Jeff On The Road discovers Islet’s hidden treasures

Follow me into the enchanting world of the Islet region. This region has many hidden gems along the shores of the St. Lawrence River, where every moment resonates with the magic of nature, gastronomy and culture.

Follow the river...

Stop 1. My day begins in l’Islet-sur-Mer with a café with a view and a home-cooked breakfast made entirely from local produce in a gîte. Here, the Route des Navigateurs captivates us with its stunning river scenery. It leads us to discover Quebec’s unique maritime heritage, generous snack bars and charming streets in emblematic Quebec villages. And what’s more, there are stops for sweet tooths and aperitifs.

A magical awakening at the Maison de L'Anse-aux-Oies

Stop 2. The day begins with the gentle melody of the waves of the St. Lawrence River caressing the shore of Islet-sur-Mer. In the distance, you can see the mountainous topography of Charlevoix. The sun rises, bathing the Maison de L’Anse-aux-Oies in a warm glow. The calm, peaceful atmosphere of this little corner of paradise is the perfect prelude to a day of gastronomic and cultural adventures.

There’s nothing quite like a morning coffee in the B&B’s glass roof, offering a breathtaking view of the majestic river. The intoxicating aroma of freshly ground coffee mingles with the sea breeze, creating a unique olfactory symphony. Taking the time to savor each sip while contemplating the infinite landscape is an experience not to be missed.

At Maison de L’Anse-aux-Oies, lunch is a celebration of local flavors. Fresh produce from nearby farms is meticulously prepared by hosts Sylvie and René to create an authentic feast. Each bite transports us to the gastronomic riches of the region.

A cultural visit to the Musée Maritime du Québec

Stop 3. After a delicious lunch, a cultural exploration is in order. The Musée Maritime du Québec offers a fascinating journey through the region’s maritime history. Captivating exhibits and carefully preserved artifacts transport visitors to a world where past and present meet.

On-site, to learn more about the maritime world, follow the self-guided adventure L’Équipée via your smartphone, where the museum invites you to a fun, interactive experience. My favorite was the visit to the hydrofoil Bras d’Or, a warship transformed into a museum ship, which takes you back to the time when it was built, in the 1960s. The tour, which takes in the different floors of the boat, will have you bending over, climbing cramped ladders and more.

Gourmet lunch at Casse-croûte chez Line

Stop 4. For lunch, head to Casse-Croûte chez Line, a must in Saint-Aubert. Here, traditional Quebec casse-croûte cuisine takes center stage. Gourmet dishes, lovingly prepared by chef Mathieu, Caroline and their team, showcase ingredients unique to the region.

Chances are, like me, you’ll be seduced by the poutine Bon Jack and the Club Enchanté – homemade ham, caramelized onions and mustard for the poutine, and homemade smoked chicken, bacon, brunch bread and local cheddar for the club.

Just thinking about it makes my mouth water. On your forks!

Electric bike tour in Saint-Jean-Port-Joli

Stop 5. After a decadent lunch, we head for the picturesque village of Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, where an electric bike adventure awaits. Thanks to Jolis Vélos Créatifs, you’ll be able to get around the village with ease, while shopping at our partner merchants.

Stops 6, 7 and 8. During this ride, don’t miss a few notable stops, such as the wharf, the Vivoir and the Le Moule à sucre boutique. In this area, you’ll also find the Ras l’bock pub, the perfect place to relax over a good local microbrewery beer.

Sweet discovery at Boulangerie Sibuet

Stop 9. Before (or after…) dinner, stop off at Boulangerie Sibuet for the famous cream and sugar tart, a real sweet treat that will tantalize the taste buds of even the biggest sweet tooth!

Aperitif mocktails at La Coureuse des Grèves

Stop 10. To round off our stay in L’Islet, an aperitif at La Coureuse des Grèves is a must. Here you’ll find artisanal mocktails made with local ingredients, such as Sangria made from kombucha.

Wherever you are in the Islet region, you’ll be able to admire a magnificent sunset. Just look out towards the river at the end of the day to experience this majestic spectacle. For my part, my adventures took me to the Halte des Piliers, where I watched the tide crash against the rocks, while the sky offered us its most beautiful colors. What better way to end a perfect stay in l’Islet.

Photos : Jeff Frenette