Panoramic Baie Comeau With Sainte Amelie

OVERVIEW

Settle in for an enlightening drive through Baie Comeau and stop along the way to explore the glorious church Sainte-Amélie. Although its stained-glass windows are impressive, the frescoes adorning the ceiling are the real showstoppers. It will be obvious why the Florentine artist that painted them is known as the Michelangelo of North America. Be sure to ask why the Canadian government imprisoned him during World War II. The city’s founder, Robert McCormick, also left his mark on Baie Comeau. He established a paper mill there in the 1930s to supply raw material for his newspaper – the Chicago Tribune – and built the Manoir of Baie-Comeau, a landmark French colonial hotel. Although the original burned, you will see the new version along with a statue of McCormick in the popular shopping corridor Place LaSalle. For the ultimate view of the natural beauty that surrounds Baie-Comeau, you will pause at the St-Pancrace overlook.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a leisurely drive through Baie Comeau and take in its landmark attractions.
• Admire the stained-glass windows and spectacular frescoes inside Sainte-Amélie church.
• Pause for photos at the St-Pancrace overlook, a natural setting on the outskirts of town.
• Spend free time after the excursion in Place LaSalle, an area full of shops and restaurants.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.