What is it that so inspires the artists and artisans of Québec by the Sea? Is it the peaceful rhythm of the tides? The many opportunities to admire spectacular sunsets while listening to the calls of seabirds? Magical encounters with majestic wildlife species? Perhaps you’ll be able to answer this question once you’ve visited their studios, galleries and boutiques and met these creators who are so passionate about their corner of the world. Personally, I never set off on a road trip without having first made note of places to stop to meet local artists and artisans. Here are some of the ones found in the maritime regions of Québec!

Bas-Saint-Laurent

Our first stop is in Kamouraska, on the south shore of the majestic St. Lawrence, in a village renowned for its flamboyant sunsets and pretty heritage homes. Here, you’ll find the Écho de la Mer art boutique, which features the work of jeweller and sculptor Josée Poulin, who makes jewellery that seems to have emerged from the sea. Her organically shaped pieces adorned with stones, pearls and sometimes shells seem to reveal the secrets of the shore and seabed. The boutique also sells a selection of items by other artists working in various art forms: painting, sculpture, porcelain, mosaics and stained glass.

Next, head to Saint-André-de-Kamouraska where you’ll find Atelier V Cuir, a specialty leather shop. Father and son Jean and Julien Verret are award-winning leatherworkers whose products will appeal to responsible consumers. Fueled by a desire to create sustainable products, they support a circular economy by using surplus inventory and offcuts from the furniture industry. In collaboration with three local artists, they create one-of-a-kind leather pieces by hand. Their unique products include shoulder bags, backpacks, belts, wallets, keychains and more.

Gaspésie

In Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, you’ll find the Monique and Gisèle Benoit Art Centre. Nature lovers will be fascinated by the many paintings featuring scenes of striking intimacy, in what is the largest exhibition of wildlife art in Eastern Canada. You’ll also be charmed by this family dedicated to protecting wildlife and wildlife habitat that works tirelessly to raise awareness through their immersive wildlife documentaries, lectures and literary works. Recognized far beyond our borders, Monique’s and Gisèle’s original oil paintings will appeal to collectors. Travellers will also be delighted with the reproductions and other items available in the gift shop, which make great souvenirs of a trip through the spectacular landscapes found in Québec by the Sea.

Located in the former general store in Sainte-Madeleine-de-la-Rivière-Madeleine in the La Haute-Gaspésie sector, Atelier Effet Mer is a soapery, vintage shop, bookstore and artisan shop all in one. In a workshop at the back of the store, owner and soapmaker Susan Henderson handcrafts eco-friendly soaps using essential oils and other local ingredients. She will also be happy to tell you about all the other carefully selected items available in her shop, including alpaca clothing, soy candles, marinades, handbags, small boats, jewellery and woven items.

Are you planning to tour the Gaspé Peninsula and would like to meet other local artists and artisans? Follow the Gaspésie Art Tour to discover over 30 creators who will open their doors to you. You are sure to enjoy meeting these passionate people who capture the essence of life in this region, transforming various raw materials into unique and colourful creations. You’re bound to fall in love with some of them!

Côte-Nord

On the north shore of the St. Lawrence, head to Uashat, near Sept-Îles, to visit Atikuss, a maskisin (moccasin) economuseum and must-see Indigenous cultural attraction. A keeper of traditional Indigenous know-how and practices, this economuseum showcases Innu craftsmanship through a wide range of products including mukluks, moccasins, mittens, fur hats, handbags and jewellery. Among these products, the Boots of Hope, which are custom-designed footwear made of leather and adorned with fur, are a fair-trade project that supports the transmission of knowledge by Native women. Each pair is embroidered, beaded and sewn by hand, bringing history to life. Book your tour of the economuseum in advance. You can also create your own drum or dreamcatcher as well as learn the basics of beading and participate in a tasting session.

Atelier Éco-Art in Forestville is home to Rose-Marie Gallant’s masterfully crafted creations made with natural materials such as sand, glass and felted wool. Inspired by folk art, she creates hats, landscapes painted on bottles and canvas, scarves with colourful stories, and cute, fluffy animals. Alongside her, glass cutter Michel Tremblay creates magnificent stained-glass windows, objects and lamps. His glass paintings depict animals, colourful landscapes or playful characters. Come and meet these two artists!

Îles de la Madeleine

Atelier Côtier is located in the La Grave heritage site, a place rich in culture and history. Here, a passion for the Islands is palpable in every object made by this creative collective. Almost everything is inspired by the archipelago and the Islands’ way of life: ponchos decorated with seagulls, sand magnets in the shape of starfish, lamps featuring seascapes, fish-shaped jewellery and more. All these items make perfect souvenirs of the Islands. The creative team made up of Islanders by birth or adoption form a merry band of free spirits with unique talents. Be sure to stop and say hello—and pet their PR specialist, Chip, the toy poodle!

Nestled between sandy beaches and stunning red cliffs in the enchanting setting of Grosse-Île, La Maison du Potier is a pottery economuseum with a story to tell. Enter the friendly world of these artisans, observe them at work and let yourself be touched by the beauty of this craft. Interpretive panels describe the unique process of making salt-glazed pottery, which dates back to the 14th century. Discover how this technique is intimately linked to Québec’s only salt mine, which is located on this island. Each piece created here bears the imprint of the region and is part of the history of the archipelago. My favourite collection is “Sea and Cliffs”—all the pieces are a beautiful deep blue!

What a pleasure it is to return home with a unique and precious work of art, born from the talent of a local artist or artisan! It’s like taking home a fragment of this peaceful territory and rediscovering, with each glance at this sweet souvenir, the feeling of well-being experienced on the spot, as if you were still there…