Travel log

coucher du soleil


By Gaëtan Vaudry

Tadoussac is arguably one of the most beautiful summer tourist regions in Quebec. However, this North Shore region is much quieter in winter. Fortunately, thanks to our friends at Chalets-camping Domaine des Dunes, it is possible to have very pleasant moments there, even in the winter season!

Located between the tourist village of Tadoussac and the famous Dunes (two huge marine sand terraces exposed by the last ice melt about 10,000 years ago), the Domaine des Dunes site, nestled in a birch forest, is simply enchanting. It offers both camping and chalet rentals that can accommodate up to six people, as well as the rental of a kamook and even a wooden tipi... nothing less! "We resume service in winter, to the delight of our customers," says co-owner Bernadette Roduit Bender, with a broad smile. "The experiences in kamook and tipi are done in camping styles, that is, with access to a sanitary facility with toilets and showers, washer and dryer, as well as a community room."

Domaine_Dunes2 Domaine_Dunes3 Domaine_Dunes4

Several activities are available even in winter at Domaine des Dunes, including a highly appreciated welcome for snowmobile enthusiasts in the boreal forest, trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. In summer, the region abounds with activities, including whale watching cruises, black bear observation, sea kayaking, marine mammal interpretation center, the region's fine dining, and much more.

Bernadette, who is joined by her daughter and son for all aspects of Domaine des Dunes, has worked very hard in recent weeks to welcome you this winter. During my short visit to Tadoussac at the end of November, the family was busy making final adjustments to welcome numerous clients for the beautiful winter season. Moreover, Bernadette and her team invite you to book your chalet, kamook, or wooden tipi for the holiday season before December 10th. They even promise a nice surprise!

Domaine des Dunes (Chalets-camping)
585, Chemin de la Rivière-du-Moulin-à-Baude
Tadoussac
418 235-4843
domainedesdunes.com


By Gaëtan Vaudry

Tadoussac is arguably one of the most beautiful summer tourist regions in Quebec. However, this North Shore region is much quieter in winter. Fortunately, thanks to our friends at Chalets-camping Domaine des Dunes, it is possible to have very pleasant moments there, even in the winter season!

Located between the tourist village of Tadoussac and the famous Dunes (two huge marine sand terraces exposed by the last ice melt about 10,000 years ago), the Domaine des Dunes site, nestled in a birch forest, is simply enchanting. It offers both camping and chalet rentals that can accommodate up to six people, as well as the rental of a kamook and even a wooden tipi... nothing less! "We resume service in winter, to the delight of our customers," says co-owner Bernadette Roduit Bender, with a broad smile. "The experiences in kamook and tipi are done in camping styles, that is, with access to a sanitary facility with toilets and showers, washer and dryer, as well as a community room."

Domaine_Dunes2 Domaine_Dunes3 Domaine_Dunes4

Several activities are available even in winter at Domaine des Dunes, including a highly appreciated welcome for snowmobile enthusiasts in the boreal forest, trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. In summer, the region abounds with activities, including whale watching cruises, black bear observation, sea kayaking, marine mammal interpretation center, the region's fine dining, and much more.

Bernadette, who is joined by her daughter and son for all aspects of Domaine des Dunes, has worked very hard in recent weeks to welcome you this winter. During my short visit to Tadoussac at the end of November, the family was busy making final adjustments to welcome numerous clients for the beautiful winter season. Moreover, Bernadette and her team invite you to book your chalet, kamook, or wooden tipi for the holiday season before December 10th. They even promise a nice surprise!

Domaine des Dunes (Chalets-camping)
585, Chemin de la Rivière-du-Moulin-à-Baude
Tadoussac
418 235-4843
domainedesdunes.com


By Gaëtan Vaudry

If you find yourself near Sept-Îles and are looking for an exceptional relaxation experience, you must stop at Spa Renaissance, a favored location offering a vast terrace with a breathtaking view of the water and the most beautiful sunsets.

This relaxation center offers a variety of packages to its clients, ranging from medical aesthetics to fitness, including relaxation, aesthetics, wellness, and much more. What sets Spa Renaissance apart from its competitors is that couples can receive treatments simultaneously, benefiting from very advantageous packages: "We indeed offer several package options that you can enjoy side by side," proudly states the owner Martin Carrier. "You can choose from several treatments: pedicure, manicure, facial, massage, hydrotherapy, neuro spa thermal sector, and much more!"

 Spa2 Spa Renaissance  Spa1

Another special feature of Spa Renaissance, located in the popular Hôtel Sept-Îles, are the tailor-made packages, which often include a variety of treatments, a gift card for the Bistro, and an overnight stay at the hotel. Spa Renaissance also offers two well-equipped training rooms, delighting many customers. A package that catches my attention is the Thermal Plus for $316, offering two three-hour accesses to the thermotherapy sector, a $50 gift card to the Bistro, and a double occupancy overnight stay at the hotel. Truly interesting! Additionally, I suggest inquiring about the Tropic and Havana packages, available until December 24th and perfectly fitting into a Christmas card, to offer your loved ones a special moment.

Spa Renaissance  Spa Renaissance  

Spa Renaissance
451, avenue Arnaud, Sept-Îles
418 968-0606
sparenaissance.ca


By Gaëtan Vaudry

On November 24th, Montreal's gay scene lost one of its pioneers. Armand Monroe - born Armand Larrivée - passed away in his sleep at St-Raphael's Palliative Care Home. His death sent shockwaves through those who admired him, a standard-bearer for numerous struggles for gay and lesbian rights over the years. These included the right for men to dance together at a time when homosexuality was criminalized in Canada, as well as the very first gay pride parade and much more.

Born in Saint-Henri in 1935, young Armand left his family home at 18 to move to the bustling downtown of Montreal, fully aware of the difficulty (and even the shame) of being gay at that time. However, he refused to hide his true self, stating that he never needed to come out of the closet because he had never been in it. Rejected by his mother, he created a new family with his gay friends, becoming an emblematic figure of the homosexual scene.

For ages, everyone affectionately nicknamed him La Monroe for his boundless admiration for actress Marilyn Monroe, especially since the release of the hit movie "How to Marry a Millionaire." It wasn't until 1957 that he was offered a job as a host at the Tropical Room on Peel Street. The venue would become Quebec's first exclusively homosexual establishment, where La Monroe introduced bingo, drag queen shows, and Mister Muscle contests. Notably, for his 23rd birthday, he persuaded the owner to allow men to dance together, which was, of course, forbidden at the time.

Growing in fame, Armand Monroe worked in several establishments including the Hawaiian Lounge, Quartier Latin, and Café Beaver. At the PJ's cabaret, he entertained with his role as the "flamboyant liberated fool," achieving immense success. In 1974, still at PJ's, La Monroe hosted the New York Dolls, opening the door of Montreal's underground to glam rock, and later to punk with the band Les 222. In 1980, he hosted the National Day celebrations at Carré Dominion, drawing many curious to discover who he was. In 1983, he produced a mega drag show at Vieux St-Vincent in Laval and, years later, appeared in the historic show Vice & Virtue, presented by Les 7 Doigts de la Main.

In March 2017, Armand Monroe confided to Hugo Lavoie, during the Gravel le matin radio show on ICI Radio-Canada Première, stating: "I thank all the homosexuals from 1957 to 1969 who, at the risk of losing their freedom, came to support me. They are the real pioneers."


By Gaëtan Vaudry

During our brief stay of a few days in the city of Saguenay, we couldn’t help but stop at Café Cambio on Racine East Street four or five times. Firstly, to enjoy the atmosphere of this downtown Chicoutimi solidarity cooperative, and secondly, to savor affordable and healthy dishes that showcase products from various local producers.

As soon as Virginie Simard-Dufour starts talking about the products available at this fair-trade and organic micro-roastery founded in March 2005, her eyes light up. She speaks passionately about the tireless teamwork of 32 members, including 10 worker-members: Under the label, we embody a vision of a better world—one where farmers and workers sit at the negotiating table as equals ,” proudly notes the service manager, restaurant coordinator, and barista.

Café Cambio, a key gathering spot for students from the Chicoutimi CEGEP and the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC), is also a venue for showcasing young Saguenay artists. The establishment regularly hosts art openings and intimate acoustic concerts of emerging music.

Cambio2 Cambio3 Cambio5

During my visit last November, I had the chance to enjoy some excellent dishes at this establishment, which was the brainchild of two young Montrealers and childhood friends, Guylaine Pelletier and Geneviève Demers. To start, I had a comforting mushroom soup, perfect for that time of year. I followed it with the spicy Bedi panini (Cajun-seasoned chicken, caramelized onions, spinach, mozzarella, and vegenaise), served with salad, corn chips, and salsa. For dessert, I enjoyed the daily special, all accompanied by one of their excellent fair-trade coffees. To my surprise, the bill for this delicious three-course meal was very affordable!

What also struck me during my first visit was their “Pay it Forward” concept, where customers can anonymously donate a soup or coffee to someone in need. Given the growing issue of homelessness in downtown Chicoutimi, this gesture of generosity is truly admirable and meaningful.

Café Cambio’s coffee and products are available at various points of sale across the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region, including Chicoutimi, Jonquière, La Baie, Saint-Ambroise/Saint-Honoré, MRC Lac-Saint-Jean-Est, MRC Domaine-du-Roy, Bas-Saguenay, Saint-Fulgence/Sainte-Rose-du-Sacré-Cœur, Tadoussac, Les Bergeronnes, Les Escoumins, and even the Côte-Nord!

Café Cambio
414, rue Racine Est, Chicoutimi
418 549-7830
cafecambio.ca

Image+Nation, Canada's first LGBT2SQ+ film festival, has announced the jury and audience awards for its 36th edition. Many of these films and others were also available online during the festival. The organizers decided to extend the online program for an additional week until Sunday, December 3 at 11:59 PM.

 
This innovation in broadcasting a significant part of the programming, which began during the COVID pandemic, was so successful that it has been made a permanent feature, thereby attracting more followers and extending the reach throughout Quebec and elsewhere in Canada, at an affordable price and with various options.


This is how we were able to watch three of these excellent films, offering evocative subjects of raw realities, in addition to a group of Quebecois queer short films, from the comfort of our home using a hyperlink to project it at the day and time of our choosing.

To take advantage of this online extension, visit the website in the PROGRAMMING section.


- BIG BOYS

image+nation 2023 extends
COREY SHERMAN
UNITED STATES / USA | 2023
Often sidelined for washboard abs, the "big boys" finally get their sweet and funny coming-of-age story, spiced with just the right amount of age-appropriate eroticism. When a "cousins-only camping trip" in California is infiltrated by a new "bear" boyfriend, a 14-year-old is confronted with both wild and hormonal dangers.


- The documentary OUT OF UGANDA

 image+nation 2023 extends
ROLANDO COLLA + JOSEF BURRI
SWITZERLAND | 2023
Under a cloud of legally and customarily sanctioned prejudices, we follow tormented queer refugees awaiting asylum, those risking their lives and livelihoods to protect them, and the antagonists themselves, who explain their hateful ideologies, all in the hope of finding a way out of today's hate-choked Uganda.

 
- OUR SON

image+nation 2023 extends BILL OLIVER
UNITED STATES | 2023
A star-studded cast led by the masterful duo Luke Evans and Billy Porter electrifies this poignant narrative about parenthood through pain. When an affair persists after 13 years of marriage for a drifting couple, new revelations tear apart an already fractured relationship and leave the fate of their son hanging in the balance.

- The short films QUEERMENT QUEBEC 1

image+nation 2023 extends

78 minutes
An annual celebration of Quebecois queer content: unique perspectives that prove, once again, that Quebec is a true hotbed of queer storytelling talent.


LES CROTTÉS
CÉDRIC GAILLARD DESROSIERS | CANADA | 2022 | 10 MIN | F.O.V. S.T.A.
RIOPELLE WAS NON-BINARY
AIMÉ MAJEAU BEAUCHAMP | CANADA | 2023 | 6 MIN | F.O.V. S.T.A.
I'M SORRY
FRANCIS PAPILLON | CANADA | 2023 | 20 MIN | F.O.V. S.T.A.
BORN ON A SUNDAY MORNING
THIERRY SORLINI | CANADA | 2023 | 15 MIN | F.O.V. S.T.A.
TEST SEQUENCE
ANNE GOLDEN | CANADA | 2023 | 5 MIN | WITHOUT DIALOGUE
SORRY MOM
SARAH LAJOIE-ASSELIN | CANADA | 2023 | 17 MIN | F.O.V. S.T.A.
LES TERRAINS VAGUES
MARIE-ÈVE DROLET | CANADA | 2023 | 6 MIN | F.O.V. S.T.A.

The awarded films for the 36th edition

JURY PRIZE
FEATURE FILM: SILVER HAZE by Sacha Polak [Netherlands]
SPECIAL MENTION: LIUBEN by Venci Kostov [Bulgaria]
DOCUMENTARY: WHO I AM NOT by Tunde Skovran [South Africa]
SCRIPT: Olivier Peyon with Vincent Poymiro + Arthur Cahn + Cécilia Rouaud / ENOUGH WITH YOUR LIES by Olivier Peyon [France]
PERFORMANCE: Nathan Stewart-Jarrett / FEMME by Sam H. Freeman + NG Choon Ping [United Kingdom]
PERFORMANCE: Lily Gladstone / FANCY DANCE by Erica Tremblay [United States]

AUDIENCE AWARD
FEATURE FILM: FEMME by Sam H. Freeman + NG Choon Ping [United Kingdom]
DOCUMENTARY: ANALOGUE REVOLUTION: HOW FEMINIST MEDIA CHANGED THE WORLD by Marusya Bociurkiw [Canada]
SHORT FILM: I'M SORRY by Francis Papillon [Quebec] + BORN ON A SUNDAY MORNING by Thierry Sorlini [Quebec]

A Satisfactory Overview
For its 36th edition, the Montreal public had the opportunity to attend in-person screenings, round tables, events, and much more, while film enthusiasts throughout Quebec and Canada had the chance to view a carefully selected program online throughout the festival.

Featuring 175 films from across the globe, I+N36 proudly focuses on diversity in all its forms, showcasing masterfully created films from 27 countries, including South Africa, Bulgaria, Romania, Nigeria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Mexico, Denmark, Norway, Argentina, Azerbaijan, Iran, Ireland, Ukraine, Portugal, Brazil, as well as Germany, the United States, and locally in Quebec and Canada.
Now firmly established in its fourth decade of promoting LGBT2SQ+ culture, image+nation is delving into new queer stories, exploring their uniqueness/universality, while continuing to advocate for diversity, inclusivity, and the various intersectional aspects of queer voices and communities.


By Gaëtan Vaudry

Before arriving in the city of La Baie, I had not even heard of Jean-Jules Soucy. However, it wasn't long before I was introduced to this artist, the pride of the entire Saguenay region. Born in 1951 in La Baie, where he has always lived and worked, he earned a Bachelor's degree in the teaching of visual arts from the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC) in 1976. A diligent worker, he showcased his work both in Quebec and internationally.

In 1993, Jean-Jules Soucy exhibited at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Montreal, presenting Stressed Carpet, a piece composed of 60,000 liters of folded milk cartons, collected from all over Quebec! But it was in 2000 that the artist made significant waves when he unveiled the Pyramid of Ha! Ha! in La Baie. This installation was made up of 3,000 traffic signs, commemorating the Saguenay Flood of 1996.

Soucy2 Soucy3 Soucy4

In 2008, Jean-Jules Soucy received the Arts and Letters Council of Quebec Award for visual and media arts. 13 years later, his career was celebrated in his native region at the Order of the Blueberry ceremony, where he was inducted as a member. The Bay's pride's career has also been the subject of numerous documentaries and reports, notably the 1994 film Art is Not Without Soucy by filmmaker Bruno Carrière.

My reason for discussing the great Jean-Jules Soucy is that I had the opportunity to view the exhibition "What to Offer in Case of Water," presented by the Espace Séquence of the BANG Contemporary Art Centre in Chicoutimi. The exhibition features a selection of colorful and humorous works by the artist, who passed away in July 2022. These works, dating from the 1970s to the present, are available thanks to his sister, artist and scenographer Hélène Soucy, who began restoring them in the past year. I greatly enjoyed this vibrant exhibition. I discovered an artist with a sharp sense of humor, a master of wordplay. The exhibition is on display at the Centre BANG until December 23. A must-see!

Espace Séquence of the Centre BANG
132, East Racine Street, Chicoutimi
418 549-7830
centrebang.ca
jeanjulessoucy.net


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!


disti2 disti3 Disti4

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

RSS Feed

Subscribe

Categories

Tags

Latest Posts

Archives