Bas-Saint-Laurent

Bas-Saint-Laurent - Lower St-Lawrence

The Bas-Saint-Laurent or Lower Saint-Lawrence (in English) region occupies a vast land area of 22,232 square kilometres (around 8,584 sq mi) along the south shore of the Saint Lawrence River, at its esutuary.

Major communities ob BSL region are as follows (in alphabetical order): Amqui, Cabano, Causapscal, Dégelis, Kamouraska, La Pocatière, Le Bic, Matane, Mont-Joli, Notre-Dame-du-Lac, Notre-Dame-du-Potage, Pohénégamook, Rimouski, Rivière-du-Loup, Saint-Anaclet-de-Lessard, Saint-Adnre, Saint-Antonin, Sainte-Luce, Saint-Pacome, Saint-Pascal, Trois-Pistoles. A number of the most beautiful Quebec towns and villages Québec are located here.

We can name Cacouna, Kamouraska, Notre-Dame-du-Portage and Saint-Pacome, which are officially recognized as such by the Association of the Most Beautiful Villages of Québec. In addition, Bas-Saint-Laurent is proud to present to its guests many nice patrimonial buildings, as well as many houses with a distinctive architectural feature of the Lower Saint-Laurence area, that’s Kamouraska roof.

his type has a design borrowed from the shipyards, the arched gutter overhangs of these buildings are reminiscent of the wooden hulls of schooners of yore.

The Bas-Saint-Laurent relief is characterized by rural municipalities with their rolling hills. It offers magnificent resort areas, long trails great for hiking or long cycling excursions. Vacationers love its fine food and its high-quality lamb is well known throughout Canada, as well as BSL’s artisan cheeses, breads and chocolates, not to mention the maple products. Tourists appreciate whale-watching excursion, sea kayaking, climbing opportunities, wildlife observation, historic lighthouses (some of the Canada’s tallest lighthouses are located here).

A very nice Bic National Park offers visitors sea excursions as well as hiking or cycling. Besides, one of the greatest parks in Quebec, the Saguenay-Saint-Lawrence Marine Park is located on the territory of BSL, as well. Many vacationers come to see the historic Site Pointe-au-Père, a maritime museum, which presents the sad history of the Empress of Ireland and its sinking.

Music and art lovers will not be disappointed in Lower-Saint-Lawrence, since the region bustles with popular cultural activities and events. Finally, let’s tell you that Bas-Saint-Laurent is a top ecotourism destination in Quebec, and the region encourages organizations that respect and showcase the natural environment and offer their visitors quality interpretation.