestral house full of charm. (148, rue Sainte-Cécile-du-Bic, Le Bic)
Poissonnerie Doucet: If you’re staying in a cottage, or want to bring some seafood home, make a stop at this fish market located along Route 132. Special mention goes to the old-fashioned smoked salmon and the whelks — both excellent! (2734 QC-132, Le Bic)
Chez Saint-Pierre One of the region’s most renowned restaurants, led by chef Colombe Saint-Pierre. Although the formula has changed since my 2017 visit, it’s a culinary stop to consider for a gastronomic experience. (129 Rue du Mont Saint Louis, Le Bic)
Folles Farines: This artisanal bakery, located in the village of Le Bic, is the perfect place to buy croissants and pastries for breakfast but also everything needed for a picnic. (113 rue Sainte Cécile du Bic, Le Bic)
In Rimouski
Photo: Marie-Noël Ouimet
Poissonnerie Gagnon: Another address we love for its fresh seafood. They offer many prepared dishes (popcorn shrimp, fish cakes, trout burgers, pizza) as well as fresh fish and fresh nordic shrimps, a pure delight! (675, boul. du Rivage, Rimouski)
Le Crêpe Chignon: If you like crepes, don’t miss this place. You can make your own or choose a combination from the menu. Sweet, salty, with meat, vegetables or seafood, there is something for everyone. (140, avenue de la Cathédrale, Rimouski)
Café des Halles and Les Halles Saint-Germain: A small indoor market featuring fishmongers, cheesemongers, sandwich shops and other delicatessens. Next door, the Café des Halles is perfect for a hearty, affordable lunch. (121 rue Saint-Germain Ouest, Rimouski)
In Ste-Flavie
Ste-Flavie is known for its canteens serving decadent poutine and other seafood dishes.
To avoid disappointment and long queues, check their opening days and arrive outside meal times.
Photo: Marie-Noël Ouimet
Cantine Ste-Flavie ( 479 Route de la Mer, Sainte-Flavie ): Famous for its seafood poutine and lobster club, this iconic cantine draws a crowd.
Photo: Marie-Noël Ouimet
Cantine des Navigateurs (270 route de la Mer, Sainte-Flavie): A good alternative and a little less busy, but just as tasty.
Microbrasserie Le KetchFor a local beer on a terrace overlooking the river and a bistro-style menu, Le Ketch is the ideal place to relax at the end of the day. (490 route de la Mer, Sainte-Flavie)
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Marie-Noël Ouimet is a writer and content creator specializing in gastronomy, wine, and travel. She is the founder of the digital magazine Urbaine City, where for over 10 years she has been highlighting the pleasures of the table and the destinations that bring them to life. She also holds the WSET Level 3 certification in wines and spirits.