Leave the caribou alone! That's the message from the Government of Quebec in a December 15 news release warning the public of the adverse health effects human activity could have on the animals, especially a population of what are called mountain caribou, an ecotype of the woodland caribou that can be found in the highlands of the Gaspé Peninsula.
The Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks (MFFP) says the Gaspé mountain caribou have been considered threatened in the province since 2009 and represent the "last vestige" of a population that used to span eastern Canada and the northeastern United States.
Officials estimate that just 32 to 36 of the animals remain in Gaspé.
The MFFP is asking Quebecers to avoid parts of the Réserve faunique des Chic-Chocs and to consider visiting other parks following recent caribou sightings.
"Disturbance of caribou in a ravine (winter habitat) can lead to increased energy expenditure, particularly in calves, thus altering their physical condition," the ministry said in the release.
"This can even be detrimental to their survival by forcing them to move to areas that are less favourable for them."
Voluntarily approaching the caribou or allowing pets to do so is enough to disturb them, according to the ministry. And there could be consequences for anyone who does.
The MFFP states that disrupting caribou or other big game activity in their natural habitat could land you a minimum fine of $1,825 and a two-year hunting license suspension.
The time has come for you girlfriends out there to plan a sick trip for your boyfriend this summer! It's time to treat him to a great trip since he treats you so well everyday. These trips are all super adventurous and you should do at least 3 of them this summer! They are all located right here in Canada so I can assure you that these trips aren't impossible to do. All it takes is a little planning.
These trips are absolutely perfect for anniversaries and birthdays where you treat him for once. I suggest planning this as a surprise so that he will be in utter shock! this list composes of things to do if you love swimming, summer, and your boyfriend so sit back, relax, and enjoy the view!
Why not check out the Writing-on-Stone park with your crazy intelligent Boyfriend this summer! The park offers amazing views and a great learning experience. The park also isn’t only about learning, they have hiking, kayaking, rock art tours, and much more for you and your boyfriend to enjoy this summer.
Just a few weeks ago I was actually here and I can honestly say that I had the best time! The parking is free and it's only about a hour and a half away from Montreal. The water is great and the views are superb! I suggest bringing food and having a fun little romantic picnic with your boyfriend.
3. Explore Tonquin Trail, British Columbia For A Backpacking Adventure With Him
If your Boyfriend loves backpacking and you want to experience a wild adventure, then the Tonquin Trail in BC is the place for you guys. Their trails are over 3KM of pure beauty and they even have amazing beaches. So get packing and surprise your athletic boyfriend with a crazy hiking adventure.
Bruce Peninsula National Park holds what seems to be something out of a fairy tale. The park has a peninsula that is absolutely stunning! It is only an 8 hour drive from Montreal and trust me, it’s worth every minute! Plus you get to spend every minute with that special someone. They have kayaking, swimming, biking, and much more to make your boyfriend fall even more in love with you this summer.
For a two hour road trip from Montreal, bring your boyfriend to explore the Chutes De La Chaudiere for a wild time! These waterfalls honestly look like they aren't even located in Canada but trust me they are! This is a great place to sit back and enjoy the scenery as you enjoy each others company.
For that nature loving hiking boyfriend, this is the place for him! It’s hard to believe that this park is located in Quebec and features some of the deepest gorges East of the Rockies. They have gorgeous views and this is great for that athletic of yours. This is a great place to picnic, laugh, and love with your boyfriend this summer.
If you want a quick and easy yet amazing day trip, then I suggest checking out the Grotto that is simply two hours away from Montreal. It's great for swimming and it's truly lovely. I recommend having a great big picnic and just relaxing with your boyfriend for the day.
If your boyfriend is obsessed with Lord Of The Rings, than for only $135 a night, you and your boyfriend can relive Lord Of The Rings right here in Quebec! Entre Cimes et Racines is the company that organized the “Hobbit Village” for the pure reason of having fun right in nature. Your surroundings are beautiful and its very romantic! You can book a stay in the Hobbit House right here!
9. Explore Cavendish Beach, Prince Edward Island With Him
I recommend road tripping to PEI for their superb Cavendish beach! The water is a distinct blue shade that makes for the best pictures and for the most romantic moments. It is definitely a place that should be on you and your boyfriends bucket list this summer!
10. Explore The “Emerald” River In The Gaspé Peninsula With Him
the Bonaventure River is 100% the place for you and your boyfriend this summer! The Bonaventure river is also known as the emerald-blue river or “clear water” according to the name given to it by the Mi’kmaq. This river is absolutely stunning! It Is great for swimming, kayaking, fisihing, and just relaxing! This is a great location for some down time with your boyfriend.
Anticosti is a wild island surrounded by huge cliffs and ocean views that is perfect for that adventurous boyfriend. They have spectacular canyons that you can kayak through and perfect spots for camping with your boyfriend this summer. This park is great for a cute camping trip that involves stargazing, campfires, and adventures with your boyfriend.
12. Explore Morraine Lake In Banff National Park AB With Him
Moraine Lake is a glacially lake in Banff National Park. It is situated in the Valley of the Ten Peaks where you can see its unique blue waters from a mile away. The water fills up in June and it's a great place to be in Mother Nature with your Boyfriend this summer. It is stunning and truly amazing for you equally amazing boyfriend.
13. Explore The Georgian Bay Grotto In Ontario With Him
The Georgian Bay in the Bruce Peninsula National Park holds superb views and magnificent sites that you and your boyfriend must see this summer. One of their most popular attractions is their beautiful grotto that is perfect for swimming and relaxation. The drive is about 8 hours so you can make a weekend getaway out of it with your boyfriend and rent an airbnb!
14. Explore Pebble Creek, British Columbia For Keyhole Hot Springs With Him
Since your boyfriend has most probable treated you to a spa day, why not treat him to a all natural sap day! The Pebble Creek is the place for you, it is very relaxing and absolutely gorgeous! It's a perfect spa getaway that is fun for you and your boyfriend.
It's mid-summer and it's time for us young, broke, and restless Montrealers to get out there! For those broke Montrealers like me, I think we should take advantage of the province we live in and explore what Quebec has to offer. So, if you are too broke to go to insane places across Canada, why not check out Quebec! The list below comprises of cheap places to go to in Quebec when you are young, broke, and darn right crazy.
It seems to me that we Montrealers complete forget how amazing Quebec actually is. Quebec wil surprise you in multiple ways since it seem like a tropical destination sometimes. These places are absolutely gorgeous and super fun for everyone! The price is relatively cheap and I can promise you that you won't regret making the trip in your own province.
So I think it’s about time to plan a cheap vacation with some of your friends this summer in your own backyard. You may not be able to afford a trip to Europe, but you can afford to make memories this summer '16 in your own province. So get your young, broke, and restless friends off Pokémon GO and explore what Quebec has to offer at a reasonable price!
1. Save Money And Visit The “Emerald” River In The Gaspé Peninsula
If you want to swim in some clear AF water, then the Bonaventure River is the place for you! The Bonaventure river is also known as the emerald-blue river or "clear water" according to the name given to it by the Mi’kmaq. This river is absolutely stunning! It Is great for swimming, kayaking, fisihing, and just relaxing! So drive on down for a wild time.
2. Save Money And Visit The “Hobbit Village” In Quebec To Relive Lord Of The Rings
For $135 a night, you and 4 friends can relive Lord Of The Rings right here in Quebec! Entre Cimes et Racines is the company that organized the "Hobbit Village" for the pure reason of having fun right in nature. Your surroundings are beautiful and if you divide the cost it's only $33.75 per person! You can book a stay in the Hobbit House right here!
3. Save Money And Visit Lac des Piles For Cliff Diving In Shawinigan
Head out to Shawinigan and check out the great cliffs at Lac des Piles where you can jump, dive, and cannonball your summer away! You and your friends are guaranteed a good time and some great footage of each other jumping off cliffs. It's pefect for that summer roadtrip and for some insane memories! I mean who else can say they jumped 30 feet in QC?
Enjoy a great camping trip in Gatineau Park, and head down to the water, at any time of day, and skinny dip with your closest friends! This destination is superb and absolutely stunning! They have so many different activities but I suggest taking a beautiful hike down to a secluded spot on the lake and stripping your clothes off.
5. Save Money And Visit The Rocher Percé In Gaspesie
For a quick and simple road trip to take with your friends, I strongly recommend checking out l’Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé. It’s easy to get to and super cheap for your broke Montreal friends like me! These rocks are Quebec’s trade mark and the area around they are found in has great activities for you and your friends this summer.
6. Save Money And Visit The Parc National des Grands-Jardins In Charlevoix
Situated in the Charlevoix region, Parc National des Grands-Jardins is absolutely stunning! The views are so impressive that it is a perfect location for some gorgeous pictures. I recommend hiking up the beautiful mountains and enjoying a mountain view picnic with you wild friends this summer. It is truly insane to eat on the edge of a mountain. And the best part it that it is only a four hour drive out of the city for those broke people like me.
For nature, romance, and luxury all in one, I suggest heading out to La Malbaie in Quebec. This little town is located right near the Camping Des Chutes Fraiser and the peaceful Jardins de Quatre-Vents. They have boutiques, boulangeries, chalets, golf clubs, and beautiful views. It's only a 4 hour drive from Montreal so you can treat that special someone at a reasonable price.
8. Save Money And Visit Le Trou de La Fée In Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean To Walk Over Water
If you want to experience one of the most breathtaking locations in the world, then Quebec’s Parc de la caverne du Trou de la Fée, situated in Quebec’s Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean is the place to be. They have a crazy footbridges and much more that includes hiking trails, a Chinese garden, zip lining, and wild cliffs. It is a perfect trip for you young, wild, and restless people like me!
9. Save Money And Visit Île Aux Lièvres On The St. Lawrence River To Live On A Island
If you love adventures and hidden secrets, then Ile Aux Lievres is the place for you! This island is located right on the St. Lawrence river where you can experience nature and wildlife first hands with some of your friends this summer. They offer cottages, campsites, swimming, and so much more! You can appreciate nature right on your doorstep!
10. Save Money And Visit Quebec City For Whale Watching In A Kayak
Instead of simply going whale watching, why not be wild and go kayaking with whales! I recommend looking into kayaking with the belugas in the Saguenay Fjord for that rush of adrenaline with your closest friends this summer. It is honestly breathtaking and honestly, not many people can say that they went swimming with wild belugas!
For those extra wild friends of yours, you guys should definitely check out surfing in the st. Lawrence river! Not only is this super crazy but it is also very fun. All you need is a surf board and then head on down to the Lasalle waterfront. There is always a large group of fellow surfers who are very welcoming to new comers!
For a two hour road trip from Montreal, bring your friends to explore the Chutes De La Chaudiere for a wild time! These waterfalls honestly look like they are from another country, so bring your cameras and fool your family by telling them you left Canada.
For a quick and easy two hour drive, you and your friends should swim over to the grotto in Quebec. This grotto is also known as the Wallingford-Back Mine and it is completely safe for you to visit.It is absolutely stunning and it is a perfect place for a big group of wild friends to chill, eat, and swim! You can go swimming, hiking, and much more in it’s majestic blue waters. It is refreshing a truly a great time for everyone.
Also known as the L'Acropole Des Draveurs, the Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie is a neautiful parl for hiking in the rocks. It’s hard to believe that this park is located in Quebec and features some of the deepest gorges East of the Rockies. They have gorgeous views and this is great for those broke and wild friends of yours.
For those truly wild young friends, I recommend jumping into outaouais to experience the Great Canadian Bungee! This is absolutely perfect for those adventurous friends who dare to jump. It is about $100 for the first jump and then about $50 for every additional jump that day. So if you loved cliff diving, then you and your broke friends should try bungee jumping next for a bigger thrill!
Run wild and free with your nature loving friends this summer! Horseback Riding is honestly super fun and a great crazy activity to do with your friends. You may not think that horseback riding isn't so crazy but trust me, once you get on a horse you’ll see! I suggest checking out Ranch Double G in Mascouche for a superb time for you and your insane friends.
If you and your friends love spectacular views and phtography, then the heartshaped lake in Quebec is the place for you. It's called l’Etang Baker, and it is located near Mont-Gauvin which is close to Lac-Brome in Quebec. Not only do they have a heart shaped lake, but also a heart shaped island very near by! Click here for Direction to the heart shaped lake & Click here for directions to the heart shaped island.
18. Save Money And Visit Au Diable Vert For Stargazing
For a romantic or fun camping trip adventure that includes AMAZING stargazing, I suggest heading down to Au Diable Vert. Au Diable Vert is an award winning outdoor center close to Mount-Sutton in the Eastern Townships. The sky is so clear at night that you literally feel like you are in space watching the stars from another planet. You can even wish upon a shooting star for money since we are all broke!
19. Save Money And Visit Les Iles-de-la-Madeleine In Quebec
Quebec’s Iles-de-la-Madeleine is DROP DEAD GORGEOUS! Several small islands make up this area, so there are numerous amounts of beaches for you to explore! This is truly a spectacular location to spend a beachy summer with some of your friends. I honestly can't believe that this is located in Montreal.
For some natural water slides, I suggest looking into the Griffon Adventures ! For safety purposes, this natural slide requires some protective gear and the help from a guide however that doesn't take away any of the adventure feel that we young wild people crave. These natural water slides are really amazing and perfect for summer '16.
The Parc national des Pingualuit is located in the center of the Ungava plateau and protects a meteorite caused crater filled with extraordinarily clear blue water. It is truly a site to see in Quebec! It is definetly a wonder of the world that you should visit this summer!
22. Save Money And Visit Anticosti For A Real Adventure
Anticosti is a wild island surrounded by huge cliffs and ocean views. They have scpetacular canyons that you can kayak through and perfect spots for camping with your wild friends this summer.It's a national park that is worth the trip too with some of your closest friends.
There's nothing like getting into a car stuffed with snacks, good friends, great mixtapes (yes, you should still be making mixtapes because they're awesome), a map or two and hitting the open road. A good road trip to a festival is always fun, but what if you just want to see some sights or check out a new city?
We've rounded up some great ideas for you and all you need is your car! Whether you want to get away for a day, a weekend or a week, take a look at our road trip suggestions, and, as always, feel free to add your own in the comments.
The Ride: A road trip to the province's capital may be short, but it is incredibly enjoyable. This one is more about the destination, than the ride, though the Eastern Quebec landscape is something to see!
Length: 3 hours.
The Destination:
Check out the 4.6 km of stone walls that served as defense structures in the city's earlier days.
Old Quebec is similar to our very own version, but history is much more alive in Old Quebec and it really creates a very rich, unique atmosphere.
Think Niagara Falls are a big deal? Quebec City's Montmorency Falls are actually higher than Niagara Falls and a lot more impressive.
If you can afford it, try to spend at least one night in the incredible Chateau Frontenac.
Saratoga Springs, NY
The Ride: Ok, we'll admit, the drive on the I-87 South doesn't offer you very much to look at. This is one of those road trips where you really need a good playlist and some awesome snacks. May we suggest a trip to Bulk Barn before you head out? Belting out old-school faves from the 1990s and 2000s usually helps our road trips fly by.
Length: 3 hours.
The Destination:
Ladies, get out your most ridiculous hats, because we're going to the Saratoga Race Course. Bet on the horse with the funniest name, seriously, and watch him/her take first place (MTL Blog does not guarantee this. Please gamble responsibly)!
Check out Broadway, which is pretty much the center of downtown Saratoga, for a ton of quirky boutiques, bars and salons. Great spot for fashion-lovers - Saratoga has everything from haute couture shops to small, locally-owned stores, giving you a wide variety of choices.
The Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) is the number one destination for music and dance lovers. Check out who's playing this summer and plan your road trip from now!
Gaspésie, QC
The Ride & Destination:
Length: Heading to Gaspé directly - 11 hours
This road trip is two-in-one - the ride is the destination and vice versa. As you travel, make sure to enjoy every little nook and cranny of the towns that you may stumble upon. If you were to drive straight to Gaspé, it would take about a day, but we're suggesting taking your time and stopping to visit other areas of Québec along the way.
Driving along the coast, through picturesque towns like Rimouski is perfection.
Cliffside bed and breakfast inns overlooking the water provide ideal stops along the way.
Make sure you visit the famous Percé Rock before continuing on to Gaspé, which finds itself at the very tip of the Peninsula
Vermont/New Hampshire/Maine (USA)
The Ride: New England offers some of the best road trip scenery ever, with many options. You can create an itinerary that travels lakes and sandy beaches, or one that explores the rustic, quieter roads through forested hills and farmland.
Length:Technically, the whole trip is only about 15 hours of driving time, but there's so much to see in New England, it really would be best to take a few days and explore.
The Destination: You'll need to set aside at least a full week for this trip, if not more. There is so much to see and do in these states, that it's practically impossible to pick and choose. Here are our fave spots to visit.
In Vermont, the town of Burlington, which many Montrealers are already familiar with, offers visitors a summer full of festivals and community-organized fun.
Just south of Burlington, you'll find Shelburne and a place called The Teddy Bear Factory. That's right, a factory dedicated to teddy bears which you can tour and shop at.
Better than teddy bears is the Ben & Jerry's Factory , also located in Vermont. Teddy bears and ice cream - this is the paradise that 6-year-old us always imagined.
In New Hampshire, there is no sales tax. We know, now it's like the paradise that every Quebec resident has ever imagined. Han(g)over New Hampshire is a fun college town.
In Maine, all that matters is that coastline. Give me ocean breezes and sand between my toes all dayy long.
Magog, QC
The Ride: This one's a mini road trip - more of a day trip - but definitely worth it. The drive itself isn't anything special, since it's so short. But, when you get there, you'll be happy you came.
Length: 1.5 hours
The Destination:
Lake Memphremagog: what we love about this lake though, is that there are rumors of a sea monster that lives within its depths - our very own Québécois Nessie!
Check out the main area of Magog for your typical fun and quirky small-town shops and galleries.
If you're especially "daring", take a boat cruise on the Lake-Which-Cannot-Be-Named and look for our little sea monster, her name is Memphre, or try to spot the various cottages of Canadian celebrities!
Cape Cod, MA
The Ride: We love hitting up all of the small towns and driving through winding roads on our way to the Cape. There are less cars on these back roads so it's just you, your friends, music blasting from your stereo and a summer breeze. If you have the time, plan to stop for a day or two in Boston before continuing south - you won't regret it.
Length:6.5 hours
The Destination:
Hit up the middle of the Cape for the best nightlife options - Hyannis, Dennis, Yarmouth - and definitely rent a house even if you're just there for 2-3 nights.
Go to the local supermarket, stock up on the essentials and drinks, obviously, and you have a recipe for the perfect little vacation. Beach, alcohol, food, friends.. what more can you want or need?
Number 1 place to visit in Cape Cod: Provincetown. It's located at the tip of the Cape, has a population of a couple of thousand and is a premiere vacation destination for gay men and women with a very bumping nightlife.
Niagara Falls, ON
The Ride: If you give yourself enough time, you can turn this road trip into an adventure exploring southern Ontario. You'll go right through Kingston, Toronto and Hamilton on your way to Niagara Falls and this would be a great opportunity to explore some of the sights and activities that these cities have to offer.
Length: 7 hours
The Destination:
For all of our friends who love to get scared, make sure you check out the Nightmares Fear Factory. This is probably the scariest haunted house you'll ever find.
If you're more of an animal-lover, actually even if you're not, you'll want to check out Marinelandwhere you can swim with dolphins and learn all about whales. There's also a whole amusement park, with roller coasters and tons of other rides.
Don't leave without visiting the impressive Niagara Falls. You should definitely take a boat tour up to the Falls so you can really experience just how astonishing and awesome it is.
Seaside Heights, NJ
The Ride: Let's be honest, driving through the Garden State sucks - there are tolls everywhere. This is one of those road trips where you better be surrounded by really funny friends, or at least friends that know what kind of music you need on a road trip.
Length: 7 hours
The Destination:
The great party vibe and fun atmosphere is still a foundation for life in Seaside, despite recent natural disasters.
Fried everything, carnival rides, solid nightlife, and the constant rotation of tourists make this an awesome spot for 20-somethings.
PS. Does the name sound familiar? Of course it does. Our dear friends Pauly, Vinny, Ronnie, Sammie, JWoww, Snooki and Mike partied there for quite a few summers.
St. John's, NL
The Ride: This is the ride to end all rides. Not only is your destination the beautiful, culturally diverse city of St. John's, Newfoundland, but you also get to explore New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and even Prince Edward Island, if you're down to take a detour. The best part about this trip is the 6-7 hour ferry ride from Nova Scotia to Newfoundland - SO worth it.
Length: 33 hours
The Destination:
Important historic landmarks, such as Cabot Tower or Signal Hill, are scattered everywhere, particularly since this city was a defensive position and a port of entry back in the day.
Exploring the trail along the Eastern coastline is a can't-miss - bring your bike for a nice relaxing afternoon, or just walk it!
The night life in St. John's (on George Street) will surprise and entice you - there's always something going on, always a bar that's "happening" and the locals are always out, having a good time.
Toronto, ON
The Ride: If all else fails, drive to Toronto? We know, it doesn't really make sense to leave our great city for Toronto, of all places. But sometimes, you just gotta get out of town. The drive isn't anything special, unless you enjoy getting to know small towns in Ontario which, let's be honest, is sometimes more fun than the destination! Anyone want to go antiquing?
The Destination:
We're not going to bore you with the typical Toronto landmarks.
Check out Kensington Market for a laid-back, creative atmosphere - local artisans sell their wares on this busy, colourful street.
Visit North America's largest drive-in movie theatre at Polson Pier where you can also work on your golf swing and ride some roller coasters. We want to go to there now.
Of course, though definitely not on par with Montreal, Toronto does offer some interesting night life options and the Entertainment District is worth checking out.
Finally understand why Torontonians prefer coming to Montreal on weekends (just slightly kidding, guys!).
Length: 6 hours
Did we miss your favourite road trip? Let us know about it! After all, sharing is caring.
