Chaudière-Appalaches

Fronting the St. Lawrence River downstream from Quebec City, the MRC de Montmagny is one of the ten MRCs of Chaudière-Appalaches. Its territory reads from north to south: first the islands and the shoreline, then the farming plain, and finally the Appalachian backcountry, wilder and more wooded.

Montmagny, its main town, proudly carries the title of Snow Goose Capital: in spring and fall, thousands of geese stop over on its tidal flats, and the Route des Plumes multiplies the observation sites. With more than 360 years of history behind it, the town showcases its heritage through its interpretation centres and its heritage circuits, and Vieux-Montmagny charms with its shops and its European-looking terraces.

But it is out toward open water that you should look. From the Berthier-sur-Mer marina, about fifteen minutes from Montmagny, Croisières Lachance takes you between the islands of the Isle-aux-Grues archipelago — twenty-one islands set in the middle of the river — all the way to Grosse-Île, one of the most moving places of memory in the country.

Barely an hour from Quebec City, it is the kind of weekend that feels like you travelled much farther.

At 45, avenue du Bassin Nord in Montmagny, Camping Pointe-aux-Oies is one of those campgrounds that fully deserve their reputation. Rated five stars by Camping Québec, it has more than 300 sites set right on the shore of the St. Lawrence River — and it is precisely that location that makes all the difference.

The facilities are complete, and well above average: a water park with slides and splash features, a heated pool, mini-golf, a snack bar, play areas and a natural beach a few steps away. Full-service sites are plentiful, and several are designed to fit large rigs.

For those travelling without gear, the campground offers three yurts and — a rare find in Quebec — two Goutte d'Ô units. This is a chrysalis-shaped ready-to-camp cabin where six square metres are enough to sleep two adults, or a family of four with a bed below and a hammock mezzanine above. It is the kind of unusual lodging you will find almost nowhere else.

The big draw, once again, is the river. It is right there, and the sunsets over the water are worth the stay on their own. Right next to the grounds, a trail of about 2 km lined with wooden boardwalks runs along the shore and leads to a 30-foot observation tower built at the tip of the point. From up there, the view opens onto the Isle-aux-Grues archipelago and its twenty-one islands, with Grosse-Île in the distance. Access is free.

The site is also a renowned observation spot for the Greater Snow Goose, which stops over in Montmagny in spring and fall. In September, you already see them passing by the thousands.

Two practical details to know before you book: bring $2 coins for the showers, and if you are travelling in a big recreational vehicle, be aware that some bends on the grounds are tight despite the suitable sites.

A perfect base camp for exploring Montmagny, taking the boat to Grosse-Île or simply watching the river go by.

In the heart of the Chaudière-Appalaches region, the Beauce regional county forms a dynamic whole where heritage, nature and entrepreneurial spirit meet. The area stands out for its varied landscapes — fertile farmland, wooded plateaus and summits — as well as for a rich and welcoming community life.

The Beauce is known for its agro-forestry heritage, its well-preserved historic buildings and its cultural initiatives, which contribute to the vitality of the place. Whether it's the heritage attractions, the events or the natural setting, the regional county offers a warm, authentic quality of life, true to the reputation of the Beaucerons. 

Only 20 minutes from the Quebec City bridges, the village of Scott has become a must-visit family destination thanks to Woodooliparc, which changes its face entirely with the seasons. After discovering FRIMA and its Christmas magic in winter, we came back to see what summer had in store… and we weren't disappointed!

Nestled on the south shore of the St. Lawrence, between Montmagny and La Pocatière, the L'Islet regional county is one of the most discreet in Chaudière-Appalaches — and one of the most endearing. Its villages, strung along the chemin des Pionniers, unfold a remarkable built heritage, where stone houses and church steeples stand out against the horizon of the river.

But what truly sets this territory apart is its maritime heritage. L'Islet-sur-Mer proudly carries the nickname "Homeland of Sailors": generations of captains, pilots and navigators were born here, among them the legendary Joseph-Elzéar Bernier, a pioneer of Canadian polar expeditions. Here the river isn't a backdrop, it's a family story.

Barely an hour from Quebec City, the region lends itself wonderfully to a day trip: museums, tidal flats, sunsets over the St. Lawrence and that quiet sense of being in the right place.

Dear readers, this section is a very particular tribute to our dear Zakary, who will never forget our memorable stop at the Petro-Canada in Saint-Apollinaire on our last drive to Montreal. How to describe the atmosphere? Picture the set of a Quebec horror movie, but on a budget.

At first glance, everything seems normal. A classic service station just off Highway 20. Pumps. A sign. Nothing to be suspicious about. But the moment you push open the door of the convenience store… time itself changes. As if you'd just walked into an episode of Stranger Thinks, Chaudière-Appalaches edition.

The fluorescent lights flicker (or is that in our heads?). An indefinable smell — somewhere between coffee burnt since 1997, fryer oil that has never been changed and a mystery best left unsolved — gives us a warm welcome. 

The aisles seemed organized according to a logic known only to initiates: chips, auto parts, baby blankets, fishing line, and air fresheners next to the beef jerky. A coherent whole, in its incoherence. The sink in the washroom? A spiritual experience. The mirror? Cracked just enough to make the reflection slightly unstable. Our faces were never quite the same after that visit.

And what about the silent customer at the back, motionless, one hand resting on a bag of chips since we walked in? Still there when we walked out. Maybe he's part of the official furnishings? A mystery only Saint-Apollinaire knows.

If one day you plan yourself a « quick little stop » at this address, know what's waiting for you. Maybe pack a headlamp, in case the lights decide to give up for good.

And yet, in spite of it all… we're still laughing about it. Because it's stops like these that turn a road trip into a legend. Thank you Zakary, thank you Saint-Apollinaire, thank you Petro-Can — you gave us a story for life.

Tucked away in Saint-Michel-de-Bellechasse, deep in the countryside of the Bellechasse regional county, the Théâtre Beaumont-Saint-Michel is a genuine cultural institution in Quebec. Opened in 1975, it seats 498 people a night and sees more than 20,000 people come through its legendary theatre each year. In short, it's the essential date for summer theatre lovers in the region! The experience goes well beyond the performance itself. What has become the house trademark is its famous dinner-and-show formula. Guests get to enjoy a country setting, have an apéro in the gardens and take part in the dinner-theatre formula with a buffet prepared by Cosmos Traiteur, in a friendly summer atmosphere. Picture it: a summer evening, an apéritif in the shade of the trees, a good generous meal, then a spirited comedy to round it all off. A complete outing, perfectly orchestrated! The theatre built its reputation on the quality of its productions. Founded in 1975, the Théâtre Beaumont-Saint-Michel has earned a solid name thanks to the quality of its shows and its warm welcome. The organization also contributes actively to the cultural and tourism profile of the Bellechasse region. Year after year it presents well-crafted comedies, carried by talented performers and careful staging. Whether it's an outing as a couple, with friends, or to mark a special occasion (a celebration, a birthday, a reunion), the Théâtre Beaumont-Saint-Michel offers a memorable experience that brings together good food, culture and good company. A fine way to keep Quebec-style summer theatre alive, in a warm and authentic setting.

You cannot talk about the MRC des Appalaches without bringing up its past of chrysotile asbestos mining, which made Thetford Mines the "world capital" of that industry for more than a century. Today that past is superbly showcased thanks to the Musée Minéralogique et Minier de Thetford Mines and the Centre historique de la mine King, two essential attractions for understanding the region's history and how it has changed. The Belvédère de la Mine BC, reached by a staircase of some fifty steps, offers a striking view over the old mining pits — a lunar landscape unique in Quebec. The MRC has superbly reinvented itself as a four-season outdoor destination. You find Mont Adstock for downhill skiing, Les 3 Monts in Saint-Joseph-de-Coleraine for hiking, the Parc national de Frontenac and Grand lac Saint-François, and not least Le Grand Morne in Sainte-Clotilde, where people hang-glide and climb. You can even go scuba diving at a site with a worldwide reputation! That is right — the old flooded mines have become one of the most sought-after dive sites in North America, with spectacular visibility. The region also stands out for its extraordinary built heritage. More than 2,000 old houses and other properties, dating from before 1950, have been inventoried across the territory — a genuine open-air museum! You discover some forty significant places spread across the 19 municipalities, bearing witness to a rich rural, religious and industrial tradition. Every village has its own small charm: Saint-Julien and its remarkable church, Sainte-Praxède with its country character, Sainte-Clotilde with its covered bridge and its Arthur-Pomerleau dam. In short, the MRC des Appalaches is that fine combination of generous nature, fascinating history, outdoor recreation and heritage. It is also a lively cultural scene with its festivals, its concerts and its Théâtre Les Bâtisseurs de montagnes, not to mention a cuisine that showcases local products. A destination to put on your list without fail if you are looking to explore another face of Quebec — off the beaten track, but full of riches!

Located 80 km southeast of Lévis, in the Chaudière-Appalaches administrative region, the MRC des Etchemins is made up of 13 municipalities and sits along the United States border. It is a territory nestled in the heart of the Appalachians, known for its farm and forest landscapes on a human scale, its breathtaking panoramas, and its rivers and lakes of remarkable water quality. Lac-Etchemin is its administrative heart. It is a quiet corner of the country where nature, local cooking and authenticity sit side by side — perfect for travellers looking to get off the beaten track.

In Sainte-Agathe-de-Lotbinière, right in the heart of Chaudière-Appalaches, the Parc de la Chute Sainte-Agathe is one of those places that marry rustic camping, hiking and the outdoors beautifully. A small campground set very close to the Palmer River, it's the ideal spot for tents and small recreational vehicles. In short, a perfect stop for anyone looking to disconnect in the middle of nature, far from the bustle of the big commercial campgrounds. The park's great star is, without question, its majestic waterfall on the Palmer River, which rises in the Appalachian hills and empties into the Bécancour River a few kilometres downstream. The site offers two short hiking trails, a beach, picnic areas, a volleyball court, a rustic campground and a restaurant. The showstopper? The suspended footbridge that hangs over the rapids facing the falls.

On the camping side, the Parc has about thirty semi-serviced sites, reachable by car, most of them nicely shaded. There is also a group site (15 to 20 tents) and 3 wilderness sites along the river. For adventure lovers, the site offers an original signature activity: canyoning, a vertical and aquatic adventure course, lets you truly « live » the river. An adrenaline-filled experience absolutely worth trying! And the weekends come alive with the warmest sort of programming: outdoor shows, a beach bar (Thursday to Sunday) and varied activities keep the site humming. In short, the Parc de la Chute Sainte-Agathe is the perfect antidote to everyday stress: a spectacular waterfall, a singing river, shaded trails and an authentic atmosphere. A genuine little corner of paradise to discover!

Tucked away in Lac-Etchemin, right in the Etchemins region of Chaudière-Appalaches, Camping Lac-Etchemin is a family address par excellence. With its warm atmosphere in the Appalachians, only 1 km from the Éco-Parc des Etchemins, it offers an ideal setting for unplugging out in nature. What sets this campground apart is the incredible variety of on-site activities — there really is something for every taste! Enjoy an unforgettable experience at this campground with its modern facilities: heated pool, spa, water play features, play structures, DEK hockey, volleyball and accessible trails. Discover what is new: a relaxation pool, a BMX track, a giant trampoline. You also find a soccer field, pétanque, billiards, hiking, fishing and a remote-control track. In short, the children are never bored — and neither are the parents! The location is also a major asset: the campground is ideally placed about 20 minutes from the Miller Zoo, close to the Éco-Parc, the Golf Lac-Etchemin, the Moulin La Lorraine and the regional bike paths. Not to mention the Sanctuaire Notre-Dame d'Etchemin and the Mont-Orignal ski station, all within easy reach. The campground is open from May 1 to October 31 — the summer high season offers the best programming. 

One honest reservation: some visitors have mentioned that the campground can be quite lively in the evening during high season (musical shows), which can bother families with young children. But for anyone who likes a lively atmosphere and varied activities, that is part of the charm! In short, Camping Lac-Etchemin is a perfect stop for families looking to combine activities, modern services and the beauty of the Appalachians in a warm and friendly atmosphere.