There are museums that transport you instantly, from the very first moment, into the history they were created to tell. When you enter the reception pavilion of the Maritime Museum of Charlevoix, founded in 1981, you immediately feel this unique sensation, even before being immersed in the treasures it holds.

Located in Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive, now part of the village of Les Éboulements, a few steps from the ferry wharf to Isle aux Coudres, this museum brings to life the rich history of wooden schooner shipyards in Charlevoix.

 Despite a violent fire that destroyed the three boats preserved up to that point in 1998, those involved did not give up.
Through donations and purchases, the schooners Jean-Yvan and Saint-André, as well as the fishing schooner Marie Clarisse, were acquired and became the new witnesses to the permanent exhibition dedicated to the famous "water cars," which were the subject of a cult film from the National Film Board (NFB), directed by the late filmmaker Pierre Perrault.

From shipyard closure to museum
In 1973, the Chantiers maritimes de Charlevoix, in Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive, a company dedicated to the wintering and maintenance of schooners since 1946, closed its doors. The last seaworthy schooners were sold and set sail for the Caribbean Sea in 1978. Those that remained were deliberately beached on the region's shores to die there gently. It is said that 28 schooners were built there, with a staff of 25. A page of history had thus just turned…

 
A few years later, residents of Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive introduced the public to the remarkable story of the wooden schooners and the craftsmen who built so many boats on the shores of the village's bay. Thus, in 1981, a maritime exhibition was set up in the municipality's former school. Then, in 1985, Joseph-Arthur Zélada (JAZ) Desgagnés, of the famous family of shipowners, now owners of the shipyard, agreed to the development of the site into an interpretation centre dedicated to wooden schooners and the maritime heritage of Charlevoix. The three schooners aging there regained their former glory and became the vestiges of a life that will never return.

The site of the Maritime Museum of Charlevoix was soon designated a "historic site" by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada in 1998. It is believed that more than 600 boats were built in the area between 1791 and 1959.
 

Curiously, it was Martin Desgagnés, a direct descendant of the Desgagnés family and passionate about history, who served as our guide for the visit to the museum on a beautiful Sunday in July 2023.

 Martin Desgagnés, guide-interpreter, MMC

The Marine Forest and the Navigators' Park
In 2008, the Museum received a 40-hectare forest, a precious gift from a resident of Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive. Now called the Marine Forest, it is dedicated to the restoration of the so-called "boat forest" and developed in partnership with Université Laval. Since 2016, a spectacular 4-km trail runs through it.

After receiving a donation of 8.2 hectares (20 acres) of land adjacent to the former shipyard, the Museum began its redevelopment in 2015 with the Navigators' Park project. Navigators' Park allows the Museum to offer a 360° experience, from the forest to the river, encompassing both nature and culture. It adds to its offerings: exhibitions, a large park with a play area, an arboretum, an obstacle course, sculptures, a walking trail, picnic areas, and more.

The Museum focuses heavily on families and school groups. Several facilities are in place to welcome them and enhance their visit. Numerous exhibitions and attractions are presented in various formats and locations throughout the site. Visitors' curiosity is constantly piqued, and many artifacts, models, and historical images transport them through the ages.

A reminder of the rich history and proud past of these places, worth experiencing and even reliving on each visit to the Charlevoix region.

Musée Maritime de Charlevoix
museemaritime.com
305, rue de l’Église
Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive
(Les Éboulements)
Québec G0A 3Y0
418 635-1131

If Sébastien Després and Heater Wright had been told, after acquiring their four-star inn, Le Griffon, in Shediac in 2017, that a few years later they would own a playful bistro-restaurant and a chocolate shop within a few hundred metres of one another, forming a triangle downtown, they probably wouldn't have believed it.

Their meeting in Newfoundland, she from Vancouver and he an Acadian who had travelled to Europe and elsewhere for his studies, was anything but ordinary. It was ultimately in Acadia, near the sea, that they decided to settle their family. Their entrepreneurial spirit quickly led them into business, starting with the purchase of their house, which became their first venture: Le Griffon.

This is the reality they live today. With the Moque-Tortue bistro and the Adorable Chocolat boutique, they manage a trio of businesses employing nearly fifty people, some of whom split their time between two of them depending on the season and how busy things are. The newest addition, the chocolate shop, joined the group in February 2023, but has been operating for over 12 years.

Given the particular complexity of this artisanal production, the teams from Le Griffon and Moque-Tortue spent dozens of hours with the chocolate shop's experts to learn the basics and ensure a smooth transition.
In short, besides being parents of three young girls, Sébastien and Heather oversee three 'wonderful' businesses whose reputation in Shediac and across the Atlantic region is growing.

- The Le Griffon Inn : An elegant Victorian villa located a few minutes' walk from downtown Shédiac, named after one of the characters from Alice in Wonderland. It earns its four stars with its spacious and comfortable bedrooms, welcoming lounge, guest kitchen/dining room, and gardens perfect for relaxing.

- Seven doors down from the inn is this playful bistro, Moque-Tortue. With the largest collection of board games in Atlantic Canada, as well as well-designed escape rooms, Moque-Tortue offers a varied menu of well-prepared dishes. Seafood is a specialty. There's music on the patio every day in summer.

- Adorable Chocolat It has been open since 2011. Every day, it serves delicious homemade treats to people from all over Atlantic Canada. Simple, natural ingredients feature in options to suit all types of dietary preferences and restrictions. It contains no GMOs, hydrogenated oils, corn syrup, or artificial ingredients.

The owners, who hold university degrees ranging from ethnomusicology to Canadian studies, folklore, and socio-cultural anthropology, seem to have kept their childlike wonder. When they acquired the chocolate shop, Sébastien partly explained their decision by saying, 'It's diagonal; we bought our neighbour. Le Griffon is just seven steps away. We're really like a corner of Alice in Wonderland!'

 
And needless to say, they have sought recognition as an LGBTQ+-friendly business from the LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce of Canada (CGLCC). The organization partnered with Tourism HR Canada to launch the 'Official Rainbow' certification program for 2ELGBTQI+-friendly environments (*).

 
Le Griffon Inn
legriffon.ca
426, Main St
Shediac (NB) E4P 2G4
506.532.5412

Moque-Tortue Bistro
moquetortue.ca
402, Main St (Unit A)
Shediac (NB) E4P 2G1
506.532.4911

Adorable Chocolat
adorablechocolat.ca
395, Main St
Shediac (NB) E4P 2B1
506.351.0367

(*) Term used by the CGLCC.

It is often said that you don't change a winning formula. Even though the Péchés Mignons boutique in Rimouski had been successful since 1991, the new owners since 2019, Céline Bilodeau and René Landry, brought their personal touch when they arrived.



The shop, located in a small shopping centre on rue Saint-Germain Ouest, has the feel of a bookstore, where everything is neatly organized and catalogued according to a well-established order. No surprise, since both have worked for a long time in the book trade, first in Lévis, and more recently at a branch in Rimouski. It was when they saw the business was for sale that they decided to take the plunge.

Péchés Mignons offers happiness to its customers. High-end chocolate, pastries, a wide variety of loose-leaf and bagged teas and herbal infusions, a good selection of fine confectionery, bubble tea and iced lemonades, ice cream and sorbets. "The best ice cream in town," says René Landry. And all of this is based first and foremost on the quality of the local and international artisans who produce it. They also offer exclusive products. European confectionery is also featured.

 

You have to see the immense display of white metal tea tins, all the same shape and size, as soon as you enter from the mall. You can't help but look at the labels to appreciate the variety. The display of fine chocolates alone is worth a short detour. And what about the Brets potato chips, imported from France and offered in 17 different flavours?

 

Céline and René have poured their hearts and souls into their business for the past three years, ensuring that customers always receive a warm welcome and find the products they're looking for, so they'll keep coming back. They know they hold a good part of the recipe for happiness in this world, and they fully intend to preserve and nurture it for many years to come.

Their son is involved in the business operations and could take over when his parents decide to retire, gradually but surely, so that the "merchant of happiness" can continue his work with a clientele that appreciates him.

Péchés Mignons
facebook.com/pechesmignonsrimouski
119, rue Saint-Germain Ouest
Rimouski (Qc) G5L 4B6
418.725.5707

No visit to Tadoussac is complete without a stroll down Rue du Bord-de-l'Eau to admire the bay and its sheltered marina. This street captures the very soul of Tadoussac. It's easy to understand why locals remain captivated by the views before them - since 2000, Tadoussac Bay has belonged to an exclusive club of the world's most beautiful bays, alongside San Francisco Bay and the Bay of Mont-St-Michel in France.

Standing proudly over the bay is an unmistakable landmark: the elegant white-and-red Hôtel Tadoussac. Everything about this property speaks to its exceptional character - from the vibrant flower gardens and towering trees that surround it, to its history-rich interior with period furnishings, renowned dining room, and breathtaking views.

 

The story of the hotel begins in 1864, when wealthy families from Montreal and Quebec City built the original Hôtel Tadoussac. That first building boasted a grand façade with twelve windows spread across three floors. After changing hands in 1879 for $12,000, it underwent its first major renovation in 1888. Sadly, the original hotel was destroyed in the fall of 1941.

A new chapter began in 1942, when William Hugh Coverdale, an Ontario businessman and president of Canada Steamship Lines, rebuilt the hotel. When it opened its doors on June 27th that year, the new hotel offered 137 rooms to welcome guests.

  

Today's Hôtel Tadoussac carries forward its rich heritage while embracing the future. Though it has changed hands several times, it remains a cherished destination for travelers from around the world.

At the helm since 2000 is Tina Tremblay, who brings her own deep connection to Tadoussac. A graduate of Université Laval's business program in 1981, Tina joined the hotel as financial controller in 1985. She has guided the property through five different ownerships, including three changes between 2005 and 2016, when it was acquired by its current owner, a Canadian real estate management company.

The hotel's reputation as a regional leader in sustainable development owes much to Tina's dedication. Her commitment runs deep - not only does she work on Rue du Bord-de-l'Eau, she calls it home. Born in Tadoussac, she grew up playing on these very grounds and the nearby beach, where her grandmother also lived.

 General Manager since 2000, Tina Tremblay.

Today's guests can enjoy a full range of activities - from swimming and tennis to hiking and whale-watching excursions. The celebrated Coverdale dining room anchors the culinary experience, complemented by two additional venues: William and Café Lounge Coquart. With 60% of visitors coming from Europe, and year-round conference facilities hosting up to 200 people, the hotel buzzes with international energy.

 

Each June, Tadoussac welcomes the Happening des arts, launching the summer season. In 2025, from June 6th to 8th, artists will once again transform the streets into living galleries, creating works in real time across promenades and outdoor spaces - a truly immersive celebration of art against a stunning backdrop.

 

The Hôtel Tadoussac remains a key partner of this event, which grew from the Tadoussac Song Festival that Tina helped create in 1984. Each year, she also welcomes medical students from Université de Sherbrooke, who combine their conference with enjoying the festival's performances.

Tina's connection to local heritage extends beyond the hotel - she co-owns the historic Maison Tremblay, her family's home for four generations. Now available for rental, this century-old house offers a unique gathering space where families can come together, accommodating up to ten guests across five bedrooms.

Hôtel Tadoussac
hoteltadoussac.com
165, Rue du Bord-de-l'Eau
Tadoussac, QC G0T 2A0
(418) 235-4421

An authentically Mexican restaurant in the heart of Caraquet, in Acadia? This has been a reality since 2022. Forget some fast-food joints that offer "Mexican" dishes, which are far from representing the gastronomic delights of a country whose cuisine is undoubtedly one of the most varied and refined in the Americas.

All of this came about after the meeting of an authentic Mexican, Rodolfo Cantu, originally from the city of Monterrey, and a pure Acadian, Marie-Pier Cormier. The couple envisioned their project based on a menu of traditional gastronomic dishes inspired by Mexican cuisine, using local and regional products. The result: flavorful, fresh, and unique dishes.

The menu is simple yet varied. The dishes may vary according to the season and the arrival of products. Charcoal grilling and wood smoking, on highly professional and modern equipment, ensure exceptional quality for meats, among other things.

 
We enjoyed the tasting menu, which offers four different dishes. For starters, a shrimp cocktail, cut into pieces, in a savory sauce enhanced with avocado and seasoned tomatoes. A delight for the taste buds.

Next came the duo of Ensenada tacos (battered fish) and Pollo a la Parrilla (chicken), both made with corn flour and exquisitely prepared with accompanying sauces. In the third place, it was the Cochinita Pibil, Yucatan-style braised pork, which added a truly surprising touch of taste and flavor to the meal.

To finish, the Pastel Tres Leches (three milk cake) came to close this series of dishes, leaving no room for restraint or disappointment.

The restaurant also offers various cocktails, tequilas, and mezcals, as well as pairing wines to start the meal or accompany the dishes.
Another element that adds to the pleasure of a meal at Casa Guajillo: it is housed in a more than century-old building that has been creatively and colorfully decorated, as Mexicans know how to do. It can accommodate 22 people, and groups of up to 12 guests. It is also possible to reserve for private events (parties, office parties, etc.).

Marie-Pier, at the bar and service, and Rodolfo in the kitchen, are proud to contribute to diversifying the restaurant offerings in Caraquet and the region with their Mexican gastronomic experience. The numerous clientele has already embraced the place for two years, which is a source of joy for the restaurateur couple.

Casa Guajillo
618, boul. Saint-Pierre
Caraquet, NB E1W 1A2
506 727-4696
facebook.com/casaguajillo

By Gaëtan Vaudry

Stepping into the Fjord Distillery shop, nestled at the foot of the Monts-Valin, it's nearly impossible not to be charmed by the smiling and dynamic team. For the Bouchard family and their employees, each person who enters the shop is much more than just a customer. They are a partner in the family's success!

During my visit, the marketing manager – Frédérique Folly – eagerly introduced me to one of their most recent successes: a 1.75-liter cubitainer, featuring their famous KM 12 boreal forest gin. Not available at the SAQ, the ‘ginier’ of the Bouchard family, the first micro-distillery in the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean region, has been selling like hotcakes since its market launch. This is in addition to their maple gin and Sélection blueberry brandy, high-end products they are particularly proud of.

Finally, let me tell you about one of the top sellers since last summer: the Hilymoncello lemon liqueur, which gives nothing less than a second life to the lemons used by the company. I am referring to the recycled lemons from their original cocktail and ready-to-drink productions. A brilliant idea... that is bearing fruit!

There are numerous projects on the horizon for the creators of the Fjord Distillery. In the coming months, the management will unveil a series of new products that will undoubtedly continue to enhance the company's reputation for many years to come.

It's worth noting that at the Fjord Distillery, the forest and the family are at the heart of the business. The team is committed to improving year after year in terms of sustainable development, in order to leave a positive mark on their customers and the environment.

The Fjord Distillery
48, Chemin de Price
Saint-David-de-Falardeau
418 673-1012
distilleriedufjord.com

By Gaëtan Vaudry

Upon the announcement of my visit to Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, the well-informed promptly provided me with a list of the finest dining spots not to be missed in the region. Among them was the table at the O'Batillage restaurant, offering exquisite local cuisine within the Auberge des Battures in the town of La Baie. Chef Étienne Trottier ensures a local supply that introduces us to the best of the boreal forest and regional producers. Even though we were in the low season of November, the team at O'Batillage welcomed us wonderfully. For my part, I was treated to a three-course meal, starting with smoked salmon from La Boucanerie d’Henri. Beyond this salmon, which I believe is the best in Quebec, the dish included a Frambleu coulis (from Domaine Le Cageot), cucumbers, flaxseed oil (from Ferme Tournevent), capers, raspberries, and puffed wild rice. An unmissable starter!

For the main course, I chose the seafood pasta featuring fresh tagliolini (La Prod LP) in Mornay sauce, Matane shrimp, Prince Edward Island mussels, Iles-de-la-Madeleine scallops, white fish, and sea lettuce. A generous portion that satisfies hearty appetites. Of course, we always save room for dessert, and I was tempted by an excellent crème brûlée. I could not have made a better choice!

Experiencing the restaurant at Auberge des Battures is certainly a delight for the taste buds, but it is equally pleasing for the eyes. Throughout my substantial meal, the establishment, managed by Mr. Éric Civel, offered me an unparalleled view of the Saguenay Fjord. A feast for all your senses.

Restaurant O'Batillage / Auberge des Battures
6295, boulevard de la grande Baie Sud Saguenay, La Baie district
418 544-8234
https://obatillage.com

By Gaëtan Vaudry

Unnoticed, autumn advances swiftly, soon making way for winter. And with winter comes the ski season. I had the opportunity to meet a vibrant team at Valinouët, nestled in the heart of the Monts-Valin massif in Saint-David-de-Falardeau. Celebrated as one of Quebec's most sought-after mountains, Valinouët is gearing up to grandly celebrate its 40th anniversary this year. For the occasion, Stéphane Leblond and his marketing team are preparing a host of events to mark this significant milestone. Among these, there will be a mega vintage après-ski party, showcasing styles and colors from the 1980s, on the upcoming January 20th. The event will feature a DJ spinning popular hits from the era, raffles with numerous prizes, and much more!

Although the entire 2023-2024 season will be marked by the 40th-anniversary festivities, Valinouët is also hosting two other major events on February 24th and March 23rd, 2024: the mega family days. For these occasions, the Saint-David-de-Falardeau establishment will animate the days, still in vintage colors and styles, with mascots, DJs, and food trucks. Special rates will also be offered for these days. These will be announced soon on their official website.

Enthusiasts from across the province agree: there's no skiing quite like that at Valinouët. The absence of snow cannons makes all the difference. It's particularly for this reason that thousands of visitors from all corners of Quebec come to enjoy the numerous activities at Valinouët, from alpine skiing to all-terrain biking, extreme skiing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, tubing, backcountry skiing, and the magnificent snow park.

Le Valinouët
181, Route du Valinouët
Saint-David-de-Falardeau
1 866 260-8254
https://valinouet.qc.ca

By Gaëtan Vaudry

According to Marie Lerdu, the lodging manager, the project to restore this 1960s motel was a bit of a wild idea. Nevertheless, this initiative has borne fruit, as today, the Auberge Camp de Base, located at the entrance to L'Anse Saint-Jean in the heart of the Bas Saguenay valley, has quickly become a true hub of village life.

In addition to efficiently managing the lodging aspect of the establishment (9 rooms, a dormitory, a communal kitchen, and several camping areas), the team at Auberge Camp de Base also offers a resto-bar highlighting local products, including meats and fish smoked on-site. After a few weeks of rest, the resto-bar team is back for the colorful winter season. On the menu, a complete tourist experience in the Bas-Saguenay area, in partnership with Mont-Édouard, Entre Chien et Loups, and Saguenay Adventures. Indulge in one of the excursion packages that connect you with 40 malamute dogs in the heart of the Fjord-du-Saguenay mountains, or enjoy essential days of alpine skiing, snowshoeing, Fatbike, and cross-country skiing.

Upon returning to Auberge Camp de Base, you can relax and enjoy a unique culinary experience, as the establishment is certified as a flavor ambassador by Zone Boréale, placing great importance on the origin of its local or regional products: "Although the place attracts a large number of tourists throughout the year, we have the reputation of being a social gathering place for village residents," shares Marie Lerdu. "The mix of tourists and our residents creates very warm evenings. That's why we've just made some renovations, allowing us to offer several themed evenings to our customers." In the coming months, Auberge Camp de Base will offer art openings, song performances, improvisation, and even board game nights.

Open from Thursday to Saturday starting at 4 PM, the resto-bar at Auberge Camp de Base invites you to its Holiday season party on the upcoming Saturday, December 16, starting at 6 PM. The group Les Quêteux du Lac-St-Jean will perform traditional call-and-response songs, accompanied by the experienced caller Ghislain Jutras. Tickets priced at $18 are available on site. The upcoming evenings' programming will be available through the official Facebook page of the inn: https://facebook.com/aubergelecampdebase.

Furthermore, the management of Auberge Camp de Base is delighted to participate as an official exhibitor at the European Christmas Market of Saguenay, held from November 30 to December 3 and from December 7 to 10 at Place du Citoyen in Chicoutimi. On-site, over 32 exhibitors, mulled wine, and hundreds of gift ideas, all in an enchanting and magical Christmas setting.

Auberge Camp de Base
5, rue Saint-Jean-Baptiste
L'Anse-Saint-Jean
https://aubergecampdebase.com

Barbara and Phil Thibodeau built from scratch, without a pun intended, this imposing residence assembled piece by piece, serving as a Bed & Breakfast by the sea in Pointe-Verte, New Brunswick. They named it Gîte Toutes Saisons (All Seasons B&B) to express their desire to make it a welcoming place all year round.

Each of the four rooms bears an evocative name: Summer Sunset, Autumn Sunrise, Winter Refuge, Spring Serenade.

Located between Bathurst and Campbelton, the B&B began welcoming travelers in 2000. A few years earlier, this site was just a large two-acre lot without any development. After acquiring it in 1999, they undertook to build a large house and develop the land to reflect their values and passion, with the added bonus of immediate proximity to the sea with its tides, sunrises, and aquatic birdlife.

Phil and Barbara hired local labor to build their B&B. This local cedar wood cottage, entirely designed by the owners, is a place of serenity in the Baie des Chaleurs.

Nature lovers, the hosts have a strong ecological conscience. They practice sound waste and food resource management, sourcing locally as much as possible, and highlighting local artisans. They opted for underfloor heating, which only heats occupied spaces during the day to reduce energy consumption.

With undeniable social commitment, Phil (originally from Bathurst) and Barbara (born in Ontario) are hosts who share their culture with authenticity and generosity. They sit down at the table with travelers and share life anecdotes and diverse knowledge. Phil has long participated in the multicultural committee aimed at fostering exchange between locals and immigrants, in addition to volunteering to accompany the sick. They are passionate about promoting change in their community. Barbara retired a few years ago from a teaching career in Chatham, Ontario.

The only house rules are: arrive when you want, go to bed when you are tired, get up when you are well-rested, and eat when you are hungry! The four rooms are spacious and cozy, inviting peaceful sleep. A fine cook, Phil will surprise you with a delicious local breakfast at the large table in their beautiful rustic dining room. "Phil loves preparing meals for people," explains Barbara. He is in his element in the kitchen. "You should see him go when we have family over during the holidays or when we welcome groups to the B&B," she adds.

They have many stories to tell, which they share authentically and simply with their guests. They raised a beautiful family of four children, one of whom still resides in Acadia while three are in Ontario. One of their granddaughters, a professional cook, has already shown interest in taking over from her grandparents when they decide to pass the torch. Phil is 83 and Barbara is 78. Even though they are in relatively good health, the day will come when they will have to think about resting and living peaceful days. Owning and managing a B&B for nearly 25 years is no easy feat.

Several services are included in the accommodation rate, including breakfast, Wi-Fi, direct access to the sea and beach, gardens, parking, etc.

What is certain is that a stay with these open-minded and welcoming people guarantees good times and happy memories.

Gîte Toutes saisons B&B
relaxseaside.com
10, rue des Oiseaux
Pointe-Verte (NB)
(506) 783-3122