[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We are all longing for a change of pace. Since COVID-19 hit the world, everyone had to adjust to the pandemic realities, which left us feeling a little cooped up and looking to spend time outdoors. Yet, we remain optimistic and excitingly anticipating for life without social distancing policies. Myself included.
The extended indoor confinement has brought me a strong feeling of winter blues, unable to socialize with friends and family like I used to.All these COVID-19 restrictions have made it really difficult to make plans and travel to far out locations for my typical stress relief outings.
I was scrolling through my Facebook feed when I caught my eye that Séjour Kouchibouguac Resort was reaching out for influencers. I thought to myself, why not? Within few days, they returned my call and suggested I stay at one of their cabins for a couple of days and discover the winter wonderland which surrounds their venue. I did not hesitate one second so I packed my bags and hit the road.
Upon my arrival, I was greeted by the marketing manager Amna who showed me my cabin and brought me for a quick visit around the resort. The Séjour Kouchibouguac Resort has been welcoming guests since 1968 and is very conveniently located just outside Saint-Louis-de-Kent at the Kouchibouguac National Parkdoor step. There is even direct access at the resort which connects to the Park’s trail system. The resort features several style cabins which are fully equipped to make you feel right at home. I was lucky enough to stay in the Luxury Loft Cabin (Red 1) which had been recently renovated while keeping with the wilderness cabin feeling.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_images_carousel images=”2982,2983,2984,2985,2986,2987,2988,2989,2990″ img_size=”1000×600″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Amna completed the tour by telling me about future plans and ideas for the resort which are very exciting. Their goal is to offer an exceptional Kouchibouguac four-season outdoor experience at their year-round destination resort. Indeed, activities abound for 12 months of the year with Plage Kellys just nearby and more than 60 km of trails in Kouchibouguac National Park and much more. Outdoor enthusiasts and novices alike can hike, walk, cycle, row, snowshoe, cross-country ski or just bask in the sun at the beach, depending, of course, on the season!
After bidding Amna a good evening, I headed back to my cabin, relaxed in the calmness of the night, grabbed a bite to eat and took the time to plan out for my wilderness adventures.
The next morningI enjoyed a pleasant breakfast with a fresh coffee, concocted in the cozy kitchen, then grabbed my snowshoes and hit the trails. A storm had just blanketed the area with a fresh coat of snow, letting the trails shine under the sun. The beauty of the Canadian winter was at its best. Trees were still covered by snow and the morning sunlight was like a dream scene out of a movie.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_images_carousel images=”2991,2992,2993,2994,2995,2996,2997,2998,2999,3000,3001″ img_size=”1000×600″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I will be honest my plan was to make it much farther than I actually did. But in truth, I was bewildered but this wilderness’s beauty. I immersed myself and lost track of time. Before I knew it, it was noon. Everywhere I looked there were great scenes and as a photographer, I could not miss the opportunity to capture these moments in time. I was really lucky to find myself in this spring-like day and fantastic views. I was cleansing my system from all my pandemic accumulated stress. For a while, I forgot all about COVID-19 and its pressure. I could have stayed in that first area all daybut I wanted to check out other regions of the park during my afternoon session.With my camera loaded with wonderful snapshots, I headed back to my cozy cabin, had a satisfying lunch and set out to continue my adventure.
Let me give you some insight. Time slips away when you are completely mesmerized and having fun. Before I knew it, it was dinner time. This area is so beautiful but I was super bummed that I ran out of time to out more of the snowshoe trails and other parts of the park. I will certainly be back soon to complete my excursion of the area. I did manage to squeeze some time to drive through the park and discover the small neighbouring fishing villages of Pointe-Sapin and Saint-Louis-de-Kent.
I was all played out and ready to retire to my comfortable bed intending to get up early and hit the trails again but not before I could do a quick check on the weather. The forecast: Snow, and lots of it overnight. Yay! Shooting in snowstorms is my absolute favourite. I love the beauty of a fresh snowfall, and after seeing the splendour of the trails earlier that day, I knew I was in for a treat. Let me tell you, it was more charming than I ever expected.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_images_carousel images=”3002,3003,3004,3005,3006″ img_size=”1000×600″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]My assessment of the trip: you can never get enough of the Kouchibouguac experience. However, it was sadly time to return home. Although short, my trip was very vivid and precisely the change of pace I needed. Being able to get away from my worries and spend some time outside, I feel rejuvenated and more motivated to get back to shooting and maybe even a little more travelling.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Thanks again to the entire staff at Kouchibouguac Resort!” google_fonts=”font_family:Alex%20Brush%3Aregular|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
About the author
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Hello, I’m Alan. Born and raised in Hartland, New Brunswick, Canada I am a lover of all things photography, design, automotive, cinema, morning coffee, pizza, and Formula 1. Now residing in Woodstock, New Brunswick, I am traveling across Atlantic Canada capturing stories and experiences. Photography has become an outlet to share my work, my experiences, and other things that I love. Let’s create something awesome together![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]