Forestville: Nature, Coast and Forest History

Forestville can be explored from several perspectives: trails lead through the Baie-Verte landscape, the coast opens up views of the St. Lawrence River, and the museum and historical walking tour highlight the region’s forestry history. There are also snowmobiling and cross-country skiing, sea kayaking and birdwatching. When choosing a vacation rental, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your trip: nature trails, winter sports, the coast or culture.

Forest Trails in Baie-Verte

The Baie-Verte trail network includes more than seven kilometres of hiking trails. Most are forest trails between 1 and 5 kilometres long, and most routes are relatively flat. They run alongside a wetland and Lac Forest. Trail running and mountain biking are also recommended on these trails. This gives you a choice of activities and trail lengths, with routes that each have their own character.

The trails can be reached from Route 138 via 1st Avenue, heading toward the St. Lawrence River; there are two access points. Check local conditions before setting out. This information can help with your planning if you choose to make Baie-Verte the focus of your stay.

Winter on Cross-Country Ski Trails and Snowmobile Routes

Forestville has more than 100 kilometres of marked and maintained snowmobile trails. Check current trail conditions before riding. In the town centre, the Club de ski de fond Le Plein d’Air de Forestville offers long, groomed and marked cross-country ski trails for skating and classic styles. Conditions and access can vary by season, so check the latest information before setting out.

Snowmobile trails and cross-country ski trails offer different ways to enjoy winter: on the former, you travel by snowmobile; on the latter, you ski. When choosing your travel dates, these different activities may influence your choice of accommodation and your daily plans.

Coastal Scenery and Birdwatching

The beaches of Baie-Verte near Forestville offer broad stretches of fine sand and views of the St. Lawrence River. Plage de Forestville is a different beach: marine mammal watching is also offered there, and the beach is open only during the summer. Check current local information before visiting.

Baie Laval is a rich habitat that provides refuge for many nesting birds. You can go sea kayaking and birdwatching there. Since local conditions and access should be taken into account, it is a good idea to check them before your visit. Coastal scenery, water activities and birdwatching give this part of your stay a different focus from the forest trails of Baie-Verte.

Forest History and Distinctive Buildings

Forestville’s historical walking tour takes you to important places and moments from the town’s early history. Forestville developed through and for the forestry industry; the tour is available year-round. The Arboriduc offers another way to explore history and architecture: this curved wooden structure stretches for more than a kilometre between the mouth of the rivière du Sault aux Cochons and a wharf.

The former Anglican church in Forestville is also a designated heritage building. The heritage designation applies to the exterior of the building. The Musée La Petite Anglicane is housed in the former Trinity Church, a Protestant chapel built in 1948 on the site of the boiler house of Anglo Canadian Pulp and Paper Mills Limited. Forestville purchased the building in 1993, and the museum opened a year later.

An exhibition in the Rachel-St-Louis room at the Musée La Petite Anglicane covers the Bersimis 1 and Bersimis 2 hydroelectric power stations, owned by Hydro-Québec, as well as St-Maurice de Labrieville, a village built to house workers at this major construction site. A guided tour lasts about an hour. If you would like to take a tour, check in advance whether one is available on your chosen date.

Golf as Another Activity

A 2022 regional tourism article lists a practice area, a terrace bar serving snacks, and rentals of specialized equipment and electric golf carts at Golf Le Méandre in Forestville. Confirm current services directly with the course before making plans.

Choose Accommodation Based on Your Travel Plans

The time of year can change the focus of your stay: snowmobiling and cross-country skiing are winter options, while the beach is open only during the summer. Check which seasonal activities suit your plans. When searching for a vacation rental, you can then compare the accommodation’s location with the places you actually want to visit. This way, your choice reflects the experiences that matter to you on your trip.

Explore More Destinations

Explore more destinations: Les Escoumins, Grandes-Bergeronnes, Portneuf-Sur-Mer, Tadoussac, Longue-Rive.

Back to the regional travel overview: La Haute-Côte-Nord.