Article by Renaud Cyr.
There is no shortage of magnificent landscapes in our beautiful region.
Whether along its sunny shores or amidst the vast expanses of its boreal forests, the Côte-Nord region knows how to enchant visitors in search of vastness and tranquility.
When traveling by recreational vehicle (RV), you have plenty of choices.
However, with great open spaces come great responsibilities.
To preserve the beauty of these places during your excursions, Tourism Côte-Nord has developed some simple guiding principles to follow.
'We have based our approach on core principles that will help people have an enjoyable RV trip that benefits everyone,' says Alexe Plamondon, Web Content and Social Media Manager at Tourism Côte-Nord.
Tourist information booths, our friends
Firstly, Route 138, which takes you from Tadoussac to Kegaska, is not a straight line (that's what gives it its charm!), unlike highways 20 and 40.
There are sometimes sharp turns and significant elevation changes that may require sudden braking.
It's important to be cautious, especially in an RV where items can move around easily inside.
To find suitable places to spend the night and enjoy activities, tourist information booths are there to assist you.
Almost all the municipalities along the North Shore have them, with staff who can help you plan your next steps.
'Some municipalities allow parking almost anywhere, while others have zero-tolerance policies,' notes Alexe Plamondon.
The rest of your adventure is in your hands!
Plan your excursion.
Plan and prepare for your outings. Learn about the regulations and specific features of the places you visit.
Use durable surfaces.
Stay on marked trails to avoid widening them and damaging the flora.
If you're not staying overnight at a campground, you're invited to stop at temporary parking areas designated by some municipalities. Never park on a beach, especially for your safety.
Remember to check the tides to avoid unpleasant surprises!
Manage your waste and greywater responsibly.
Take your waste with you and leave no trace of what you brought.
Leave what you find untouched.
Do not touch, only observe. Leave stones, plants, seashells... where they are.
Minimize the impact of fires.
Only build small fires where permitted and in designated fire pits. Respect any bans on open fires.
Respect wildlife.
Observe wildlife from a distance.
Do not feed them, as it can disrupt their diet and natural behavior.
Keep your pets on a leash.
Respect other users.
Limit noise from your campsite. Avoid playing loud music and adhere to quiet hours.