Gaspésie Journey – Day 2

Next stop was at the park which offers a historic and pedestrian circuit. Located in the heart of Pohénégamook and the Border Route.  At the foot of the beautiful Lake Pohénégamook, where we had our first camping experience. One of the best ways to discover some of Canada’s most beautiful natural heritage areas is by spending the night in one of Parks Canada’s many campgrounds across the country. Starry nights, breathtaking views, tons of activities and a chance to bond with your family around an open campfire…Let these experiences inspire you for more adventures in your life.

Family camping is one of the great summer traditions in Canada. If camping is not already part of your family’s summer schedule, perhaps this is the year to try it for the first time. Every province has almost over 100 provincial parks that offer car camping, most of which are located on the lake shore.  Water is available in different areas and nearby sanitary facilities (showers⁄restrooms). No matter which side of the camping coin you happen to land on in your family, with a little planning, you can enjoy an outdoor adventure with your kids this summer.

Back to civilization I’ll tell you was not easy… Sometimes the weight of civilization can be overwhelming. The fast pace… the burdens of relationships… the political strife… the technological complexity — it’s enough to make you dream of escaping to a simpler life more in touch with nature. For most that dream translates into an occasional weekend camping trip, as it happened with us. and it was, definitely, the greatest experience this summer!

A few years ago, National Geographic listed the Gaspé peninsula among the top 10 travel destinations in the world. Lovely seascapes and constantly changing vistas give this section its particular characteristics that will linger on in your memories, followed by a drive that will take you through picturesque villages, charming little bays and the occasional fog patch.

The most common assumption is that “Gaspé” may come from the Mikmaq word Gespeg which means “Land’s end”. However, other theories hold that the name may be a mutation of the Basque word geizpe or kerizpe which means “shelter” or “place of refuge”. In 1833 in Gaspé County there were only ten farmers, all in the Gaspé Bay area (of whom seven were also involved in the fishery), four whalers in Gaspé Bay, five shipbuilders, one blacksmith and two lumber merchants. Nowadays, it is a beautiful small touristic village with friendly people and breathtaking views.

Canada is one of the few countries in the world that is always bursting with scenic beauty in just about every corner you’re travelling to. An abundance of natural wonders attracts millions of tourists every year, and I am so proud to live in this country and be part of it.