Baie-Comeau

Open from the spring melt until the first snowfalls of autumn, this lookout at kilometre 787 along Route 138 reveals a sweeping panoramic view over the fjard and the river. At kilometre 784, hike the Lac Glaciaire loop as it weaves through waterfalls and forest undergrowth over 7 km, offering a closer look at boreal flora and fauna.

This 432-acre green haven features 11 km of trails to explore on foot in summer and on snowshoes in winter. From May to October, hike the Sentier de la Falaise trail to observe harbour seals and spot Barrow’s goldeneye, an endangered species of diving duck. The path ends at the Champlain beach, where you can wander the shoreline at low tide, walk on the sandbank uncovered by the receding water or take a refreshing dip in the river.

Open year-round on Place LaSalle, the cultural and historic heart of Baie-Comeau, this brewpub showcases northern terroir. You can savour poutine smothered in beer gravy, wild boar or venison burgers, and Nordic shrimp rolls in season. To complement your meal, treat yourself to one of their boreal craft brews, which include sours, stouts and wheat ales infused with bakeapples (also called cloudberries), haskap berries or dune peppers. The name of the place pays tribute to the bootleggers who hid out in the coves of the Saint-Pancrace fjard during 1930s Prohibition.

From mid-December to around the end of March, this ski hill 15 minutes from downtown offers 16 trails for downhill skiing or snowboarding, as well as tubing. Full gear rental is available on site, which is ideal if you’re travelling light. After hitting the slopes, gather in the lodge around the central fireplace to warm up and enjoy a meal or a drink at the resto-bar.