Exploramer Quebec is a one-of-a-kind immersive glimpse into the fascinating marine life and environment of the St. Lawrence River.
Gazing out over the rising tides of the St. Lawrence River in the small town of Sainte-Anne-des-Monts in Quebec’s Gaspesie region is a small museum offering one of the most immersive exhibits on marine wildlife.
Exploramer offers the ultimate adventure for those fascinated by undersea life. With everything from dynamic displays to marine touch tanks, all run by a staff of marine biologists and ocean experts, this one-of-a-kind museum takes visitors on a journey beneath the waves.
The St. Lawrence River offers some incredible options for exploring. Journeys along its shores can include everything from cycling to St. Lawrence train journeys. It’s even one of the best places in the world for whale watching.
Visitors can even join in hands-on experiences that include sea excursions, fish harvesting, and even unique food tastings that invite guests to gain a richer appreciation for Canada’s most incredible river.
Where Is Exploramer?
Situated halfway between the towns of Rimouski and Gaspe, Sainte Anne-des-Monts is a postcard-perfect village on the southern shores of the mouth of the St. Lawrence River. The town is surrounded by nature, from the mountains of Gaspesie National Park to the sparkling waters of the St. Lawrence River.
This outdoor lover’s paradise draws visitors year-round, from road trippers and hikers in the summer to ski enthusiasts in the winter. With a vibrant arts scene and one of Quebec’s most celebrated chocolate makers, Sainte-Anne-des-Monts offers a wide range of excitement for those touring the province of Quebec.
Amidst the small shops and heritage buildings in the town, Exploramer stands out. The broad, modern building sits right by the local marina. Its towering viewing platform offers panoramic views of the town as well as the St. Lawrence waters.
It’s no surprise why this region of the Gaspe Peninsula made our list of the best places to visit in Quebec.
The Exploramer Museum
Exploramer offers two floors of incredible exhibits focusing on the marine environment of the St. Lawrence River. The upper floor of the museum features descriptive and fascinating exhibits focusing on the history, nature, and development of the St. Lawrence Seaway as well as the wide range of wildlife that lives within it.
The St. Lawrence River is host to everything from starfish to sharks, and porpoises, there are even whales in the St. Lawrence River. These exhibits examine this unique environment and the cycles of life within it.
Sharks: 100 Million Deaths
One of the coolest exhibits at Exploramer is the interactive dive into the lives of one of the world’s most feared sea creatures, the shark.
We were blown away by a wall showcasing the real-world size of these incredible creatures and humbled to learn of how Hollywood and mass media have shaped the world’s view of these misunderstood fish. The 100 Million Deaths exhibit examines the lives of these creatures and explores how humans are far more dangerous to them than they are to us.
Activities At Exploramer
The fun doesn’t stop with the touch tanks and exhibits at ExploraMer, this amazing marine museum also offers some amazing activities that go beyond the exhibit floors.
La Fourchette Bleue
In 2009, Exploramer began offering its ‘La Fourchette Bleue’ or “The Blue Fork” culinary experience. My family and I took part in this unique and delicious educational taster and our eyes were opened to the possibilities of sustainable dining.
La Fourchette Bleue is aimed at diversifying marine food resources in the St. Lawrence River and creating sound management of marine resources. The goal of the program is to encourage consumers, restaurants, and the fishing industry to diversify their harvests to include edible but little-known marine species. The goal is to develop more sustainable practices that support biodiversity and reduce overfishing.
We had the chance to sample a range of delicious foods harvested from local waters including Arctic Wedgeclams, Green Sea Urchins, and Grey Seal.
Sea Excursion
Hop on board the CE Marin and set out on an ecological cruise on the St. Lawrence River. Led by a marine biologist, this Exploramer excursion invites you on a first-hand fishing journey. You’ll haul up rock crabs and waved whelks fishing traps to help collect real-world scientific data.
Seaside Fish Harvesting
Pull on your waders and step into the chilly waters of the St. Lawrence River on this guided harvest of a genuine fyke net. This activity takes place at low tide and lets you step out into the waters to see all of the fascinating creatures that live just below the surface.
Would You Visit Exploramer Quebec?
The St. Lawrence River is one of the most beautiful regions of Canada, and a shockingly small number of Canadians have ever taken the time to travel along its waters. Exploramer offers a breathtaking and exciting way to experience the river and learn about the mesmerizing wildlife that lives within its waters.
Have you ever been to Exploramer? If not, head over to their website and check out all of their fun activities.
And if you love to travel in Canada, join us on the We Explore Canada Facebook Community and tell us about your experiences! You’ll find an amazing group of people passionate about travel in Canada who love to share their local secrets.
Disclosure: My family and I were hosted at Exploramer by Quebec Maritimes. All opinions remain my own
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Kevin Wagar is a founder and editor of We Explore Canada. He has been working in the travel media industry since 2015 when he founded his family travel website Wandering Wagars – Adventure Family Travel.
Over the years Kevin has developed a deep love for his home country and aims to showcase the incredible experiences and amazing small businesses found within it.