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Enjoy spectacular sea and mountain scenery as far as the eye can see!

Recognized by National Geographic Traveler as one of Canada’s 50 Places of a Lifetime , Gaspésie gives you the opportunity to discover four national parks; famous Percé Rock; the world’s most accessible northern gannet colony; a UNESCO World Heritage Site; moose; summits over 1000 metres (3300 feet); lighthouses; Chaleur Bay, one of the most beautiful bays in the world; remarkable historic sites and much more.

Picture-perfect scenery

A long peninsula bathed in the waters of the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence, Gaspésie charms visitors with contrasting landscapes ranging from undulating countryside to mountains overlooking the sea. In fishing and agricultural villages and small, dynamic towns built at the mouths of rivers, local residents have carved out a place for themselves in this region while preserving the natural world around them.

Renowned for its warm hospitality, Gaspésie has a population of about 140,000 people spread out along the coast and in the Matapédia Valley. The main road, Route 132, which forms a loop of about 900 kilometres (560 miles), is an iconic road trip (the Gaspésie Tour ), recognized by both the Michelin Green Guide and National Geographic Traveler. Depending on where you are coming from, there are many ways to get to the Gaspé Peninsula .

A must-see destination

In the history of tourism in Québec, Gaspésie was one of the first widely known tourist destinations. Beginning in the 19th century, Percé —including legendary Percé Rock—along with Carleton and Métis were the first resort areas to welcome middle-class vacationers who enjoyed salmon fishing and the seaside. Furthermore, Gaspé has been considered the Cradle of Canada since Jacques Cartier erected a cross here in 1534.

A region of sea and mountains, Gaspésie is ideal for sea kayaking and scuba diving , as well as short or long hikes and cycling excursions. In addition, this region offers excellent opportunities for moose and caribou observation as well as whale and bird watching from the shore or during sea excursions .

An exceptional natural environment

The natural heritage of Gaspésie is truly exceptional. This region is home to Chaleur Bay , one of the most beautiful bays in the world; some of the province’s highest summits in the Chic-Choc Mountains ; world-renowned salmon rivers; Parc national de Miguasha , a UNESCO World Heritage Site ; and three other national parks : Parc national de la Gaspésie , Forillon National Park and Parc national de l’Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé .

Hikers can explore the wild beauty of the region along the 644 kilometres (400 miles) of the International Appalachian Trail , which runs from Matapédia to Cap Gaspé in Forillon National Park. In September 2015, the French Hiking Federation (FFRP) will recognize the Québec segment of this trail as the first long-distance hiking route (GR®) in North America.

A multicultural mosaic

A welcoming land, Gaspésie has been shaped by the cultures and traditions of its various founding peoples: Mi’gmaq, French, Normans, Bretons, Basque, Rochelais, Acadians, Jersey Islanders, English Loyalists, Scottish and Irish. The influence of these cultures can still be heard in the accents, vocabulary and songs of modern Gaspésie. A number of historic and cultural sites, museums and interpretation centres celebrate the region’s history and talent. For example, 14 lighthouses dot the Gaspé Peninsula; in addition, the architecture of the region reflects its maritime heritage.

Gaspesian culture can also be experienced through local cuisine and regional arts and crafts . Epicures will particularly appreciate the subtle and highly prized flavours of lobster, snow crab, northern shrimp, fresh fish and other local delicacies. Furthermore, boutiques, studios and art galleries will introduce visitors to artists and artisans who create new and exciting worlds using age-old techniques and products.

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National Parks

What to see: Gaspésie, Miguasha, Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé and Forillon national parks. On the agenda: wilderness or full-service camping, hiking and trekking, sea excursions, an impressive northern gannet colony, fossils over 380 million years old and much more!

Outdoor Activities

This region is an ideal playground for sea excursions, mountain treks, white water paddling, canyoning, wildlife observation and more.

Culture and Heritage

Discover the many facets of Gaspésie by visiting the region’s gardens, museums and historic sites.

Regional Flavours

Savour fresh fish and lobster, meats and sausages, berries, craft beers and more!

Percé Rock, national parks, the Chic-Choc Mountains and historic sites reflecting this region’s maritime heritage are only a few of the must-see attractions found in Gaspésie.

Gaspésie National Park and the Chic-Chocs Mountain Lodge will particularly appeal to mountain sports enthusiasts and powder snow lovers. In addition, snowmobilers will be delighted with the 2000 km (1240 mi.) of well-groomed trails.

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13 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do on the Gaspé Peninsula

Written by Chloë Ernst and Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Mar 22, 2022

There are so many things to do in the Gaspé Peninsula that it's hard to believe it's only 250 kilometers long and 100 to 140 kilometers across. Extending into the Gulf of St. Lawrence and isolated from the rest of Québec , the peninsula rises quickly from its scenic coast to a mountainous, wooded inland wilderness. Between the sea and the interior mountains, the Gaspésie is a paradise for outdoor sports, from hiking, mountaineering, and backcountry skiing to kayaking, fishing, sailing, and even scuba diving.

But the tourist attractions of the Gaspé Peninsula are not all active ones: museums explore the long history (it was here that Champlain first landed in North America), Micmac culture, early wireless communication, fishing, and fossils. Picturesque lighthouses and tidy villages dot the shore. Scenic vistas are everywhere, but none compares to the peninsula's premier spot for sightseeing: the famous 88-meter-high Percé Rock jutting out of the sea.

Not least of the Gaspé Peninsula's attractions is its excellent cuisine. Local specialties uphold the best of French tradition with game, fish, and seafood, including local trout and Atlantic salmon. You can experience the highlights of this beautiful region with the help of our list of the top attractions on the Gaspé Peninsula.

1. Forillon National Park

2. percé rock, 3. bonaventure island, 5. whale watching & sea adventures, 6. pointe à la renommée, 7. bonaventure, 8. parc national de la gaspésie, 9. ste-anne-des-monts, 10. micmac cultural interpretation site, 11. parc national de miguasha fossil site, 12. musée de la gaspésie, 13. matapedia.

At the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula, this scenic park juts out into the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Forillon National Park's northern coast is wild and rugged with mostly limestone cliffs. The southern coastal strip is less grand, but just as impressive, with opportunities for bird-watching and for whale watching trips by boat.

You can learn more about the wildlife of the area at the information center at Cap des Rosiers -which is also the site of a historic lighthouse, the tallest in Canada. Farther on, at Cap Bon-Ami, a narrow path leads down to the beach for a magnificent view of the cape and the cliffs.

Address: 122 Gaspé Blvd, Gaspé

Official site: http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/qc/forillon/index.aspx

The signature image of the Gaspé Peninsula is gigantic red Perce Rock rising majestically from a deep blue sea. And it's just as beautiful in reality. Eons of battering by the sea have eroded the rock, which is pierced (percé in French, hence the name) by a large hole at one end. This is the most dramatic point, but the whole coast is a magnificent natural spectacle of photogenic rocky outcrops, towering cliffs, and surf.

Samuel de Champlain described this 88-meter-high, 475-meter-long rock in his captain's log in 1603, and you, too, can get a view of it from the water on one of the several boat excursions from the town of Perce.

In 2017, the Plateforme Vitrée Suspendue (suspended glass platform) at the Geopark of Percé , a viewing stage cantilevered out from a Mont Ste-Anne cliff at 200 meters altitude, offering yet another perspective on the iconic rock. An interpretive center at the Geopark has an interactive multimedia exhibition, Tektonik, that's especially appealing to children.

The island of Bonaventure is a bird sanctuary covering about four square kilometers. It is North America's largest gannetry-about 50,000 gannets come here in summer to nest. The eastern side of the island is an ideal nesting site, with rocky clefts and ledges. Besides the gannets, there are cormorants and other seabirds, as well as trails, so that visitors can see them better.

From the boat dock, follow the 5.6-kilometer (round-trip) Les Colonies trail across the island to the gannet colony. Or you can follow the nine-kilometer Le Chemin du Roy around the entire perimeter of Bonaventure Island. The views are spectacular. For bird-lovers, the gannetry on Bonaventure Island is one of the top things to do in Quebec.

Official site: http://www.sepaq.com/pq/bon/

Gaspé, the main town of the peninsula and the administrative and commercial center, is on a hillside overlooking the York River. The town owes its fame to Jacques Cartier, since it was here that he first set foot on the continent of North America in July 1534, fashioned a wooden cross, and took possession of the land "in the name of the King of France." Today Gaspé is a community based on fishing and the fishing industry, and worth a stop for some sightseeing as you tour the eastern end of the peninsula.

The striking modern Christ Roi Cathedral is built almost entirely of wood and is the only wooden cathedral in North America. Designed by architect Gérard Notebaert, the new cathedral was consecrated in 1969, and has beautiful stained glass.

Largely surrounded by water, it's no wonder that Gaspé is filled with chances to explore and play on the water. For tourists, one of the most popular things to do is take a cruise around Perce Rock for different perspectives and great photo ops. Les Bateliers de Percé cruises also go to Bonaventure Island to see the gannets.

As many as six different species of whales frequent the waters off Forillon National Park, including blue and humpback whales. Cap Aventure operates whale watching cruises from the marina in Gaspé with a professional interpreter-guide.

Avolo Plein Air in Percé leads guided kayak tours of the point St-Peter's area, offering outstanding views of Percé and Forillon, and the chance to explore unique rock formations.

Écovoile de la Baie-des-Chaleurs does day trips under sail from Carleton-sur-Mer on the Bay of Chaleur. To explore underwater, you can go scuba diving with Plongée Forillon, at the Quai de Grande-Grave in the National Park.

The Site Historique de Pointe-à-la-Renommée combines a striking red lighthouse with the site of North America's first maritime radio station, which was installed here by inventor Guglielmo Marconi in 1904.

The lighthouse keeper's house has a video about the lighthouse and those who tended its lights, and you can climb to the top for magnificent views of the shore and the St. Lawrence. The displays in the museum tell the story of Marconi's station and its role in the development of radio communications.

This little holiday community on the Bay of Chaleur was founded by Acadians fleeing here to escape deportation, and you can learn more about the Acadian culture at the Musée Acadien du Québec. A good place to visit for families is the Bioparc , a small zoo with about 40 animals that are native to the Gaspe. Activities throughout the park encourage children to learn more about the animals and their environment.

About 20 kilometers east of Bonaventure, Banc de Paspebiac Historical Site has 11 restored buildings that tell the story of the local fishing industry over the last two centuries. Demonstrations of traditional shipbuilding skills, net-mending, blacksmithing, and barrel-making, as well as theatrical performances bring the village to life, making this another good attraction for families.

More than 25 peaks over 1,000 meters high crown the two mountain ranges in this national park in the heart of the Gaspé Peninsula. The Chic-Choc and McGerrigle ranges are accessed by 140 kilometers of hiking tracks that include one of the best stretches of the International Appalachian Trail . A favorite climb is Mont Jacques-Cartier, Québec's second highest summit. The higher reaches of the park are the habitat for a herd of rare woodland caribou .

Mont Albert, a peak in the Chic-Choc range, is well known to avid backcountry skiers in Quebec, but remains a well-kept secret outside the region. Mountain streams and lakes make the area popular for fishing, and there are campsites throughout the park.

Address: 1981 Route du Parc, Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, Québec

Official site: https://www.sepaq.com/gaspesie

The road to Ste-Anne-des-Monts is typical of the rocky coast. The route runs through impenetrable terrain, either at the water's edge or along the cliff tops, and passes through many little fishing villages with relatively large churches, small houses, and nothing but waves and seagulls as far as the eye can see. The bright-red La Martre Lighthouse and Museum is situated about 15 kilometers east of the town.

At the dock, you'll find Exploramer , an interactive museum that explores the marine life of the St. Lawrence River. The aquarium, touch pools, activities, and sea excursions on board the JV Exploramer all focus on the river, its inhabitants and environment. Visiting here is a popular thing to do for families; kids especially like putting on waders to explore the riverbed at low tide and collect sea life to examine.

The Micmac Cultural Interpretation Site (Site d'interpretation de la culture Micmac de Gespeg) demonstrates how the local Micmac people have lived in the Gaspé for the past three centuries, with a replica traditional village and summer camp of bark-covered homes. Displays and the guided tour illustrate daily life, food gathering, and traditional arts and skills. There is an emphasis on the Micmac's spiritual life and their relationship to the natural environment.

A shop exhibits outstanding examples of contemporary arts and crafts by members of the Gaspé Micmac Nation. The tour finishes with samples of traditional foods.

Address: 783 Boulevard Pointe-Navarre, Gaspe, Quebec

Official site: www.micmacgespeg.ca/en/explore

One of the world's premier sites, along with two in western Nova Scotia, illustrating the transition of fish to creatures able to walk on land, Parc National de Miguasha is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Fossils found here illustrate fish from 370 million years ago with rudimentary bones in their fins that show the beginning of arms and legs. These are called lobe-finned fishes, and they provide the link between fish and the first four-legged terrestrial vertebrates that could breathe out of water-the tetrapods.

The fish, invertebrate, and plant fossils shown in the interpretive center exhibits are of exceptional quality and are the very ones that have been used by paleontologists to form our understanding of the evolution of sea-to-land creatures. You can tour the beach to discover fossils that have fallen from the cliffs (but you are not allowed to collect them) or you can join a guided tour to learn even more about the site and its importance to scientific understanding of vertebrate origins.

Address: 231 Route de Miguasha Ouest, Nouvelle, Québec

Official site: https://www.sepaq.com/pq/mig/index.dot

Opened in June 2021, the Gaspé Museum celebrates the history, land, and people of the region with modern immersive exhibits and programs. Among the permanent exhibits, The Deep Blue Sea explores the maritime history of the Gaspésie through 15 sailing vessels and the experiences of people whose lives revolved around the sea. You'll see canoes of the Mi'gmaq and learn about whalers and cod fishing.

In addition to the indoor exhibition area, outdoors you'll find, La Gaspésienne no. 20, an authentic cod fishing boat restored and outfitted with fishing gear and equipment; you can board it from June through October. Also on the grounds are exhibits and sculptures by contemporary artists, including one commemorating the meeting between Jacques Cartier and the St. Lawrence Iroquoians in 1534.

In the summer, outdoor programs include a lively presentation about Jacques Cartier and the people he met during his travels.

Address: 80 boulevard Gaspé, Gaspé, Québec

Official site: https://en.museedelagaspesie.ca

Just across the line from New Brunswick, the village of Matapédia is in a lovely setting between two famous salmon rivers-the Matapédia and Restigouche-amid green hills that are known for their brilliant display of fall color. A number of covered bridges, some open to traffic, others pedestrian only, have been preserved from the early 20th century.

Well signposted from Chemin Petit, Chutes a Picot are often listed as one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Quebec. In the winter, Le Petit Chamonix ski resort offers downhill and cross-country skiing, as well as snowboarding, tubing, and ice-skating.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Where to Go in Quebec: The Gaspé Peninsula is only one of the many regions where tourists will find attractions to visit in Quebec . Both Montreal and Quebec City are lively centers of French-Canadian culture, and you'll find many charming and historic places to stay in Old Quebec.

Where to Go in New Brunswick : From the Gaspé, you can drive south to explore the tourist attractions in New Brunswick , which lies at the other side of the Bay of Chaleur. While here, you will want to see all the natural wonders of the Bay of Fundy , and you can discover more things to do by referring to our handy pages on the lively cities of Saint John , Fredericton , and Moncton .

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This Hidden Gem in Quebec Has Delicious Seafood, Charming Coastal Towns, and Stunning National Parks

Reaching out from Canada’s eastern shore, the rocky, remote Gaspé Peninsula is one of the country's best-kept secrets.

Nina Caplan has been writing about the arts, wine, and travel for over 20 years. Her wine and lifestyle columns appear regularly in Club Oenologique , The New Statesman , and The London Times 's luxury magazine, Luxx. She is the author of an award-winning travel memoir steeped in wine and history, "The Wandering Vine: Wine, The Romans and Me," which was published by Bloomsbury in 2018. She has followed her interests all over the world, from climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge and searching for Edo (19th-century Tokyo) to eating her way around Montreal and exploring the vineyards of Champagne. She is also a travel and wine consultant and an occasional podcaster. A lifelong Francophile and fluent French speaker, she lives between Burgundy, France, and London and has overflowing wine cellars in both places. She is working on a book about France. * Guild of Food Writers Drink Writer of the Year 2020 * Fortnum & Mason Drink Writer of the Year 2018 and 2014 * Louis Roederer International Food & Wine Writer of the Year 2016 * "The Wandering Vine" was Fortnum & Mason's Debut Drink Book of the Year 2019 and Louis Roederer Wine Book of the Year 2018 * Author of "The Gourmet London Restaurant Guide" * Former editor of Metropolitan, the trilingual magazine on Eurostar * Former features editor of Time Out London

William Craig Moyes

My first taste of the Gaspé Peninsula was a mouthful of flowers: a spoon piled with petals was offered to me when I visited five years ago. Quebecers are surprised when I tell them about it. That’s partly because the fertile eastern hunk of Canada, jutting out into the Gulf of St. Lawrence as if it were trying to visit Newfoundland , is where much of the population of Quebec went for their childhood holidays without being much disturbed by international tourists like me. It’s also because, while the Gaspé is famous for a type of food, it isn’t flowers. It’s fish.

When I went back last September with my husband, Craig, to make a full circuit of the peninsula, I discovered that, even in our age of disappearing resources, that is still the case. There are 22 salmon rivers on the peninsula, their clear water fringed with trees. Fantastic fresh seafood is served everywhere, from small island shacks to stylish waterside restaurants. But the fish have always been more than just dinner. The history of the peninsula could be written in fins and scales.

The Indigenous people whose ancestral territory this is, the Mi’kmaq, probably migrated east up the St. Lawrence River, past what is now Montreal and Quebec City, then stayed because the food was so plentiful. Around the year 1000, the Vikings showed up to fish cod, then dry and salt it for transport across the Atlantic. In 1534, Jacques Cartier arrived, planted a large crucifix in what is now the town of Gaspé, and claimed the entire country for France. Gaspésie, the French name for the peninsula, comes from the Mi’kmaq name Gespeg, meaning “land’s end.” But given that the Atlantic was the medieval equivalent of a highway connecting North America to Europe, “land’s beginning” might be just as appropriate.

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We plotted a weeklong trip that would take us on a 565-mile loop northeast from Quebec City along the St. Lawrence River. We would pause at the farthest point for a brief flirt with the Gulf of St. Lawrence, then return via Chaleur Bay, the water always on our left, sometimes so close that it seemed we might cast off.

We began at Pointe-au-Père with a reminder that wild water is far more than just a beautiful backdrop. We climbed the first of the slender, elegant red-and-white lighthouses that warn vessels away from the banks of the St. Lawrence and visited the next-door museum, in a building shaped like a sinking ship, that commemorates one instance where that warning proved futile. A dramatic film and poignant displays include the tiny wallet that belonged to nine-year-old Dolly Brooks, who drowned when the ocean liner  Empress of Ireland  sank in 1914 on its way from Quebec to Liverpool. More than two-thirds of its 1,477 passengers were lost.

Gaspésie, the French name for the peninsula, comes from the Mi’kmaq name Gespeg, meaning “land’s end.”

We headed farther along the river in the direction of Reford Gardens, a botanical paradise near the village of Grand-Métis, about 200 miles northeast of Quebec City. This was where, five years before, I had been offered that spoon heaped with begonia, pansy, carnation, and marigold, a prelude to a superb homegrown four-course lunch. It was this improbable, beautiful place and those dishes strewn with flowers and leaves that had made me curious about the rest of the peninsula.

To our right, the landscape changed, forests and villages came and went; on the left, the opposite bank of the great river receded and eventually vanished. The views were so spectacular that I couldn’t understand how Quebecers had kept the Gaspé Peninsula to themselves for so long. The answer may have been under our wheels. The road was built in 1929. Before that you had to be pretty determined to venture out this far.

Elsie Reford certainly was. After she had an operation, her doctor recommended gardening as an alternative to her hobby of fishing. It’s a safe bet he wasn’t expecting his patient to create the amazing expanse that bears her name, with its azalea walk, an arboretum, and groves of ferns and flowers in every shade of pink. Reford was no professional gardener, just a very stubborn Ontarian with a lot of money, and although she started in 1926, before the road arrived, she somehow transformed a spruce forest into a glade of delights — in a part of the world where it often snows as late as May. It was easy, in the balmy early fall, to forget how fierce the Quebec winters are. Cartier nearly died of what we now know was scurvy, and was saved only because a son of Donnacona, chief of the St. Lawrence Iroquois, gave him tea made from the bark of the “aneda” (probably white cedar) tree.

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On this trip, as was the case five years ago, there often seemed to be petals on my plate — unsurprising, perhaps, in a peninsula with four national parks and a range of flora so wide that it was a favorite destination for the great Québécois botanist Frère Marie-Victorin. At Gîte du Mont-Albert, a hotel in Gaspésie National Park where we spent our first night, I spotted a photo of him taken during his stay in the region. As wall decoration, however, it was overshadowed by the gargantuan stuffed moose head in the restaurant: the fauna on the peninsula is amazing, too, with black bears, lynx, beavers, ermines, and more than 150 species of birds. This park has one of the highest densities of moose in Quebec and the only caribou population south of the St. Lawrence. That night, though, I wasn’t spotting herbivores but rather imitating their eating habits. My dinner ended with sugar pie and ice cream made from melilot, or white sweet clover, which grows nearby and tastes like vanilla.

Still, even more frequently than flowers, I was served fish. And what fish: in a rich soup at Café de l’Anse on the riverbank near Forillon National Park, where our second and third nights’ accommodation was at the Ôasis, a campground of five tiny structures resembling teardrops, practically on the beach; a sandwich that seemed to contain a shoal of shrimp at La Poissonnerie du Pêcheur, a roadside fishmonger and café on Chaleur Bay with a forested view across to New Brunswick. Even the Resto des Margaulx served a superb lobster sandwich, and this simple shack is the only game in town on Bonaventure Island, which has been uninhabited since 1971.

Bonaventure wasn’t our first venture off the mainland. Our stop in Forillon included a whale-watching boat trip, with a close-up of a humpback more than 40 feet long and two smaller minke whales playing beside it like a sideshow. We also took a guided kayaking tour, during which we found ourselves at eye level with a dozen harbor seals, their big dark eyes and slicked-back fur rendering them as cute as puppies. Then it was on to Gaspé, the halfway point of our trip, notable mainly for its gorgeous location, sheltered from the gulf within a beautiful inlet, and for the pleasant 15-minute stroll along a waterside boardwalk from the plaza that calls itself the Birthplace of Canada.

We spent nights four and five at the Hôtel La Normandie in Percé, an exceptionally pretty town on the farthest point of the peninsula. Percé is named for a vast hunk of pierced limestone just offshore, a natural wonder that is estimated to weigh 5 million tons and looks, from one angle, like a gigantic horse drinking from the sea. It was nearly as memorable a sight as the mountain of shellfish at La Maison du Pêcheur, a waterfront restaurant that also featured flowers in a place that could be seen as even more unlikely than Elsie Reford’s gardens: my cocktail. “It’s sea buckthorn berry,” Craig told me, checking his translation app for the enliveningly sour apricot-colored berries sprouting from a concoction that included local gin, absinthe, and spruce beer. The bartender, like almost everyone I met, was bilingual, but the word for  argousier  had defeated her.

The huge holed rock loomed at close quarters as we passed by on our hour-long boat ride to Bonaventure. We took a peaceful hike across the island, wind sighing through the long grass, water bumping against the base of the cliff, disturbed only by what sounded like a loudly crying baby. Peering down to the water, we discovered more seals, sunning themselves on the rocks and howling amicably to one another. Noisy or silent, these creatures, like the herons, cormorants, and bald eagles, had chosen this place for a reason. We were all, it seems, there for the fish.

This was also true of one of the strangest of the many wild creatures, the northern gannet, a long-beaked white bird with eerily blue eyes. One of the world’s largest colonies nests at the east side of Bonaventure Island, and our hike ended at a high precipice with birds settled like snowflakes on every ledge, speckling the dark, rocky soil in their thousands. I ignored the wooden viewing tower and stationed myself farther back, away from the whiff of guano, to watch them swoop down to feed their fuzzy gray young.

We took a different route back to the dock, through the woods, stopping for those excellent lobster sandwiches and a craft beer. Quebecers are fanatical, talented brewers, and we were able to dot our circuit with breaks for local drafts. After the boat dropped us back in Percé, we passed an enjoyable evening at the Pit Caribou pub listening to live music while sipping on Cuvée Edras, an excellent limited-edition beer made with Riesling wort. And several times along the road, we were tempted into pausing to poke our heads around the door of an interesting microbrewery. Still, it wasn’t until we got to the last of these, Tête d’Allumette, in St.-André-de-Kamouraska, a hip hangout with salty snacks and views of the vats, that it occurred to me that, in a sense, these beers were also mouthfuls of flowers. That was because at the time I was drinking Grosse Fleur, which actually is infused with petals.

I was still weighing up the relative importance of flowers and fish, land and water, when we reached the Paspébiac National Historic Site on the edge of a  barachois,  a lagoon formed by a sandbar, where vast quantities of cod were once dried, salted, and exported. In the 19th century, “you’d buy a hat for twelve cod,” recalled Lorraine Parisé, our guide, whose family has worked there for generations, “or shoes for fifteen.” Fish wasn’t just a foodstuff, or even an income: “It was our money.”

To get to this scattering of 19th-century warehouses, we had rounded the peninsula onto its southern side and crossed a causeway onto a spit of land jutting into Chaleur Bay, which Cartier sailed into in early July 1534. He named it Chaleur, after the French word for warmth, because he found it “more temperate than Spain.” We had had beautiful weather, fresh enough for hiking and biking through the many forests and parks but not cold enough to spoil any of our boat rides. The sun shone on groves of maple, birch, and balsam fir interspersed with white clapboard houses, danced across the water, glinted from slender metal church spires, and illuminated jagged cliff edges and the lighthouses along them.

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Wandering around the town of Paspébiac, which is now an open-air museum, it was clear to me that this side of the peninsula really was warmer than the northern part along the St. Lawrence River. This was despite the wind, so useful for drying fresh-caught fish, that wove between the old buildings housing mementos, photographs, displays about boatbuilding, and, in one case, an active forge complete with a blacksmith. It tugged at our clothes in the open spaces where racks of cod were once laid out. Still — more temperate than Spain?

We carried on driving west along the peninsula’s southern shore toward Carleton-sur-Mer, the water of Chaleur Bay so luminous it made the sky look dull and, at points, came so close to the level of the road that it seemed as if the two means of transport were greeting one another. In La Mie Véritable, Carleton’s bakery and delicatessen, the cheerful server, a native of Marseille, France, who was stoically learning to cope with the winters after falling in love with a Quebecer, tipped us off that the house across the road was owned by a fisherman. So we knocked, and he sold us fresh oysters and a shucking knife.

We drove with our bounty through thick forest up Mont St.-Joseph to Géodômes Desjardins, five great round cabins, one of which would be our home for the night. Our arrival coincided with the sun sending a magnificent wash of fuchsia over the treetops and the sea beyond as we shucked our oysters and grilled fresh cobs of sweet Quebec corn. The domes are all shielded from one another by trees, so we felt pleasantly isolated: like woodland creatures, but with shelter, electricity, and a gas barbecue on the deck. The curved interior space was large enough for a kitchen, a mezzanine bed, and, best of all, two hammocks. The views were stupendous, and so were the oysters.

French control of Quebec ended definitively in 1760 with the Battle of Restigouche, in Chaleur Bay; since the British victory prevented supplies from reaching the French troops, it could be said that once again, fish had played a role in winning Canada, this time for England. The battle was named for the Restigouche River, which flows northeast from the Appalachian Mountains and forms the border between Quebec and New Brunswick before pouring into Chaleur Bay. These days, the former battleground is a historic site. In nearby Miguasha National Park, we walked a scenic two-mile hiking trail along the water. Its name, Evolution of Life, refers not to any latter-day power struggles between Europeans but to a cliff so packed with exceptionally well-preserved fossils from the Devonian period (called the Age of Fishes) that it is on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

The sun shone on groves of maple, birch, and balsam fir interspersed with white clapboard houses, danced across the water, glinted from slender metal church spires, and illuminated jagged cliff edges and the lighthouses along them.

After our hike, we wandered around the fascinating permanent exhibition that contextualizes the rare specimens, as beautiful as sculptures, many of them dug out of that cliff back before it was protected, when anyone could come along and grab a priceless 350 million-year-old souvenir. Among the displays was a kind of spiny fish, extinct for 250 million years, with the marvelous name  Diplacanthus horridus,  and the so-called “prince of Miguasha.” This forerunner of terrestrial vertebrates thrilled the Swedish scientist Erik Jarvik so much that he dedicated his entire career — 60 years! — to its study.

And then it was time to turn away from Chaleur Bay and cross the neck of the peninsula, back to its northern edge. The St. Lawrence felt like an old friend as I sipped a gin and tonic and gazed out from the glass-walled deck of a bar that is part of the St.-Laurent Distillery, which opened in 2022. Mist curled above the water like a scene from a ghost story as the barman told me about the bootleggers who used this place to smuggle booze during Prohibition: a new perspective, although a journey from illicit rotgut to excellent (and legal) gin, distilled from riverside botanicals — yet more flowers! — certainly looked like progress from where I stood.

Then the mist cleared a little, and a familiar red-and-white column appeared: the Pointe-au-Père lighthouse. We had come back to our starting point. Cartier hoped the fish would make his fortune and needed the flowers, or at least the tree bark, to save his life. I had come only to eat and learn, to breathe that salt-scented air and discover the exceptional beauty of this wild eastern sliver of Canada’s early history. His months were complicated, controversial, and world-changing, but our week had been pure pleasure.

A Grand Tour of Gaspé

Where to stay.

Géodômes Desjardins: Set above the coast of Carleton-sur-Mer, these five domes offer fabulous views. Each has hammocks, a kitchen, and a wraparound terrace with a barbecue.

Gîte du Mont-Albert : A 60-room hotel that opened in 1950 in Gaspésie National Park. The generous breakfast is clearly intended for hikers, who need only step outside to find themselves in glorious woodland.

Hôtel La Normandie : Just beyond the waterfront boardwalk in Percé is this unpretentious hotel with a good restaurant and balconies that overlook the famous Percé Rock.

The Ôasis: The only way to stay inside the magnificent Forillon National Park is to book a designated campground. Fortunately, there are a number of unique structures, including these five charming teardrop-shaped cabins just a two-minute walk from the sea.

Where to Eat and Drink

Café de l’Anse: Not far from Forillon National Park in the village of L’Anse-au-Griffon is this delightful restaurant, which serves rich fish soup, fish burgers, and local monkfish.

La Maison du Pêcheur : Percé’s best restaurant has a menu offering the finest of the coast: lobster and sea urchin, arctic char, and Gaspé seafood chowder. The cocktail list, packed with exciting inventions, keeps the ambience festive.

La Mie Véritable : This bakery and grocery in Carleton-sur-Mer is especially useful for stocking up on provisions before spending a night in the wilderness on Mont St.-Joseph.

La Poissonnerie du Pêcheur : A fish market in the town of Bonaventure that also serves up the fresh catch in delicious sandwiches and hot plates.

Le Mange-Grenouille : This charming building in Le Bic was once a general store. More than a century on, it’s an eccentric inn, stuffed with antiques, that includes an impressive restaurant.

Pit Caribou : An old-fashioned pub on Percé’s main street — and one of the peninsula’s biggest microbrewing success stories. There are charcuterie, cheese, and smoked-fish boards, and the live music is excellent.

Resto des Margaulx : Bonaventure Island may be uninhabited, but it does have one thriving business. Nothing beats a lobster or crab sandwich and a microbrew at this shack with a terrace overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Tête d’Allumette : In St.-André-de-Kamouraska, this microbrewery uses a traditional wood fire to brew the beers served in the pub or on the terrace. 

Bonaventure Island National Park : The boat trip past the giant rock that gives Percé its name makes for a worthwhile day out, even before landing on the pretty island. 

Forillon National Park  : It’s quite the experience to kayak out to a seal colony and watch as the creatures swim and sunbathe. Summertime is also peak whale-watching season.

Micmac Interpretation Site of Gespeg : This permanent exhibition beside Gaspé Bay includes an interesting collection of traditional objects, but the real draw is a reconstruction of a 17th-century Indigenous encampment. 

Miguasha National Park : The cliff is so rich in ancient fossils that UNESCO lists it as a World Heritage site. A museum is nearly as packed with fossils as the cliff.

Pointe-au-Père Lighthouse National Historic Site : Climbing the stairs of this lighthouse is worth it for the view across the St. Lawrence.

Reford Gardens (Les Jardins de Métis) : In the first half of the 20th century, Elsie Reford turned a wilderness near the town of Grand-Métis into an extraordinary floral paradise.

A version of this story first appeared in the October 2023 issue of  Travel + Leisure  under the headline "At Land's End ."

Related Articles

What to Do on Quebec's Scenic Gaspe Peninsula

Mike Grandmaison/Getty Images

The Gaspe Peninsula (properly, the Gaspésie or Gaspé Peninsula, pronounced Ga-spay-zee or Gaspay , respectively) is a region of eastern Quebec . Its geography puts the Gaspe Peninsula in close proximity to the Atlantic provinces and has many maritime features, including rugged shorelines, fine fishing, and a laid-back, friendly population.

The Peninsula

The Gaspe Peninsula is a mostly coastal region of eastern Quebec surrounded by the St. Lawrence waterway as well as by the Bay of Chaleur. The Gaspe Peninsula is 560 km from Montreal and 340 km from Quebec City by road.

The peninsula begins in Sainte-Flavie, where Route 132 splits to form an 885 km loop. Here you choose either the South Tour or the North Tour. Whatever your decision may be, all through your journey you are sure to find the most diversified and picturesque sea and mountain landscapes, valleys, bays and coastlines. This vast territory​ is divided into ​five regions: The Coast, The Haute-Gaspésie, Land's End, The Chaleur Bay, and The Matapédia Valley.​

Getting There

VIA Rail Canada inc.

There are many easy ways to get to Gaspe:

• VIA Rail makes stops along the Gaspe Peninsula. An overnight train from Montreal gives passengers a lovely seaside view in the morning.
• Orléans Express is a Quebec bus service that goes to Gaspe from Montreal International Airport, downtown Montreal, Quebec City amongst others.
• Air Canada flies into Gaspe with connecting flights in Montreal or Quebec City.
• Ferry service is available to the Gaspe north shore from Quebec and to the south shore from New Brunswick.
• The drive from Montreal to the western edge of the Gaspe Peninsula is about seven hours. Continue on another six or seven hours, and you'll reach the town of Gaspé at the eastern tip. From the Maine / Canada border, the drive to Gaspe is three or four hours.
• For a more comprehensive understanding of the St. Lawrence Quebec and maritime region, consider the Mighty Saint Lawrence cruise aboard Adventure Canada. 

Many of the most popular activities in Gaspe involve the outdoors and nature discovery. Things to do include whale watching and sea excursions, kayaking, bird watching, salmon fishing, lighthouse and architectural tours, hiking, and scenic drives.

Top Attractions & Highlights

Outdoor adventurers will love the nature sites around Gaspe as well.

• Percé is a quaint scenic town, famous for its pierced rock formation.
• Bonaventure Island is a fascinating little island a short ferry ride away from Percé. Formerly a fishing village, today the island is one of the largest and most accessible bird sanctuaries in the world.
• Gaspe is home to several national parks, including Forillon National Park near the town of Gaspé and the Parc national de la Gaspésie in the peninsula's mountainous interior.

Yves Marcoux/Getty Images

The Gaspe Peninsula is accessible year round. Winter offers cross-country skiing and some downhill skiing.

As the weather warms up in spring, a fuller breadth of outdoor activities becomes available, such as whale watching, sea kayaking, birdwatching, and just meandering the gorgeous countryside.

June and July are the most popular months for whale watching when the massive mammals pass close to shore seeking food.

May and June attract birdwatchers as the peninsula is part of the Atlantic flyway. Many seabirds nest at Forillon National Park and Bonaventure Island during the summer months. September/October migration—amidst colorful fall foliage—also draws significant visitors.

Though French is the prevalent language on the Gaspe Peninsula and some people you meet will not speak English, for the most part, English is widely understood, especially in tourist towns like Perce, at train stations and restaurants. Residents of Gaspe tend to be laid back and the degree of "haughtiness" that some visitors encounter in Quebec City, for example, is less likely here.

Nevertheless, it bodes well to brush up on some French phrases for travelers . Pick up a dictionary or download a translating app, as English in this rural part of Quebec is less prevalent than in cities like Montreal or Quebec City. 

Where to Stay

Don't expect to stay at major hotels in the Gaspe. Accommodation ranges from remote cabins to lodges and small resorts, which allow for a more intimate and authentic experience with the local people. 

Gîte du Mont-Albert is a gloriously placed lodge in Quebec's Gaspésie region with close access to the Chic-Choc Mountains. 

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Exploring Quebec’s Gaspé Peninsula

Things to do

"Stunning coastal scenery." "Breathtaking." "A trip of a lifetime." That's how visitors describe Quebec 's Gasp? Peninsula External Link Title , a spot home to an unlikely amount of varied, untamed landscapes packed onto one 155-mile-long peninsula jutting into the Gulf of St. Lawrence. A National Geographic External Link Title top travel destination External Link Title a few years back, it's a place of stirring natural beauty and serenity, rugged seascapes, gorgeous beaches, and small-town charm. Lucky for us, it's still largely undiscovered.

Take your time on a bucket list road trip through the Gasp?'s brightly painted fishing villages and pine forests, past historic lighthouses, whitewashed farms atop plunging red cliffs, and quaint little bays of clear blue-green water with fingers of coastal fog reaching across velvety green hills. Follow this how-to travel guide to see this enchanting place like a local.

Getting there

A post shared by Brookspeed Motorcycle Rentals (@brookspeed.motorcycle.rentals) External Link Title on Aug 9, 2016 at 2:54am PDT

Your best option External Link Title is to fly in to Quebec City . Then, it's a beautiful drive north on Route 132 along the steep St. Lawrence River shore and through the celebrated Charlevoix food-and-farm region with views of the wild Chic Choc mountains External Link Title . If you're taking a longer trip, be sure to detour for a hike through this wilderness playground in any season. En route, stop to stroll the Jardin de M?tis (or Reford Gardens) External Link Title off 132 -- 45 acres of English style topiaries, fields of Himalayan blue poppies and peonies, meandering paths, meadows, and ponds created by Elsie Reford in the 1960s. Today it's a Canadian National Historic Site . Follow the 550-mile Gasp?sie Tour External Link Title , a renowned loop circling the peninsula with several itinerary combinations External Link Title .

Where to stay

A post shared by Juliana Dever (@cleverdever) External Link Title on Jun 19, 2017 at 11:11am PDT

If you pause at Jardin de M?tis, consider overnighting at Auberge du Fleuve External Link Title , a lovely inn on the shore with outstanding dining. In Charlevoix's La Malbaie, enjoy river views and locally-sourced fare at cozy Auberge des 3 Canards External Link Title . Once you get to Gasp?, savor Perc? Rock views from seaside H?tel la Normandie External Link Title 's balcony. Another top option there is the waterfront Riotel Perc? External Link Title , also with commanding vistas, or the immaculate 1860s La Maison William Wakeham External Link Title , much like lodging in a museum. In picture-perfect Tadoussac, book a room at landmark H?tel Tadoussac External Link Title .

View this post on Instagram External Link Title A post shared by Tourisme Gasp?sie (@tourismegaspesie) External Link Title on Oct 12, 2018 at 6:37am PDT

Summer is glorious here. But fall time is not only sleepy (in terms of battling other tourists for views), the forest is also ablaze in golds and oranges. Be sure to book in advance if you’ll be visiting during the summer high season (June to September). Take at least four days to explore the area, though a week to 10 days is best — allowing you to settle into the serenity of the place and see everything at an easy pace.

What to know

A post shared by Juan C' Londo?o (@karlondon74) External Link Title on Dec 26, 2016 at 10:13am PST

Quebec is proudly French-Canadian, and you might be surprised at how many people speak French. Don’t worry, most speak English, too, but a little bit of French goes a long way. It’s polite to say, “Bonjour” (“Hello”) when you enter a store or restaurant. Just learn a few words — “merci” (“thanks”), “Bon journ é e” (“Have a nice day”), and “s’il vous plaît” (“please”) — to fit in with the locals. Like all of Quebec, the place is big on Euro charm. Expect superb, from-scratch cuisine and an ease to life infused with the pervasive “joie de vivre” (cheerfully enjoying life) attitude. Locals are genuinely friendly and warm — one of Gaspé’s biggest draws.

What to see and do

A post shared by Air Canada Vacations (@aircanadavacations) External Link Title on Jun 2, 2017 at 2:02pm PDT

Hands down, Gasp?'s top two highlights are whale watching External Link Title and Perc? Rock External Link Title , one of the world's largest natural arches. To get started, cycle -- and savor the beauty -- in 1600s trading post and traditional summer holiday spot Tadoussac External Link Title . Look for breaching whales off the coast or book a whale watching tour External Link Title . Then there's Perc?: A hulking vertical mass that rises dramatically out of the water off the peninsula's tip. This is Quebec's icon, and as the name suggests, "pierced" by a 40-foot-high hole. Hike the area, kayak, and walk around the quaint fishing town External Link Title , looking out for North America's only all-wood cathedral External Link Title , plus handsome mid-1800s buildings. Boat to Bonaventure Island External Link Title and its sanctuary just off the coast to see the continent's largest colony of gannets (about 100,000). Also popular are dizzying lookouts from Grande Crevasse External Link Title near Gasp?. Relax and play on one of the area's many beaches, especially on the Haldimand peninsula's southeast, looking for agates on the sand.

Get back to nature in the mountains of Forillon National Park External Link Title at the eastern tip, a gorgeous place to hike, camp, and scuba dive. Gasp? is also prime salmon fishing country: In particular, the clear Rivi?re Bonaventure . Outfitter Cime Aventures External Link Title can drop you on the river and offers guided and un-guided river tours. Another option is angling for mackerel at the Miguasha peninsula External Link Title , with an impressive UNESCO World Heritage fossil site nearby, or the Matapedia Valley External Link Title for river salmon. Book ahead if you want to tour cutting-edge, world-renowned Les Quatre Vents External Link Title in Malbaie, open just four times a season. Legendary New York plantsman Francis Cabot External Link Title , who summered in Gasp?, created the whimsical, genre-melding, eight-hectare garden in the 1960s on his family's historic estate, inspired by gardens around the world -- even the Taj Mahal.

Where to eat

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Not surprisingly, fresh seafood is the fort? here along with local game. Big, fluffy waffles are a must, as is French-Canadian favorite poutine, and any roadside stand will do. Pick up the Gasp?sie Gourmande guide External Link Title online or at the Matane tourist office to find the best cuisine recommendations, such as Atkins et Fr?res External Link Title for delicate smoked salmon in Mont-Louis, and La Broue dans L'Toupet External Link Title for seasonal stand-outs in Saint-Anne-des-Monts. Sample clam chowder, trout, salmon, and lobster at Maison du P?cheur External Link Title on the Perc? wharf, or local cheese and charcuterie at ?picerie Fine External Link Title at Auberge du Marchand in Maria, or go to Gasp?'s Brise Bise External Link Title for delicious classic French fare.

Gasp? is special, but it's only one incredible place in a huge province with lots to offer. If you can, make time for some other Quebec-style adventures before or after Gasp?.

Start planning your vacation at the Tourism Gasp?sie website External Link Title .

Visit the Quebec Original website External Link Title

Get inspired

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Must-see attractions in Gaspé Peninsula

Forillon National Park

Gaspé Peninsula

This stunningly beautiful park on the Gaspé Peninsula's northeasternmost tip is a place where the mountains plunge directly into an ocean dotted with…

Parc National de l'Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé

This park encompasses both Rocher Percé and Île Bonaventure, as well as an interpretation center on the mainland. Some 15km of trails crisscross Île…

Île Bonaventure

Meeting the more than 100,000 gannets on green Île Bonaventure is a highlight of any Gaspé Peninsula experience. Boat operators sell tickets for trips to…

Rocher Percé

The town's landmark attraction, this 88m-high, 475m-long chunk of multihued limestone has inspired descriptive entries in travel journals dating back to…

Parc National de la Gaspésie

Full of spectacular scenery (802 sq km of it), all dotted with lakes and two of Québec's most beautiful mountain ranges, the Chic-Choc and McGerrigle,…

Parc National de Miguasha

The world's premier fossil site for illustrating the Devonian period, or the 'age of fish,' when sea creatures started evolving into tetrapods, which…

Musée de la Gaspésie

This museum evokes the peninsula's maritime heritage through traditional exhibits and more contemporary multimedia activities. You might examine artifacts…

Grotte de St Elzéar

The almost 500,000-year-old Grotte de St Elzéar is one of Québec's oldest caves. You descend into the cool depths (bring warm clothes) and view the…

Site d'Interpretation Micmac de Gespeg

This center explains the culture and history of the local Mi'kmaq group through an exhibition, English- and French-language tours, a recreated village and…

Musée Acadien du Québec

With bilingual exhibits, the small Acadian Museum showcases the history of Acadians in Québec, from daily life to religion to family structures, as well…

Parc National de Miguasha Information Center & Museum

The information center and museum for Parc National de Miguasha. The museum both exhibits and interprets the park's 380-million-year-old fossil record.

Mont St-Joseph

There's a Catholic oratory and fine views over the water all the way to New Brunswick from the top of this mountain (555m).

Jardins de Métis

One of Gaspé's most revered attractions, the Jardins de Métis comprise more than 90 hectares of immaculately tended gardens boasting 3000 varieties of…

Centre d'Art Marcel Gagnon

The star of the town's art trail is the Centre d'Art Marcel Gagnon. Outside, the extraordinary sculpture Le Grand Rassemblement (The Great Gathering) has…

Battle of the Restigouche National Historic Site

This historic site details the 1760 naval battle in the nearby Restigouche River estuary, which finished off France's New World ambitions. The…

Ferme Bourdages Tradition

If you love strawberries, this friendly family-owned farm on Bonaventure's west side should be on your itinerary, particularly in midsummer when the fruit…

This aquarium focuses on the marine life of the St Lawrence. There are lots of tactile exhibits – in case you've ever wanted to touch a sea cucumber – and…

Vieux Moulin

This 19th-century windmill offers free tastings of Shakespeare’s favorite tipple, mead, and sells a variety of honeys, mustards, butters and other…

Église de Bonaventure

Take a peek inside the stone structure that houses Bonaventure's Catholic Church. The building, the fourth church to be located on the site, was opened in…

Duthie’s Point Heritage Site

This historic village in New Richmond, a prosperous little town that retains a sizable Anglophone population, shows what the community would have looked…

Hamilton Manor

The Palladian Hamilton Manor was built in 1852 by the town's first mayor. It's a wonderful portrait of colonial life – from the picture of Queen Victoria…

Matamajaw Historic Site

Head here to see how the chaps in the old fishing club used to relax in wood-paneled luxury after a hard day on the river. There's a wooden suspension…

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A Sea, Mountain and River Destination

Enjoy a complete change of pace and scenery in Gaspésie, which offers spectacular sea and mountain landscapes as well as crystal-clear rivers.

This vibrant region bustles with activities of all kinds, charms visitors with warm hospitality and delights the palate with tasty dishes featuring local ingredients from the land, sea and forest.

Bordered by the salty waters of the St. Lawrence Estuary and Gulf, this immense panoramic peninsula has been recognized multiple times by prestigious publications as one of the world’s must-see destinations. Explore the backcountry, where the majestic Chic-Choc Mountains rise, then discover the splendours of the coast, where the sea, beaches and cliffs will take turns wowing you!

As you travel from one community to the next, listen carefully to the many accents and expressions that originate from the different peoples who have marked this region’s history. First Nations, Vikings, Italian navigators, Basque and Breton fishermen, the French, Acadians, Loyalists, English, Jersey Islanders, Irish and Scots… All have left their mark on this region’s cultural heritage.

Learn more about the history of local Indigenous people and pioneers in various museums, interpretation centres and historic sites throughout Gaspésie. Gaspesian culture is also expressed in other ways in the region’s many art galleries, studios, workshops, boutiques, shows, festivals and other cultural activities. Picture : Mathieu Dupuis 

For more information on the region : 

Tourisme gaspésie .

Toll free (Canada / U.S.) : 1 800 463-0323 Telephone : 1 418 775-2223    [email protected] www.tourisme-gaspesie.com 

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Gaspé Peninsula

Rising dramatically from the Gulf of St. Lawrence, massive, sheer Percé Rock towers off the tip of Quebec's Gaspé Peninsula like a ship at sea. This rugged, windswept region spans 11,714 square miles and is split into five natural areas: the Coast, Land's End, the Chaleur Bay, the Valley, and the Upper Gaspé . It is home to four national parks, including Bonaventure-Island-and-Percé-Rock , summer nesting home of some 200,000 northern gannets, the continent's largest colony of gannet seabirds.

And for birders, there is much more. "The seabird sanctuary is well known, however, many other spots within a close distance are wonderful sources for birders and nature-lovers," says Percé resident and artist-naturalist John Wiseman. "Percé can boast of some 300 bird species or more, which is a good sum for an area so far north. We benefit from being on a major flyway and from the fact that there is quite good habitat diversity including coastal marshes, long beach areas with surrounding cliffs and mountains, bogs, boreal forest, some limited mixed hardwoods, and more."

When to Go: Bird migrations occur in spring and fall. The coastal cliffs of Pointe St.-Pierre, Cap-Blanc, and Cap-d'Espoir in Percé provide great lookouts. In June, the Festival en Chanson de Petite Vallée showcases emerging and seasoned French-speaking musicians from across Quebec. Summer heat pulls sun-seekers to the warm waters of Chaleur Bay and to the St. Lawrence for kayaking among the whales. In autumn, fishermen can angle for spawning salmon. Winter brings about 20 feet of deep powder to the Chic-Choc Mountains , looming 4,000 feet above the banks of the St. Lawrence River in Gaspésie Provincial Park . Book a guided backcountry trek to ski, board, or snowshoe through the untracked snow.

Where to Stay: For unobstructed views of Percé Rock, reserve an ocean-view room with balcony at the Hôtel la Normandie or the deluxe suite at Riotel Percé . The stone La Maison William Wakeham , built in 1860, has a restaurant and 11 rooms, including one, La Reine, with cathedral ceilings, wood paneling, a fireplace, and a four-poster bed.

How to get Around: For the most flexibility, drive. From Quebec City, it's 214 miles via Route 132 to Sainte-Flavie, gateway to the Gaspé. The route splits here to form a 550-mile loop called the Grand Tour Circuit. For the most dramatic coastal views, follow the northern route along the St. Lawrence River to Percé at the peninsula's tip. Retrace your route from Percé or complete the loop by continuing south, where you will pass along sandy beaches before heading inland.

Where to Eat or Drink: The peninsula is accessible year-round, but many coastal route seafood restaurants, such as La Maison du Pêcheur , are open only from early June to mid-October. Make reservations for the pricier upstairs dining room. (The same folks run the more casual Café de l'Atlantique downstairs.) Start with a cup of fish chowder, try the fresh caught halibut or salmon (if you're not tempted by the lobster), and save room for some maple crème brûlée. Épicerie Fine at the Auberge du Marchand serves a fish soup from the Baie-des-Chaleurs; carnivores can sample the local lamb or their charcuterie and Quebec cheese plate. Brise Bise serves up a variety of French staples such as escargots and French onion soup, and live music Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Throughout the Gaspésie casse-croûtes (roadside food stalls) serve up the Québécois staple poutine , gravy-smothered cheese curds and fries.

What to Buy: Housed in a restored 1845 farmhouse in Percé, artist John Wiseman's studio and gallery La Maisonart is open year-round and showcases a wide selection of original artwork, including lithographic and giclée prints, stone sculptures, and agate jewelry crafted by local artisans.

What to Read Before You Go: Author Paul Almond's historical fiction series, the Alford Saga (McArthur & Company, 2010), is set on the Gaspé Peninsula.

• Nat Geo Expeditions

Helpful Links : Gaspé Regional Tourism , Quebec Tourism

Fun Fact: Percé Rock is one of the largest natural arches in the world, measuring about 300 feet wide and high.

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Gaspe Peninsula

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Gaspe Peninsula - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• (0.21 mi) Hotel & cie
• (0.28 mi) La Seigneurie des Monts
• (0.22 mi) Auberge De Montagne Des Chic Chocs Mountain Lodge - Sepaq
• (0.36 mi) Auberge du Vieux Faubourg
• (0.25 mi) Motel a la Brunante
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Gaspé Road Trip: 12-day Itinerary Around the Peninsula

by janecanapini | Jan 24, 2022 | Canada , Quebec , Trip Planning

The Gaspé Peninsula is one of the best road trips you can take in Canada, not just for its impressive scenery and varied landscapes, but because this part of maritime Québec has a small-town charm and character all its own. But planning a Gaspé road trip can be daunting, especially if you want to see, well, everything! Here’s our 12-day Itinerary for a Gaspé road trip that starts in Rimouski in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region and takes in all the major must-see stops in the Gaspésie region, as well as a few off-the-beaten-track gems. It also includes recommendations for Gaspé accommodations, places to dine, and a few quirky things you’ll see along the way. You’ll also find a few tips to make the most of your trip, including two reasons why we recommend driving around the Peninsula in a counter-clockwise direction …but you’ll have to read on to find out why!

Day 1. Your Gaspé Road Trip Begins in Rimouski, Québec

Although the city is officially part of the Bas-Saint-Laurent region of Quebec, not the Gaspésie region, Rimouski is pretty much the gateway to the Gaspé Peninsula and well worth spending at least one day exploring. In particular, you shouldn’t miss the Pointe-au-Père National Maritime Historic Site which has one of the Bas-Saint-Laurent region’s most unique lighthouses (it has buttresses and is the second tallest one in Canada).

There’s also the Empress of Ireland Museum on-site which chronicles the worst maritime disaster in Canada (think Titanic, only lesser known, with over 1000 who perished), and the Onondaga , a decommissioned Cold War submarine that was permanently placed in dry dock here in 2008. Henk and I did the self-guided audio tour aboard this, and we have a whole new respect for submariners. (If you are claustrophobic, this may not be the career choice – or the tour – for you!)

STAY: Within walking distance of the Historic Site you’ll find the charming Motel Bienvenue , the perfect spot to spend a night and take in the sunset views of the lighthouse or gather around the firepit with a glass of wine. Try to reserve one of their newest “Lofts’ : they are modern and adorable, like having your own tiny house, with a fully equipped kitchen/living area complete with Murphy bed and whimsical decor.

EAT: Casual dining including great burgers are on the menu at Shaker Restaurant , a restaurant and bar in downtown Rimouski that is popular with the younger crowd. Or if you prefer something a little more upscale , Les Affamés de Rimouski restaurant offers everything from foie gras to fried zucchini flowers and homemade gnocchi.

Day 2 -3. Rimouski to Carleton-sur-Mer via the Route of the Belvederes

Your counter-clockwise Gaspé road trip will circumnavigate the entire Peninsula and it all starts by taking Hwy 132 east and then Hwy 132 south at Mont Joli into the Matapédia Valley . (Hwy 132 continues east, so be sure to follow the signs for 132 SOUTH/towards the town of Amqui.)

The Matapédia Valley follows the river of the same name to its mouth in Chaleur Bay. The drive can be done in 2 and a half hours if you drive it non-stop, but you’ll want to allow at least double that, because along this route is where you’ll discover some of the hidden gems of the Peninsula : impressive lookouts and observation towers that many locals don’t even know are there.

TIP: You might want to pack a lunch before leaving Rimouski, so that you can enjoy a picnic along the way at one of these lookout locations.

This piece of your Gaspé road trip is called the Route of the Belvederes and is a relatively new tourism initiative in the region, designed to showcase places with some of the most spectacular views of the beautiful valleys, hills and rivers of the area. Plus the lookouts themselves are being redesigned to be architecturally interesting in their own right. (Read more about the Route of the Belvederes in detail here .)

It took Henk and I the better part of a day to travel through the valley and every stop was well worth the time we spent there, in many cases having the lookouts to ourselves. Our drive wasn’t rushed in any way, and we still had plenty of time to arrive at Carleton-sur-Mer to check in for our stay.

STAY 1-2 NIGHTS, CARLETON-SUR-MER To top off a day of spectacular views, Henk and I spent the night at a place with a million-dollar view of its own, the Géodômes Desjardins atop Mont Saint-Joseph, just behind the town of Carleton-sur-Mer. These luxury domed cabins are in the heart of this regional park on the mountain’s hillside, and offer a one-of-a-kind stay with views to match over Chaleur Bay.

WHAT TO DO IN THE CHALEUR BAY AREA: We suggest you stay 2 nights in the Carleton-sur-Mer/Chaleur Bay area, so that you can explore some of the area, including the Mont Saint-Joseph park itself and the waterfront of Carleton-sur-Mer (there’s a photogenic lighthouse on a spit of land here too).

Miguasha National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site nearby, of note because it is where a fossil of a ‘fish with legs’ was discovered, offering proof of the evolution of fish into four-limbed animals!

And the nearby town of Gesgapegiac (25 minutes east) is worth a visit, as this Mi’gmaq reserve has an interesting wigwam-shaped Kateri Tekakwitha Church and photogenic pow-wow grounds with colourful wigwams. (just respect the signs and don’t go inside)

Gesgapegiac also has unusual accommodations of their own: a half-scale replica of the Grand Hermine , the ship that Jacques Cartier sailed in when he came to explore the region. (For our review and details of our stay in that ship/chalet, read more here .)

You might also want to take an afternoon stroll in Taylor’s Point Park , about 11 minutes east of Gesgapegiag in the town of New Richmond. We visited in early September when the waterfront park was participating in the Rencontres Photo Gaspésie , an annual art tour happening throughout the Gaspé Peninsula that showcases outdoor photo exhibitions by local artists.

EAT: If you want to eat in one of the many self-catering accommodations in the area, the town of Carleton-sur-mer has a good grocery store, Metro , which also has plenty of ready-made take-out meals to keep meals simple. Or there are several restaurants along the main street (AKA Highway 132) including a microbrewery/restaurant Microbrasserie Le Naufrageur right on the main street. And if you really want to eat like a local, grab some fried chicken at the Dixie Lee , a regional fast food chicken chain that is a favourite among many locals.

Day 4-5. Town of Percé

Your Gaspé road trip continues east driving from the Chaleur Bay Area towards the town of Percé. The drive takes about 2 1/2 hours, but there are some quirky roadside distractions (not really ‘attractions’!) and a couple of optional stops along the way that you might want to include.

QUIRK ALERT: As you leave Carleton-sur-mer, look for a house with colourful garden ornaments and birdhouses for sale on the front lawn. Leo, the retiree-turned-artist is happy to show you around his worksho p and you might find an interesting or quirky souvenir to take home (like the ‘bird condo’ that took him 150 hours – and half his thumb! – to complete. Yes, there’s a story there!)

If you like local markets and antiques, visit the Ferme Bourdages Tradition in St. Siméon de Bonaventure, a seventh-generation family farm that is known for its strawberry products (including wine!) and has a small antique barn on-site as well.

Or spend an hour or so at the Bioparc de la Gaspésie in Bonaventure, where local wildlife rescued from accident or injury finds a safe haven in this educational sanctuary. (Be sure to seek out Porto, the talking raven , who was given to the Bioparc by a woman who rescued the young bird and raised it in captivity. Porto thinks he’s a human, and actually speaks French! Say hello with a ‘Salut, Porto!” and don’t be shocked when he repeats the greeting! (New staff are often freaked out by Porto’s linguistic abilities!)

QUIRK ALERT: Half an hour after Bonaventure, you’ll drive through Paspébiac where you’ll want to look for the town’s whimsically-painted fire hydrants alongside the highway. You might even recognize a few favourite characters from Disney or Looney Tunes!

Côte Surprise

Remember I said you’d want to do the Gaspé road trip counter-clockwise? One of the reasons for this is for the first view that you will get of Percé Rock . Cresting a hill on the highway at a spot aptly named Côte Surprise, you’ll be stunned when suddenly the Rock will appear in front of you, larger in person than you can imagine from any photo you may have seen and jaw-droppingly impressive.

TIP : Try not to arrive in Percé after dark or you’ll miss the surprise altogether since the Rock isn’t illuminated at all at night.

Plan on spending at least 2 nights in Percé. The town itself is picturesque and charming, with a beautiful waterfront and wharf, good restaurants, artisanal shops, and plenty of things to do for the outdoor enthusiast, including Percé’s UNESCO Global Geopark where you can hike, zipline , or take in the views of the Rock and the Gulf of St. Lawrence from the glass-floored observation platform !

A boat tour around Percé Rock is a must, ideally as part of a visit to Bonaventure Island. The entire island is a provincial park and home to one of the world’s largest and most accessible nesting colonies of the gannet, a seabird with bright yellow head and striking blue-ringed eyes. Seeing over 100,000 of these birds is a rare experience, even if you aren’t a ‘birder’, and the island offers all kinds of hiking trails as well.

TIP: Weather can always be a factor on a visit to any coastal town, which is why you should plan on at least 2 days in Percé so that you have more opportunities to do these types of outdoor activities. Henk and I barely made it to Bonaventure Island before Hurricane Ida rolled in, but thankfully we were able to squeeze in a quick hike to see the gannet colony before the weather shut the tour down.

WHERE TO STAY IN PERCÉ: Definitely choose a hotel with a view of Percé Rock , as there are many right on the shore, from smaller family-run motels to more luxurious hotels, all of which have an authentic charm in keeping with the town. We stayed at the Riotel Percé which had phenomenal views from every room and a perfect location right on the beach. (It has a good on-site restaurant, too: Le Paqbo .)

TIP: The second-floor rooms at Riotel Percé are accessed by stairs only, so if you have issues with climbing or hauling luggage, request a ground floor room instead.

WHERE TO EAT (OR DRINK) IN PERCÉ: For light lunches or a delicious afternoon pastry trea t, try Boulangerie le Fournand , a cute cafe whose name is a modern-day nod to the historic outdoor clay ovens used in the area at the beginning of the last century. Like those traditional baked goods of days gone by, everything here is homemade with quality ingredients, no additives and – hurray! – real butter. For craft beers from a microbrewery that got its start in 2007 in a small fishing village close to Percé, hit up Pub Pit Caribou , the first (and one of the most popular) microbrewers in Eastern Québec. In non-Covid times, the pub here also has live music. For dinner and especially if you love seafood, head to La Maison de Pêcheur right on the waterfront, for an upscale/casual ambiance and a large selection of fresh seafood, including lobster. There’s also grilled meats and pizza options on the menu, so you’ll find something for every taste.

Day 6-7. Gaspé

The town of Gaspé is less than an hour’s drive from Percé, but being located inside a more sheltered inlet, the town has a different vibe than the oceanfront village that is Percé. But Gaspé offers unique attractions of its own, and in order to see them, you should allow at least 2 days here, more if you plan to do a lot of hiking.

WHAT TO DO IN GASPÉ In town, you’ll want to check out the restored historic harbourfront, the ‘Birthplace of Canada’ site where Jacques Cartier planted his famous cross when he ‘claimed’ the country for France.

There’s also a good regional museum not far away, the Gaspésie Museum , where carved stone stele outside the museum commemorate this historic landing and Cartier’s meeting with the local Mi’gmaq people. Inside, this encounter is retold using digitally-enhanced statues of Cartier and a Mi’gmaq chief who each tell the story from their own perspectives.

Mi’gmaq Interpretation Centre To learn first-hand about the local Mi’gmaq people who have lived in the Gaspésie region for thousands of years, you will definitely want to stop at the Mi’gmaq Interpretation Centre . Established by passionate local elders, and with the help of volunteer archaeologists and historians, the Centre showcases authentic artifacts and wigwams that were part of everyday life for centuries. Even though this part of the Gaspé Peninsula is not a designated reserve, there are many Mi’gmaq who live in this area, and the goal of the Centre is to keep this culture and knowledge alive. Our enthusiastic and informative tour guide, Bianca, is a good example of this as she is passionate about sharing this knowledge and demonstrating some of the skills she herself has learned since coming to work at the Centre.

Forillon National Park For nature lovers, the main attraction of Gaspé is without a doubt Forillon National Park . You could easily spend days just hiking the beautiful trails here, including easy descents like the one to ‘La Chute” waterfall or more aggressive hikes like the one out to the tip of the spear of land known as Lands End. But if you only have time or energy for one hike, make it the trail to the Mont Saint Alban observation tower. You’ll start at Cap Bon Ami, with one of the most beautiful views of the coastline and its cliffs, and then you’ll climb up to a spectacular 360-degree observation tower with panoramic views over Lands End . (Here’s a link that includes a more detailed description of this hike ).

If you are into whale watching , Forillon National Park is also the place where all the boat tours launch, and these boat excursions will also give you a chance to observe seals on your way out to the gulf.

WHERE TO STAY IN GASPÉ: If you like to stay at Bed and Breakfast Inns, they don’t get more charming (or conveniently-located) than the Auberge sous les Arbres . Absolutely gorgeous from the lush gardens to the uniquely-furnished rooms to the colourful chairs in its secluded patio area, the Auberge is also quite literally STEPS to downtown Gaspé. A sample of the local craft gin is your welcome upon arrival at the Inn and sets the tone for the kind of hospitality you can expect here.

W HERE TO EAT IN GASPÉ: For great lunches in a charming, characteristic cafe, head to Café des Artistes which has a funky ambiance, great coffee and delicious homemade meals (mac and cheese is a comfort-food must here).

For dinner, Bistro/Bar Brise-Bise on Gaspé’s main street is one of the most popular locales in town, so much so that you should get here early to make sure you get in. If you can’t get a table there, another great option is TÉTÛ in Hotel Baker . We had an amazing meal there (seared scallops, asparagus risotto, and seafood poutine). An added bonus: all 3 dining options are within walking distance of Auberge sous les Arbres, too.

Day 8-9. From the Coast to the Chic-Choc Mountains

Leave Gaspé early, as this is a big driving day on your Gaspésie road trip. Today’s drive will take you around the head of the Peninsula and west along the northern coastline to Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, and then south into the interior and the Chic Choc Mountains . The distance is about 300 km, but you should plan on this taking at least 5 hours to take in a few of the landmarks and views along the way, more if you decide to stop for a leisurely lunch somewhere.

The Northern Coast

If you are interested in seeing lighthouses, there are several places along the northern coast of the Gaspé Peninsula where you may want to stop. Leaving Gaspé on Hwy 132, drive around Forillon Park and in 15 minutes or so just outside the park boundary you’ll pass right by Cap des Rosiers with Canada’s tallest lighthouse. (You can easily get a photo of it from outside, or pay admittance to the site for a closer look including a climb to the top. ) An hour later, and a brief detour off the main highway is Pointe-à-la-Renommée historic site boasting a distinctive red lighthouse and Marconi radio station. An hour’s drive farther along Hwy 132 is the Cap Madeleine lighthouse and a hour past that is Le Martre lighthouse .

This last section of highway in particular is the second reason why we recommend driving this Gaspésie route counter-clockwise: the drive between Cap Madeleine and Le Martre is one of the most visually impressive, as the highway hugs the contour of the land, zigzagging its way along the base of impressive cliffs and through small fishing villages. Driving in this direction means you have the best views of those cliffs on your left, and the sea only metres beside you on the right. The added bonus is that there is a paved shoulder on your right where you can easily stop and take photos of the coastline undulating behind you. Definitely a highlight of the entire drive.

The Chic-Choc Mountains

Many people only stick to the coast when visiting the Gaspé Peninsula, and think of the region as a purely maritime one. But the Peninsula offers beautiful interiors as well, thanks to the Chic-Choc mountain range, a continuation of the Appalachian Mountains. The Chic-Chocs are a nature-lover’s paradise , with alpine lakes, waterfalls, Quebec’s second tallest mountain (Mont Jacques-Cartier), a small human population and a big moose one. At the heart of it all is Parc national de la Gaspésie (Gaspésie National Park), a 4-season mecca for hiking, skiing, fishing, canoeing, and camping.

WHERE TO STAY IN GASPÉSIE NATIONAL PARK: Gîte du Mont-Albert is a beautiful lodge-style hotel operated by the Park that offers all the amenities you would expect of a 4-star deluxe hotel, plus hiking trails right at its doorstep. The hotel is welcoming and unpretentious, and totally understands its outdoorsy clientele and what they need: from free on-site laundry and boot drying facilities to order-ahead box lunches you can take with you on long hikes.

A short walk from the hotel is the Park’s Visitor Information Centre , where we recommend all visitors should start, in order to get expert advice on what activities best suit your interests and activity level. We consulted with the park information staff, who recommended a couple of hiking trails where we could see waterfalls (the Chute Sainte-Anne Trail ), panoramic views and possibly moose.

Unfortunately, because of heavy mist shrouding our high-plateau trail ( Mont-Ernest-Laforce Trail ), we only spotted squirrel, no moose on our hikes.

TIP: Gaspésie Park’s terrain includes alpine tundra and boreal forest habitats, home to the only caribou population south of the St. Lawrence River. The caribou are difficult to find, however, and even the chance of spotting them involves a difficult day-long hike.

WHERE TO EAT IN GASPÉSIE PARK: The restaurant at Gîte Mont-Albert may have a captive audience, but Chef Renault Louis runs the kitchen here as if it were a standalone restaurant with all the attention to quality and variety you would expect. We had great meals here whether it was abundant, tasty breakfasts or sophisticated dinners.

Regardless of which dining room you eat in, allow some time for a grownup cocktail in the great room/bar to just relax and admire the mountain views.

Day 10-11. Roadside Attractions and Le Bic National Park

Leaving the mountains, you’ll head back to the coast and where your Gaspé road trip all started: the Bas-Saint-Laurent region near Rimouski. From Mont Albert, the drive will take you about 3 hours, but allow for a half day so you can stop off on the way at one of the Gaspésie Region’s signature attractions: Reford Gardens , also known as Jardins de Métis .

QUIRK ALERT: About an hour east of Reford Gardens, keep your eyes open for this odd roadside sculpture in Grosses-Roches that looks like a half-buried Viking boat skeleton. I have no idea who made it or why, but we had to stop for a photo anyways. Because…road trip!

QUIRK ALERT: About 35-40 minutes’ drive farther west along Hwy 132, (just past the town of Saint Ulric), look on the left hand side of the highway for a ‘castle’ of sorts. (Apparently the former owner of this chateau-like home pleaded guilty to illegal cigarette trafficking a few years back, so you can see where some of those profits went!) I do admire his imagination and full points for sheer number of turrets and cupolas, though!

Jardins de Métis

Built by Elsie Reford from 1926-1958, Jardins de Métis isn’t just one of North America’s largest gardens; it’s also as innovative and forward-thinking as its founder, who saw an opportunity to transform her fishing camp on the Métis River into a thriving garden, including exotic and rare species of plants.

Today that creative vision continues with the site’s annual International Garden Festival , where creative garden artists interpret each year’s theme with a variety of contemporary and innovative installations. We’re not talking about a raised box of petunias, here, but what amounts to an open-air art museum, with outdoor exhibits integrated with the landscape in unique and beautiful ways. There’s some really cool interactive stuff here, so be sure to have fun exploring it all!

Métis Beach

A good Gaspé road trip is as much about detours and discoveries as it is about planned routes and rest stops. We stumbled onto a picturesque community almost by accident, when we left Jardins de Métis and decided to turn towards the St. Lawrence river and follow the signs for the Route des Navigateurs instead of hopping onto Hwy 132. What we found was Métis Beach, a community of narrow lanes flanked by tall manicured hedges, huge Victorian homes and restored cottages, and friendly locals who seemed as happy to see visitors as we were to be there.

In talking with them, we learned that Métis Beach is one of the oldest summer destinations in Canada, and that by the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century, this St. Lawrence River-side destination was well-established as a prestigious beach community where many of the Montreal well-to-do families ‘summered’. Today there are only plaques throughout the community that identify where these historic buildings, hotels and attractions once stood but the river views are still just as beautiful.

“Le Grand Rassemblement”

Quirky roadside attractions are part of road trips too, and our last stop 30 minutes before Rimouski was at one of these. Le Grand Rassemblement is an art installation (next to an art gallery, inn and restaurant) and the brainchild of artist Marcel Gagnon. The installation consists of a gathering’ ( ‘rassemblement’ ) of primitive sculptural figures ’emerging’ from the waters of the St. Lawrence River.

It was something I had seen when researching our road trip , and knew I wanted to check out in person. It’s definitely the most impressive work by Gagnon, (in my opinion anyways, after a quick tour of the gallery), and our timing worked out well, with the tide just coming in and the waves creating a dramatic backdrop for the sculptures. Creepy or cool? Well, that’s up to you.

Le Bic National Park

It would be a huge miss to plan a road trip to the Gaspé Peninsula, and not visit Parc national du Bic (Le Bic National Park) as well, whether you do it at the beginning of the trip, or in our case, at the end. This is why we recommend spending 2 nights here, so that you have at least a day to explore the park. Part of the Bas-Saint-Laurent region, this archipelago of islets and islands in the St. Lawrence Estuary just west of Rimouski offers dramatically changing tidal landscapes, incredible sunsets, and hiking trails that offer the chance to see everything from white-tailed deer to sunbathing seals.

We did a few hikes over the course of a day, in order to see the same landscapes at both low and high tide. At the South West entrance, there’s an easy hike to and around the Isle aux Amours (Lovers’ Island) which can only be accessed at low tide.

TIP: BE SURE TO CHECK THE TIDE SCHEDULE posted on the mainland side of the Isle aux Amours Trail so you don’t get trapped on the island by rising waters or you might have to find something to do to pass the time until the high tide recedes (like those ‘unfortunate’ lovers after which the island was named. nudge nudge wink wink!)

A good location for seal-spotting in this area of the Park is the beach at Anse aux Bouleaux-Ouest at low tide . There are a couple of trails leading to the beach and once there, we spotted a few heads popping up out of the water but no seals on the rocks, probably because it was too cool/late in the day for them to do any sunbathing.

From the Visitor Centre (Rioux Farm) entrance of the Park, we hiked part of the Chemin-du-Nord trail which takes you along an easy trail following the shore to a dramatic rocky crag (at about the halfway point of the trail).

Along the way if the tide is low, you can climb on some of the offshore rocks which rapidly become islands once the tide moves back in. We also spotted a family of white-tailed deer who were so comfortable with visitors they comfortably grazed only a few meters away from us.

TIP: A great place to see the sunset at Le Bic is on a narrow spit of land called the Route du Quai that is just off Hwy 132, about 3 minutes’ drive east of the Park’s South West Visitor Centre/Entrance.

WHERE TO STAY IN LE BIC: One of the most eclectic and interesting accommodations in Bas-Saint-Laurent region is hands down the Auberge du Mange Grenouille in the tiny village of Le Bic. This historic inn dates back to the 1840s and takes quirky to a whole new level with its interior furnishings and decor, and you can spend hours just discovering all of its eclectic and original details inside. The hotel has wonderful gardens, an upper outdoor deck under a canopy of trees, and an elevated position that offers great views over Le Bic National Park.

WHERE TO EAT IN LE BIC: The restaurant at Mange Grenouille is one of the points of pride for its owners, and is a popular choice for locals as well as guests. The reasons for that are many: the servers are friendly, experienced and knowledgable, the wine list is robust and the menu is creative and refined, using regional ingredients from local suppliers that change seasonally. Definitely a notch above. And if you want to pack a picnic or snacks for your hikes in the park, the village of Le Bic has a great little grocery store within walking distance of the Auberge (just ask for directions).

QUIRK ALERT: Looks like school is about to start on the front lawn of this home in Le Bic! You’ll find it just a little west of the Auberge du Mange Grenouille.

Your Bucket List Gaspe Road Trip is now Complete!

It’s time to head home (wherever home is) but we hope that this 12-day Gaspé Peninsula Road Trip itinerary gives you a sense of what this unique region of Canada offers visitors, and why driving it is the best way to experience it. From iconic landmarks like Percé Rock that can surprise and delight you when they ‘suddenly appear’, to hidden overlooks and quirky roadside attractions that you just wouldn’t get to see otherwise, there’s a reason the Gaspé Peninsula should be on your Road Trip Bucket List.

MORE PRACTICAL TIPS FOR YOUR GASPÉ ROAD TRIP:

Overall Distance

The 12-day Gaspé road trip itinerary as described above covers about 1300 km (approximately 800 miles ) of highway, including side drives in and around the overnight stops.

Best Time to Visit the Gaspésie Region

The warmer months ( May – early September ) are definitely the time to visit the Gaspésie Region. Maritime regions can be cooler than inland destinations well into late spring and you’ll want to have the best weather for doing all those outdoor activities. Plus many of the attractions and restaurants in the smaller communities are only open seasonally. That being said, travelling in the week or so after Labour Day , there are fewer people on the road since the kids are back in school, almost everything is still open, and you might even see some of the fall colour starting.

Navigating and Cell Coverage

Navigating the Gaspé Peninsula is actually one of the easiest parts of this road trip. Highway 132 pretty much circumnavigates the Peninsula and is a single-lane road most of the time. Cell coverage is pretty good everywhere, too, so even if you do manage to get lost, you can easily get back on track. Just be careful in the Chaleur Bay region : your cell phone might pick up signal from nearby New Brunswick across the bay, which is also on a different time zone!! So be sure you are on Gaspé time, or you might miss any reservations you’ve made for dinner or activities.

What to Bring

Casual is the rule of thumb for the Gaspé when it comes to clothing, and even in the nicest hotels, don’t expect to see stilettos or suits. Layered outdoor attire is a must for exploring the many parks and trails, so be sure to bring rainwear, hiking boots and any specific gear you like to have on-hand and in your backpack (including a first aid kit of course). Your camera of choice is a must, but remember drones are not allowed in any of the parks, near airports, etc (research and follow the rules if you are bringing one). It’s also a good idea to have a cooler in the car for food and drinks, especially on the longest days when you are doing a lot of driving and roadside stops.

French or English?

Both are spoken pretty much everywhere, and certainly in any of the more popular tourist destinations. Occasionally you may meet someone who only speaks French, especially if you are heading off the beaten track, but this is your chance to practice! (or at least find out where that Google Translate app is on your phone.)

Road Trip Tips

Like on any road trip, have an emergency roadside kit in your car, including booster cables. It’s also a good idea to have your roadside assistance coverage /membership up to date. Also, have your car insurance company’s contact information handy, in case you do have any kind of fender bender. (Québec has different insurance rules than some other provinces in Canada, so you will want to know exactly what to do. For example, the province DOES assign fault in the case of an accident, unlike Ontario’s ‘no-fault’ insurance rules.) Gas prices are not outrageous in the region, but electric vehicle drivers may have a tough time , as charging stations are not common here (although we did notice one at the Auberge sous les Arbres in Gaspé – kudos to them!).

Other Resources, including Covid Restrictions and Information

Definitely check out the Québec Maritime website for all kinds of information not just on the Gaspé region, but also the Bas-Saint-Laurent (this covers Rimouski, Le Bic, and other points west of the Gaspé that you may be travelling through).

You’ll find information relating to Québec’s Covid restrictions/policies here . These may be different than other provinces, or change from time to time, so be sure to stay informed.

Special thanks to Québec Maritime tourism who hosted Henk and I on our tour of the Gaspé Peninsula.

Jane Canapini is a member of the Travel Media Association of Canada and the North American Travel Journalists Association. She established GrownupTravels.com in 2014 to share information and tips based on personal experience so her readers could get the most out of their travels.

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15 Comments

Your 12 day itinerary looks great. My wife and I are setting out on our jaunt on September 17th. We are hoping that the weather will cooperate. One question: Is premium gas readily available throughout Gaspé?

I can’t say for certain whether premium is available everywhere but I’m sure if you stick to the bigger stations (Irving, Petrocanada, etc), you’ll find it. Have a great trip!

What a bonus it was to find this itinerary Jane. We are heading east to NB in Sept in our first big trip in our camper van. Decided to do the Gaspe as neither of us have been there past Rimouski. We don’t have 12 days for Gaspe and won’t be going in your recommended direction but I so appreciate all the suggestions of what not to miss. We will be leaving Perce and heading down to NB and wondered what to see on that stretch. so your suggestion of Carleton Sur Mer is a big help. We don’t want to just be doing 5 hr drives each day. Have you gone into NB? suggestions to stop part way to Shediac? thanks so much!

Hey Wendi! Sounds like you are planning an amazing trip! We’ve driven some of the coastal route you’ll be taking to Shediac but we headed inland on our way to Hopewell Rocks, so I don’t have too many suggestions for that piece of your drive. But if you are willing to drive inland a bit to Moncton, I would definitely try to time a visit to that city so that you can see the Tidal Bore on the river. It’s something else to see a river “going backwards” when the tide comes in!

thanks Jane.. we lived NS in the 70’s. and have been to Moncton many times (I referred to the bore as Boring!). but have never done Hopewell and Fundy so heading that way before visiting family in Fredericton. Thanks again for the Gaspe suggestions! will let you know how it goes!!

So glad you are doing Hopewell! (Since you’ve lived in NS before you know that you should time your visit with the tides and be sure to go twice at low and high tides so you can really appreciate the difference. The little village of Alma is good to see this difference as well, with boats literally propped up on sawhorses at the wharf so they don’t tip over onto the now-dry land!). Have a great trip!

And we are back and I must thank you for all your hints!! I had looked at Bic for our first night but for a quick overnight it was too $$$ as we wouldn’t be making use of all it offered. so we went to Capitaine Howard (we are in a van) where my husband ate lobsters 40 yrs ago. They have room for trailers and I figured what we saved would pay for the lobster!! sadly it was closed for season but the campsite on the st Lawrence with sunrise/sunset was spectacular. Set off in the AM for Gaspe…stopping at the Grande rassemblement!!! and saw the big house but half way along we hit a wall of. fog.. could see nothing over the water so cut off and went thru glorious colours and scenery on 198 coming out at Gaspe. Lunch at Bar Brise (ok not fabulous) and onto the wonder Forillon. Since it was nice we thought we would do a quick hike (I misread!( and carried on up the mt Alban trail. nearly did me in but views were. spectacular. Did the Lands end hike the next day and just after we arrived fog rolled in and by the time we got back huge rain! Perce was terrific. much nicer town than Gaspe Enjoyed the bakery and the beer. but then the drive down the. Babe d’Chaleur was hours of white knuckle driving from the winds off the st Lawrence come across. very scary. Winds and fog prevented us from st Josephs and much in Carleton Sur mer. did see Leo’s birdhouses but sadly they have freshly painted all the fire hydrants. so no Disney characters. the 2 national parks in NB were lovely and lunch in Alma was yummy on a perfect fall day after another big hike. Finished in st Andrews with a 28000 step day along trail and over the “ocean” exploring Ministers island. Got out of the wind and rain as Fiona came in. wonderful trip through beautiful country. thanks again so much for all your advice and hints!!

WOW! You really did pack a lot in! Sounds like you had an amazing trip (always a bit of a gamble with weather, of course – we had Hurricane Ida to contend with during our trip!). I’m so glad you found some of our info useful, and thank you for sharing your adventures.

Beautiful writeup Jane. I see you have skipped Saint-Anne-Des-Monts and the aquarium Exploramer and its Sea Excursion activities near by, any specific reason to skip them? What else would be your advise to do this trip with 1.5 and 3 year old kids?

Thank you, Chakor. I really appreciate your visiting our site. We didn’t hit up the Exploramer you mentioned because we honestly couldn’t fit anything more into our itinerary! But it looks like it would be really interesting. As for activities for young children, unfortunately we focus on adult travel only, since we don’t travel with children ourselves. However, when your kids get a little older, I think they would love staying in the Grande Hermine replica ship near Chaleur Bay!

Thank You Jane, Another question, if we need to explore Forillon park for a day and do Whale Watching next day, where do you recommend the night stay, should we stay at Gaspe or near Forillon park?

Gaspé is the best option. It’s close to Forillon Park and it’s not a long drive to go from there to either the Whale Watching boats at the south entrance to the Park or the north entrance of the Park where you can see Cap Bon Ami, do the short Waterfall hike, etc.

Good morning, I enjoyed reading your description of the 12 day journey. My biggest question is accomodations… Is it essential to have advanced overnight reservations? or can we find reasonable accomodations just as we arrive at any destination, such as Perce or Gaspe? the reason is that one is never certain how long to stay in one place. We might plan one day, then love it and end up wanting to stay 2 or 3. Or the reverse. Our journey will begin from Annapolis, Maryland. A stop in Boston and in Greenville, Maine. Then probably pass through St. Leonard and Campbellton before reaching the Route 132 counter clockwise journey. How far we might get on any one day is uncertain. Your advice will help greatly for our advance thinking. Many thanks, PHIL

Hi Phil. Accommodation availability will really depend on when you travel. July and August are the busiest months in the Gaspe, especially because kids are out of school, so be prepared for that. If you are travelling during that time, or if you have your heart set on a particular hotel or star ranking, you should book that in advance. The town of Perce has a lot of hotels so it’s likely you will find something if you do decide to just ‘wing it’, but it may not be in a preferred location. Gaspe is similar. The one thing I would recommend is that you check to see if there is anything ‘special’ happening at any destination (ie. a festival) since that will make booking hotels trickier. (you can go to tourisme-gaspesie.com to check that out). I hope this helps, and that you have an amazing trip!

Excellent coverage Jane! Both magnificent and quaint vistas. Thanks for the trip around the Gaspe!

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Gaspé Peninsula

Article by David Lee

Published Online February 7, 2006

Last Edited March 23, 2015

The Gaspé Peninsula (or Péninsule de la Gaspésie in French) is a large peninsula in eastern Québec jutting out into the Gulf of St Lawrence . Part of the Appalachian Region, its elevation is higher in the northern part of the peninsula - Monts Chic-Choc with lesser elevations towards its southern coast. Mont Jacques-Cartier at 1268 m is the highest point both on the peninsula and of the Appalachian Region in Canada. Except for the copper-mining town of Murdochville, most of the population lives along the lengthy coastline within a few kilometres of the St Lawrence River, the Gulf of St Lawrence and Chaleur Bay. Principal towns include New Richmond, Gaspé and Matane .

The name Gaspé probably derives from a Micmac word meaning "land's end." When Jacques Cartier landed in Gaspé Bay in 1534 to plant a cross and claim the land for the king of France, he found the area occupied by Iroquoian-speaking native people. By the beginning of the 17th century, when Samuel de Champlain sailed along its coasts, the peninsula was inhabited by Micmac. Although never probably numbering more than a few hundred, they have continued to live there since. They were Christianized by French missionaries in the 17th century.

In the French period only a few fishermen settled in Gaspé permanently. When James Wolfe and his forces arrived in 1758, they found about 400 permanent residents on the coast. He destroyed their homes and possessions and sent most of them back to France. Still, a few managed to hide in the woods, continuing to live in Gaspé after it became British territory in 1763. They were joined by several families of Acadians who had avoided the British deportation campaign in Nova Scotia. In 1784 about 400 English-speaking Loyalists , refugees from the American Revolution, came to settle in Gaspé. Thereafter, few immigrants arrived, though the population grew vigorously by natural means.

It was a long time before the people of Gaspé escaped dependence on the fishing industry. A little mixed farming was practised in Bonaventure County, but it was not until the 20th century that the forest and mineral resources of the interior were seriously exploited. Construction of a railway connection only began in the 1890s. In recent years tourism has become an important source of employment - particularly after the collapse of the cod fishery in the early 1990s. The rivers of the Gaspé are clear and are well known for salmon . Thousands of visitors come to see the famous Percé Rock, the great bird colonies of Île Bonaventure , Parc de la Gaspésie in the rugged interior and Forillon National Park .

External Links

Tour Canada from Space This website features an interactive map linked to spectacular images of various Canadian locations taken by Canadian research satellites. From Natural Resources Canada.

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Boothia Peninsula

Cape st mary, melville peninsula.

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Quebec’s Stunning Gaspé Peninsula Road Trip: Welcome to One of Canada’s Most Scenic Drives

To put in perspective, the Gaspé Peninsula is slightly larger than Belgium, meaning there is a remarkable amount to do and appreciate. Robin and Arlene Karpan are intimately familiar with this region, and they’re here to let you know how to make the most of a road trip there.

Driving the coastline of Quebec’s Gaspé Peninsula ranks among Canada’s greatest road trips. This stunning region of southeastern Quebec is among the most unbelievably beautiful destinations in Quebec . The 1,000 kilometres or so from Quebec City to the border with New Brunswick is packed with outstanding landscapes, history, parks, wildlife preserves, and adventure possibilities.

Your Gaspé Road Trip Options

It’s part of Quebec’s Lighthouse Trail , where we find Canada’s highest and second-highest lighthouse, plus a string of others in scenic settings. 

On the 200-kilometre stretch from Levis, just across the river from Quebec City to Rivière-du-Loup, we have the choice of two parallel highways.

The faster Trans Canada Highway (A20) runs slightly inland , while t he slower and more scenic Highway 132 runs mostly along the St. Lawrence shoreline, passing through small communities such as Rimouski and Sainte-Anne-des-Monts where you can find the fabulous Exploramer marine museum . This route also passes by scenic farmland backed by hills. 

Among the many cool stops is Saint-André-de-Kamouraska, where Parc de l’Ancien-Quai is home to the smallest and cutest lighthouse along the route.

Nature buffs, especially birders, should stop at Parc côtier Kiskotuk just outside Rivière-du-Loup, which preserves several fragile coastal ecosystems. Hiking and biking trails lead to a large salt marsh, salt-grass meadows, and forests, while viewing towers offer a chance to see the area from a different perspective.  

Nature and History at Parc National du Bic and Rimouski

At Rivière-du-Loup, the Trans Canada Highway heads inland towards New Brunswick, while Highway 132 becomes the main coastal road around the peninsula. 

Along this next stretch, it is an absolute gem not to be missed. Parc National du Bic preserves a stunning landscape of bays, coves, islands, and mountains and is known as a top spot for seabirds, basking seals, and other wildlife. The vast network of hiking trails brings many to the park. One that we especially enjoyed was the Chemin-du-Nord Trail along the coastline to some of the park’s signature rock formations.

From Bic, it’s a short drive to Rimouski, the largest centre along the Gaspé coast. It combines urban attractions with easy access to surrounding natural areas. A must-visit here is Pointe-au-Père Lighthouse National Historic Site. The 33-metre-tall lighthouse is the second-highest in Canada, with eight buttresses supporting the tower. You can climb it during summer openings. 

Next door is the Pointe-au-Père Maritime Historic Site. It tells the story of the Empress of Ireland , considered Canada’s greatest maritime tragedy. The ship belonging to the Canadian Pacific Steamship Company sank off the shore of Pointe-au-Père in 1914 after colliding with another ship in thick fog. Over 1,000 lives were lost. 

Also on the same site is the Onondaga submarine , Canada’s first publicly accessible submarine. This 90-metre craft crisscrossed the North Atlantic between 1967 and 2000 and is now preserved as a historic site.  

Please note: This post may contain some affiliate links. That means we may get a small commission for some of our recommendations at no extra cost to you.

Lighthouses Galore Along Gaspé’s North Shore

We really enjoyed the long stretch of highway from Rimouski along the north shore of the Gaspé Peninsula. In many places, the highway is sandwiched in a narrow strip between the water’s edge of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the mountain cliffs. We pass through a series of picturesque villages, likewise spread along the shore and backed by mountains. 

Charming lighthouses dot the route, such as at Matane and Cap Madeleine . The lighthouse at La Martre stands out because of its brilliant red colour. The one at Cap-Chat is named for the cape where it is located, said to resemble the shape of a cat. 

The Pointe-à-la-Renommée Lighthouse , also called “the travelling lighthouse,” has an important historical connection. In 1904, this site was chosen by wireless telegraph pioneer Guglielmo Marconi as the first maritime radio station in North America. Decommissioned in the 1970s, it was dismantled and transported to Quebec City , where it was reassembled to serve as a tourist attraction. In 1997, it was returned to its original location and designated as a historic site. It sits high on a remote precipice, keeping watch over seemingly endless sea and sky. 

The big daddy of the lighthouse route is Cap-des-Rosiers , Canada’s tallest at 34 metres, standing near the entrance to Forillon National Park. It was built between 1853 and 1858, then rebuilt in 1984 and covered with white marble. It is now a national historic site which you can visit in summer and climb to the top for outstanding views. 

Exploring Forillon National Park

This park alone is worth the trip. Jutting out from the northeast point on the Gaspé Peninsula, Forillon National Park is packed with forested mountains, breathtaking cliffs, wildlife galore, and amazing vistas at every turn. Topping the list of scenic views is the sunrise at Cap-Bon-Ami. While striking anytime, at daybreak, the rising sun bathes the imposing east-facing cliffs in a brilliant golden glow.   

Hiking & Walking

The park’s outstanding hikes vary from half-hour short walks, such as to an impressive waterfall on La Chute Trail , to challenging treks deep into the backcountry. A couple of day hikes are absolute must-dos. The park’s signature hike is the Mont-Saint-Alban Trai l, with an elevation gain of 280 metres. We end at a tower with sweeping vistas in every direction, including the park’s iconic lookout over the cliffs at the tip of the peninsula known as Land’s End. 

Les Graves Trail extends along those cliffs to Land’s End, so-named for being the northern end of the International Appalachian Trail, which runs along the Appalachian Mountains to Georgia in the USA. A highlight is Cap-Gaspé Lighthouse, standing near the end of the trail atop a 95-metre-high cliff.

Hikers frequently see wildlife, such as black bears or moose, along this trail. But we did one better and saw whales! For much of our walk along the cliffs, we could see and hear Minke whales just offshore.  

On the Water

Since this is known as a whale-watching hotspot, we took a trip with Croisières Baie de Gaspé , based in the park.

Soon after we left the dock, we spotted several more Minke whales, along with porpoises, seals, and a variety of seabirds. Other species that sometimes visit these waters include the Fin whale, Humpback whale, and Blue whale. At the end of the peninsula, we cruised by the spectacular cliffs of Land’s End , providing a distinctly different vantage point than from the hiking trail. 

Kayaking is another great way to get out on the water. We jump at the chance to go paddling anytime, but when we can combine it with scenery and wildlife, all the better. An early morning paddle with Cap Aventure , whose specialty excursion goes past a seal colony, was just what we were looking for.

We passed several harbour seals lounging on the rocks and swimming near shore. Our experienced guide, Vincent, was adept at getting us close enough for photos but not too close as to disturb them. 

History & Culture

The most unusual aspect of Forillon is its role in World War II. German submarines sank 23 Allied ships near these shores, so the Canadian Navy built a base in Gaspé Bay and set up coastal batteries. Parks Canada has preserved the Fort Peninsula Battery , so we can wander through the trenches, see two of the massive guns, and learn how this war came close to home.

On the other side of Gaspé Bay from Forillon, we come to the small city of Gaspé , where history looms large. It was here in 1534 that explorer Jacques Cartier set up a cross, claiming the land for the king of France. A historic site and monument in Gaspé is even called the Birthplace of Canada. This is also home to the Gaspésie Museum, which celebrates the history, identity, and culture of the Gaspé region.   

Percé: Dynamite Scenery and a Wildlife Extravaganza

Percé is the most famous Gaspé destination. The town’s main claim to fame is Percé Rock , an imposing limestone island reaching 85 metres high, close to a half-kilometre long, and pierced with a 30-metre-wide hole.

Though we’ve seen the rock in countless pictures, it still came as a surprise when we drove down the last hill into town and saw the great monolith looming just offshore. 

Like so many coastal Gaspé towns, Percé is long and narrow, spread between the sea and nearby mountains. A boardwalk with benches and parks lines the beach, where visitors relax and enjoy the atmosphere. Along the way, we pass historic houses of sea captains from the golden age of the cod fishery. 

Percé was recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2018 because of its geological significance and rich wildlife. The visitor centre brings to life the ancient tectonic events that shaped the land and how it relates to Percé Rock and other features.

Much of the Geopark lies up the mountain slopes from town. Trails wind through the hills, where you can either wander on your own or take a Geopark guided tour. The highlight is the suspended glass platform that juts out from the cliff face 200 metres above the town, offering magnificent views.

Percé not only has one of eastern Canada’s most iconic landmarks but also one of the top wildlife spectacles in North America. Only four kilometres from Percé, Bonaventure Island is an important park and seabird sanctuary protecting a variety of species, most notably the largest and most accessible northern gannet colony in North America. 

We visit the island on a boat trip with Les Bateliers de Percé , which begins by slowly cruising near Percé Rock and then circling Bonaventure Island. It’s a mesmerizing sight as we pass the 75-metre-high cliffs where it seems that perching birds occupy every available ledge and niche – mostly brilliant white northern gannets but also common murres, razorbills, black guillemots, among others. Thousands more birds fill the air all around us, like something out of a Hitchcock movie. But the best was yet to come.

After the boat docks, we’re free to wander the island’s network of trails and can stay as long as we want – we just need to be back in time to catch the last boat to Percé. A 3-kilometre walk takes us to the main cliff-top gannet colony, the same one that we passed by boat less than an hour earlier.  

The first sight of the nesting colony is enough to take your breath away as thousands of tightly packed white gannets sprawl across the craggy plateau. Park staff tell us that around 125,000 gannets are here , along with numerous other species. We spend a few hours watching and photographing the constant activity at remarkably close quarters as the gannets fly around, bring back nesting material, engage in greeting rituals, and occasionally squabble.

This trip has been filled with memorable experiences, but we would put this at the head of the list. 

Chaleur Bay : One of Canada’s Most Beautiful Bays

Heading south and west from Percé, we soon come to the south coast of the Gaspé Peninsula and Chaleur Bay, the inlet between Gaspé and New Brunswick.

The bay has some of the warmest water along the Atlantic coast . Its many beaches, such as those at Carleton-sur-Mer , are popular seaside resorts. The route offers even more pleasant villages, lighthouses, wildlife preserves, hiking in the hills at Mont-Saint-Joseph, and historic sites. Near the end of the bay at Pointe-à-la-Croix, the Battle of the Restigouche National Historic Site commemorates the last battle between France and Britain for possession of North America in 1760. 

To top it off, Chaleur Bay often makes the list of the world’s most beautiful bays . A fitting end to a drive filled with almost non-stop remarkable places. 

Where to Stay on Your Road Trip on the Gaspé Peninsula

This route abounds with numerous hotels, inns, resorts, bed & breakfasts, and campgrounds. Here are a few places that we enjoyed.

Motel Bienvenue (Rimouski). Comfortable and recently refurbished, with several units having full kitchen facilities. Best of all, it’s right beside the Pointe-au-Père historic site, ideal for sunrise or sunset photography over the lighthouse and coastline.

Hotel-Motel Fleur de Lys (Percé). Talk about a room with a view. It’s right on the beach where we can see Percé Rock from our front window and a short walk to the boat dock, a variety of restaurants, and other services. 

Parc National du Bic – Stay right in the park to be close to trails and other services. In addition to regular campsites, the park has cabins and yurts, and even “ready-to-camp” tents already set up so you don’t need camping gear. 

Forillon National Park – Three campgrounds have fully serviced and non-electric sites, as well as oTENTiks. We stayed in Des-Rosiers Campground next to the Gulf of St. Lawrence. From here, it’s only a few minute’s drive to Cap-Bon-Ami, with its amazing sunrises.

The Gaspé Peninsula Awaits

We hope this helps you plan the ultimate Gaspé Peninsula road trip and truly discover one of the most beautiful parts of this country because, as you can see, there’s so much to explore.

You May Also Like To Read:

Robin and Arlene  Karpan are award-winning writers, photographers, bloggers, and authors of several travel books, including Canadian Bestsellers. Their work has appeared in over 100 publications around the world. While their travels have taken them to all seven continents, they find that some of the most compelling destinations are close to home in Canada. They have a special interest in the natural world and outdoor photography. Robin and Arlene publish the travel blog Photo Journeys which looks at travel through a photographer’s lens, and is rated by Feedspot as among the Top 100 Travel Photography Sites.

2 thoughts on “ Quebec’s Stunning Gaspé Peninsula Road Trip: Welcome to One of Canada’s Most Scenic Drives ”

We are planning a trip in September and wondering if we should come by car or travel with our 5th Wheel Trailer? Our concern is the hills and rugged terrain we have read about. Would appreciate any info you might have. Thanks so much.

Hi Sandra, great question! The roadtrip to Gaspesie is very trailer-friendly, although it is hilly. If your vehicle can handle the ups and downs, it’s a great destination for a fifth-wheel.

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THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Gaspe

Things to do in gaspe.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Adventurous
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Forillon National Park

2. Site d'interpretation de la culture Micmac de Gespeg

3. Pointe-a-la-Renommee

4. Musee de la Gaspesie

5. Haldimand Beach

6. Promenade Jacques Cartier

7. Fort Peninsula

8. Manoir Le Boutillier

9. Galerie d`art Claude Coté

10. Sentier De La Chute

11. Phare De Cap Gaspé

12. Le Sanctuaire Notre-Dame-de-Pointe-Navarre Shrine

13. Berceau du Canada

14. O’Dwyer Microdistillerie Gaspésienne

15. Bureau D'Accueil Touristique De Gaspe

16. Christ Roi Cathedral

17. Site Patrimonial de Grande-Grave

18. Cap d’Espoir Lighthouse

19. Sentier Les Graves

20. Centre de Ski Mont-Bechervaise

21. Marina De Gaspé

22. MLheureuxRoy

23. eglise saint martin.

24. Le Domaine du Centaure

25. O' Pub

26. cinema le cube.

27. Whale-Watching Cruise in Forillon National Park

28. Cap Aventure

29. Plongee Forillon

30. Quebec Sporting

What travellers are saying

• Forillon National Park
• Site d'interpretation de la culture Micmac de Gespeg
• Pointe-a-la-Renommee
• Haldimand Beach
• Fort Peninsula
• Sentier De La Chute
• Sentier Les Graves
• Marina De Gaspé
• Cap Aventure
• Whale-Watching Cruise in Forillon National Park

Gaspe Road Trip: The Best 7 Days in Gaspesie Quebec

Posted on Published: July 6, 2022  - Last updated: October 7, 2023

Categories Blog , Canada , Quebec , Quebec Maritime , Road Trips , Small Town Guides , Transportation , Travel Guides

A Gaspe road trip is one of the ultimate Canadian vacations you can take in your lifetime. The Gaspe Peninsula is teeming with natural wonders and outdoor adventures, including an abundance of wildlife sightings. A road trip of Gaspesie, Quebec will create many amazing travel memories that you’ll be thinking about for years to come.

Justin and I took a Gaspe road trip for seven days, which was enough time to visit Tadoussac and the entire Gaspe Peninsula. It’s possible to spend weeks in Gaspesie and not see everything. With one week in Gaspesie, we managed to explore a national park, visit many lighthouses, take a whale watching zodiac tour, go sea kayaking alongside curious seals, go hiking, and so much more.

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Here is a brief rundown of the destinations that you’ll visit on this road trip of the Gaspe Peninsula, driving roundtrip from Quebec City. We start the trip in Tadoussac, which technically is not part of Gaspesie, but is a must visit place nevertheless. Then, we take the ferry across to the Gaspe Peninsula to make a full circle of Gaspesie. While there are many stops along the way, here are some highlights:

• Tadoussac and Saguenay-Saint-Laurent Marine Park
• The Lighthouse Trail
• Forillon National Park
• Percé
• Bonaventure Island
• Matapedia Valley

Table of Contents

Gaspe Road Trip Map and Itinerary

This handy Gaspe road trip map will help you plan your journey. You can access the map here . Feel free to save it to your Google account and reference it when you’re plotting out your trip. I’ve added every road side stop, hotel, restaurant, cafe, attraction and activity to this map. Read about each stop in more detail in this travel blog post.

Getting Around the Gaspé Peninsula

There are a couple of ways to get to Gaspesie. Many people drive from parts of Canada and the USA to the Gaspe Peninsula, even if it takes several hours to get to the first stop. Justin and I flew from Toronto to Quebec City. Then, we picked up a rental car at the Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport. Find the best rates on flights to Quebec City with Skyscanner.

If you’re flying and picking up a rental car, I recommend comparing the prices online ahead of time to make sure you get the best deal. We love booking our rental cars through Discover Cars and always find the best prices. Compare car rental prices here.

Gaspe Road Trip Day 1: Quebec City to Tadoussac

You’ve arrived in Quebec City, picked up your rental car, and ready to hit the road. The drive from Quebec City to Baie-Sainte-Catherine is about three hours. When you reach Baie-Sainte-Catherine, you will take a ferry across to Tadoussac. This ferry crosses the entrance of the Saguenay Fjord, so you can expect to see some really impressive scenery.

Ferry Between Baie-Sainte-Catherine and Tadoussac

The ferry between Baie-Sainte-Catherine and Tadoussac operates all year long, 24 hours a day, and it is free to use. Drive your car straight onto the ferry for this 10 minute crossing. Enjoy the stunning views of the Saguenay fjord and the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park on the way.

The ferry makes regular crossings every 20 minutes (or every 30 minutes overnight). You don’t need to make any special plans to arrive for the ferry at a certain time, and you don’t need a ticket. Here is the ferry schedule if you’d like to see more information.

Where to Stay in Tadoussac: Hotel Tadoussac

Hotel Tadoussac is an iconic accommodation in the middle of town. It’s the most dominant building whether you’re admiring Tadoussac by land or by sea. It’s a wonderful place to call home for a couple of nights, and I couldn’t imagine staying anywhere else.

Plan to stay at Hotel Tadoussac for two nights. The rooms are clean and comfortable with views overlooking Tadoussac Bay. There’s complimentary Wi-Fi and an on-site restaurant. The location can’t be beat. You can leave your car behind at the hotel and walk anywhere in town.

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Dinner at Hotel Tadoussac

After a long day of flying and driving, we stayed in at the hotel this evening. Thankfully, there’s an amazing restaurant right on site. While the restaurant caters to all diets, there are a few vegan items right on the menu that are clearly marked.

I ordered the vegetarian spring roll with edamame and spicy mango sauce to start. Then, as my main course, I chose the General Tofu on rice vermicelli. The spring roll was really delicious and the edamame filling set this one apart from your average veggie spring roll.

The General Tofu dish was outstanding! There were many fried tofu balls over veggies and rice noodles with a delectable sauce. Definitely order this one, whether you’re vegan or not! The restaurant didn’t have any vegan desserts, but they sent over a fresh fruit bowl that was lovely.

Gaspe Road Trip Day 2: Tadoussac

Wake up at the Hotel Tadoussac and enjoy a leisurely buffet breakfast at the hotel. There are several vegan options, including fruit, potatoes, bread and bagels with peanut butter/jam, cereal, and little containers of soy milk (regular, vanilla and chocolate).

We are going to spend the day in Tadoussac learning about whales, going whale watching, and soaking up the charming atmosphere of the oldest village in North America.

Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre (CIMM)

The Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre (CIMM) is a science museum and exhibition devoted to the whales of the St. Lawrence River. It is the most popular museum in the region and delves into the scientific research of whales, presented in interesting and unique ways.

This is also home to the largest collection of whale skeletons in Canada. On our travels, Justin and I have visited the Husavik Whale Museum in Husavik, Iceland . The Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre is perhaps even larger and more detailed than the museum in Iceland, which demonstrates that you don’t need to leave Canada to learn about (and see) whales.

Aim to spend about an hour at the Marine Mammal Intrepretation Centre. Check out all of the displays beyond the skeletons, too. There are exhibits detailing the acoustic sounds of whales, ones where you can pick up a narhwal tooth, informative films with impressive drone footage, and the naturalists on site are there to answer all of your questions.

Ask them to see the sound and lights show while you’re there. They’ll dim the lights and you’ll see the skeletons illuminated in a whole new way, set to music. Wander outside of the centre and you may even be able to spot some belugas from the shore. Justin and I were really impressed with the presentations and extremely knowledgeable staff at CIMM. It’s a must visit, especially if you plan to take a whale watching tour in Tadoussac.

Lunch at Bistro de la Baie

After experiencing the museum and before our whale watching excursion, we took a short walk over to Bistro de la Baie . This restaurant has a fantastic patio with some of the best views of Tadoussac.

There is a vegetarian sandwich on the menu made with veggie pate. Just ask for it to be made vegan (I believe they just remove the cheese). This sandwich is actually quite delicious. I didn’t know what to expect from a veggie pate, but it was really flavourful, yummy and filling.

Whale Watching Zodiac Excursion

If you’re visiting Tadoussac, you must take a whale watching tour . While you may have the chance to see these beautiful creatures from the shoreline, you are pretty much guaranteed to see whales when you take a zodiac excursion on the St. Lawrence River.

The Saguenay fjord and the St. Lawrence River are among the best places in the world for whale watching. We met our group at the Tadoussac Marina and were provided with waterproof jackets and pants to wear. These kept us dry and warm out on the water, though I recommend that you also bring a hat if it’s a chillier day.

Our zodiac boat had a captain and a naturalist on board. The naturalist told us many intriguing facts about the whales and marine mammals on our journey. She also pointed out any whale sightings. We saw beluga whales, minke whales and humpback whales on our zodiac whale watching tour from Tadoussac.

I also love that the tour company complied with all of the rules and regulations of the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park. The boat is not allowed to stop or follow belugas, but merely point them out as we sail away from them. We also did not follow any whales, but allowed them to appear before us. It’s important to protect and respect these magnificent creatures.

After we spent a couple of hours searching for whales, we headed back towards the Saguenay fjord. Our captain piloted the boat towards a little waterfall coming down from the lush cliffs. We also drifted past some cute seals lounging on the rocks. All in all, we highly recommend booking this zodiac whale watching tour when you visit Tadoussac and embark on a Gaspe road trip.

Walk Around Tadoussac

After our whale watching excursion, the two of us went for a walk around Tadoussac. It’s the oldest village in North America and it’s a really cute place. It doesn’t take too long to walk around the entire village. Be sure to take a stroll on the waterfront to admire one of the most beautiful bays in the world.

There’s also a number of buildings and monuments devoted to the first French settlement in Canada. Right by the Hotel Tadoussac, there is a small chapel overlooking Tadoussac Bay. Be sure to take a stroll on the boardwalk of Tadoussac Bay or on Pointe de l’Islet Trail on the rocks.

Tadoussac Microbrewery

For craft beer fans, a trip to the Tadoussac Microbrewery is a must. Stop by Microbrasserie Tadoussac for a pint or a flight to sample several of their brews. I tried the Capitaine Olsen (hefeweizen), Mouk (Berliner weiss), Krill (gose), and Nyctale (cream ale).

All of the beer is really refreshing and tasty. There’s something for everyone. I liked the Capitaine Olsen the best because I am a big fan of hefeweizens myself. But, there are IPAs if you enjoy those, too. There’s complimentary popcorn to munch on, as well as a little menu of small plates and bites. Overall, it’s a great local hangout spot with an inviting environment and great beer.

Tadoussac Sand Dunes

Here’s something we totally didn’t expect to see in Tadoussac: sand dunes! Just a short drive outside of the middle of the village, these sand dunes emerge out of nowhere. The dunes are two massive marine terraces that are 30 metres tall on the edge of the St. Lawrence River.

It’s possible to go birdwatching at the dunes from August to October where you can see many birds of prey and migratory birds. You can also walk from the top of the sand dunes (from the parking lot) down to the shore of the river. Whether you admire the scenery from up above or hike down to the bottom, the Tadoussac Sand Dunes are well worth checking out.

Dinner at Cafe Boheme

Cafe Boheme is a casual fine dining restaurant and cafe in Tadoussac, Quebec. They have a separate breakfast, lunch and dinner menu with some vegan options. Justin and I dined here for dinner, and the staff was happy to explain the plant-based options.

We started with the Vegan Mushroom Cromesqui, which is a croquette stuffed with creamy mushrooms, leeks, potatoes and tofu, lightly spiced, served on an onion velouté, parsley pesto, pickled mushrooms, maple onion compote. This dish was a mouthwatering few bites, though I wish there was a little bit more food to justify the price (also, because I wanted to eat more of it!).

For my entree, I ordered the Vegan Couscous: oriental couscous, carrots, zucchini and turnips, cumin tofu, dried fruit, almonds, hummus and candied lemons. This dish was very fresh and colourful with many interesting components that worked well together. I also purchased a coffee for takeaway with plant-based milk that was excellent.

Gaspe Road Trip Day 3: Tadoussac to Sainte-Anne-des-Monts

Enjoy another delicious breakfast at Hotel Tadoussac before checking out of the hotel. The staff at Hotel Tadoussac prepared a boxed lunch for us to eat while taking the ferry to the Gaspe Peninsula. We were so grateful for the amazing hospitality that we received at Hotel Tadoussac throughout our stay.

Cap-de-Bon-Desir (Saguenay-Saint-Laurent Marine Park)

The Cap-de-Bon-Désir Interpretation and Observation Centre combines history and the wonders of nature in a peaceful setting on the edge of the Saguenay-Saint-Laurent Marine Park. First, check out the lighthouse and the home of the lighthouse keeper. The lighthouse at Cap-de-Bon-Désir dates back to 1941 and served as a guiding light for vessels travelling the St. Lawrence.

Next, follow the Porpoise Trail on a short forest walk down to the shores of the St. Lawrence River. Sit out on the massive flat rocks to admire the panoramic scenery. It’s possible to spot whales, seals, and marine mammals from this location, even while sitting on the shore. I recommend spending at least an hour, if not longer, relaxing and gazing out towards the horizon for your best chance to see whales.

Ferry from Les Escoumins to Trois-Pistoles

The next stop on your Gaspe road trip is getting over to the Gaspe Peninsula from Tadoussac. Take the ferry from Les Escoumins to Trois-Pistoles . Make a reservation for this ferry ahead of time and aim to arrive 60 minutes before your departure time.

Drive your car onto the ferry and relax indoors or outdoors. There is a small seating area indoors and a more spacious area with a little cafe and tables. There are some pretty views if you sit outdoors, but it can get a little chilly out there with the wind. The crossing time takes 90 minutes.

Coffee Break at La Brulerie d’Ici

La Brulerie d’Ici is a charming little coffee shop in downtown Rimouski. If you’re in need of a caffeine boost, be sure to make a pit stop here to grab some coffee for the road. Feel free to check out some of the shops in downtown Rimouski while you’re there.

Lunch at Copper Branch

Vegan options can be few and far between when taking a road trip of the Gaspe Peninsula. I didn’t have any issues finding vegan dishes along the way (as you can see from this blog post), but it’s awesome to come across a place like Copper Branch on our trip.

Copper Branch is a chain of entirely vegan restaurants from Quebec, and they’ve expanded into Ontario and other places as well. I love visiting Copper Branch because I can order anything off the menu, and you essentially can’t go wrong. On this visit, we ordered their burrito special, a BBQ chik’n flatbread, and the poutine.

Pointe-au-Pere Lighthouse National Historic Site

The Pointe-au-Pere Lighthouse marks our first stop on the Lighthouse Trail of Quebec Maritime. Over 40 lighthouses dot the coast of the St. Lawrence River. Each lighthouse is completely unique and comes with its own exceptionally gorgeous view. Almost 20 of the lighthouses have been restored and transformed back to their original splendor, thanks to the work of dedicated individuals and historians.

Pointe-au-Pere Lighthouse is over 100 years old and it is also a national historic site of Canada. It’s the second tallest lighthouse in Canada. You can climb 128 steps to the top of the lighthouse for amazing panoramic vistas. A guide can tell you all about the intricate workings of the light itself and the lives of the lightkeepers.

This site is also home to the Empress of Ireland Pavilion, which is devoted to telling the history of this passenger cruise ship that sank in 1914, resulting in the death of 1012 people. Another unique feature of this location is the Onondaga submarine that rests on the nearby shores.

Photo Stop: Sainte-Luce Village

On our Gaspe road trip, we drove past a really adorable village called Sainte-Luce. There’s a row of colourful homes lining the waterfront. To get the best view and opportunity for photographs, park at the Catholic church in Sainte-Luce. From there, walk down to the lengthy wooden pier to see the row of rainbow homes.

Pointe Mitis Lighthouse

The Pointe-Mitis Lighthouse was built in 1874 and later replaced in 1909 by the structure that you see today. It became fully automated in 1972 and ceased serving as a navigation aide in 1999. This lighthouse requires a little more effort to visit. There is a small parking lot for a few cars just off the main road. Then, you need to walk about 1km through a rural neighbourhood to the lighthouse.

For a rare experience, you can spend the night at the historic keeper’s house from May to October. It’s possible to stay overnight at a lighthouse here! The accommodation sleeps up to 8 people, and it is only available on a weekly basis.

Matane Lighthouse

The Matane Lighthouse was built in 1906 and you can easily visit by pulling off to the side of the road. From the top of the lighthouse, you can enjoy amazing views of the St. Lawrence River, nearby wind farm, and the Chic-Choc Mountains. Even if you don’t go to the top of the lighthouse, this is a beautiful place to stop and admire the lighthouse and the scenery.

Cap-Chat Lighthouse

The Cap-Chat Lighthouse is perched on the edge of the cliff adjacent to a cape in the shape of a cat (hence the name). This is an operational lighthouse near several trails that lead down to the sea. There’s also camping, glamping, and family-friendly activities nearby. The Cap-Chat Lighthouse is only a short walk from the parking lot.

This is another lighthouse that you can call home for the night. You can stay in the lightkeeper’s house, which has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and accommodates up to 15 people. There are other nearby cottages to rent as well, which would make a great holiday for a large family or big gathering.

Where to Stay in Sainte-Anne-des-Monts: Hotel & Cie

Hotel & Cie is an ideal place to spend the night in Sainte-Anne-des-Monts. While each room has its own separate entrance from outdoors, there’s also a connecting indoor hallway that makes this a hybrid between a hotel and a motel.

The rooms look to be recently renovated as they’re super clean, modern and chic. The bed is really comfortable and there’s a huge desk where you can get some work done. There’s a second bed that can be pulled out from the wall; otherwise, you can relax on the couch that usually occupies this space.

We were really impressed with the boxed breakfast that we received the next morning. Put in your orders the night before and our breakfast was promptly delivered to our room at a time of our choosing. Having breakfast delivered to the room allowed us to get a quicker start to our day.

Dinner at Pub Chez Bass

Pub Chez Bass is a local restaurant in Sainte-Anne-des-Monts overlooking the sea. I must say that Sainte-Anne-des-Monts is a little trickier for plant-based eats, but Chez Bass has a delicious bean burger topped with edamame hummus (ask to omit the tzatziki sauce).

Since visiting a few weeks ago, I noticed that they’ve actually expanded their vegetarian options. There’s now a vegetarian plate and veggie tacos. Definitely check to see if those are vegan or can be made vegan, too.

Gaspe Road Trip Day 4: Sainte-Anne-des-Monts to Forillon National Park

Enjoy breakfast in your room at Hotel & Cie before setting out on your day. Today, our Gaspe road trip takes us from Sainte-Anne-des-Monts to Forillon National Park on the northeastern edge of the Gaspe Peninsula. We also continue along the Lighthouse Trail before venturing into the park.

La Martre Lighthouse

What would a Gaspe road trip be without more stops on the Lighthouse Trail? We loved stopping at all of these lighthouses. It’s a great chance to admire the lighthouses, stretch your legs, and they’re usually all at a very picturesque location overlooking the sea.

La Martre lighthouse is still in operation and has been since 1906. The original timing system, which uses cables and weights, still controls the light. The lighthouse itself has a unique wooden structure, and I loved the solid red colour of the lighthouse, too.

Cap Madeleine Lighthouse

The Cap Madeleine Lighthouse is a heritage lighthouse in Sainte-Madeleine-de-la-Rivière-Madeleine, Quebec. Originally established in 1871, the lighthouse you see today was constructed in 1908 to aid local and commercial shipping traffic.

Photo Stop: Halte Routiere de Grande-Vallee

It’s time for a beautiful view and a photo opportunity at a popular rest stop. Up on the hill, this perspective offers an astoundingly pretty view of the Grand-Vallee village. This is one of the most photographed places in Gaspesie.

There are also restrooms at this rest stop, and you can also enjoy a picnic with your view on one of the picnic tables. I really loved how the fences were painted in such bright colours, too.

Pointe-a-la-Renommee Lighthouse

Pointe-a-la-Renommee Lighthouse is perched on the edge of Fame Point. It was returned to its original home at Fame Point in 1997 after spending two decades in Quebec City. You can simply stop to admire the lighthouse, visit two exhibitions or take a guided tour here (for additional fees).

This is the first maritime radio station site in North America. In 1904, it was operated by the Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company of Canada. The first wireless signals dedicated to saving lives at sea were transmitted in North America.

Please note that you will need to drive down a long and winding gravel road to reach the lighthouse. The road can be a little bit difficult to drive, even in good weather, so be sure to take it slow and steady!

Lunch at Resto-Pub La Revolte

For great eats and a delightful patio overlooking the water, stop by Resto-Pub La Revolte , located in the Auberge Le Caribou. We enjoyed pints, veggie burgers, French fries, salad, beautiful scenery, and great service.

Cap-des-Rosiers Lighthouse

Cap-des-Rosiers Lighthouse is a national historic site of Canada, and it is the tallest lighthouse in the country. It is located right at the edge of Forillon National Park, making it a great place to stop before entering the park itself. The lighthouse dates back to 1858, and you can climb to the top with a guide.

Sitting at 37 metres tall, this stone lighthouse sits atop imposing cliffs where the St. Lawrence River enters the Gulf of St. Lawrence. As this region became attributed to many shipwrecks over the years, the Cap-des-Rosiers Lighthouse was essential for guiding ships to safety.

Forillon National Park: Visitor Information and Discovery Centre

When you visit Forillon National Park, stop at the Visitor Information and Discovery Centre to learn a little more about the history and ecology of the park before you set foot in it. This exhibition is brand new. There are numerous displays and even a short film, too. You can ask the park staff any questions that you might have.

Forillon National Park: Cap-Bon-Ami

When you visit Forillon National Park, don’t miss stopping at Cap-Bon-Ami. This scenic location offers some of the most spectacular views of the national park. Walk down a wooden staircase to a rocky beach, surrounded by rugged cliffs and turquoise blue waters.

From one observation deck, you can get a closer view to the amazing geological finds of the park. Layers upon layers of rocks, eroded over the years, are now home to many seabirds. Discover cormorants, guillemots, gulls and black-legged kittiwakes.

While it’s easy to be distracted by the pretty views of the sea, don’t forget to look back at the cliffs to see this important marine bird nesting site. In fact, there are approximately 17,000 seabird nests in the cliffs of the cape.

From Cap-Bon-Ami, embark on the Mont Saint-Alban trail to the Mont Saint-Alban tower. A good portion of the hike is an uphill climb, but it’s only about a 2km hike in total to witness incredible scenery of Forillon National Park. Give yourself about an hour and a half roundtrip for this one.

Stay in a Pod at Cap Aventure

Just outside of Forillon National Park at Cap-aux-Os Beach, Cap Aventure offers activities and accommodations for nature and wildlife lovers. We spent the night at one of Cap Aventure’s pods , which is a unique glamping accommodation.

It’s really convenient to stay here if you’re visiting Forillon National Park and if you choose to participate in any of Cap Aventure’s guided tours. For instance, we took a sea kayaking tour which departed roundtrip from the beach, just steps from our pod.

Each pod has a spacious wooden deck out front and glass sliding door entryways into the hut. Cap Aventure calls it “ready-to-camp” as you can enjoy nature and comforts at the same time. Each of their three pods come with bedding, towels, and electricity. They sleep up to four people with one double bed and one pullout sofa bed.

The shower and toilets are located in a separate building within a short walk of the pods. There’s also room to park your car, an outdoor fire pit, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Please note that there isn’t any drinking water on site. Plan to bring your own food and water when you stay here.

Justin and I picked up some groceries before we arrived: water, bread, peanut butter, apple sauce, bananas, and protein bars. We had some food for dinner that evening, breakfast the next morning, and lots of water to stay hydrated.

Sea Kayaking Tour with Cap Aventure

While we’ve gone kayaking many times, it was our first time sea kayaking AND our first time tandem kayaking. What an adventure! The waters at Cap-aux-Os Beach were choppier than usual, but we set out on the waters anyway.

Our guide at Cap Aventure was phenomenal. He got us properly equipped, including the “skirt” that goes around your seat in the kayak to keep the water out. Having never gone sea kayaking before, I didn’t realize how essential this piece of fabric would be. When Justin and I launched our kayak into the chilly waters of the Gaspé Bay, the waves were intense. The waves crashed and water splashed all around. However, our skirts kept the water out!

Once we paddled past the initial larger waves, it was a relatively calm journey on the shores. We loved admiring the beautiful scenery, but our ultimate goal was to find the seals. Cap Aventure is the only company that’s allowed to operate in this region and they follow strict guidelines. You must keep a certain distance from the seals and the shoreline. Also, you should not approach the seals or disturb them in any way (if the seals choose to approach you, that’s totally fine!).

It wasn’t long until we started to see these adorable seal heads poke out of the water. They are very curious creatures. On many occasions, the seals followed our kayaks and swam closer to get a better look at us. It was an amazing experience. We also spotted many seals and baby seals lounging on the rocks near the shore.

Gaspe Road Trip Day 5: Forillon National Park to Percé

Next on our Gaspe road trip, we explored the south end of Forillon National Park before driving to the town of Perce. Perce is an unmissable stop on any Gaspesie itinerary for the awe-inspiring Perce Rock, Perce UNESCO Global Geopark, and Bonaventure Island.

Forillon National Park: Hike to Cap Gaspe Lighthouse

We started our day at the south side of Forillon National Park on a hike to the Cap Gaspe Lighthouse. Drive your car to Anse-aux-Amerindiens for an 8km roundtrip hike that takes about two hours. The hike itself has a couple of larger hills, but nothing too intense. For the most part, you’ll be walking along the seaside while soaking up the scenery.

The Cap Gaspe Lighthouse sits atop the Forillon Peninsula between Gaspe Bay and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The first lighthouse was constructed in 1873, though there have been three lighthouses built over the years. This has served as a guiding light to vessels for over 140 years.

From the lighthouse, continue your hike to Land’s End in Forillon National Park. This short trail winds down to a small observation deck, which you could easily consider to be the “End of the World”. Keep an eye out for marine mammals, whales, black bears, and even porcupines.

Coffee Break at Cafe des Artistes in Gaspe

Leaving Forillon National Park, we embarked on a bit of a drive towards Perce. I hadn’t had any coffee yet that day, so it was of utmost importance to find a good cuppa. Cafe des Artistes in the town of Gaspe is the perfect stopping point. You can wander around the cute downtown area, too. Our Gaspe road trip got even better with a delicious oat milk Cafe Misto from Cafe des Artistes.

Lunch at La Vieille Usine

Justin and I drove straight to Perce, stopping at La Vieille Usine just outside of town for lunch. There are a couple of vegetarian/vegan-friendly items on the menu. Sadly, they were all sold out of the pakora when we visited. But, they had a veggie burger on the menu topped with the yummiest mushrooms. I may have eaten a lot of veggie burgers on this trip, but they’ve all been different from one another and quite tasty.

Perce UNESCO Global Geopark

The Perce UNESCO Global Geopark is a must visit if you’re looking for things to do in the Gaspe Peninsula. It’s a highlight for anyone interested in geology and nature as you’ll discover over 500 million years of Earth’s history. There are interactive exhibits, impressive views, and thrilling activities all in one place.

There are two distinct environments at the Perce UNESCO Global Geopark : terrestrial and marine. There are several important ecosystems and a huge diversity of flora and fauna. Discover the natural history behind the wondrous sites of Perce Rock and Bonaventure Island.

Tektonik is a fun and interactive multimedia experience at the Geopark where you’ll travel back in time and learn about the formation of Perce Rock. Scan cards from a small deck of picture cards as you walk around the exhibit. Each display tells a different story of the geological importance or historical moments of Perce.

Another highlight of the Perce UNESCO Global Geopark is the suspended glass platform at the top of Mount Sainte-Anne. Walk out high above the treetops for some of the best views of the region. There’s also a thrilling zipline that you can take from this location, too. It’s possible to request a shuttle ride to the top of the mountain, and there are also several hiking trails that take you to various lookout points, too.

Explore Percé

After you spend some time at the Geoparc, make sure you wander around the town of Perce. There are lots of cute shops with handmade goods made by local small businesses. If you are looking to bring home some souvenirs for your loved ones, Perce has so many delightful trinkets and wares.

Go for a walk down the seaside boardwalk to the pier so you can admire Perce Rock up close. Watch hundreds upon hundreds of gannets “dive bomb” the water – they travel at speeds up to 100km/h! It’s quite the sight to behold. This was a great preview of seeing Perce Rock and the northern gannets before heading to Bonaventure Island the following day.

Dinner at Restaurant Le Surcouf

Restaurant Le Surcouf in Perce is a casual dining restaurant with pizza, French fries, ice cream and more. They can do a veggie pizza without cheese (with loads of veggies!), and they even have couple of vegan ice cream options.

Where to Stay in Perce: Hotel-Motel Fleur de Lys

Hotel-Motel Fleur de Lys is a quiet and comfortable place to stay in Perce. The location is perfect for exploring Percé. The accommodation is right at the end of the boardwalk that leads to Perce Rock. Speaking of Perce Rock, we had amazing views of this incredible landmark right from the window of our room! We stayed in room #2, and room #1 would also have a similar view.

This waterfront motel has plenty of free parking, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a flatscreen TV in each room. The rooms and bright and spacious, and you really have everything you’d need for a great stay. Enjoy breakfast the following morning at their restaurant, which is located in the same building as the reception office.

Gaspe Road Trip Day 6: Bonaventure Island to Causapscal

A boat trip to Bonaventure Island is certainly a highlight of any Gaspe Peninsula road trip adventure. It’s not to be missed. Once you’ve visited Bonaventure Island, hit the road and make the drive towards Causapscal, with a few wonderful stops on the way.

Boat Excursion to Bonaventure Island

Justin and I woke up early this morning and it was incredibly foggy. We could barely see anything ahead of us, never mind Bonaventure Island or Perce Rock! Nevertheless, we departed on our boat cruise to Bonaventure Island, unsure of how the weather conditions would progress. Thankfully, the fog began to lift and we spotted many seabirds and gannets on Bonaventure Island before landing there.

We took a boat excursion with Julien Cloutier Boat Cruises . Before stopping at Bonaventure Island, the boat takes you close to Percé Rock and encircles Bonaventure Island itself. You can see the cliffs and seabirds from the water before visiting the northern gannet colony on the island. Over 250,000 seabirds nest here, including the largest northern gannet colony in North America and the most accessible in the world.

The boat has regular arrival and departure times, and you can return on any boat back to the mainland. We spent a couple of hours on the island before heading back. On the way back, the cruise takes you around the other side of Perce Rock. We were grateful because it was no longer foggy and we got to see Perce Rock up close without any issues. Justin and I also spotted whales and seals from the boat, too.

Hike to the Northern Gannet Colony on Bonaventure Island

Arriving on Bonaventure Island , a guide gave us a quick rundown of the things we could see and do there. The most important thing to do is hike to the massive Northern Gannet colony, the most accessible place to see gannets in the world.

Take La Colonie trail, a 45 minute walk to witness these beautiful seabirds up close. You can access the colony by other trails, too, but La Colonie trail is the most direct and popular path there. Once we reached the colony, we were in total awe. There were hundreds upon hundreds of gannets, and they were so close to the viewing platform.

We watched the habits of the gannets as they nested and interacted with one another. A naturalist on site explained some interesting details and facts about the gannets, showing us photos and visuals as well. We were really impressed with our visit. This is an absolute must for any Gaspe road trip, especially if you love seeing and learning about wildlife.

Coffee Break at Nath & Compagnie

Nath & Compagnie is a beautiful cafe and bookstore in Perce that you need to visit. Rows of tall bookshelves line the shop with wooden ladders to reach the highest shelves.

Stop for a sweet treat or a caffeinated beverages. I ordered an oat milk latte that was the perfect pick-me-up after a morning of exploring Bonaventure Island.

Carleton Lighthouse

For a quick roadside stop between Perce and Causapscal, the Carleton Lighthouse offers some quick photo opportunities. You can see the lighthouse itself, as well as sweeping views across to Carleton-sur-Mer and even New Brunswick on the other side of the Chaleur Bay.

Lunch at Umi Yama Sushi Restaurant

Umi Yama Sushi Restaurant in Carleton-sur-Mer really surprised us. This is a hip spot in town with colourful cocktails and a vast menu of Asian-inspired offerings. Our server was really knowledgeable about making sure my meals were vegan. I ordered the vegan Pad Thai and some cucumber sushi rolls. Yum!

Belvedere des Deux-Rivieres

Here’s a really innovative roadside stop! In Matapedia, stop at the Belvedere des Deux-Rivieres for a unique lookout platform unlike any other that I’ve ever visited. There’s a short, but steep climb up a hill. Then, you’ll see a twisted tunnel structure.

From the official website , “This tunnel is formed by a juxtaposition of squares made of wooden planks, between which openings allow light to filter through while revealing glimpses of landscape.” Walk through this tunnel of wooden planks until you reach the end. You’ll be treated to beautiful views of the Matapédia and Ristigouche rivers. This trail is also the starting point of the International Appalachian Trail.

Photo Stop: Covered Bridges

Aside from the covered bridge in Amqui that we will be visiting on our last day of the trip, there are two more covered bridges to see between Matapedia and Causapscal. You’ll drive past the Pont Couvert de Routhierville and the Pont Couvert Heppell en route to Causpscal.

Where to Stay in Causapscal: Auberge la Coulee Douce

Auberge la Coulee Douce is a beautiful hotel situated inside a historic Victorian home. There is a restaurant on the first floor and hotel rooms on the second floor. Dine at the restaurant for dinner and breakfast the following morning.

The rooms are bright and modern with lots of amenities. The bed is really comfortable, and there’s a flatscreen TV, a mini fridge stocked with water, coffee and tea, a desk, and a couch. It looks newly renovated and the room was immaculate. The staff is also very accommodating and helpful. It’s the perfect stop on any Gaspe road trip.

Gaspe Road Trip Day 7: Causapscal to Quebec City

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before hitting the road. The last day of our Gaspe road trip was primarily a travel day. The drive from Causapscal to Quebec City is approximately four and a half hours. Make sure to book a flight later in the day, if you’re flying home, to allow enough time to get to the airport.

Although the majority of this day was spent driving, we made a couple of stops on the way back to Quebec City. You also might want to spend a few nights in Quebec City itself rather than leaving straight away.

Beauséjour Covered Bridge in Amqui

Built in 1932, the Beausejour covered bridge used to sit above the Brûlé River on the Chemin Beauséjour near Rimouski. Unfortunately, the covered bridge was nearly demolished as it wasn’t maintained and left to rot for over 20 years. In 1999, it was removed and placed in a field. After the mayor of Amqui put in a request for the bridge, it was donated to the town in 2005.

This wooden covered bridge was renovated, restored, and can be enjoyed by the local community visiting Pierre-et-Maurice-Gagne Park. The Beausejour Bridge is not accessible to vehicles, but can be used by pedestrians and cyclists.

Parc de l’Ancien-Quai

For our last stop on this Gaspe road trip, we briefly explored Parc de l’Ancien-Quai and its small lighthouse in Saint-Andre-de-Kamouraska. The grasslands here lead down to the St. Lawrence River and you can admire spectacular panoramic views all around.

You may have the chance to view some wildlife, like ducks and geese. We saw some baby ducks with their mom swimming around in a nearby pond. The lighthouse is very cute. When we visited, there was a man inside the lighthouse working on a painting. I couldn’t imagine a more peaceful place to paint, inside a lighthouse within such a serene environment.

Want to see more photos of Quebec?

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Add Quebec City to Your Gaspe Road Trip

While we simply picked up our rental car in Quebec City this time around, I highly recommend spending at least three days in Quebec City . Quebec City is one of our very favourite cities in Canada. Justin and I have visited on numerous occasions and we’d love to go back again and again.

More Things to Do in Quebec

For more Quebec travel guides and itineraries, please check out these popular travel blog posts:

• 20 Best Things to Do in Laval
• Mont Tremblant in Summer
• Mont Tremblant in Winter
• Montreal 3 Day Itinerary
• Quebec City 3 Day Itinerary
• Quebec City in Winter
• Quebec Winter Carnival
• Snow Tubing in Quebec at the Ultimate Winter Playground
• Quebec City Christmas Market
• Ice Hotel Quebec: A Survival Guide to Staying Overnight
• Le Monastere des Augustines: Quebec Monastery Turned Wellness Centre
• 7 Day Itinerary for a Gaspe Peninsula Road Trip
• Whale Watching in Tadoussac
• 3 Days In Lanaudière Mauricie Itinerary

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Lauren is the full-time travel blogger and content creator behind Justin Plus Lauren. She started Justin Plus Lauren in 2013 and has travelled to 50+ countries around the world. Lauren is an expert on vegan travel as one of the very first vegan travel bloggers. She also focuses on outdoor adventure travel, eco and sustainable travel, and creating amazing travel itineraries for cities and small towns.

Gaspesian Coast

• 2 Other destinations
• 3 Understand
• 4.2 By plane
• 4.3 By boat
• 5 Get around
• 8 Stay safe

The Coast (La Côte) is a region of the Gaspé Peninsula in Quebec . The Gaspé Coast comprises the south bank of the Saint Lawrence river in the southwest of the peninsula. It is the gateway to the Gaspésie. It includes the regional municipalities of La Matanie and La Mitis.

Cities [ edit ]

• 48.85 -67.533056 2 Matane — chief town of La Matanie and important economic and administrative centre for the region
• 48.583333 -68.183333 4 Mont-Joli — largest city in the west of the peninsula including the largest airport in Gaspésie

Other destinations [ edit ]

• 48.733333 -66.916667 1 Matane Wildlife Reserve — an area of ​​more than 1,200 km² of nature in the Chic-Chocs Mountains, includes one of the largest concentrations of moose in Quebec

Understand [ edit ]

The coast runs from Sainte-Flavie to Méchins along the St. Lawrence estuary, describing an immense curve. Matane, whose average altitude is 160 m, is the largest city in this region. Three rivers flow into the St. Lawrence and cross the landscape perpendicularly: the Mitis, Matane and Cap-Chat rivers. These rivers are famous for salmon fishing. The landscape is mainly composed of hills shaped by agriculture and more or less wooded areas. Towards Les Méchins, the relief becomes more abrupt. The local population lives from agriculture in summer and logging in winter. The town of Matane (town) accounts for most of the population of this region.

Get in [ edit ]

By car [ edit ].

From Montreal, Quebec City or Rivière-du-Loup, take Autoroute 20 east until it ends, then continue on Route 132 east, you will enter the region at Sainte-Flavie. If you take the second portion of Autoroute 20, you will arrive in Mont-Joli.

From Quebec , it is a 3½-hour drive to get to Sainte-Flavie. From Sainte-Flavie, Route 132 is divided in two: both directions head east. Route 132 makes a loop that circles the Gaspé Peninsula. The majority of tourists visit the Gaspé by going around in one direction or the other. You have to continue straight on to reach Matane and turn to join Mont-Joli.

It is also possible to reach the region by car from the North Shore by taking the Camille-Marcoux ferry from Baie-Comeau or Godbout (see the By boat section below).

By plane [ edit ]

• Airport Mont-Joli ( YYY  IATA ), 875, boulevard Jacques-Cartier, Mont-Joli , ☏ +1 418 775-3347 . Air Canada Jazz ☏ +1-888-247-2262 flies from Baie-Comeau and Montreal (Trudeau). Pascan Aviation ☏ +1-888-313-8777 flies from Bonaventure, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Havre-Saint-Pierre, Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Montréal (Saint-Hubert), Québec City, Rouyn-Noranda, Sept-Îles, Val-d'Or, Wabush. ( updated Feb 2018 )

By boat [ edit ]

• Traverse Matane - Baie-Comeau - Godbout , 1410, rue de Matane-sur-Mer, Matane , toll-free: +1 877 562-6560 . Ferry service between Matane in the Gaspé and the North Shore. Book in advance, especially if you plan to cross with a vehicle ( updated May 2020 )

Get around [ edit ]

Route 132 is the main highway in the region. It follows the coast of the St. Lawrence River. Matane and Mont-Joli, the two main cities in the region, are approximately 65 km from each other by road.

See [ edit ]

Matane offers a lighthouse and maritime museum, a salmon ladder observation centre, botanical gardens (with a butterfly aviary), a moose interpretative centre, and a recreation of a fur trading post.

Mont-Joli has 36 murals scattered around the city.

The Circuit of the gardens and covered bridges is a tourist circuit along routes 132 and 195 allowing you to discover the flora and heritage treasures of the region.

Do [ edit ]

Salmon fishing is a popular sport in the region's river. There are guides who will organize excursions from Matane.

Hikers will want to take advantage of the Appalachian-Québec International Trail, which runs for 100 km through the Gaspésie before connecting to the Appalachian Trail in the United States.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Go next [ edit ].

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• Gaspé Peninsula
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Navigation menu

A trip around the Gaspé Peninsula provides an endless succession of picture-perfect views. In the valley and along the coast, you’ll feel the call of the great outdoors. The mountains, sea, clear rivers, and beaches all vy for your attention, and the locals, with their colourful accents, do the same!

Spectacular parks

Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé National Park

A two-for-one! At one end, you’ll find a natural sculpture jutting up from the sea that’s admired the world over. At the other, a singular island is home to a massive colony of Northern Gannets and still harbours traces of its former human occupants. Take a boat tour or a hike to see it close up!

Forillon National Park

Look out over cliffs that tower above the sea at the very tip of the peninsula. The park’s fascinating rock formations and storied past add to the experience. No matter where you look, the views are simply stunning. Geocaches and whale watching tours give you two unique ways to play in this pristine natural environment.

Gaspésie National Park

Rising up in the Gaspé backcountry are the Chic-Choc Mountains. This impressive mountain range is home to some of the best hiking in the province, including Mount Albert and Mount Jacques Cartier. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a few caribou! For adventurer-seekers and nature lovers looking for a bit of added comfort, there’s a fabulous mountain inn.

Wow, what a view!

With its crystal-clear rivers and peaceful seashore, the gaspé peninsula gives you plenty of ways to enjoy the water. our travel counsellors share their favourites. where to get your fill:, camping du rivage.

Located in Sainte-Anne-des-Monts

Côte de la Surprise

Located just before the Percé Rock comes into view

Haldimand Beach

This beach on the Gaspé Peninsula is a perfect spot for families. Another option is Boom Defense beach, which is more rugged. It has vehicle access for launching boats. You can watch the sun set on one side while the moon was rising on the other. What a sight!

Cap-aux-Os Beach

Located in Gaspé

The town of Percé

No matter which side you arrive from, the view is simply breathtaking.

Carleton-sur-Mer

The Gaspé Peninsula offers 885 kilometres of inspiration . For the best views of the breathtaking coastal scenery, start from the Matapédia Valley in the south.

Good to know

Admire the fish and other underwater treasures at exploramer, stop and smell the flowers at jardins de métis—in the gardens and on your plate, take the family to meet all the animals at bioparc de la gaspésie, get paleontological with the fossils at miguasha national park, even more ideas…, feeling bold.

Here are 3 thrilling suggestions!

• Try tandem hang-gliding or paragliding in the skies above Mont-Saint-Pierre.
• Go canyoning and ziplining at Eskamer Aventure in Sainte-Anne-des-Monts.
• Try the treetop ropes courses or head out on the river at Cime Aventures, in Bonaventure.

Baie des Chaleurs has a microclimate that warms the water, making this beautiful bay perfect for watersports like sailing, diving, kayaking, and more.

In the evening, cozy up under a beach blanket and watch the sunset, then gather around a beachside campfire as the night sky fills up with stars. You can even invite the locals to join you for a round of fishing stories!

Did you know?

Cegep de la Gaspésie has an adventure tourism program , so the tour companies in the region are very professional and safe. If you’re interested in trying a new outdoor activity with a professional guide, there’s no better place!

Need help planning your dream getaway in a charming peninsula full of lighthouses and docks?

TALK TO A TRAVEL COUNSELLOR

Strong points

• Breathtaking coastal route
• Peaceful parks
• Refreshing, welcoming vibe

Keep in mind

• Given the size of the Gaspé Peninsula, expect a fair bit of driving between towns and attractions.

Be sure to stop at Le Malin on the Bonaventure River for the rapids and the beautiful beach. Don’t forget your swimsuit!

Marché des saveurs gaspésiennes is a local market in Gaspé with tons of great terroir products, including prepared meals perfect for a roadside picnic!

• We love this address

The Beach at Carleton-sur-Mer

For the campground, lighthouse, and storytelling evenings, plus the impressive Notre-Dame-du-Mont-Saint-Joseph Oratory nearby.

During the summer, the village of Petite-Vallée comes alive in a big way during its international Francophone music festival . Get ready for a good time!

What to wear

Pack pants and long-sleeved shirts for those cool evenings by the sea.

What to eat

Fish and seafood, skillfully prepared by local chefs.

What to do in winter

Snowmobiling, skiing, and snowshoeing in the very best conditions!

What to bring home

• Beer from Pit Caribou craft brewery
• A “Tintin in Percé” T-shirt

Insider secret

Travel counsellor Geneviève Lebreux (Quebec City) highly recommends the skiing in Murdochville .

The Chic-Chac Inn even has backcountry skiing packages.

Travel insurance: just as useful in Quebec

Whether it’s for trip cancellation, vehicle repatriation or even ambulance transportation following an accident, many situations can turn out to be costly. Find out  why travelling with an insurance policy is a wise choice , even for your getaways in the province.