Are you from the Québec City region, or elsewhere? The new River Shuttle from the Old Port of Québec to the new Quai de Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Pier is an absolute must on your summertime to-do list! That feeling of freedom upon boarding and a full lineup of activities at destination are guaranteed. Add to that a few newly minted foodie hotspots to discover, local terroir products to savour, established artists to meet and a lifestyle to embrace… All this between river and mountains, at the gateway to the great outdoors, in a region that is exceedingly rich in history and culture.
Photo : Au Québ
A walking tour for history buffs, Sainte-Anne Canyon, Mont-Sainte-Anne, the Shrine… Activity options are endless at your River Shuttle destination: Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Pier! Set out to enjoy one (or several) visitor attractions by hopping on the pier shuttle bus (Autobus du Quai) that taxis you to your own custom attractions package.
Do consider the new Guided Tour of Historic Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, poised to launch July 1 2023. As part of your River Shuttle package or as a standalone activity, your tour guide (dressed in period attire) takes you back in time, sharing anecdotes and facts about this exceptional site’s military, religious and historical legacy. Designed by Promas, the creators of Québec City’s Promenades fantômes – or Walk with Ghosts – the new and highly awaited tour is sure to have everyone talking! (Duration: 1hr15). So that’s a 2nd activity for your summertime to-do list!
The free-spirited can simply set out to explore the heart of the village at their own pace.
1. Quai de Sainte-Anne Pier − At destination, why not meander down the pier and enjoy its unique 360° scenic view of Mont-Sainte-Anne, Sainte-Anne Basilica, Cap-Tourmente, Ile d’Orléans Island and Québec City? All this, from the middle of the river… Yes, yes! Onsite services:Washrooms, visitor information point, picnic tables, River Shuttle ticket office, bicycle repair terminal.
2. Domaine Sainte-Anne– Both an activity hub and a campground, Domaine Sainte-Anne enjoys a privileged location with the river on one side, and Sainte-Anne Basilica on the other. Verdant and inviting, while ideal for resting up and reconnecting with nature, it also has a summer-long activity program. Stay tuned for the Rythmes et Papilles music and foodie micro-festival, held July 28 to August 20 2023. Onsite services: Outdoor fireplaces, picnic zone with charcoal BBQs, riverside installations, paved loop with roller skate and retro bicycle rentals.
3. Café Apollo− A third wave coffeeshop, it proposes specialty coffees as well as a selection of privately imported natural wines. On Avenue Royale, steps away from the new Quai Sainte-Anne Pier, it is a top stopover for cyclists and Basilica visitors and a favourite among locals for catching up, working or studying… Stay tuned because this summer, Café Apollo is branching out… for the pleasure of both tall and small!
4. Galerie Ni Vu Ni Cornu− Visual arts and crafts lovers are pampered with a vast rainbow of creations showcased at Galerie Ni Vu Ni Cornu. In addition to colourful, lively artwork showcasing assorted mediums, here is where genuine Québec handicrafts can be found, from jewelry, bags and ceramics to soaps and so much more! Over 40 jury-selected artists are on display at the gallery.
5. Sanctuaire Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Shrine− Its renown has gone global − even Pope Francis came for a visit, in Summer 2022! The shrine is the most ancient pilgrimage site in North America. Entering is stepping into a sacred place where reigns an atmosphere of peacefulness, while its interior appointments are like countless pages from an age-old history book.
6. Atelier Paré – Wood Sculpture ECONOMUSEUM −Atelier Paré invites everyone to come discover the art of wood carving, and the traditional artisan know-how that graces most of our churches. In summer, a lovely garden dotted with information panels showcasing Québec legends also adds to the charm of its patio − and visitor experience!
7. Microbrasserie Beaux Prés Microbrewery −By the riverside, the microbrewery proposes select artisan draft beers, a pub menu featuring dishes prepared with their own smokehouse meats, and a lovely riverside terrace. Its easygoing mood is ideal for having a good time and soaking in the sunshine out on the patio where locals meet up for drinks, at day’s end.
8. Spa des Neiges− Is it time to hit pause and unwind by the river? The spa’s impressive installations include nine massage and treatment rooms, a black soap exfoliation room as well as assorted hot tubs and saunas. Their bistro serves up local flavours, and the riverside patio could easily be the cherry on the sundae!
As part of a tourism development project promoting sustainable mobility, visiting Côte-de-Beaupré without even taking your car is now possible on the 35 km cruise from downtown Québec City.
Taking your bicycle on the River Shuttle is also doable − Discover a whole new cycling paradise! Some may wish to hop on the cruise first, and pedal back along the magnificent Véloroute Marie-Hélène Prémont, on their return trip. Near the main road, it takes you back in time, into countryside dotted with heritage buildings, farmland and agritour stopovers. The véloroute also goes to Cap-Tourmente National Wildlife Area, the perfect place for a midway dismount on this 27.5 km loop that starts at Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Pier. Another must-do!
Photo : Pierre-Nicolas Lessard
– Six daily departures (Saturdays & Sundays, starting June 10; 7/7 starting June 21)
– Admire the fall colours differently: the River Shuttle delivers singular fall scenery until October 9 2023.
– Reservations: Croisières AML website
Photo : Au Québ
