Quebec in winter : Charlevoix and Saguenay

Quebec in winter : Charlevoix and Saguenay

How would you like to discover a part of Quebec in winter?

For one week in February 2020, I went to a perfect destination to live the “Winter Wonderland” experience. It’s been a while since I wanted to see Quebec in winter under the snow. And to make you discover the different spots of these two different regions: Charlevoix and Saguenay! What you need to know is that you will get a warm welcome from the people of Quebec when you go there! 🙂

Here is the link allowing you to have all the information you need to live a Quebec-style winter.

Quebec City and Montreal are not covered in this article. This will be the subject of a future trip! (We hope so!)

Discovering a culture :

The cultural heritage is important: beautiful churches, villages in the “far west” style under the snow. There is also the culture as well as the unique know-how of the indigenous populations. Then, they are very good at outdoor activities in winter despite the -20°C: skiing, sledding, ice fishing, ice-skating, ice-cycling (sporty!).

Various and varied activities:

You will also find relaxing activities: Nordic spa / Quebec gastronomy to warm up and special mention for the Coureur des bois, a whisky made with maple syrup!

Essential equipment for the stay:

But if you wish to go there very soon, you should plan to get some equipment for the cold.

  • Indispensable heaters
  • Photographic equipment: extreme conditions so lower battery life (so take extra battery in the field), tropicalized equipment recommended.
  • Drone use: shorter flight time also (battery) but also disabling sensors that can give bad information due to extreme cold. I had a crash because of wrong information coming from the anti-collision sensors which gave a wrong estimation of distances .

The steps to follow according to the guide :

You will find below a few spots in Quebec under the snow!

First destination: Charlevoix

  • Baie-de-Saint-Paul
  • Le Massif de Charlevoix
  • Le Manoir de Richelieu
  • Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park

Second destination : Saguenay

  • Saguenay
  • Le Fjord
  • Le Mont-Édouard
  • St Félicien Animal Park

The itinerary is presented on the maps below and is divided into two parts. First with the first part with Charlevoix and the second with Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean.

Carte Charlevoix
Carte Saguenais-Lac-Saint-Jean

Step 1: Charlevoix

Every winter, snow falls on Charlevoix. A place of predilection for all winter activities, with an abundance of powder snow, outdoor enthusiasts have a lot of fun. You can experience nordicity on the highest peaks, from a fun toboggan ride to total wonder in the heart of the Ice Valley.

After arriving in Charlevoix at 8:30 p.m., I went to Hôtel & Spa Le Germain Charlevoix for one night. Nestled between the river and the mountains, Hôtel & Spa Le Germain Charlevoix is the ideal address for a dream stay. Its refined design, country charm and local cuisine will make you live an authentic experience.

Baie-de-Saint-Paul

Baie-Saint-Paul is a cultural capital, where wonders and splendours throne between the river and the mountains. Throughout history, many people have found inspiration here that is greater than nature. In fact, there are many art galleries in the center where a few works are exhibited. It is an important stop on the Charlevoix coast. 

Then you will stroll in the rue Saint Jean Baptiste which has recently become pedestrian. You will see small antique stores full of trinkets and other antiques, bazaars to no end! Between two stores, you’ll sit on the edge of a pub terrace, all accompanied by a beer and a well-deserved snack! 🙂 

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Church of Baie-de-Saint-Paul

The church is located in the center of the city and is the oldest religious parish in Charlevoix. 

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Le Massif de Charlevoix 

Le Massif de Charlevoix is the highest elevation gain east of the Canadian Rockies, a spectacular panorama between river and mountain and plenty of crazy snow.

With close to 75 ski resorts located near major urban centers and a multitude of cross-country ski trails, skiers, snowboarders and cross-country skiers enjoy dreamy northern landscapes! With their hotels, chalets and restaurants at the foot of the slopes, the ski resorts are true resorts offering the most festive après-ski!

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Le Manoir de Richelieu 

Fairmont le Manoir Richelieu is located 90 kilometers from Quebec and is situated between sea and mountains. It offers luxurious suites and rooms and an incredible view of the St. Lawrence River.

Here the sunrise has given way to a flamboyant and soothing show. The orange colors warm the facade of the Manor, the clouds waltzing above the sky. The landscape is worthy of a postcard!

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Sunrise on the St. Lawrence River

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Another landscape of Malbaie by day, near the St. Lawrence River.

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Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park

The Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie are among the highest walls since the East of the Rockies! The magnitude of the vertical drops, the beauty of the landscapes and the particular layout of the Malbaie River make this site an extraordinary and breathtaking place.

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2nd step: Saguenay

Saguenay

Saguenay is a very popular destination for Quebecers, thanks in particular to the nearby Lac-Saint-Jean. Its main attraction is the Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay. You will be able to practice hiking which will give you a visibility on the trail of the Falls as well as that of the Montagne Blanche. They are not to be missed since they give access to the highest point of the park, the summit of the Montagne Blanche.

 

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Le Lac Fjord in Quebec in winter

Surely you have already seen this landscape? Well it is here at the Fjord that these colorful houses are captured. Situated in a natural setting, the site is quite unique, mixing marine climate and mountain scenery.

For the little story, these are the fisheries that are called “ice fishing” that is to say, fishing under ice. They are small ephemeral huts, just for the winter time because they are built on the lake Fjord. In each heated cabin there is a hole a few meters deep, used for ice fishing.

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Le Mont-Édouard

To explore Mont-Édouard, located in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region, you can put on your skis and snowshoes to discover it in its entirety. It gives way to exceptional landscapes! There are more than thirty trails to make you happy!

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Saint Félicien Animal park

Observing the fauna of the Boréalie and the cold regions of the globe in the pedestrian part is an unforgettable experience! Nature trails aboard our screened train where the animals are in freedom and the visitor is in a cage.

Surrounded by vast and natural spaces, about 1000 animals of which 75 species live there. You will enjoy the fantastic landscapes at the rhythm of nature, in a grandiose setting of 485 hectares.   

 

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Feel free to have a look at my other articles on my blog. You will see other winter landscapes there! 🙂

Top 10 photo spots in New-York at Christmas

Top 10 photo spots in New-York at Christmas

Why visit New York at Christmas and New Year’s Eve ?

I have always wanted to see New York at Christmas. I’ve been going there usually every other year for many years. But I usually go there during the Halloween period, enjoying the beautiful autumn colors, but also the traditional atmosphere and the costume parade. In addition, I advise you to stay at least a week to experience the New York New Year.

When I went to visit the “Big Apple” at Christmas, I had three main photographic objectives:

  • Christmas decorations in New York
  • Hoping to see the city under the snow, but it wasn’t the case.
  • Spend New Year’s Day in Times Square

Americans love to come to New York for a joyful and enlightened time. It is an attraction for tourists to have so many places to enjoy the magic of Christmas. Every year you will find the same traditions, for example the huge Rockefeller tree. Between the garlands of lights, the Christmas baubles, it is a city that never sleeps. Then, the colorful and shiny windows of the department stores attract the last customers to find the ideal gift. Finally, you will have understood it, the atmosphere is there for both young and old!

What are the 10 best photo spots in New York at Christmas ?

For a stay of about ten days, it is possible to have a good overview of New York at Christmas with the illuminations. The 10 most beautiful photo spots that I could make and that I will present to you are :

  • Rockefeller’s Christmas tree
  • Times Square
  • Saks Fifth Avenue 
  • Radio City
  • Dyker Heights in Brooklyn
  • Oculus
  • Wall Street
  • Central Park
  • Bryant Park 

Where are the spots to be photographed at Christmas in New-York?

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Photo material to be taken :

A tripod for long night exposures. But for reasons of convenience and atmosphere, it is preferable to have a photo case that raises the sensitivity.
 The telephoto lens can also be used in New York to take street perspectives in pictures. 

    Rockefeller Christmas Tree

    This gigantic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is an iconic location in New York City. With its 17 meters high, it attracts the eye and is therefore very touristy. It is also necessary, to pay attention to the movement of crowd!
    By the way, I advise you to go there in the morning before sunrise. You will find magical illuminations and there is nobody there at that time.
    To attend the illumination of the Rockefeller fir tree, the cerenomy takes place at the beginning of December 2020. It will remain illuminated until the first week of January.

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    Times Square

    For New-York with the ball drop, here’s what I thought.
    You have to go there in the morning to make sure you have a good place and stay standing without moving all day long even if it rains or snows. It’s not possible to go out, to relieve oneself, nor to eat (except if we brought something with us). Doc bag forbidden, tripod obviously forbidden. 
    So it can be a very trying ordeal to witness this mythical New Year’s Eve on Times Square.
    – Animation during the evening : various concerts of stars that we do not see and who often do playback.
    I’ve done it but I certainly won’t do it again. 

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    Saks Fifth Avenue

    There is the Light show every night after sunset. Afterwards, the facade is illuminated with plays of light.
    Moreover, it is not easy to take a picture of the avenue. Because in front, there is the crowd and this requires the use of a wide angle. On the other hand, there are interesting angles from afar, with the perspectives of the streets.

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    Radio City

    The Rockefeller Center esplanade is not the only place covered with its Christmas decorations. You also have on 6th Avenue, at 49th Street, the giant red Christmas baubles. The crowd is amazed by these real balls.

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    Dyker Heights in Brooklyn

    It’s a whole neighborhood with the houses hyper decorated (too much sometimes) but very impressive to see.
    It is difficult to access from Manhattan. It is necessary to take the subway with a change during 1 hour, then walk about 30 minutes (or take the bus too but it does not change much).
    There are also quite a few tourists who come to look at these houses, despite the aspect off the beaten track. 
    If you have the opportunity it is worth the trip and the detour ! 

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    Oculus in Downtown Manhattan 

    The Grand Hall is a whale skeleton shaped shopping mall and is decorated and decorated with light shows.
    Photo shooting : It’s at the entrance of the Oculus, in a wide angle. We can see the light shows at the bottom of the picture. 

    Christmas in New York City - Noel a New York - Downtown Manhattan 02

    Wall Street

    Here, the weather gets worse and gives way to a fine rain. People don’t let themselves be discouraged and, on the contrary, continue to do their last shopping before Christmas. We see the Wall Street illuminated and a huge Christmas tree. 

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    Grand Central

    Some illuminations decorate the entrance of the Grand Central.
    Photo shooting : Perspective from Park Avenue especially at the 59th St with the Met Bulding illuminated at night.

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    Central Park of New York at Christmas

    During the holiday season, Central Park installs a skating rink. We can see the Skyline behind, subtly hidden by the grey clouds. 
    If it snows, obviously the place is magical, but I was not so lucky.

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    Bryant Park 

    You will find the free ice rink and its Christmas market in the center of Midtown. The market is called The Bank of America Winter Village and runs from late October to early January. It is not an attraction, but if you want to take a break between skates, you can go to the market to discover local specialties. In addition, you will find souvenirs, gifts to offer and some unusual trinkets. 

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