There is fishing, boating, sailing and bathing of a very enjoyable kind. Aquatic life has not been developed as much as it should have been with so many choice privileges right at hand. Carriage driving, tennis, and, particularly, golf are supreme. Perhaps this is not to be wondered at when the splendid and inexhaustible drives the neighborhood affords are considered; and the golf links are so beautiful and in such a splendid situation that the popularity of this healthful recreation is easily understood.
There are hundreds of pleasant cottages, many spacious bungalows and not a few country mansions. These are dotted in long picturesque lines by the shore of the Bay and on the cliffs that follow the bend of the water. These houses are to the right and left of the long road that runs from Point à Pic to the bridge at Murray Bay River, on which street or roadway the village houses, rented cottages and some of the hotels are placed. Many of the bungalows have charming situations right on the water, with pleasant gardens and decorative stone walls between main road and shore. Others are embowered in the hilly land that follows the contour of the Bay, where with breezy porches, enjoyable gardens and delightful air, the roofs and gables are all that show from the lower road. Rustic gates, zigzag steps up the grassy heights, handrails of saplings with the bark unstripped, and arbour-covered terraces or ‘rests’ with shady seats on the way up, all mark the country-like aspect of the surroundings.
There are many alluring drives in this neighborhood; few anywhere can compare with them. A more romantic trip than that to the Upper and Lower Falls of the Fraser River could hardly be imagined. Leaving the carriage, exploring the wood and descending into the ravine, a beautiful view is seen. The upper fall descends in two drops to a depth of two hundred and ninety feet, and the lower fall has a descent of one hundred and fifty feet. The Thou, Chute, Desbiens, and the Nearn Fall with its salmon leap, are favorite objectives for enjoyable driving excursions.
The long wharf at Point à Pic is a bustling centre when steamboats are coming in or going out. Rows of carriages are backed in compact lines as far as the eye can see. It is almost equally lively at night, and presents a gay sight with its strings of electric light and clusters of summer people congregating on the wharf to meet the coming and speed departing friends. Everyone comes to see the boats arrive and depart. Furniture, cots, etc., are being unloaded rapidly, and there, as a box is passed ashore the strong electric light shows it is addressed to—Cabot; historic name! The busy scene on steamer and wharf, the plash of the water, the bustle of the moving carriages, the long line of the pier thrown out from the stern cliff, the beautiful air and the fascination of a St. Lawrence sunset with its fairy panorama of fantastic cloud, silver tinted under the influence of the rising moon—these things constitute a scene that is truly delightful.
A Home in the Woods, St. Irénée
Owing to the fine drives in the neighborhood, carriages are very numerous. Almost every house of a habitant has its stable, and whether he be a grocer, a shoemaker or what not, his voiture may be seen emerging from its lane by the trim little cottage to meet every steamboat that calls at the wharf.
The life at Murray Bay is very pleasant; and it is sure to be enjoyed by all who like driving, walking, boating, bathing, tennis, golf, etc.; all of which recreations may be followed here to their full in the midst of ideal surroundings.