Travel in Canada: Chaudière-Appalaches – Thetford Mines

We’re still discovering the attractions of Chaudière-Appalaches, and Thetford Mines in now in the spotlight.

The 3 Mountains site in St-Joseph-de-Coleraine immediately caught my attention. It offers easy and intermediate hiking trails through its three mountains, Oak Mountain, Kerr Mountain and Caribou Mountain.

An educational trail has been set up where you can, among other things, discover what an ophiolite is. A hebertism course designed for ages 6 and up is accessible on the site. It includes a quiz and a “search and find” activity.

Accommodation varies from wilderness camping to yurts to Chalet Desjardins. At the time of writing this article, there is still plenty of availability for the summer, even on weekends. It’s a great opportunity to spend the night in an unusual accommodation, and you could use your credit card points to pay for it.

Visit their website for more details and to book your stay.

I love trying a new activity that is off the beaten path. The Beaulac-Garthby Velorail will turn an ordinary day into an extraordinary adventure. Ride the bike carts for a 10 or 18 km ride on the railway.

Two people aged 10 and over are required to operate the machine and a bench seat is designed for children under 10 years old. A great way to get moving while discovering beautiful landscapes.

Departures take place at fixed times several times a day.
Open from May to October.

Since the current situation makes it more difficult to plan projects abroad, why not take on the challenge of long-distance hikes in Quebec? The website “marcher autrement” lists the long-distance hiking trails of the province.

Among them, there is the Appalachian Compostela, also called the St-Jacques-Appalachian Trail, which winds its way through the hills, lakes, rivers, forests, mining landscapes, and heritage sites of the region.

We are talking about :

• 250 km to walk, in whole or in part.
• Several routes are possible on gravel or asphalt country roads marked out at each kilometre.
• And you do it completely by yourself, i.e. there is no carrier or transport.
• There is long-term parking at the tourist information office, just let the staff know.

To prepare for this great adventure, visit the Chaudière-Appalaches tourism website as well as the City of Thetford Mines website for the following preparation documents:

• circuit map;
• list of accommodations;
• list of items to bring (list prepared by Compostelle Quebec).

This SEPAQ park is more discreet than the others, but offers great outdoor opportunities. This natural oasis is mainly focused on water sports. It’s the perfect place for a canoe, kayak or paddleboard trip, as well as fishing and swimming at Muskrat Bay Beach (Baie aux rats-musqués).

Keep your eyes peeled for otters, weasels, beavers, white-tailed deer, moose, porcupines and much more, as the wildlife is so diverse.

Personally, I’d like to try the park’s proposed route, which combines canoeing and hiking. A 30-minute paddle to the top of Winslow Mountain and a picnic break on the sand near Thor Lake makes for a perfect day.

On-site accommodation available from May 21st. Many availabilities for this summer.

I love artisanal cheese shops that offer exclusive products. I find it a great place to take a break on the road and stock up on snacks for the day.

La Bourgade cheese factory, in particular, has a bistro, ice cream and a variety of cheeses to discover. Enough to satisfy both small and large cravings.

Finally, if you are in the area during the weekend, you should know that every Saturday starting June 12th from 8:30 to 11:30 am, a public market is heldin the heart of Thetford mines, 40 rue du Passage. This is your chance to stock up on fresh, local products before your day of discovery.