If you don’t know me, hello! I’m Alison, and I’m always ready for a road trip. Some people wouldn’t consider road trips as a vacation, but for me, it’s all about a state of mind.
I’m someone who enjoys nature, slow living, and crisp air. Unfortunately for me, I currently live in what I would consider a big city. My environment is now filled with buildings, a busy environment, and most of the time I feel like the air is too heavy to breathe.
In the past, road trips were a way to have fun and unwind. Today, they are a vacation from my reality and something I need in order to connect with myself again. I want you to come along with me on my last vacation, which ended up being an eye-opening experience.
La Tuque
My husband and I had other reasons than to take a small vacation when we drove the 5 hours to La Tuque, Quebec. I know our time in the city is temporary. As usual, we will probably be moving in the next 2 years. But this time it will be different. Our quest is to find where we will be able to build more than a temporary place to stay, it will be our home.
As you can imagine, that’s a lot of pressure to put on what is supposed to be a vacation! But I left the city with an open mind, and the further we drove away, the better I felt.
La Tuque is a pretty isolated place, and I never had the opportunity to visit this area of Quebec before. You will go across a territory which is home to the Atikamekw Nehirowisiw Nation, and also inspired a lot of Quebec’s folklore. The 155 will give you great scenery, by bringing you to the river bank of the Saint-Maurice river on one side, and the mountains on the other. The sinuous road seems to go on forever, but to my surprise, it doesn’t feel like a never-ending road: it feels like endless possibilities. I had never seen territories in such a wild state, untouched. It almost feels like the Saint-Maurice is letting you travel by its side as a privilege, not to be granted in this wilderness. Humans don’t rule there, nature does.
When I arrived in La Tuque, I fell in love. We had the chance of speaking with locals that were welcoming, and more than happy to share why they love the town of La Tuque.
Outside living is at the center of everyone’s life, with endless trails in the forest, a ski hill in the middle of the town, and apparently, even surf in the summertime.
When it was time to go back to the city, it was with a lighter heart. Questions I didn’t even know I had were answered. I think I might have found the place I will be able to call home, and where I will be able to breathe freely.
If you ever find yourself driving up the 155, take some time to look up the links below to learn about the Haute Mauricie.
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Wow Allison, what a fantastic journey! The photos you’ve shared are absolutely beautiful. I have been to Quebec many times, but never in this area – and it looks like it will be added onto my list!
Thank you for sharing your story, and best of luck finding a place to call home – although it sounds like you may have just found it 🙂
Oh gosh – so sorry, I just realized I misspelled your name! My apologies, Alison*