Feeling on top of the world from the Tour du lac Trois-Saumons

Hit the road with no destination in mind. Follow the highway, then the country lanes, then simply turn off onto a small dirt road and make a magnificent discovery. Here’s the story of my #1 fall favorite in the Chaudière-Appalaches region: the Lac Trois-Saumons observation tower!

Color hunters

Did you know that the Chaudière-Appalaches region is home to over 50% of the province of Quebec’s sugar maple trees? That’s why my colleagues and I set out to discover the most colorful and flamboyant landscapes in autumn. With a group name like Color Hunters, motivation and expectations were high.

We began our journey leisurely along the river, stopping at rest stops and parks along the way to l’Islet. The plan for the day was to find the best spots bursting with color. Finally, we let go of the river and headed inland on a winding but quite magnificent road that climbs and climbs… and climbs. But where are we going?

A show in the sky

Like many, I was familiar with Lac Trois-Saumons thanks to its emblematic Trois-Saumons day camp, but not for its observation tower, or belvedere. It’s easy to spot on the Chemin du Tour-du-Lac-Trois-Saumons in Saint-Aubert, where you can also get there by quad via the trails. For our part, we took the traditional automobile to get around. However, I wouldn’t turn down the chance to go quad biking next time.

We leave the car on the side of the road and take the few steps that separate us from the tower. And then, at first glance, I’m already impressed by the architecture of the belvedere, even before I reach the top. But the best was yet to come…40 metres up, that’s where the real show is!

Visual poetry

When I got to the top, I’m at a loss for words. The 360° view is simply breathtaking. Of course, in front of us, there’s the majestic Lac trois-Saumons, which is a must-see, thanks to its 7.5 km length.

In the distance, the estuary of the St. Lawrence River, the steeples of coastal villages, the archipelago of L’Isle-aux-Grues and geese decamping in great flocks. Nearby, the round, pointed heads of the trees. Behind them, the great, majestic barrier of the Appalachians. The panorama from the top of the tower stretches from the Lower St. Lawrence to the Quebec Bridge, crossing the Charlevoix mountains.

There’s no doubt about it, you’re on top of the world, with nothing in your way! It’s like floating on a tide of color! In the distance, everything seems small, but grandiose at the same time.

To be honest with you, I would have spent the rest of the day observing the landscape, and above all, waiting for the sunset, which must surely be enchanting from the top of the tower. I promise, this is just goodbye! And now, while we’re at it, let’s take a closer look at Lac Trois-Saumons before leaving.

Photos: Stéphanie Allard, Louis Chamberland