Saint-Simon-De-Rimouski combines observations of the St. Lawrence River with a community-created park and trails of different character. At the shoreline stop, you can watch birds, passenger ships and sunsets; at Parc Croc-Nature, edible plants and local history are part of the visit. The trail to Belvédère Beaulieu has steep ascents and descents. When planning your stay, these different highlights can be a useful starting point: would you most like to spend time by the water, explore the park or hike a trail at elevation?
Shoreline access and observations of the St. Lawrence River
The municipal shoreline stop, Saint-Simon-sur-Mer, is accessible via Route de la Grève. It has picnic tables, direct shoreline access, a boat launch, a parking lot and a dry toilet. Boats can be launched at both the shoreline stop and Anse à Pierre-Jean; kayakers can also use a rest area at the stop. This location combines practical amenities for a stay by the shore with opportunities to get out on the water. Birds, passenger ships and sunsets on the St. Lawrence River offer further things to watch. When planning your time there, you can choose between a break by the water, launching a boat and taking in the river activity.
Trails with different characteristics
A route of about 13 kilometres leads from the municipal shoreline stop toward Notre-Dame-des-Neiges. It follows Route de la Grève, a shared road along the river and through the mountains, as well as a forest section on Chemin de la Grève-Rioux. Conditions may vary seasonally. A shorter route leads to Belvédère Beaulieu: the trail is about two kilometres long and can be travelled on foot or by bicycle, but has steep ascents and descents. The two trails therefore differ not only considerably in their stated lengths, but also in their descriptions: one features a shared road and a forest section, while the other is characterised by steep terrain leading to the lookout.
Parc Croc-Nature: plants, art and local history
At Parc Croc-Nature, visitors can pick and taste vegetables and berries along the trails and discover the history of Saint-Simon. The park also features local and regional works of art, the Gazébo du poète and rural ponds. Cultural events such as exhibitions and concerts round out what the park offers. A walk brings plants, art and local history together, without limiting the visit to a single theme.
The park's creation is also part of its history. In spring 2016, a citizens' committee and the Brigade Verte de Saint-Simon created Parc Croc-Nature on an abandoned municipal property. Residents, the local business community and the wider area took part in this community green-space project. This gives the park a clear local connection, in addition to its trails and plants.
Belvédère Beaulieu and Chute du Porc-Pic
The highest point at Belvédère Beaulieu is 183 metres above sea level. To reach the parking lot within the municipality, take Route de la Grève and then Chemin Côté. When planning this visit, both the trail's length of about two kilometres and its steep ascents and descents are part of what to expect.
Another stop is Chute du Porc-Pic: the pergola is at the foot of the waterfall, and there is a small parking lot at the end of the access road. The visits described here are therefore quite distinct—from watching and resting by the St. Lawrence River, to the trails at Parc Croc-Nature, to the steep approach to the belvédère and the waterfall.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Casimir, Saint-Blaise-Sur-Richelieu, Blainville, Saint-Denis-De-Brompton, Sacré-Coeur-Saguenay, New Carlisle, Saint-Philémon, La Pocatière.
For the broader travel overview: Quebec.
