Saguenay: Finding Beauty in the Rain
Overnight we set sail from Quebec City to our next destination. As our cruise ship docked in Saguenay, Quebec, Mother Nature had other plans for our exploration. The steady drizzle may have dampened the ground, but not our spirits. Staying close to the port turned out to be a blessing in disguise, allowing us to discover hidden gems we might have otherwise missed in our quest for far-flung adventures.
One such discovery was the thought-provoking art installation series "Je suis Bleu-e." These environmental pieces scattered throughout the port area sparked conversations about our relationship with nature and the delicate balance we must maintain. The rain seemed to add an extra layer of poignancy to the artwork, the droplets a reminder of the water that connects all life in our maritime world.
Its team of artists, Anne-Marie Asselin, founder of Organisation Bleue, and Alex Cote, founder of L'Idylle | arts vivants, draw their inspiration from the activist movements of engaged art and ecofeminism.
And what's a rainy day in Quebec without more poutine? La Cantine Boivin proved that even in a port town, the classic comfort food maintains its appeal. The sound of rain on the roof added a cozy atmosphere as we savored every bite of our pastrami sandwich, crispy fries, squeaky cheese curds, and rich gravy. On this soggy day, we knew we'd have to explore in more detail on another visit. C'est la vie, Saguenay.
Charlottetown: A Prince Edward Island Welcome
What a difference a day makes. The sun was shining brightly as we arrived in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, as if making up for our rainy day in Saguenay.
Our exploration of this charming port city began with the awe-inspiring St. Dunstan's Basilica, a testament to the island's rich history and cultural heritage. It is named for St. Dunstan, the Anglo Saxon saint from Glastonbury and dates back to 1721 when two missionary priests came to minister to the spiritual needs of the early French settlers. In 1990, St. Dunstan’s Basilica was designated a National Historic Site of Canada, being one of the most elaborate churches in the Maritimes and a fitting homage to High Victorian Gothic Revival architecture.
With seafood on our minds (we were on Prince Edward Island, after all), we made our way to Victoria Row for lunch at The Cork and Cast. The restaurant's creative takes on local seafood set the tone for a day of culinary adventures (We found out their seafood chowder made 2nd place in last year's citywide competition. It was divine with the chunky goodness a perfect match with the broth-like soup!).
Outside, the street was alive with anticipation as vendors and crew members prepared for the unique Moonlight Bazaar street fair that includes a large balloon/moon floating over Victoria Row. And though we couldn't stay for the evening event, witnessing the setup gave us a glimpse of the community's vibrant spirit. Not long after strolling, our appetites, seemingly never satisfied on this journey, led us to Sea Rocket Oyster House to satisfy a craving. And we found it: baked oysters (served deliciously three ways: Rockefeller, Champagne Cream, and Miso Aioli).
On our way back to port - and as expected - we had space for one more stop. One of the crown jewel's of our Charlottetown food expedition: Dave's Lobster. Their famous half n' half lobster roll – a brilliant combination that lets you try both the classic cold lobster salad and the warm buttered lobster – lived up to its reputation and then some.
Between culinary stops, we explored the local shops, each one offering a piece of island life to take home. The Founders Food Hall and Market is a great way to start and/or finish a day long exploration of this port town. You will find artisans, makers, and food producers giving you a "100% local and 100% memorable" experience. Our memorable find? PEI gluten-free, potato fudge from Oh Fudge! Don't knock it till you try it!
As we made our way toward the waterfront, the sea breeze carried with it the salty promise of more adventures to come. From the rain-soaked art of Saguenay to the sun-drenched streets of Charlottetown, each stop on our cruise has added a new chapter to our Maritimes story. As we set sail for our next destination, we can't help but wonder what new flavors, sights, and experiences await us around the next bend in our journey.
Stay tuned as we continue to explore the treasures of Canada's Maritimes, one port at a time.
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Pronti? Via! During our exploration of Quebec and the Canadian Maritimes, we opted for independent travel arrangements rather than organized tours. We found local operators, ventured out on our own, or used trusted booking platforms like Viator. For suggestions tailored to your interests and group size, check out our Viator Shop featuring our "Quebec & Canadian Maritimes Must-Do Experiences". We've curated options to enhance your Maritime adventure. Happy travels!
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