Saguenay/Quebec city, off the beaten path
 

Saguenay/Quebec city, off the beaten path

I am spending the first half of October in the Quebec countryside (including Quebec city). I have several days to seek out not-to miss opportunities. Please share your favourite hints according to the following interest criteria. Thanks.


-memorable/dramatic scenery & landscape photography. Where do I find the best (viewpoints, panoramas, skylines, sunsets, etc..)?
-fall foliage (natural wonders), the outdoors, hikes/hilltops/lookouts, and amazing views...
-lovely/charming streets, and magnificent architecture
-non-typical, interesting, and special experiences (full of original character), and unique only to the local area. The best authentic local experiences/most unforgettable travel experiences.
-specialty/unique local cuisine
-and the best free things to do there...

You probably already know that where the Saguenay River meets the St. Lawrence is a famous marine park known for it's whales and whale-watching. THere's likely some seasonality to the best whale-watching, but I'm sure there must be lots of info on the web. When I visited several years ago, I did not have time to go on a whale-watching excursion, but a number of whales were easily visible from Park property right on the shore (and I believe this was either free or very inexpensive).

We spent a couple of days in the Charlevoix in September a couple of years ago. It's lovely. For food, you might be interested in the Route des Saveurs. There's an article (in French) at http://tinyurl.com/279339 that has links to various tourist routes, which you might find helpful, including the Route des Saveurs and the Route des Baleines on the north shore of the St. Lawrence. All are in French, but have English versions (check the menu at the top of each page.)

Have fun! I'd love to go back and spend more time there.

this may be too late for you....
I have visited Isle aux Coudres in the summer and thought it was very beautiful.
http://www.charlevoix-travelguide.com/isle-aux-coudres/
as was the Shore Road
http://www.charlevoix-travelguide.com/Shore-Road/