There are destinations that are best discovered slowly. Places where you don’t need to rush from one attraction to the next to fill your weekend. Rimouski is one of them.
Between the St. Lawrence River, spectacular gardens, local flavors, and encounters with history, each stop becomes an opportunity to fully enjoy the present moment.
Here’s a two-day itinerary for a memorable road trip in the Lower St. Lawrence.
Day 1: Hit the road to the most beautiful coastal landscapes
Start the day at the Reford Gardens (Jardins de Métis)
It’s hard to imagine a better way to kick off a weekend.
As soon as you arrive at the Reford Gardens, the pace slows down. The paths wind between flowers, landscaped artworks, and spaces where you can simply take the time to contemplate.
Each garden tells a different story. Each week brings its new blooms. Some sections invite exploration, while others simply make you want to sit for a few minutes and watch the wind play in the leaves. This summer, explore the 27th edition of the International Garden Festival with the presentation “Mapping Sensivity”, open until Sunday, October 4.
An immersion in the beauty of the Lower St. Lawrence
Here, nature becomes a work of art in its own right.
It’s the kind of place where you quickly lose track of time.
A stop at the Mitis Distillery
A road trip always takes on a special flavor when it allows you to meet passionate artisans. On the way back, a stop at the Mitis Distillery lets visitors discover the expertise of a company that showcases the region’s bounty through its spirits.
We take the time to chat, taste, and understand the close connection between the products and their region of origin.
Taste the Lower St. Lawrence
Each creation tells a little story about the region.
The landscapes you drive through suddenly find their way into your glass.
Settle in at the Motel de la Mer
In the afternoon, return to Rimouski.
The Motel de la Mer is an excellent base for travelers who want to explore the region while enjoying the proximity of the river.
After several kilometers of exploration, you particularly appreciate this moment when you drop off your luggage before setting off on your next adventure.
Discover the Downtown Public Art Trail
The best way to discover a city is often on foot.
Choosing one of the nine Public Art Trails allows you to see Rimouski from a different perspective. The artworks blend naturally into the urban environment and invite you to look up, slow down, and observe the details.
Each installation adds a new perspective on the city and its public spaces.
When art meets the street
The route transforms a simple stroll into a veritable treasure hunt.
End the day at the Rimouski Museum
As the late afternoon light settles over the city centre, the Rimouski Museum offers a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture. Currently, Jacynthe Carrier presents From Threshold to Summit, until September 27, 2026. As part of the Museum’s Orées artistic vision, the exhibition explores the territory’s trilogy: intimate, relational, and geographical. By transforming a neglected hillside along the highway, an often overlooked space, the artist transforms this abandoned area into a space for experimentation, listening, and coexistence.
Permanent and temporary exhibitions allow visitors to explore different aspects of regional history, art, and life.
Understanding the Region Differently
Every trip becomes richer when you understand the stories that have shaped the places you visit.
The museum offers just such a profound perspective on Rimouski and its region.
Day 2: Between Heritage, the River, and Local Discoveries
Start the Morning at Maison Lamontagne
The next morning, head to one of the oldest buildings open to the public in Eastern Quebec.
The Maison Lamontagne Historic Site offers a true journey back in time. Focusing on the way of life in New France, it was built in 1744 for Marie-Agnès Lepage, daughter of the Seigneur of Rimouski. Exploring the site reveals an important part of the region’s heritage and the lives of the area’s first inhabitants.
An Encounter with History
The river has always shaped the lives of the communities of the Lower St. Lawrence.
The visit provides a deeper understanding of this relationship that still unites the inhabitants with their environment today.
Let Quoi Vivre Rimouski guide the rest of the adventure.
The best discoveries are sometimes the ones that weren’t planned at the start.
Thanks to Quoi vivre Rimouski, it’s easy to find an exhibition, cultural activity, show, or event happening during your visit.
Leave room for spontaneity
Every weekend in Rimouski is different.
That’s what makes the experience so enjoyable.
Take one last stroll along the river
Before hitting the road again, a final walk along the waterfront is a must. A stop on the Promenade de la Mer will allow you to experience downtown and the waterfront one last time, culminating in an unforgettable sunset.
The St. Lawrence River accompanies every step of your stay. Sometimes discreet, sometimes spectacular, it remains the common thread of the Rimouski experience.
Stop for a few moments to watch the waves, breathe in the salty air, and enjoy the scenery one last time. Or… let go of conventions and treat yourself to one last night!
Extend your experience in the Boreal Cabins
For those who want to transform their weekend into a true getaway, the BCabines Boréales are an excellent way to extend your stay.
Nestled in a natural environment perfect for disconnecting, they allow you to slow down even more and fully enjoy the atmosphere of the Lower St. Lawrence region.
Sleep to nature’s rhythm
When night falls and tranquility settles in, you realize that some getaways deserve a few extra hours.
A weekend you’ll want to return to
A road trip to Rimouski isn’t just a series of stops.
It’s an immersion in a region where culture, heritage, gastronomy, and wide-open spaces naturally converge.
One moment, you’re enjoying the tranquility of the Reford Gardens.
The next, you’re sampling a local product at the Mitis Distillery.
Then you’ll discover works of art, a historical site, a museum, or simply a view of the river.
And when it’s time to hit the road again, one thing is certain: Rimouski, we’re already thinking about coming back!