QUEBEC’S NORTH SHORE HIGHWAY

hardscrabble farms, where

On Quebec’s south shore, a road now connects these centres of population along the shores of the Gaspe Peninsula, and into New Brunswick. On the north shore, progress has been slow. True, there are a few major towns, but the Que-138 Rte comes to an inglorious end just past the community of Natashquan. Someday perhaps, the Quebec government will complete the road through to Banc Sablon, making it possible to reach Labrador and points beyond. As it is, to sample the scenery along the north shore of the outer St. Lawrence River, you’ll have to drive it – both ways.

The journey begins at Tadoussac, a mere ferry ride (free) across the Saguenay River. There was a First Nations Story & photos For centuries the St. Lawrence River has been a gateway to Canada, and during all those years it would have been better to leave the forest alone.

settlement here when Jacques Cartier arrived in 1535, but it wasn’t established as a fur trading post until about 1600. It has continued to grow and is now a vital tourist stop. The immense, red roofed Hotel Tadoussac is the trademark of the town. Its spectacular riverfront view and elegant landscaping are a photo op you don’t want to pass by.

Tadoussac sits at the junction of the Saguenay Fjord and the St. Lawrence estuary, one of the biggest and deepest estuaries known to man, that extends 250 km to the widening of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The water here is salty enough to resemble the ocean, and there are several whale watching tours available. You can also book a scenic tour to take you into the high-walled fjord. We found it has spread bits of humanity along the way. Fishing villages proliferated, and hard working people cleared the land to create tiny,