This text is part of the special book Plaisirs
On the occasion of the release of Tested and approved 2. Quebec in more than 100 new extraordinary experiences, we asked our collaborator, who led this collective of seven authors, to share with us her findings in different regions. Perfect for dreaming about summer!
Paddling in the largest heronry in the world in Montérégie
Commonly known as the “Islands of Sorel”, the Lake Saint-Pierre archipelago delights both water sports enthusiasts and birdwatchers. It is the ideal place to observe herons and paddle between the islands, whose names all seem to carry stories: Île d’Embarras, Île aux Corbeaux, Île aux Foins, Île Plate, Île du Curé, Île Saint-Amour… About 300 species of birds and around 30 species of rare plants can be observed.
“The Lac Saint-Pierre World Biosphere Reserve has been a nature reserve officially listed by UNESCO since 2000,” writes Isabelle Marjorie Tremblay in the book. It is recognized as a place of sustainable development and learning to improve the relationship between humans and their environment. It is home to 50% of the wetlands of the St. Lawrence and 20% of its marshes! »
Located in Sainte-Anne-de-Sorel, the Maison du Marais offers the rental of canoes and single or double kayaks to venture into the channels independently. To escape the din of motorized boats, just turn off into a narrow water path. “It’s a real hidden treasure just an hour from Montreal,” says the author.
Marvel at the circus and sleep high up in Kamouraska, Bas-Saint-Laurent
A favorite of Marie-Ève Blanchard, the Cirque de la Pointe-Sèche, in Saint-Germain-de-Kamouraska, comes to life in the summer in one of the most original natural amphitheaters. “In the evening, after a short walk through the forest, a path leads us to three floors of old maritime containers converted into a room and which encircle a vast rock wall of 60 feet, she says. […] The troop evolves both on the ground and on this spectacular natural vertical stage where ropes, anchors and pulleys allow high aerobatic movements. »
After marveling at the prowess of the acrobats and musicians, it is possible to spend the night in Les Perchoirs du cirque, most of which are suspended or hung on a rock face, between river and mountain. “They blend in perfectly with nature, and their windows offer breathtaking views of the river and the stars,” observes the author and journalist.
Dare Nordic apnea in Les Escoumins, on the North Shore
A great sportswoman, Anne Pélouas returned enchanted from her adventure in the icy waters of Les Escoumins – they are close to freezing point, even in the middle of summer! Watching the whales and listening to their breath from the shore, in front of the Marine Environment Discovery Center in Les Escoumins, was not enough for her: she wanted to dive into the St. Lawrence estuary to see them up close.
Intended for people aged 14 and over, this experience is suitable for the more adventurous… and the most motivated. “You still have to put on a wetsuit, mittens, water shoes and a neoprene hood,” she points out. The ultra-tight costume literally transforms us into frogmen or women and makes the walk to the water a bit clumsy. All that remains is to put on the fins, the mask and the snorkel, to take our underwater lamp in hand, then to leave the mainland for the aquatic universe. »
Nordic apnea is possible at the Les Escoumins diving base, in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, by reservation from June to September. “These colorful seabeds, recognized for their richness in biodiversity, have nothing to envy to those of tropical destinations! concludes the author.
Evocative pictograms
This special content was produced by the Special Publications team of the Duty, pertaining to marketing. The drafting of Duty did not take part.