Martine Lachapelle is 52 years old and lives in Longueuil. Having traveled all over the world to countries such as Switzerland, the Dominican Republic, and Venezuela, she had never set foot in the Côte-Nord region.
By participating in the Advent Calendar contest organized by Tourism Côte-Nord last December on social media, she had no idea she would fall under the spell of a region larger than life.
Accompanied by her godson David, she chose to offer herself a moment of respite from her role as a natural caregiver. David loves to travel, and he works very hard in the forestry sector during the summer. Having faced many challenges in her life, Martine wanted to give him the experience of staying in Sept-Îles. The vastness of the territory and the people she met during her time in the region made her realize the happiness that can be found in traveling close to home.
"It made me relax. It made me disconnect. I didn't expect so much beauty. It made me proud to be Quebecois," Martine recounts.
Her biggest highlight? The zodiac tour she took in the Sept-Îles archipelago and her encounter with the Razorbill, called "the little penguin." They come every year to feed on capelins and lanzones, particularly abundant in this area of the St. Lawrence Estuary between May and July. The place is also an Important Bird Area (IBA) designated by BirdLife International. It is home to a multitude of seabird species, including gulls, terns, cormorants, eiders, and more. Watching them fly just meters from the boat is an experience of nature contemplation like no other. One feels wealthy in the face of so much beauty.
Martine's visit to Poissonnerie Soucy to taste shrimp and learn how to peel them was a moment filled with culinary discoveries and contagious laughter. A local pride that is highly appreciated by visitors. Not being a beer lover, she surprisingly enjoyed tasting eight beers from La Compagnie microbrewery, accompanied by some small local flavor appetizers such as pickled whelks, smoked salmon, marinated turbot, and a few cheeses. The culinary adventure ended with a dish of cod and filet mignon at Omer, a restaurant that has been in business for over 30 years.
In an interview on the eve of her departure, Martine feels a sense of nostalgia and a hint of sadness. With a heart full of gratitude as she remembers her last activities and encounters in Sept-Îles, she reiterates her amazement experienced throughout her stay.
"I would have liked to stay for two months to visit everything. To discover Route 138, its towns, and villages. The Côte-Nord is immense and magnificent! It's freedom!"
By embarking on this trip, accompanied by her godson, she leaves with an undeniable desire to return to rejuvenate herself and to tell her loved ones about her stay. There is a region for each of us. Martine and David discovered their Côte-Nord. This summer, they invite you to discover yours!
