Don't be fooled: the innkeepers won't have you walking through a dark corridor behind a building to welcome you to La Ruelle in Saint-Siméon-de-Bonaventure. On the contrary, as soon as you set foot on the grounds of this tourist complex, created in 2013 by Marie-Josée Dugas and Serge Boulanger, you feel as though you're entering an estate where the beautiful ancestral and heritage Arsenault-Gallagher house stands in the foreground.
Initially, the couple decided to establish the La Ruelle fur workshop-boutique there, since Serge has been a fur craftsman since 1977. He offers exclusive clothing and accessories made from fur and other reclaimed materials. He chose to recreate an alleyway from Vieux-Québec as the décor, to set the right context for his products. That's how La Ruelle came to be.
Then in 2017, when the welcoming duo of entrepreneurs transformed a stable on their handsome property into two tourist apartments, and the following year also created a loft in their century-old house, the name La Ruelle was already well established.
As Marie-Josée explains, “I personally welcome every person or group who comes to stay here, and I give them all the information they need to feel welcome and at ease with our concept. I want them to feel at home.”
La Ruelle accommodations offer three beautiful tourist apartments for extended stays of at least 7 days during the high season. Aimed particularly at tourists and business travellers, the three units, offering one or two bedrooms, stand out for their chic yet rustic décor, featuring repurposed materials and works by Gaspé artists and artisans.
Outside, the splendid landscaping, with its pathways and vegetation dominated by large, mature trees, dates from the late 1970s and was enhanced by the current owners around 2010, heightening the natural beauty of the site near the sea. Guests can also enjoy a terrace with a barbecue and an outdoor fire pit in summer. The beach, on Chaleur Bay, is just a few minutes' walk away.
With the La Ruelle workshop-boutique housed in the ancestral home, you'll find a comfortable complex in a place steeped in art, nature, and heritage!” Worth noting: Serge Boulanger has just transferred ownership of his boutique and his expertise to Édith Dubuc and Caroline Hardy as part of a succession project. Since October 2022, they have been operating Les Loutres d’hiver – Récupération de fourrure, which can be visited by appointment.
Don't miss the chance to visit the ancestral home (1820) and its beautifully landscaped heritage trail, created in summer 2021. Featuring eight interpretive panels in French and English about the Arsenault-Gallagher ancestral home, it is open daily for self-guided visits from May 15 to October 15.
The panels reflect the architectural features of the house, as well as the families who lived there and their social and historical circumstances. More broadly, they invite you to explore over 200 years of history of Petit-Bonaventure (now Saint-Siméon-de-Bonaventure). Their content is drawn from information presented in a historical journal and an exhibition produced in 2020 and 2021.
La Ruelle
laruelle.ca
253, Boul. Perron Est
Saint-Siméon-de-Bonaventure, QC G0C 3A0
418.534.4143
Located at the western entrance to Rivière-au-Renard, a sector of the City of Gaspé, just 5 km from the stunning Forillon National Park, Auberge Le Caribou offers a comfortable stay in harmony with the sea. The property has 39 motel rooms and two cottages, plus the Resto-Pub La Révolte, where you can enjoy a heated terrace with ocean views in the summer. Just steps from the port and marina, it's easy to be charmed by the warm atmosphere and the invitation to unwind in a setting that's especially pleasant year-round.
The man who took over in January 2020, just before the COVID pandemic hit and led to a general closure of non-essential businesses, didn't let events get him down. Mathieu Samuel started working at La Révolte, the restaurant at Auberge Le Caribou, at 18, in 2011. Over the years, he learned the ropes of running such an establishment, until the day the owner let him know he intended to sell.
In the village of about 3,000 people where he was born and raised, and where his family already has a tradition of entrepreneurship, few tourism businesses stay open year-round, and he could see himself taking over this one. "Le Caribou has been around since 1930; several generations have passed through it," he explains. "The business interested me. So I told the owner to come see me when he wanted to sell. But it really happened faster than expected," he says in an interview.
After accepting the position of Director of Operations in spring 2019, while pursuing business management studies at Université Laval, he would officially become the owner in January 2020.
Thanks to sound management, the employees' goodwill, and the return of tourists to Gaspésie starting in summer 2021, the business fared well. They used this time to renovate all the rooms and the two cottages. The goal was to move from being a "roadside Highway 132 motel" to a sought-after destination.
The ambitious new owner also plans to add 6 to 8 cottages to meet demand from certain guests, including families.
With around thirty employees, some of whom have been with the company for a very long time, he feels well-positioned to maintain the establishment's success. The restaurant, which operates year-round, seven days a week, serving three meals a day, also employs immigrant workers, particularly Africans and Malagasy. This committed Gaspésien strives daily to bring a youthful touch to La Révolte, especially in the menus, and to attract customers his own age by following market trends.
The owner makes no secret of his grand ambitions for his business: "I want everyone to know the establishment as a must-visit stop. I want tourists to come and enjoy what we have to offer." Not to mention the view from his inn, on the edge of the Gulf and two minutes from the beach.
A private room is available for meals or business meetings, family gatherings, or get-togethers with friends. Meal, beverage, snack, and buffet service is available on request.
And for those wondering where the name La Révolte comes from, we have to go back to the history of this village. In August 1909, fishing companies cut the price paid per quintal of salt cod, the main product traded by the fishermen of Rivière-au-Renard, by 30%. Over 150 years ago, part of the Auberge Le Caribou existed as the William Fruing and Company. It was on the current site of the Auberge Le Caribou that fishermen revolted against the Jersey companies. Naming the Resto-Pub La Révolte in honour of this event was only natural.
Auberge Le Caribou
Resto-bar La Révolte
aubergelecaribou.ca
82, boulevard Renard Ouest
Gaspé (Qc), Canada
G4X 5H1
(418) 269-3344
Almost at the eastern tip of the island, the site offers views of the great Saint-Laurent stretching as far as the eye can see. The fine trees along the road offer a cool oasis where one lingers to read or simply admire the landscape. Entering the main building, standing here since 1961, visitors are struck by the splendour of the reception desk, its lines echoing those of a schooner's railing. A unique piece, made by a long-time artisan employee.
The memory of Captain Desbiens, grandfather of the current owner, is omnipresent here. His cap, photos, and various artifacts are scattered across the floor and walls of the reception area and adjoining dining room.
Why come here? "For happiness," replies Marcelle Tremblay, the reception manager. Seven rooms in the hotel and 13 more in the adjacent motel. Pets welcome. Heated river-water pool. Spa and sauna. The renowned Saturday dinner concerts in high season, hosted by the hostess herself.
Speaking of the dining room, its menu changes daily. A mix of regional terroir products and traditional cuisine. Variety is a constant.
So many stories and legends can be felt in this welcoming place. The lives of sailors have always permeated this island's history. We've all seen or heard of the films about the boats, the schooners, and the daily lives of the island's fishermen and sailors by filmmaker Pierre Perrault, a son of Charlevoix. In this hotel, you can feel its moods, and the walls recount great fragments of them.
Hôtel du Capitaine
hotelducapitaine.com
3033, chemin des Coudriers
Île-aux-Coudres. Qc
418.438.2242
Having moved to Les Méchins a year ago, Daphné and Elaine were making a dream come true: living by the sea. They had fallen in love with this little yellow house in the heart of Les Méchins, with its uninterrupted view of the sea. In this Matanie, which enjoys some of the most beautiful sunsets in Québec, they felt they were in paradise. The stars aligned, and they bought it last year.
They immediately saw the opportunity to share their little piece of paradise with friends. So they converted a loft on the ground floor. This comfortable two-bedroom vacation rental with its own entrance can easily accommodate 3 to 5 people. With its kitchen, living room, and dining area, guests are fully self-sufficient. And as a bonus, they have access to the small private beach right in front of the house at the mouth of the little river, whose waters are swimmable in the summer.
In the heart of the village, near the wharf and the municipal park by the sea, it's an excellent spot for observing marine mammals or collecting seashells on the shore. At the edge of the Matanie, Les Méchins borders Cap-Chat and Sainte-Anne-des-Monts. The loft can therefore serve as a base for visiting the attractions of the Matanie as well as those of Cap-Chat or Ste-Anne-des-Monts, and the Chic-chocs Mountains in the hinterland.
And of course, it's a very welcoming place for LGBT tourists. Although it's easy to find since everyone in Les Méchins knows La Petite Maison jaune and its new hosts, I'll give you the contact details.
The Little Yellow House
514.895.5294
[email protected]
Pierre Perreault
A stone's throw from the town of Matane, a little further east on the shores of the Saint-Laurent Estuary, a building has stood for over 80 years. Known from 1940 to 1970 as the Magasin général de Petit-Matane, it was owned by Armand Gauthier. Left unoccupied for nearly 25 years, it wasn't until 2004 that it was revived as a museum and restaurant, a role it held until 2013.
At the time, many visitors were able to see much of the store's inventory, which remained intact. Since 2014, the Ancien Magasin Général has had a new owner, Cathy Truchon, a Matane native, who has undertaken a bold restoration to bring the period building back to life.
Today, it offers probably one of the most authentic and original accommodations in Gaspésie, just steps from the shores of the mighty Saint-Laurent. The blend of old and new gives a unique character to each of the two sections that make up the house: the living quarters and the shop. Right on the waterfront, this house is the ideal place for a relaxing stay in a stunning setting.
Although its role as a museum has been abandoned, the building remains an important reminder of a not-so-distant past, when the local general store played a central role in supplying the community. The two accommodations thus offer guests staying for a few days subtle nods to the era when it was still a general store.
The "shop" section sleeps 7, while the "residential section" (where the merchant and his family lived) sleeps 6. The entire property can also be rented by a single group for larger parties.
Of course, both sections come with all the amenities you'd expect: all kitchen utensils are included, even lobster crackers, basic spices, coffee (Nespresso and filter), bedding, towels, paper towel, tissues, shampoo, soap, outdoor BBQ, etc. In fact, guests only need to bring their personal belongings.
Guests can also enjoy TVs with Netflix access, as well as a record player with vintage vinyl records found in the house when it was acquired.
The basement is perfect for teenagers, with a small lounge, a game console, and a popular arcade machine.
Finally, guests can use two sea kayaks to enjoy the waters of the estuary when the weather permits.
Of course, internet access is available, making it an ideal spot for remote work with friends or family.
You'll find everything you need to stock up on food nearby, including lobster, fish, and seafood, depending on the season. Excellent restaurants are also not far away. The owner will know which ones to recommend, if needed.
Take a look at the photos accompanying this profile. They'll convince you to book a stay soon.
827 Chemin de la Grève, Matane, QC G4W 7A1
514-594-3534
AirBnB page
Facebook page
Other accommodations offered by Cathy Truchon in the area
Two other properties are available for short- or long-term stays, each with different features. La Maison du Littoral and Cabine F., in Matane-sur-Mer, are located directly on the seafront with private beach access, as is the Magasin Général.
La Maison du Littoral offers a breathtaking view of the estuary, an ever-changing tableau that shifts with the weather. Sleeps 6 · 3 bedrooms · 3 beds · 1.5 bathrooms
Cabine F. offers a striking industrial-style loft design, sleeping 6 · 3 bedrooms · 3 beds · 2 bathrooms.
By Gaëtan Vaudry
Upon the announcement of my visit to Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, the well-informed promptly provided me with a list of the finest dining spots not to be missed in the region. Among them was the table at the O'Batillage restaurant, offering exquisite local cuisine within the Auberge des Battures in the town of La Baie. Chef Étienne Trottier ensures a local supply that introduces us to the best of the boreal forest and regional producers. Even though we were in the low season of November, the team at O'Batillage welcomed us wonderfully. For my part, I was treated to a three-course meal, starting with smoked salmon from La Boucanerie d’Henri. Beyond this salmon, which I believe is the best in Quebec, the dish included a Frambleu coulis (from Domaine Le Cageot), cucumbers, flaxseed oil (from Ferme Tournevent), capers, raspberries, and puffed wild rice. An unmissable starter!
For the main course, I chose the seafood pasta featuring fresh tagliolini (La Prod LP) in Mornay sauce, Matane shrimp, Prince Edward Island mussels, Iles-de-la-Madeleine scallops, white fish, and sea lettuce. A generous portion that satisfies hearty appetites. Of course, we always save room for dessert, and I was tempted by an excellent crème brûlée. I could not have made a better choice!
Experiencing the restaurant at Auberge des Battures is certainly a delight for the taste buds, but it is equally pleasing for the eyes. Throughout my substantial meal, the establishment, managed by Mr. Éric Civel, offered me an unparalleled view of the Saguenay Fjord. A feast for all your senses.
Restaurant O'Batillage / Auberge des Battures
6295, boulevard de la grande Baie Sud Saguenay, La Baie district
418 544-8234
https://obatillage.com
By Gaëtan Vaudry
According to Marie Lerdu, the lodging manager, the project to restore this 1960s motel was a bit of a wild idea. Nevertheless, this initiative has borne fruit, as today, the Auberge Camp de Base, located at the entrance to L'Anse Saint-Jean in the heart of the Bas Saguenay valley, has quickly become a true hub of village life.
In addition to efficiently managing the lodging aspect of the establishment (9 rooms, a dormitory, a communal kitchen, and several camping areas), the team at Auberge Camp de Base also offers a resto-bar highlighting local products, including meats and fish smoked on-site. After a few weeks of rest, the resto-bar team is back for the colorful winter season. On the menu, a complete tourist experience in the Bas-Saguenay area, in partnership with Mont-Édouard, Entre Chien et Loups, and Saguenay Adventures. Indulge in one of the excursion packages that connect you with 40 malamute dogs in the heart of the Fjord-du-Saguenay mountains, or enjoy essential days of alpine skiing, snowshoeing, Fatbike, and cross-country skiing.
Upon returning to Auberge Camp de Base, you can relax and enjoy a unique culinary experience, as the establishment is certified as a flavor ambassador by Zone Boréale, placing great importance on the origin of its local or regional products: "Although the place attracts a large number of tourists throughout the year, we have the reputation of being a social gathering place for village residents," shares Marie Lerdu. "The mix of tourists and our residents creates very warm evenings. That's why we've just made some renovations, allowing us to offer several themed evenings to our customers." In the coming months, Auberge Camp de Base will offer art openings, song performances, improvisation, and even board game nights.
Open from Thursday to Saturday starting at 4 PM, the resto-bar at Auberge Camp de Base invites you to its Holiday season party on the upcoming Saturday, December 16, starting at 6 PM. The group Les Quêteux du Lac-St-Jean will perform traditional call-and-response songs, accompanied by the experienced caller Ghislain Jutras. Tickets priced at $18 are available on site. The upcoming evenings' programming will be available through the official Facebook page of the inn: https://facebook.com/aubergelecampdebase.
Furthermore, the management of Auberge Camp de Base is delighted to participate as an official exhibitor at the European Christmas Market of Saguenay, held from November 30 to December 3 and from December 7 to 10 at Place du Citoyen in Chicoutimi. On-site, over 32 exhibitors, mulled wine, and hundreds of gift ideas, all in an enchanting and magical Christmas setting.
Auberge Camp de Base
5, rue Saint-Jean-Baptiste
L'Anse-Saint-Jean
https://aubergecampdebase.com
