An exceptional start to the season for tourism in Boss-Saint-Laurent

At the very least, it is an observation made by the Tourism Riviere-du-Loop and the Tourism Boss-Saint-Laurent that two weeks of construction will be completed in a few days.

“It’s going to be a very good year. Most people tell us it’s starting on June 16. It usually reaches 26,” explained Pierre Levesque, general manager of Tourism Boss-Saint-Laurent.

According to Tourism Information Coordinator Allian Cote for the Tourism Riviere-du-Loop, a number of activities have become popular this year. Climbing, water sports and cycling, but it is also gaining popularity for things like gourmet tourism.

“We are looking for producers we can meet at home. We need micro-breweries, distilleries, vineyards. We want to eat well,” she lists, referring to the demands of tourists.

Pierre Levesque agrees and adds that these activities will develop over time. The same is true in the case of bicycles. “Now those who have bikes and e-bikes can take more rides and go and visit places they don’t go. You always have to come back by bike, same problem, ”he laughs. Mr Levsky noted that the busy streets, such as those on the Riviere-du-Loop and Rimowski, were very popular with tourists.

Élyane Côté and Pierre Levesque agree that clients prefer to be young, but public activities are much more.

“However, we always have clients between the ages of 45 and 60. This is pretty much our goal in Boss-Saint-Laurent‌, but over the past few years and with all the natural activities, with the popularity of these activities, we have something for all ages and we are seeing clients getting younger. – Pierre Levsky, Tourism Boss-Saint-Laurent General Manager

Throughout the morning, Wednesday morning, our group met the tourists and everyone was different from each other. Some pass through Gaspe, while others settle well in Bas-Saint-Laurent, but all have one thing in common: they are conquered by the river.

Despite being full of hotels, campsites and restaurants, the downside to this tourist season is – again – in the workforce. While hotels have to limit the number of their rooms due to lack of employees, restaurants have had to close or limit their opening hours for the same reasons.