Rivière-du-Loup Canada, City of Parks and Heritage
Located on the south shore of the Saint Lawrence River in Quebec, Rivière-du-Loup offers a lovely spot to holiday any time of the year. Explore trails through the city’s many scenic parks. Spend time watching whales on the water. Admire the city’s ancient architecture, then take in modern art in exquisite galleries.
City of Parks
Nestled along the Saint Lawrence River, Rivière-du-Loup is comprised of beautiful, scenic parks where guests can take in gorgeous views. The Falls Park, Parc des Chutes , is situated in the heart of downtown and features a 33-metre-high waterfall. Guests will learn about the secrets of hydroelectricity including observation of a restored hydroelectric power station. Discover the pedestrian trails that allow guests to cross both sides of the river. One is situated below the falls, while the other is above, giving guests a bird’s-eye view. Take a picnic and enjoy the day. Also, offering stunning views of the city, river, and its islands, The Cross Park is on top of a hill and features an illuminated cross in the middle of the park, which is visible far from the city. This park offers resting and observation areas. To experience the local culture, Parc-Blais is a gathering place for cultural events, and in the winter, it transforms into an ice skating rink. Visitors go to Parc de la Pointe for the sea-salty air. Pedestrian trails and bicycle paths take you along the river to Indian Head, a large rock shaped like a human face that has been painted and repainted as an Indian head. Also at this park is the St. Lawrence Exploration Centre where visitors can learn about animal and plant life, and which features an aquarium, films, and much more. Meanwhile Petit Témis Interprovincial Linear Park sits on a former railroad and offers 134 km of paths, as well as three camping sites along the trail.
Whale Watching and Tours
Visit Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park which is famous as one of the best places in the world for whale watching. Take a guided tour to watch for whales and belugas, while taking in unique views of the seashore and islands of the St. Lawrence River. Interpreters and exhibits help guests learn the story of the marine life along with the history of local lighthouses and indigenous populations. Kayak with a professional guide or alone. For excursions lasting multiple days, campsites are located along the way. Visitors can spend the night on the island, taking in a glorious sunset and then waking up to the sound of whales. Camping sites, a small hotel, and secluded cottages are hotel options. Explore Rue Lafontaine, the main street in downtown Rivière-du-Loup. This fun main drag offers dining options for all tastes, including quaint restaurants, pubs, and bars. An array of tours are available, including Local Flavours and Savoir-Faire, where guests can explore surrounding country roads in search of local artisans and craft food producers. A delicious way to explore Rivière-du-Loup and pick-up special gifts for loved ones, there are 22 places to visit, including galleries, cheese shops, bakeries, markets, and more. Other walking tours cover art sculptures throughout the city, museum gardens, rivers and tides, lakes and forests, as well as The Mountains and the Sea and The Grand Tours. A Religious Heritage tour includes 11 different local chapels and churches.
A City Rich in Heritage
Rivière-du-Loup is well known for its architecture, and visitors can explore an authentic 19th century courtroom. Tour the former summer residence of Sir John A. MacDonald, the first Prime Minister of Canada, and take in the spectacular views of the Saint Lawrence River and the Charlevoix Mountains. Take the Histoire et trésors Walking Tour, which offers 24 informational signs detailing the local history. Along the tour, stop in to one of the many residences, including Manoir Fraser, a residence that tells the story of the lords during the 19th century, as well as the St. Bartholomew Protestant Chapel. For a truly unique maritime experience, visit the Lighthouse of Pot a l’Eau-de-Vie Island, Brandy Pot Island . This local lighthouse is a charming, federal heritage site that rents out three rooms furnished in the 19th century style, which enable guests to experience what it’s like to sleep in a lighthouse, while standing watch as the lighthouse keepers of old did.