Tourisme Côte-Nord brings joy to many each year by raffling off various travel packages across the Côte-Nord. The prizes typically include a post-trip interview to document the winner's stay.

Recently, we spoke with Marysol Rocheleau, the winner of the "Discover Your Côte-Nord 2022" contest, to learn more about her experience aboard the Bella Desgagnés.

How did you feel when Tourism Côte-Nord told you that you had won a stay aboard the Bella Desgagnés?

I almost had a heart attack! I'm not the type of person who buys lottery tickets or enters contests, so I was very surprised to learn that I had won something. I couldn't believe it. I thought it was a scam until I received an email from Tourism Côte-Nord confirming what I had been told on the phone. Although I was given 10 days to accept the prize, I accepted it on the spot! What joy! I couldn't believe how lucky I was, especially when I was told that there were at least 10,000 entries in the contest. [In reality, there were over 18,000 entries!]

Had you ever visited the Côte-Nord before this trip?

No, it was my first visit to the Côte-Nord. Coming from Abitibi, the Côte-Nord was not a destination that my partner and I were familiar with. I saw the contest pass by on Facebook one weekend day. To participate, you had to watch the web series episodes with Julie Bélanger, and I loved them. I thought to myself: wow, this is in Quebec, our home! I asked my partner to watch the episodes on his own and enter the contest. For a first trip to the Côte-Nord, it was perfect because everything was organized, and it included air travel.

Who did you choose to accompany you?

My partner of the last 36 years accompanied me. He and I retired on June 30th and left on a trip a few days later. We couldn't have asked for a better gift!

Tell us about your trip.

The Bella Desgagnés was one day late, so we took advantage of the extra time to explore Sept-Îles. We visited the Old Post of Sept-Îles, the Regional Museum of the Côte-Nord, and the waterfront market at the marina. It was beautiful!

The next day, we boarded the Bella Desgagnés. It was our first cruise together. The food and service were exceptional. The people were incredibly kind. The crew talked to us about the history of the villages of the Lower North Shore and marine life, among other things. We only have good things to say about the Bella Desgagnés! We even took an extra excursion to explore a village more in-depth.

At each stop, it felt like time stood still. My partner took a photo of every boat descent. I would say to him: look, soak in the landscapes!

I bought several local products that I can't wait to try: balsam fir jelly, cloudberry compote, and cranberry compote.

We were lucky; the weather was great throughout the trip. We were told to bring a hat, mittens, and long pants for the boat, but we didn't need them. We were sunbathing in shorts!

Even though there was fog when we arrived in Blanc-Sablon, I'm happy to say that I went there. I was lucky to see icebergs, lots of beautiful villages, and the sea. Nothing leaves me indifferent. I can't believe we have this in Quebec.

What was your favorite part?

Harrington Harbour is my favorite! During the 2-hour stop, we were able to walk on the wooden sidewalk that crosses the village and discover the colorful houses. Everyone knows each other, and they are welcoming when the boat docks on the island. Their way of life is fascinating!

I went to see the school. In fact, my partner took a photo of me in front of several schools in the Lower North Shore. [It fascinated her a lot since she was a teacher all her career.]

That day, the sunset was beautiful. Plus, there were 2 rainbows! We had goosebumps.

Do you have any advice for people who want to visit the Lower North Shore?

You have to learn about the reality of traveling aboard the Bella Desgagnés, which is a supply ship first and foremost, and know what you want. We have the chance to visit remote places, see icebergs, even if it's for a short time. If you want to explore a destination more in-depth, you need to take another type of trip.

You have to take the time you have and appreciate the natural beauty. I bought a sweater that says: Here, there is no time, there is only time, and it represents my experience well.

I had researched every place the Bella Desgagnés stopped. In the future, I would like to take the time to explore Natashquan and Havre-Saint-Pierre, which are connected by Route 138. Anticosti Island is also one of our retirement projects. I started doing some research.

I am grateful to have won this prize, especially at this time!