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Canadian travel channel Evasion sent its Go To The Beach crew to town this week. Their assignment was to spotlight the city as a summer road trip destination. 

“As any Quebec resident will tell you, no summer is complete without a road-trip down the coast of the Eastern United States,” officials said in a written statement. “Nothing says summer vacation in Quebec like the anticipation of smelling the ocean while you are lined up at the border waiting for the adventure to begin.”

The Go To The Beach crew spent Thursday and Friday capturing the city’s beach and boardwalk, as well as its downtown venues.

Production coordinator Marieve Ledoux said a site scout discovered the Jersey Shore jewel after filming in Cape Cod last season wrapped.

“We want to introduce what is fun for families, couples, and for someone going to beach alone,” Ledoux said. “We want to show the best restaurants, bars, and activities.”

Among the first interviews was a stroll along the boardwalk with Deputy Mayor Amy Quinn, who shared a bit of the city’s history and its revival, as well what the arts have done for Asbury Park.

The Quebec-based crew stayed at the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel, and spent their time capturing all the beach and boardwalk had to offer before heading downtown.

There were stops at Wonder Bar’s popular Yappy Hour and time spent with Johnny Yarusi at his North Eats located Johnny’s Pork Roll and Coffee Truck.  Stops also were made at Forth Union skate park, Johnny Mac’s, Purple Glaze, Taka, and Shelter Home.

The Sun caught up with them as director/cameraman Olivier Tetreault and Shane Smith captured host Evelyne Audet interview with Parlor Gallery’s Jenn Hampton about the local art scene.

“We have been so many places,” Ledoux said.  “Before we arrived, we didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t know the backstory of Asbury Park. The locals are really proud of their city and they are super social. When they come see us they want to share.”

The classic Quebec summer vacation show drew on average a 115,900 weekly audience, with a  1.66 million total reach in 1.85 million homes. 

Ledoux said she most enjoyed the city’s diversity.

“This is something we have in Montreal as well,” she said. “It’s a great thing to see here. I’ve noticed a lot of local shops as well. I don’t see a lot of big [chains].  It looks like the city is reviving from its ashes. In French we have a saying – something that gets burned down grows even stronger. That’s the feeling I get when we are here.”

Ledoux said the Asbury Park segment will air in 2018. For more about the show and the Canadian station, visit click here.

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