Réserve naturelle Quilliams-Durrell

New Images from our Latest visit to the Nature Reserve.

Réserve naturelle Quilliams-Durrell is a wildlife refuge in Lac-Brome, Quebec.

This wildlife refuge is part of a larger effort by concerned citizens of the Lac Brome region to preserve the wetlands and forested areas around the Lake Brome.

The Brome Lake Land Foundation’s intal purchase of 500 acres of wetlands and woodlands in 1987 started it all.

An very informative article written by author Frank Nixon appears on the http://100objects.qahn.org/ website.

We were in search of a location to take a short vacation and after a little research. We decided on the the Lac Brome area.

More specifically the Hotel Suites Lac Brome. Their location provides direct access to the wildlife refuge by kayak and they can be rented at the hotel.

You can also rent paddle boards at the private beach located across the street from the hotel.

Réserve naturelle Quilliams-Durrell

Wetlands Réserve naturelle Quilliams-Durrell

Great blue heron Réserve naturelle Quilliams-Durrell

Our early morning kayak trip in the Quilliams-Durrell wildlife refuge was picture perfect.

The waterway snakes its way through the nature reserve in long slow curves each turn revealing the flora and fauna of the area. The experience was relaxing and extremely enjoyable, I highly recommend it.


Kayaking Réserve naturelle Quilliams-Durrell

lilly pads Réserve naturelle Quilliams-Durrell

Wetlands Réserve naturelle Quilliams-Durrell-2

Mottled Ducks Réserve naturelle Quilliams-Durrell

Wetlands Réserve naturelle Quilliams-Durrell-1

Quilliams Durrell Nature Reserve

Wetlands -Lac Brome
Quilliams Durrell Nature Reserve

This is our second trip to the lake Brome area this summer and once again we are staying at Hôtel Suites Lac-Brome.

This trip we discovered the walking trail that starts in the Town of Knowlton and runs all the way to the autoroute 10. Along the the trail you pass through the Quilliams-Durrell Nature Reserve and we couldn’t resist getting back in the kayaks. Here are some of the images taken on our trip.

Réserve naturelle Quilliams Durrell walking trail.

Réserve naturelle Quilliams Durrell walking trail.

Réserve naturelle Quilliams Durrell walking trail bridge.

Réserve naturelle Quilliams Durrell walking trail.

Quilliams Durrell Nature Reserve walking trail bridge
Image of the bridge on the walking trail at Quilliams Durrell Nature Reserve shot from the water.

Quilliams Durrell Nature Reserve

Quilliams Durrell Nature Reserve

Quilliams Durrell Nature Reserve

Quilliams Durrell Nature Reserve

Quilliams Durrell Nature Reserve

Quilliams Durrell Nature Reserve

Quilliams Durrull Nature Reserve

Parc National des Grands-Jardins

Here is some information and images from the Parc National des Grands-Jardin in Saint-Urbain, Charlivois region, Quebec Canada. 

“In the early 20th century, this area was already known for its incredible fishing opportunities. Visitors were struck by the carpets of ground lichen and the exceptional Arctic vegetation at this latitude. They thus named it the Grands-Jardins-the Great Gardens. Today, Parc national des Grands-Jardins is still visited by anglers and also by hikers, campers, and vacationers. It has the privilege of forming one of the core zones of the Charlevoix Biosphere Reserve, a status granted to the region by UNESCO.

“Le Pioui and Mont du Lac des Cygnes Loop is a 11.1 kilometer moderately trafficked loop trail located near Saint-Urbain, Quebec, Canada that features a lake and is rated as difficult. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips and is best used from June until September.”

The trail network of over 30 km can satisfy all categories of hikers. Go and discover a multitude of landscapes: taiga, tundra, deciduous forest, boreal forest, and mountain vegetation. Be sure to see Le Pioui and Mont du Lac-des-Cygnes. This mountain offers a unique view of the Charlevoix meteorite crater and Vallée du Gros-Bras.

Come explore the new de La Tour and du Brûlé trails, both located right at the heart of the summits of Grands-Jardins in the Arthabaska sector.

Periods:

  • Le Mont-du-Lac-des-Cygnes, La Chouenne, Le Pioui and Le Gros-Pin: year-round (during winter, snowshoes or walking crampons are required)
  • Le Boréal, La Pinède, Le Pionnier, Le Pommereau, La Chute, La Tour and Du Brûlé: May 24 to October 14, 2019

The quotes above are from Sepaq and AllTrails websites respectively.

As a professional disclaimer, I am not the photographer who shot these beautiful images. They where shot by my girlfriend on a hike with some family members.

However, I did do the post processing of the images.

We hope you enjoy the images.

Sentier Mont-du-Lac-des-Cygnes
Sentier Mont-du-Lac-des-Cygnes
Sentier Mont-du-Lac-des-Cygnes
Sentier Mont-du-Lac-des-Cygnes
Sentier Mont-du-Lac-des-Cygnes
Sentier Mont-du-Lac-des-Cygnes
Sentier Mont-du-Lac-des-Cygnes
Sentier Mont-du-Lac-des-Cygnes
Sentier Mont-du-Lac-des-Cygnes
Lac des Cygnes
Mont du Lac des Cygnes trail
Mont du Lac des Cygnes trail
Mont du Lac des Cygnes trail
Mont du Lac des Cygnes trail

Parc national du Mont-Mégantic

Franceville sector

In the north-west part of the park, discover the 15 km of trails in the new Franceville sector. Live a unique experience, having access to the spectacular Franceville rock crest and the stunning view of the valley of the Ruisseau de la Montagne – mountain stream – of which the trail is interrupted by waterfalls.

Period: mid-May to mid-October 2019

Last week, I had the opportunity to do a little hiking in the eastern townships. Conditions were wet and muddy, but manageable. The temperature was in the low to mid teens Celsius. Which is very comfortable for hiking. Trail map: Franceville sector.

Sentier des Escarpments is an intermediate trail and very well maintained. Sépaq personnel were adjusting one of the more challenging sections of the trail the day we were there.

Beginning of the Hiking trail
 Sentier des Escarpments
Mont Megantic
Beginning of the Hiking trail
Sentier des Escarpments
Mont Megantic

If you are new to hiking in early June, you will see some bears. Educate yourself about the proper interaction with bears in this season.

Rock face with a line of trees close beside
 Sentier des Escarpments 
 Mont Megantic
Rock face with a line of trees close beside
Sentier des Escarpments
Mont Megantic

The hiking paths are wide and well groomed for the most part. Some areas require more concentration on foot placement, but a very enjoyable climb nonetheless.

View of the valley below through the trees 
Sentier des Escarpments 
 Mont Megantic
View of the valley below through the trees
Sentier des Escarpments
Mont Megantic
Mont Megantic Observatory in the distance. 
 Sentier des Escarpments
Mont Megantic Observatory in the distance.
Sentier des Escarpments
Trail winding through the rocks.
 Sentier des Escarpments 
 Mont Megantic
Trail winding through the rocks.
Sentier des Escarpments
Mont Megantic
Giant rock slabs with a gap between them.
 Sentier des Escarpments 
 Mont Megantic
Giant rock slabs with a gap between them.
Sentier des Escarpments
Mont Megantic
A trail along the mossy rock face. 
Sentier des Escarpments 
 Mont Megantic
A trail along the mossy rock face.
Sentier des Escarpments
Mont Megantic
Tree growing up and over a boulder.
 Sentier des Escarpments  
Mont Megantic
Tree growing up and over a boulder.
Sentier des Escarpments
Mont Megantic
Tree with extensive root system exposed on the bank of a stream.
 Sentier des Escarpments  
Mont Megantic
Tree with extensive root system exposed on the bank of a stream.
Sentier des Escarpments
Mont Megantic

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Halifax Downtown Waterfront

Welcome to Bishops landing the waterfront boardwalk in downtown Halifax.
Halifax waterfront

Halifax waterfront boardwalk
early morning foggy cloudy day

The Halifax waterfront Boardwalk stretches from the Halifax seaport/Farmers market to the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel some 2.7 Km.

All along the way, there are all sorts of interesting shops, restaurants, boutiques and street performers to entertain you.

Bishops landing is also home to Southwest Properties. Which provides the opportunity to purchase or rent on the waterfront.

From the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel, you are minutes away from Casino Nova Scotia.

Halifax waterfront wharf

Halifax waterfront boardwalk Wharf
early morning foggy cloudy day
Halifax waterfront
Halifax waterfront boardwalk
drunken lamp posts
early morning foggy cloudy day

But what’s the story behind them?

Designed by NSCAD alums Chris Hanson and Hendrika Sonnenberg, the ‘Fountain’ lamppost shoots a stream of water into the harbour, as though it was relieving itself after a big night downtown. Not far away, ‘Get Drunk, Fall Down’ features another lamppost slumped across the pier, with its concerned friend looking down.

Georges Island National Historic Site
Halifax Harbour

Georges Island National Historic Site
Halifax Harbour
early morning foggy cloudy day

Thanks to its peerless position in Halifax Harbour, Georges Island was occupied by military forces for 200 years from 1750, acting as a key fortification protecting access to a key British station. Created by deposits left by glaciers thousands of years ago, the small island stood guard while battles raged for control of the East coast. Georges Island does not currently offer a visitor program, but special events are occasionally held, offering a rare opportunity to visit. 

Georges Island National Historic Site

Halifax waterfront boardwalk  
Foggy cloudy day


Halifax waterfront boardwalk
early morning foggy cloudy day
bicycle thief restaurant halifax
Bicycle Thief Restaurant Halifax
Halifax waterfront boardwalk 
Ships Dock

Halifax waterfront boardwalk
Ships Dock
Murphy's Restaurant Halifax, Nova Scotia
Waterfront Boardwalk
Murphy’s Restaurant Halifax, Nova Scotia
Waterfront Boardwalk
early morning foggy cloudy day
Silva of Halifax

All hands on deck, sailing on this 130-year-old schooner is an incredibly unique experience. Help hoist the sails, learn about Nova Scotia’s rich naval history, and enjoy craft beers at the onboard bar(extra cost). For booking, information and schedules just click on Ambassatours.

 

Silva of Halifax
Docked at Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk
Silva of Halifax
Docked at Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk
 Theodore Tugboat- Halifax, Nova Scotia 
 Docked at Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk
Theodore Tugboat- Halifax, Nova Scotia
Docked at Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk

Theodore Too is a large-scale imitation tugboat built in Dayspring, Nova Scotia in 2000 based on the fictional television tugboat character Theodore Tugboat. Theodore Too is currently located in Bedford, Nova Scotia Wikipedia

Halifax Citadel National Historic Site

Entrance to  Halifax Citadel Parade grounds
Entrance to Halifax Citadel Parade grounds

Experience an exciting part of Canada’s history by visiting this 19th-century fort with a sweeping view of downtown Halifax. Between May and October, the Citadel is brought to life by two historic regiments of the British Army – the pageantry of the 78th Highlanders and the precision of the Royal Artillery thrill visitors daily with live re-enactments. The skirl of the bagpipes mixes with the crack of a rifle and the assembly of recruits for the next foot drill. There’s no shortage of authentic experiences to view and participate in! Kids will love the Xplorers Program – an activity book just for them. When the sun sets, it’s time to experience the other side of the Citadel – join the Citadel Ghost Walk and experience the dark and errie lore from the early 1800’s. Tours start mid-July and run every Friday and Saturday nights starting at 8:30pm until the end of October. Cash at the front gate.

 Halifax Citadel entrance canon
Halifax Citadel entrance canon
 Halifax Citadel paymaster office
Halifax Citadel paymaster office
 Halifax Citadel Garment shop
Halifax Citadel Garment shop
Tunnel to outer walls
of the  Halifax Citadel
Tunnel to outer walls
of the Halifax Citadel
Outer walls of the  Halifax Citadel
Outer walls of the Halifax Citadel
Outer walls of the Halifax Citadel
Outer walls of the Halifax Citadel
Outer walls of the  Halifax Citadel
Outer walls of the Halifax Citadel
Halifax citadel weapon demonstration
Halifax Citadel weapon demonstration
Halifax Citadel enlisted men's quarters
Halifax Citadel enlisted men’s quarters
Halifax Citadel Barracks and Parade grounds
Halifax Citadel Barracks and Parade grounds
Halifax Citadel Barracks
Halifax Citadel Barracks

Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse

peggy’s cove lighthouse
Sunset at Peggy's cove private inlet
Sunset at Peggy’s cove private inlet

more images to come…….