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Rimouski is the main city of the Bas-Saint-Laurent region, set on the south shore where the St. Lawrence widens into an estuary. A university and marine research center give it a youthful, maritime character, and its waterfront promenade looks out over a river so broad that the far shore is often lost in haze.
The Pointe-au-Père maritime historic site is the city's major attraction. Its tall lighthouse can be climbed, the Empress of Ireland Museum tells the story of the ocean liner that sank nearby in 1914, and visitors can tour the cramped interior of the HMCS Onondaga submarine. In town, the Musée régional de Rimouski shows contemporary art in a former church, and Maison Lamontagne is a rare surviving example of early French colonial construction. Hockey fans can catch the Rimouski Océanic, and boat crossings in summer reach Île Saint-Barnabé, just offshore.
Rimouski is a comfortable base for exploring the lower St. Lawrence. Bic National Park lies just to the west, with seals, capes and sunset views, and the Canyon de la Porte de l'Enfer, with its suspended footbridge, is a short drive inland. The waterfront and viewpoints are best enjoyed in summer and early fall.
WiserMap travel guideRimouski Quebec Pointe-au-Père Lighthouse and Bic ParkPlan a trip to Rimouski with the Pointe-au-Père lighthouse, the Empress of Ireland museum, Bic National Park, island boat rides and local food.Read the guide
A tall concrete lighthouse from 1909 at the Pointe-au-Père maritime historic site, one of the tallest in eastern Canada. You can climb the steps to the top for views over the St. Lawrence. Buy the combined ticket for the lighthouse, museum and submarine, and allow half a day.
A Canadian navy submarine from the Cold War, displayed on land at Pointe-au-Père, which you can tour inside to see its tight bunks, controls and torpedo room. An audio guide tells the crew's stories. Wear comfortable clothes, as you climb through small hatches; it is not suited to claustrophobia.
A museum at Pointe-au-Père about the Empress of Ireland, an ocean liner that sank nearby in 1914 after a collision, with the loss of more than a thousand lives. Exhibits include objects from the wreck and a film. It is moving and well presented; plan about an hour.
A museum of contemporary art, science and history housed in Rimouski's old stone church, the oldest in eastern Quebec. Exhibitions change regularly, from art installations to regional history. It is in the city center near the river; check the programme and combine it with a waterfront walk.
A rare 18th-century house built with an old French half-timbered technique filled with stone, considered one of the oldest houses in eastern Quebec. It now hosts exhibits on domestic architecture and early settlers. It is open in summer; walk the gardens and look at the exposed timber framing.
Rimouski's major junior hockey team in the Quebec league, famous for alumni such as Sidney Crosby and Vincent Lecavalier. Games draw lively crowds at the city's arena from fall to spring. Buy tickets in advance for weekend games, and arrive early to watch the warm-up.
A long wooded island just off Rimouski, reached by a short boat ride from the marina in summer, with walking trails, beaches and seals often seen on the shore. It is linked to the story of a hermit who lived there in the 18th century. Bring water and a picnic and check the boat schedule.
A deep canyon on the Rimouski River south of the city, crossed by a suspension footbridge more than 60 meters above the water, among the highest in Quebec. Trails lead to waterfalls and lookouts. Wear good shoes, as some stairs are steep, and plan about half a day.
A large city park along the Rimouski River with lawns, ponds, a playground, walking and bike paths, and an outdoor stage for summer concerts. In winter it has skating and sliding. It is a good spot for a family picnic, and the river path connects to the shore and downtown.
The seaside promenade along Rimouski's shoreline, with walking and bike paths, benches and wide views over the St. Lawrence and Île Saint-Barnabé. Sunsets over the river are the highlight. Walk it in the evening, and stop at the cafes and restaurants across the road from the water.
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