Last of our Visit

We stayed overnight in St Huges at our friends, Daniel and Danielle's house. In the morning we had a yummy breakfast. Then we toured their farm land by the river where they have built a cabin, the Sugar Shack. 

Many québécois have a sugar maple forest on their land where they go to relax in any season. Their cabin has electricity if they bring a generator, otherwise it is very basic and provides moments to relax in nature. I loved hearing the burbling of the small river while we were there. 

We had a wonderful time touring the St Lawrence seaway and Lac Saint-Jean with Daniel and Danielle. We did more than would ever have been possible in our own!!  We hope to repay them in the future. They hope to visit us in Mesa or Manitoba. 

Shawinigin and Trois Riviere

Traveling from Lac Saint Jean to Chez Daniel at St Hugues was through a forested area until we came closer to the cities. We stopped at Shawinigan and Trois Rivière. 

Downtown Shawinigan is on the river. It originated here because of hydro electricity and lumber mills. (This is where Jean Chrétien comes from.). 

When we arrived here we could see a seadoo operating a fly board. I had never seen such a thing!  A hose is attached to the seadoo and a person stands on a board at the end of the hose and flies into the air propelled by the water coming thru the hose from the jets of the seadoo. Look carefully at the photos, perhaps you will see what I mean?!

We arrived a Trois Rivière and walked on the water front along the St Lawrence Rivière. It was gorgeous!  Newly redone in the last 15 years or so to provide eating, walking and meeting places for people to enjoy. (Previously covered with run down warehouses.)

As we were eating our supper (I finally had poutine!) along the waterfront, we witnessed a large cruise ship, a parade and free musical entertainment. Everywhere we go it seems the québécois enjoy their arts and culture. I am envious and wish we would do more of this in other areas of Canada!!

Saguenay to Lac Saint-Jean

We took a leisurely drive along the Saguenay River to Lac Saint-Jean. What a beautiful area!!  Lots of trees, rock and water. A few towns along the way (all named after one saint or another) originally involved in fishing or logging, now specialize in tourism. 

The part of the Saguenay River that dumps into the St. Lawrence is call the Fiord area and whale watching is very popular. Some people take excursions on boats, some camp and kayak. Gorgeous!!

Lac Saint-Jean Area

Our first glimpse of the Lac Saint-Jean area was from a high viewing platform at a music camp we stopped at. We climbed the tall tower and took photos. We also listened to the students practicing for a gala they would present the next night. A beautiful camp sponsored by many groups, one of the big ones being Desjardins Credit Union!

It is 256 km around Lac Saint-Jean, with a dedicated biking path. I would love to bike on this path, Veloroute des Bleuets!  

We stayed at a small motel in Roberval, Motel L'Avantage. Very basic accommodation but spectacular view of the lake, with the bike and train routes right next to a small beach. We explored there before supper. We are at Emporte-Moi, Resto et Salon de The. Exquisite Food!  And a choice of over 250 teas!!

Historic Village Val-Jalbert

We spent an entire morning at Val-Jean, an historic village recreating life in the 1950s. We could have spent all day there, but we must begin to head back towards Montreal to catch our plane tomorrow. 

The village of Val-Jalbert was very modern for its time. They generated electricity from a falls and had a pulp paper mill. This became a company town that employed many men and included a general store, church, school, post office, etc. 

Unfortunately the company fell on hard times during the depression and was closed with the hope of reopening. In the 60s it was given to the area to become a tourist attraction by then Tourism Minister, Rene Leveque.  Now this tourist spot is a wonderful reminder of the 20s with many employees dressing the part. Best of all, the historical village is totally self sustainable as they have a small working generator that produces enough electricity for about 3000 houses. That electricity is connected to Quebec Hydro who pays for it. (I think Tiger Hills Arts Association needs to get an operating windmill to connect to Manitoba Hydro. It sure would be great to be self sustaining!!)

 

Visiting Tadoussac

After our whale watching tour we checked into our hotel, Auberge Gulioune. It was an excellent choice. Charming rooms in a separate building and gourmet food!!  I bought some home made jams and spices from there. 

We also drove to some sand dunes. At least three times higher than the ones at home!!