This text is part of the special book Plaisirs
They are earned at the cost of a long drive from Montreal, but these three beaches hold their promises magnificently. The generous nature lavishes perfect tranquility there.
1. Pointe-Fine beach at Lac Taureau Regional Park
When you drive two and a half hours from Montreal to reach a sandbox, it has every reason to live up to your expectations! At Pointe-Fine, near Saint-Michel-des-Saints, you won’t be disappointed. And for good reason: the majestic forest environment is reflected in one of the largest bodies of water in Quebec: the Taureau reservoir. Covering an area of 95 km2, it was created in 1931 during the construction of the eponymous dam. Ribbons of golden sand hem its shores, including those of Pointe-Fine, at the very end of a peninsula in the heart of the park.
We are in Matawinie, facing the Baie du Milieu (it’s like being at Tolkien’s!) and in the country of the Atikamekw. Why go there? For the grandiose character of the site and the quality of the water. “It is always very clear, mainly because of the quantity and size of the sandbanks which are at the origin of the 32 kilometers of beach which surrounds the reservoir”, argues Marc-Olivier Guilbault, spokesperson for the Matawinie Regional Parks Development Corporation.
Exploring the many islands in the bay is another good reason to go there. Moreover, this summer, a new activity is offered: themed river cruises invite the curious to discover the history of the reservoir and that of its submerged village, as well as the landscapes, fauna and flora of the Boreal forest. Three in number, they last from two to four hours and will take place either until September 5 or until October 10.
If you ever wanted to extend your stay, you could spend the night in one of the surrounding B&Bs, or on another strip of land, at the superb Auberge du lac Taureau, where the sandbox is also very inviting.
caroline parent
2. Saint-Étienne beach in Petit-Saguenay
It is certainly not the temperature of the water, between 5 and 10°C, of the fjord that attracts vacationers to Petit-Saguenay, in Bas-Saguenay. Nor the proximity: it takes more than five hours to get there from Montreal. At times, the road seems endless. On the other hand, once installed in front of the expanse of sand tirelessly redrawn by the tides, one would like time to stop.
The bay faces the mountains of L’Anse-de-Roche, on the north shore of the Saguenay. Families come there to plant parasols and deckchairs, sometimes for several hours. Hikers stop there after taking the Pinède trail in Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay, which offers superb views of the fjord. At low tide, the less cautious can take a dip in the pools created around the rocks. Others are content with long walks on the approximately 4 km of sandy beach. With a bit of luck, a beluga will poke the tip of its beak offshore…
Near Village Vacances Petit-Saguenay, the beach is quieter near the Chemin Saint-Étienne parking lot. Scanning the horizon, one thinks of those who left their mark on the territory: the Aboriginal peoples, who already occupied it more than 3,000 years ago, the members of the Société des Vingt-et-un, who came to colonize the sector in the 1830s, and to William Price, who bought the sawmills and modernized the one whose remains can still be seen near the beach. Destroyed by a fire on June 5, 1900, just like the houses of the workers and the other buildings of the village, the site was then abandoned by the English businessman.
One does not leave Petit-Saguenay without going for a picnic near the wharf and, there too, observing the movement of the tides. The bravest may throw themselves into the icy waters of the fjord from the top of the quay. One thing is certain, everyone will promise to take the road to the fjord as often as possible.
Marie-Julie Gagnon
3. The beach of the Pointe-aux-Outardes nature park
When you imagine your vacation on the North Shore, you don’t necessarily think of lounging on white sand beaches and, even less, of swimming in warm, translucent waters. However, this is the case in some places, notably in this nature park located not far from Baie-Comeau in the beautiful forest region of Manicouagan. This park has a small beach of fine sand where the waters of the river warm up naturally under the effect of the sun at low tide. You can bathe there in calm and crystalline waters.
You can also pitch your tent or park your trailer just in front of the beach. The view is sublime and the sunsets are memorable! In addition, this natural site offers a wide range of activities for the whole family, both fun and educational. This protected area contains a rich and diversified ecosystem; its marked trails are dotted with interpretive panels on the surrounding flora and fauna. There are even play areas and quizzes for children.
The little extra? You can find unusual accommodation on site to spend the night. The giant birdhouses of the Pointe-aux-Outardes nature park are designed like huge birdhouses, with a little more comfort than a real nest!
Marie-Claude DiLillo