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Activities in
Gaspésie Peninsula
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Table d'hôte dinner - Gite du Mont-Albert
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Places to stay in
Gaspésie Peninsula
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Gaspésie Peninsula is known for
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Whale Watching Cruise (Boat)
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Zoo/Wildlife Viewing Park
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Beyond the region’s rugged coastline, peaceful fishing havens, pleasant valleys and mountainous wilderness, the real reasons behind your unforgettable stay in this maritime peninsula are its proud and hospitable people!
Located on the south side of the St. Lawrence, this peninsula, with its rugged but breathtaking landform, is the continuation of the Appalachian range. Caressed by the waves of both the estuary and the Gulf of St. Lawrence, it is literally chiselled by multiple clear and fish-filled streams. The national park that consists of the famed Rocher Percé, a monumental long butte rising out of the sea, and Île Bonaventure, home to North America’s largest colony of Northern Gannets, is a must for any visitor. Enjoy activities as varied as they are exciting: hunting for agate stones on the beach, whale watching, fishing the waters of the sea or the rivers, relaxing at a health spa, or taking in a little culture—and let’s not forget sampling the delectable maritime cuisine! It encompasses many parks and reserves, and its forests, beaches, cliffs and meadows form an immense sanctuary for fauna and flora. It is a true Garden of Eden, where one can absorb the natural beauty of the environment... Source: Tourisme Québec, Tourisme Gaspésie
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The town of Gaspé encompasses more than 17 coastal villages spread out over 150 kilometres along the coast, from L'Anse-à-Valleau, northern gateway to the town of Gaspé, to Douglastown. Wherever you might be, salt or fresh water is never far away. A deep indentation in the coastline creates a magnificent body of water sheltered by the mountains, the Gaspé Bay. In Gaspé, you can fish salmon in three crystal-clear rivers, the York, the Dartmouth and the Saint-Jean. Each year more than 1,500 fishermen come to this region to cast their lines. The summer season overflows with festivals and shows and becomes the meeting place for swimmers, sailors and sports enthusiasts. Some say that Griffon was the name of a ship that sailed along the coast in the 18th century. Others believe that the name comes from Gris-fonds (grey bottom) in reference to the colour of the seabed. There is also a legend that tells how the Devil, in response to the desperate cries of shipwrecked people, left the marks of his claws (griffes) on the rowboat in which these people had escaped.
Source: Tourisme Gaspésie
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At the parc du Vieux-Quai, located on the sea shore in the centre of the village, you can visit the Auberge Mowatt built around 1815 and restored in 2004. It is one of the oldest public building still existing in Gaspésie. A complete program of activities (outdoor shows, lectures) awaits you. The Parc du Vieux-Quai also offers a tourist information relay, a picnic area, a biological product garden and a heated outdoor pool. Maria, known for its many art and cultural figures, offers several workshops-galleries open to the general public. To the east of the municipality, the Micmac community of Gesgapegiag is built around its wigwam-shaped church, and the Coopérative d'artisanat (handicraft co-op) presents its traditional basketworks. The Parc municipal de la Pointe Verte is a wonderful place to relax and observe a variety of winged fauna; and interpretation panels complete the visit. Near the roadside rest area, you can picnic on the Goélands beach or take a walk. You can also admire two works of art - a magnificent monolithic sculpture and a huge natural frame. Starting from the rural roads located in the backcountry of Maria, you can bike on a portion of the Gaspesian Route verte or access to well-known Carleton-Maria hiking trails network (12 trails, for a total of 35 kilometres). There are many attractions to see along the way (lookouts, waterfalls, observation points an geomorphological phenomena). During the winter time, you can enjoy many activities: cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and ice fishing.
Source: Tourisme Gaspésie
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Amqui, a central town in the heart of the MRC de La Matapédia, borrows its name from the Micmac language, which means "where we have fun". This is why the Amqui people invite you to come and visit them to have fun and to relax. Located where the Matapédia River and the Matapédia Lake meet, at the crossroads of the provincial roads 132 and 195, Amqui is part of the Villages-relais network, which ensures the diversity and the quality of the services and the hospitality offred to travellers.
Go to the tourist information bureau and see how ts architecture is reminiscent of the first train station of Amqui, dating from 1888. With the help pf the personnel, you will discover one of the nicest campground in Québec, a beautiful golf course, and two magnificent covered bridges. Visit the heritage train station where you will find the Savonnerie Olivier, the Café l'Express'O, the handicraft shop La Cachette and the Lynnewood, the oldest working Pullman car in North America. Starting at the train station, a hiking trail will take you to the Parc Pierre-et-Maurice-Gagné, to the Beauséjour covered bridge, to the heritage buildings downtown, as well as to the salmon fishing sites.
At night, Amqui offers the Figaro cinema and its magnificent mural fresco, shows organized by the Codec d'Amqui at the town hall, the delights of the Café l'Express'O, as well as very high quality restaurant and lodging services. During the summertime, our trails await cyclists, skaters, hikers and quaders, while in the wintertime, Amqui and La Matapédia are the dream locations for skiers and snowmobilers.
Source: Tourisme Gaspésie
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Aided by the natural elements that surround it, the Chaleur bay protects itself from the winds and enjoys a microclimate that warms its waters. Its name, which means "bay of warmth", is very adequate! The bay was named so by Jaques Cartier in 1534, when he arrived during a July heat wave! This seaside region will seduce you with its long inviting beaches caressed by the waves of a sea beaming with magnificence, and with its mountainous panoramas and red cliffs crowned by abundant vegetation.
A number of hiking and bicycle trails invite you to wind your way through the Bay. A promontory lookout offers a sepctacular view of the bay, whose pristine waters welcome swimming and several water sports. You can go on a fishing expedition, to show off your skills and practice your patience in the emerald waters of salmon rivers, or travel through time in the fossiliferous site where you discover legacies from the past.
Most Beautiful Bays in the World ClubBecause of its great beauty and its exceptional quality, the Bay is now a member of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club. The goal of this association, which was created in 1997 in Berlin, is to promote these heritage jewels (30) through in-depth knowledge of the common problems related to them, while taking into consideration their great value and universal dimension.
Source: Tourisme Gaspésie
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The sea, the river and the culture, that is the slogan of the Ville de Bonaventure which announces its colours while guaranteeing you a good time. First, the sea surprises you with the quality and temperature of its water; this is where the Baie des Chaleurs gets its meaning. The serviced and supervised beach, bordered by one of the most beautiful campgrounds in the Gaspésie, will definitely get your attention. A superb marina offers a permanent show and accommodates the most demanding navigators. As for the Bonaventure River, it will dazzle you with its extraordinary clearness. Canoes, kayaks and salmon fishing allow you to better understand the expression "to take it easy".
When it comes to culture, the Acadian colours that are always very vibrant cannot be missed. A museum particularly animated offers free shows; the village has a rich architectural heritage while many shops selling original creations will convince you of the creativity of the villagers. What can be said about the Théâtre de la Petite Marée, which leads your family through a cheerful and luxuriant universe? Add to that an amusing and instructive visit at the Bioparc de la Gaspésie, 18 holes of golf at the superb Fauvel golf course, bicycle rides in the backcountry, a tennis game, a little bit of bird-watching, and you have something to keep you occupied for several days, especially if, like the local population, you like to relax and enjoy life. Furthermore, it is easy to find good food and lodging that will meet all of your expectations, close to the main attractions of the region.
Source: Tourisme Gaspésie
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The seaside resort of Carleton-sur-Mer is one of the largest tourist centres in the Gaspé Peninsula. Its beaches, its magnificent sea and mountain landscape, as well as the mild climate of the Bay have contributed, over the years, to the growth and development of many fine hotels and services that can be found in high quantity and quality: hotel facilities, restaurants, campgrounds, golf, marina, hiking trails, bicycle trail, cultural production and broadcasting centre, recreational park, wildlife refuge, thalassotherapy spa.
Whether you are on foot, riding a bicycle or driving a car, you will discover particularly interesting attractions as you travel around the barachois and the new bicycle trail. By taking the panoramic route, you will discover a very special play area where you have your choice of games to play.
On Banc de Larocque, located across from the village, you will find the municipal campground conveniently located on what used to be called the barre à choir (barachois). This veritable campers' paradise compares favourably with the best campgrounds in the province, and contains a wonderful children's play area. At the far end of the campground, you can visit the lighthouse at Tracadigash Point, and discover a breathtaking maritime panorama.
For walking enthusiasts, hiking trails of varying degrees of difficulty (family and intermediate) lead to the summits of Mont Saint-Joseph (555 metres) and Mont Carleton (613 metres). This network of some 30 kilometres that ends up behind Maria, is full of waterfalls, observation points and breathtaking panoramas.
Source: Tourisme Gaspésie
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Shaped by erosion, Forillon National Park offers an impressive, natural decor with its majestic mountains, its meadows dotted with wildflowers, its coves lined by pebble beaches, as well as its steep cliffs overshadowing the sea. Forillon shelters various and easy to observe species of wildlife, such as the black bear and the moose, and also important colonies of seabirds, for example, the double-crested cormorant, the black-legged kittiwake gull, and the razorbill. In the park's water, meet different seals and whales species, such as fin whales, minke whales, and Atlantic white-sided dolphins. All year round, you may participate in numerous activities that will allow you to discover this beautiful haven.
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The town of Gaspé encompasses more than 17 coastal villages spread out over 150 kilometres along the coast, from L'Anse-à-Valleau "northern gateway to the town of Gaspé" to Douglastown.
In the language of the Micmac, Gespeg means "end of the land". However, the beginning of the country and of western history in North America is associated to Gaspé. The cross erected by Jacques Cartier in 1534 earned Gaspé the title of Cradle of Canada. The municipality covers 1,447 km2 and groups together over 17 coastal villages, which have preserved their ethnic, economic and cultural characteristics: a mosaic spreading out between the sea and the mountains.
Wherever you might be, salt or fresh water is never far away. A deep indentation in the coastline creates a magnificent body of water sheltered by the mountains, the Gaspé Bay. In Gaspé, you can fish salmon in three crystal-clear rivers, the York, the Dartmouth and the Saint-Jean. Each year more than 1,500 fishermen come to this region to cast their lines. The summer season overflows with festivals and shows and becomes the meeting place for swimmers, sailors and sports enthusiasts.
Gaspé offers over 300 lodging units, a wide range of quality restaurants, two marinas, an airport and some 450 campsites (including those in Forillon National Park). In the fall, large cruise ships arrive to admire this bay, which dazzles with brilliant colours.
In Gaspé, winter tourism is rapidly expanding. Each winter, in the heart of the downtown area on the frozen bay, a veritable ice fishing village appears. In the winter, Gaspé is also the meeting place for dogsled and snowmobile enthusiasts.
Source: Tourisme Gaspésie
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Grande-Vallée is located halfway between Sainte-Anne-des-Monts and Gaspé, on the north shore of the Gaspésie peninsula. When arriving from the west, by route 132, you reach Grande-Vallée about 100 km after leaving Sainte-Anne-des-Monts in your rear view mirror. If you arrive from the east, also by route 132, the distance is again 100 km after leaving Gaspé.
To the west of this municipality, a stop is imperative at the rest area where you will be dazzled by the magnificent panorama looking onto the village and the lighted cape where the church is located. A picnic area and telescopes are available on-site and you can access the hiking trail, through the adjacent land, where you find a rock, sclupted by the sea, that resembles the outline of a human face.
In the village centre, the new Tourist Welcome Bureau welcomes you and you can visit surrounding sites. The Alexis-Caron Park offers a picnic area, a tennis court, playgrounds, and a historic monument. From this park, an illuminated path skirts the magnificent Grande-Vallée River and leads to the Gallipeault covered bridge that dates back to 1923 and the Place Esdras-Minville where the old refrigerated warehouse hosts heritage treasures. Relax on a fabulous sandy beach that offers several amenities, and do some sport fishing off the two wharves while rubbing shoulders with the locals.
From route 132, you can also take Rue de la Rivière and go alongside the valley where you can acess the bicycle trail, which is 5.7 kilometres long at the heart of a coniferous forest, the farm lake, the shooting range and then the pedestrian trail alongside the river leading to a waterfall.
Source: Ville de grande-Vallée, Tourisme Gaspésie
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Grand-Metis is located on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River, 350 kilometers (220 miles) east of Quebec City, equidistant between Rimouski and Matane. Founded in 1818 by the Scots, this bilingual community offers breathtaking scenery and fresh air. A century-old resort, it reveals a remarkable architecture and surprising landscapes. The area is also famous for the magnificent Reford Gardens (Jardins de Métis).
Les Jardins de Métis /Reford Gardens are the extraordinary achievement of a passionate gardener – Elsie Reford. In the summer of 1926, at the age of 54, she began transforming her fishing camp on the Mitis River into a garden.
Over more than three decades, she created a garden that featured one of the largest collections of plants in its day. Designing the garden herself, she carefully created flowerbeds alongside the stream, realizing by trial and error that the long snowy winters and humid summer air provided the ideal growing conditions for the perennial plants she imported from around the world. Pathways meander through the forest and alongside the brook, providing visitors with moments of discovery and intimacy, where they can enjoy many vistas and fragrances. Where others had failed, she succeeded in cultivating rare plants, like the Himalayan blue poppy, the garden’s emblem. When it blooms from the end of June through the end of July, visitors can admire this extraordinary plant and admire the tenacity of the woman who introduced them to gardeners in eastern North America.
Today the gardens are home to more than 3,000 species, cultivars and varieties of plants, both native and exotic. They live happily in the microclimate of this enchanting site, traversed by a rushing brook and bordered by the Mitis River to the west and the St. Lawrence to the north. Known today for their exceptional collections and historic plantings, Elsie Reford’s gardens are preserved today by a passionate team of gardeners and staff so that visitors can experience their wonder, beauty and magic.
Source: Tourisme Gaspésie, Reford Gardens
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Located next to the River, Matane is composed of foreshores and terraces, and its name is derived from a Micmac word meaning "beaver pond". Its undeniable maritime character reveals itself in many ways. At the Matane-sur-Mer harbour, you will find, among other things, ferry services, which offer passage towards the Côte-Nord, including the only train ferry in Québec. It also houses a shipyard and a shrimp plant specializing in the famous "Matane shrimp". A little bit further east, the old maritime lighthouse now houses the Tourist Welcome Bureau and a museum of ancient objects.
Enhancement work is also being done in the old harbour sector, and visitors can, as of Place des Rochelais, follow the Promenade des Capitaines, a footpath that allows you to relive the maritime past of the region thanks to interpretation panels. During your walk, you will discover the Complexe culturel Joseph-Rouleau, where La Couleur de la Gaspésie (the colour of Gaspésie), a permanent exhibit, features 50 pieces of art donated to the town by famous painter Claude Picher. You can follow this path along the river to downtown, near the bridge and reach the catwalk leading to the charming Parc des Îles, a recreotouristic site made up of islands linked by little bridges.
For many years, the Matane River has been known as the salmon fishing school in Québec. Many fishermen have caught their first salmon on this river. The Matane River is easily accessible on all its length. From the coast of Greenland passing through the St. Lawrence River to the mouth of the Matane River, the Atlantic salmon travel this long journey with the sole purpose of reaching its spawning place. Two windows give you the opportunity to observe this anadrom fish at the time of its migratory pass through the fish ladder. And through different displays, it is possible for you to discover a magnificient river, populated with the king of fish: the Atlantic salmon.
Recognized above all for its exceptionally rich wildlife, Matane Wildlife Reserve offers visitors a stunning panorama of mountains and deep valleys furrowed by majestic rivers. It was established in 1962 when the government purchased part of the current territory from a forestry company. With its sweeping landscapes, the reserve is a favorite with nature photographers and admirers of picturesque natural settings.
Moose, Québec's "kings of the forest", are abundant throughout the reserve. In fact, the moose population is the densest per square kilometer in all Québec. In certain sectors, observation towers have been set up for visitors to observe this large mammal. Matane Wildlife Reserve is also home to a wide variety of other animal and bird species, and is becoming increasingly popular with hunters, fishermen and outdoor enthusiasts from inside and outside the province. Matane Wildlife Reserve is a natural treasure patiently waiting to be discovered. Don't miss out on your trip to the land of the moose!
Source: Tourisme Gaspésie, Tourisme Québec
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New Carlisle, René Lévesque's birthplace, enchants you with the richness and diversity of its attractions. Mr Lévesque, whose statue is located in the centre of the municipal park, was the founder of the Parti québécois and Premier minister of Québec from 1976 to 1985. While following its heritage circuit, you will relive the past of this loyalist village where the churches, historic monuments, old houses, magnificent wooden residences bordered by century-old trees, remind you of the architectural and cultural characteristics of over two centuries of harmonious cohabitation of the Anglophone and Francophone citizens. In addition to this come the beauty of its beaches, with a wooden promenade and a bird sanctuary, the quality of its restaurant and lodging establishments, and its campgrounds. For a touch of originality and humour, look for the fire hydrants!
Source: Tourisme Gaspésie
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Having become a homeland over the years for Aboriginal people, Acadians, Loyalists, Scottish and Irish, the town of New Richmond possesses a rich cultural heritage that can be seen in the architectural styles of the ancestral homes and the churches.
New Richmond is a dynamic vacation destination where the outdoors can be enjoyed year-round. Let yourself be seduced by Pointe Taylor Park located in the heart of the town, at the mouth of the Petite rivière Cascapédia. On-site you will find shows, hiking trails, an in-line skating trail, a canoe and kayak rental service, the event Jardins sur la Baie (gardens on the Bay), a kite shop, picnic areas and restaurant services. Relax on the beach or at the marina, and discover the downtown with its public market and art gallery. Fishing enthusiasts will find all they need and more on the various bodies of water: salmon rivers, bays, lakes, and streams. In the winter, take advantage of the Station touristique Pin Rouge (downhill skiing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing), the snowmobiling trails and the ice ring near the sea.
Source: Tourisme Gaspésie
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The shape of the natural harbour, the barachois, has inspired the name of the town and comes from the Micmac word Ipsigiag, meaning "broken foreshore". During your stay, you will first notice the colourful accent of the population, a legacy from the first inhabitants of different origins: Jerseys, Basques, Normans, Bretons…
In Paspébiac, the beach area has a very nice layout where a lighted boardwalk, a play area for children and deck chairs allow for relaxation, and where hiking trails border the Bay and the barachois. The catholic church Notre-Dame de Paspébiac houses a Casavant electro-pneumatic action organ, the only one of its kind in Canada, while the old Anglican church has been restored into a municipal library, thus demonstrating the concerted effort from the population to preserve its heritage. Furthermore, services and attractions such as a campground, a marina, an historic site and a thalassotherapy centre ensure a memorable stay.
A unique site in Eastern Canada, the Paspébiac Bank historical site tells the story of the evolution of the fishing industry in Gaspésie from the second half of the 18th century on, as part of the empire of two family companies from the Island of Jersey who were able to profit from the large commercial potential of the area after the conquest.
Today the Site historique du Banc-de-Pêche-de-Paspébiac includes eleven period buildings featuring the exceptionally rich architectural heritage that bears witness to the uniqueness and authenticity of the site. Visitors to the site learn about the importance of the role that Paspébiac played during the 18th and 19th centuries, the rich architectural heritage of its buildings as well as the ingenuity, courage and tenacity of the people who built them.
Source: Tourisme Gaspésie, Site Historique du Banc-de-Pêche-de-Paspébiac
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The town of Percé encompasses about ten coastal villages spread out over almost 60 kilometres along the coast, from Saint-Georges-de-Malbaie to Cap-d'Espoir.
This fascinating site has attracted visitors since the 1930s, when it became a very popular cultural centre. Many artists were attracted and charmed by the colourfulness of the fishermen and the magnetism of the site. Percé continues to enjoy a vibrant cultural life. There are more than twenty spots where one can see exhibits presenting a variety of artistic disciplines. Whether you are arriving from the north by way of Pic de l’Aurore or from the south via Côte Surprise, the setting will astound you. The magnificence of the Rocher Percé and the Bonaventure Island with its thousands of Northern Gannets, guarantee you wonderful memories.
Choose among a variety of attractions and activities such as the Parc national de l’île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé (Charles Robin, Rocher Percé and Île Bonaventure sectors), sea excursions (fishing, whale watching, seabird watching…), nautical activities (diving, kayaking…), guided tours and hiking. The hiking trails of Mont Sainte-Anne, the grotto, and the crevice allow you to explore the Percé mountains and to discover spectacular landscapes. The region is also known for its excellent restaurant fare. In addition, visitors delight in browsing in the many handicraft and souvenir shops.
Source: Tourisme Gaspésie
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Nestled at the hollow of a cove, the town of Sainte-Anne-des-Monts is an excellent example of marriage between the sea and the mountains, and proudly opens the gate to the Parc de la Gaspésie. Take 1re Avenue, which runs alongside the River for over 8 kilometres in order to take in the Annemontoise culture, that is, the culture of Sainte-Anne-des-Monts. Discover, among other things, the driftwood sculptures. Take the time to explore the trails and promenades along the St. Lawrence River and the salmon river. The parks located near the Cartier beach offer activities for the whole family (games, in-line skating, mini-golf, shuffleboard). In the Tourelle sector, a walk along the shore leads to the last monolith (turret) after which the old municipality is named.
A hiking hotspot, Parc national de la Gaspésie gives visitors access to an extraordinary mountain environment. The Chic-Chocs and McGerrigle Mountains cross the park. Among them, Mont Jacques Cartier is the second highest peak in Québec. The altitude of these mountains deeply influences the climate that moulds the landscape and creates a diversity of species unique to Québec, and even the world. Arctic-alpine plants and tundra landscapes form a habitat for a herd of woodland caribou, the last representatives of this species south of the St. Lawrence.
Source: Tourisme Gaspésie, SEPAQ
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Built in 1936, Fort-Prével aimed its heavy artillery towards the Atlantic and was a military outpost during the Second World War. It is now a tourist attraction. To the south of this village, at Pointe-Saint-Pierre, you will have a wonderful view of the tip of Forillon on one side and Bonaventure Island and the Rocher Percé on the other. Near this tip, a rock resembling the profile of an Indian tells this legend: "White men came from Europe on a great ship, kidnapped a young Indian girl, and took her back to their country far away. Ever since, her lover tirelessly awaits the return of his beloved, with his back to the sea and sorrow in his eyes, his gaze fixed on the cliffs." Source: Tourisme Gaspésie
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