TRAVEL LIKE A LOCAL | Top 10,000 Places to Visit in Canada
The page created by Lydia Park | University of Manitoba | Métis-sur-Mer, postcard, c. 1904-1910. Photo by Unknown author. Image was public domain prior to the URAA date; Public Domain.
The first lighthouse was built in 1874 and then replaced in 1909 by the present structure. The Foghorn Building was built ten years later. Automated in 1972, the lighthouse ceased serving as an aide to navigation in 1999.
Photo: Mathieu19, CC BY-SA 3.0
If big, fancy hotels aren’t for you, these cozy cabins probably are.
This seaside resort has a selection of cabins with fully equipped kitchens, an outdoor terrace, free Wi-Fi, a small workspace, private access to the St. Lawrence River, and more. Catch up on your favourite shows (Apple TV and Bluetooth speakers are available), read your books collecting dust, grill a burger and roast marshmallows using the easily accessible BBQ and fire ring!
There are plans for redevelopment to take place with a Quebec architect, and a thermal experience will soon be made available, so those are things to keep an eye out for.
Most importantly, you can bring your dog (as long as you make that known during booking)!
Photo: Google Street View
You will find this lovely gift shop approximately ten minutes away from Métis-sur-Mer.
First and foremost, La Mousse de Mer is an artisanal soap factory, which means there is a wide variety of wonderfully fragrant products—including 100% natural and vegan—for you to choose from. This includes bright bar soaps, colourful bath bombs, silky massage bars…
There are also many handmade items here, such as blown glass pieces, natural stone jewelry, artisanal stationery, pretty ceramics, warm wool socks, and more (all made by local artists and artisans)!
Even if you don’t purchase anything (nearly impossible), you’ll still have fun simply looking around. Either way, it’s worth a visit!
Photo: Google Maps, Annie Leclerc
You can’t visit a new town and not stop by a local café (it’s a law somewhere, probably).
Keep in mind that this is not a grab-your-coffee-and-go sort of place.
This café practically demands that you sit and lean back in one of their cozy chairs, thoughtfully sip your hot, fresh coffee, savour every bite of your buttery pastry, fall in love with the various artwork that adorns each wall, maybe catch up on some reading (they have some books to choose from if you didn’t bring your own) and pray that time stops so you never have to leave.
As soon as you step inside, you’ll know why Café sur Mer is so loved by the community.
Photo: Google Street View
Dairy store
This shop is a regular local staple and a must-visit for tourists.
If you want something more filling, go for one of their hearty stews or yummy pizzas. If you’re craving something sweet, try their flaky pastries or choose from their unique selection of sorbets and gelatos (some flavours include wild rose, cedar and honey, algae and maple…). There are even frozen foods that you can take home to later cook or reheat, such as cheese fondue, puff pastries, an assortment of meats, and more.
Photo: https://www.atelierculinaireferry.com
Only about fifteen minutes from Métis-sur-Mer, this restaurant offers delicious comfort food, such as poutine with beer sauce, satiating burgers, a meaty chilli, and rich desserts like crème brulée. They even have a small menu for kids if you have little ones with you. As Le Ketch is also a microbrewery, a selection of local beers is available by the glass or the tasting.
Whether you eat inside or out on the terrace (which happens to sit along the St. Lawrence River), the warm vibes will make you feel comfortable and welcomed.
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/MicrobrasserieLeKetch/
Don’t underestimate this museum (founded by Normand Tremblay) by its size.
Although relatively small in structure, it possesses over 700 artifacts categorized into collections: The Prehistoric Period, The Contact Period, French America, and Far From Sweet France.
Some of the artifacts on display include a Louis XIII Wardrobe, an Onion Bottle, a Jesuit Bucket, a French Cauldon, a Flint Gun, and… literally hundreds more.
If you’re a history buff, this museum will be particularly interesting to you—and worth the short (about 20-30 minute drive) detour.
Photo: http://www.vieuxmoulin.qc.ca/Musee/index.html
The owners of Ferme Pastel, Skot and Ora-Maggie, strive to take care of both people and nature—and this is clear through their friendly warmth and how they grow their flowers: with love and love and without chemicals.
Whether you are drawn to the delicately dried petals or want to create your vibrant bouquets at their flower bar, this ethereal farm will fill you with a sense of serenity as you absorb the beauty of nature. You can even take a stroll around the different gardens. Unfortunately, you cannot enter the greenhouses but still admire them through the glazed panels.
For information on their rates and hours, you will want to check out their website.
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/fermepastel/
