The scenery of the river and valley between Assametquaghan and Glen Emma is particularly bold and grand, and most enchanting views of the winding Matapedia meet the gaze at every turn of its sinuous course. The mountains rise higher and higher, and as the train turns in and out, far-away glimpses of the silvery stream are frequently caught. Just below the railroad a mass of rocks has fallen from the mountain side into the bed of the river, almost closing the way. Leaning out of the window, as we slow up, the spray is almost at hand.
At times the stream broadens considerably, and the mountains run to foot-hills that diminish to gentle slopes at the river’s brink. Looking along the valley at such points, a grand panorama of mountain, hill, dale, valley and winding stream enchants the artistic eye. There a long line of beautiful trees is seen on an islet, once part of the mainland. As the train goes down stream the island seems to come up under full sail to meet it; and all around, in valley, on mound and hill, and up the steep sides of the mountains, the gorgeous pink bloom of the prolific rhododendron gives joy to the senses.
Here the Matapedia has changed its pebble bed for one of rock, and as there is a considerable fall,—which is also quite noticeable on account of the easy running of the train—the churning waves and dashing foam show beautifully below. At a point where the stream deepens and flows on with darker hue and unruffled surface the train crosses again to the left bank and approaches Millstream—the smallest of hamlets in the most ideal situation that could well be imagined.
On the shore of the river, not far away, is an encampment of happy vacationists, with tent, and shack for cooking; their boat moored below, and the stream singing of health and cool summer joys as it dashes gaily by.
The village of Matapedia has a choice and romantic situation at the confluence of the Matapedia and Restigouche Rivers, known as ‘the meeting of the waters.’ A railroad runs from here along the south shore of the Gaspé Peninsula. The surrounding country is magnificent, and a wealth of beauty is found in the river scenery and fine walks of the neighborhood. It is one of the choice spots of Canada, and numerous sites for cottage retreats and river bungalows will be found along the valley of the Matapedia River, above and below the village.
The canoeing waters of this lovely district are exceedingly choice.
Very nearly all of the country traversed hitherto has been rich in rivers and streams. In addition to the great inland sea of the St. Lawrence, and all the numerous rivers previously named, the district bordered by the Matapedia River has excellent water privileges that cover a wide area. That fine river, the Rimouski, and the charming little Neigette are within easy reach of the Métis River, indeed the smaller river runs into the Métis; and the Métis itself is almost touched by the Patapedia which runs on and connects with the Restigouche and Matapedia Rivers.
Rich as Quebec is in watercourses, the province of New Brunswick, into which we are about to pass, is endowed to even a more extraordinary extent with those supreme additions to the beauty of a landscape; and which provide, when communicating, such pleasant and convenient means for going from one part of the country to the other.
