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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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