The Best Places to visit in Canada – Gaspésie Peninsula (Discover Canada serie)
The Gaspé Peninsula. Only a handful of places across the globe offers the same variety of scenery and splendid landscapes. Mountain forests and sea can all be seen in the same vista. Lakes, rivers and foaming streams. Dashing over a bed of rocks and boulders through narrow valleys. Peninsula
Stretches northeast of Quebec City, being bordered on the north by the immense flowing ribbon of the Saint Lawrence River and on the south side by the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. It is Gatsby’s coastal Route 132 that attracts the most visitors, and it’s not hard to see why. Is an enchanting drive through tiny
And brightly painted fishing villages. past historic lighthouses cling to the shoreline, as the spectacular mountains plunge precipitously into the sea below. This is one of Canada’s iconic road trips along what is arguably the most scenic coastal route in North America. Rimouski is the last town on Route 132 before entering the Gaspé Peninsula.
Having a population of over 48,000 inhabitants, Rimouski combines history, maritime tradition and modern economy with an array of tourist attractions and a rich blend of scenery. So, it is no wonder that this regional metropolis houses the only submarine in Canada open to the public. The Onondaga Submarine served
In the maritime forces before it was decommissioned in the year 2000 and eventually towed from Halifax to Rimouski. This journey from active duty to museum was not without a turn of events that almost saw the vessel sold for scrap metal. Saved in 2006 and then opened in 2008,
Visitors can now experience a day in the life of a submariner aboard the Onondaga. The sound was deafening and the heat was unbearable. The crew lived in a confined space, breathing, reused air, and soon the clothing, the air, the skin, everything smelled of diesel, of food, and of men.
It was very, very easy to recognize a submariner coming out at the dock. He was not like any other sailor. His smell betrayed him. This submarine museum is more precisely located at the Pointe-au-Père Maritime Historic Site, a suburb belonging to the city of Rimouski.
Here in this beautiful place on the seashore. We reveal not only the maritime history of the region, but also the Canadian and even North American maritime history. When discussing the sinking of the Empress of Ireland cruise ship, we delve into the great era of immigration from Europe to North America.
At the beginning of the 20th century. Located here at Pointe-au-Père was one of Canada’s leading navigational aid centers with a pilot station and its first lighthouse. The pilot station at Pointe-au-Pair was closely involved in the rescue of survivors in the most devastating maritime tragedy of Canadian history.
The wreck of the ocean liner Empress of Ireland, The ship that sank offshore Pointe-au-Père an 1914, May 29th during a foggy night, had made 1012 victims. It is a tragedy of almost a magnitude of the Titanic, but forgotten in history. The museum opened here in memory of that tragic event.
Host the history of that steamship. Numerous pieces from the ship or objects that belonged to the passengers brought to the surface following diving expeditions. Also the testimony of passengers and their descendants make you feel like you are actually on board the Empress of Ireland. Matane is a wonderful city
Where we can find excellent shrimp and incredible sunsets. Boasting a population of over 15,000 residents, it emerges as the paramount industrial hub within the gas busy peninsula. Matane is a bustling maritime city with a busy seaport. A famous shrimp processing plant and an essential ferry to the North Shore.
A very pretty picture strikes the tourist site along his road of town of Matane . To the left stands a lighthouse with the vast expanse of the broad St Lawrence as a background. The celebrated Route 132 is commonly recognized as a lighthouses trail, adding a touch of intrigue to its fame.
We call the entire route, the lighthouse route. And the answer is simple. When the British conquered Canada, they believed that having access to the entire continent was possible. Starting from the American East Coast, allowing them to sail year round. However, they were unaware that.
After the conquest, the Americans would deny them access to their ports and declare war on them. This conflict was the American War of Independence. The English were now grateful to have the St Lawrence to access their continent, but it came at a high cost.
The ships laden with cargo that sank during storms or in frozen waters took a toll on them. As a result, they decided to build lighthouses. For some of these lighthouses, they even transported stone and brick from Europe, specifically from England and Scotland, to construct them in various locations.
Once beacon of the sea and witness to the river’s history, the lighthouse and the keeper’s house have now taken on new vocations as Maritime Museum and Regional Tourist Bureau. The small museum here, narrates the origins of Matane from its foundation until today, utilizing various artifacts from different times.
The history of Matane is presented from the navigation point of view, the fishing perspective, and also from the viewpoint of the first occupants the Native Americans. The Matane River, 101 kilometers in length is well known as the: “River School” because it’s a good place to learn to fish.
It is the only river in the province of Quebec where one can go fishing. Salmon even in the center of the city. Here, you’ll discover the story of the Matane River, celebrated for its pristine waters and the abundant wildlife that call it home, making it a sanctuary for outdoor enthusiasts. Tourists
Who visit Matane are certain that they come for moose hunting because it is a place in Quebec with the highest number of moose per square kilometer. Additionally, they are sure that they come for salmon fishing because the salmon fishing is excellent during the summer. It is a river where access is easy.
People come obtain a permit from us and everyone can go. Unlike other rivers that are very rough, etc.. Built with economic purpose to direct logs from upriver, Mathieu-D’Amour dam is the last obstacle before the Matane River flows into the Saint Lawrence. A fish pass was built at the dam
So that the salmon can follow their aquatic route. Each year, thousands of salmon swim against the current in the Matane River, using the pass. The structure features an observation area so visitors and specialists can watch the migration. The Cap-Chat town is perched on the shores of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence,
Offering a spectacular blend of natural beauty and quaint urban life With its rugged cliffs, expansive beaches and lush forests. It’s no wonder Cap-Chat has earned its reputation as a hidden gem of Quebec. The village is located near a beautiful sand beach washed by the waves of a very pretty rounded bay.
And bathing, boating and other aquatic sports constitute the amusements of a small colony of vacationers who spend the summer there. Much like its neighboring settlements in the Gaspe Peninsula, Cap-Chat proudly boasts a river, elegantly flowing and sharing the town’s distinguished name.
Cap-Chat River is a waterway that has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape and the lives of those who call this region home. Thanks to its serene, transparent water, the Cap-Chat river has become one of the best salmon fishing rivers in the region. Angler and kayakers love the river equally.
Here, anyone can easily learn the basics of kayaking. But Cap-Chat isn’t just about mountains, shores and waves. It’s about the people. With a rich cable car heritage, this town flaunts its roots with passion, In Gaspésie, houses painted in various colors can truly be found.
Some time ago, one person painted their house yellow. Another painted it green. And yet another painted it red. There are even purple houses. People might think it’s due to bad taste or poverty. However, that’s not the case. The fishermen would venture far out on the river and when it was time
To return home, they navigated towards their respective colored houses, particularly here in Cap-Chat, fishermen returning from their fishing trips would look for their houses distinctive color. This is why you can find houses of all kinds of colors in Gaspésie. Today, these colors are used for folkloric purposes.
Witness to the river’s history, the only purpose left for the old lighthouse now is to watch over the place where the Saint Lawrence blends into the Atlantic Ocean, a unique scene offered by one of the world’s largest estuaries. The current lighthouse, completed in 1909, is among the first lighthouses in Canada, built
In reinforced concrete and today has become a tourist attraction. Nestled between the sea and the mountains, the town of Cap-Chat finds itself in the trajectory of the wind, as did the ships of the new world’s earliest explorers. The wind farm Le Nordais, erected in 1998, was the first of its kind
To be built in the province of Quebec and is one of the largest in the Americas. Dominating the landscape at 110 meters height is Éole, the tallest vertical-axis wind turbine in the world. A symbol of modernity amidst the wilderness. Sheltered in the magnificent Cove.
The city of Sainte-Anne-des-Monts is a landmark geographical site where the St Lawrence E stuary turns into the imposing Gulf of St Lawrence. Sainte-Anne-des-Monts is blessed by nature with a unique landscape, being part of the Appalachians, which is the oldest mountain chain in North America.
Here the visitors gets into a land where mountain scenery serves as a background to the splendid landscape of fields, rivers, sea valleys and streams that slopes down to the river. St Lawrence. A must see attraction in the region is certainly the aquarium park. Exploramer. Here it is in fact, an interpretation center.
It is a museum of marine sciences about the Saint Lawrence, because we are at the border between the estuary and the bay. This is to allow people to see the Saint Lawrence, not just from the surface, but also what is beneath the water’s surface from a scientific perspective.
To fulfill our mission of helping you discover the Saint Lawrence. We take people to see the traps in the river. We bring up rock crab traps and waved whelks traps, allowing people to witness how fishing is done in Gaspésie.
The guides, who are biologists on board will explain what is found in the trap. And after that, the catch will be released back into the water. I have a male here, as before, and here I have a female. In order to distinguish between them, observe the abdomen.
The abdomen of the male resembles a folded tail. It is always very narrow and pointed, much like a necktie. The female’s abdomen is slightly rounded and larger, resembling an apron. So that is how we differentiate between the male and female rock crab. Sainte-Anne-des-Monts is indeed a maritime city.
Every year after the winter there are dozens and dozens of stranded wood logs on the banks of St Lawrence. At Exploramer was launched the idea of creating a sculpture festival in driftwood. Visitors will be able to admire the various shapes made by sculptors from across Canada and abroad.
About 20 km south of Cap-Shat begins the “Gaspésie National Park.” Spread across a vast expanse of over 800 square kilometers Gaspésie National Park is a sanctuary where the land speaks the language of age-old ice and stone. Here, the Chic-Choc Mountains, which are part of the ancient Appalachians,
Contain some of the highest peaks in southern Quebec. The river Sainte Anne’ that crosses the park, and a large number of streams are all well stocked with salmon, trout and other varieties of fish. This mountainous region preserves magnificent old forests, hosting a wide variety of animals
And since the surrounding country is heavily wooded, some good shooting can also be indulged. Dominating the mountain peaks is an alpine tundra that serves as home and protector to the endangered wood caribou. Nestled in to Gaspesie Park, lies in another treasure of the Gaspe Peninsula: Mount Lyall’s agates mine.
In the open pit mine, visitors can pick geodes containing such semi-precious stones as Agate, Amethyst, Quartz, Carnelian or Jasper. Equipped with some tools and a good pair of shoes, enthusiasts can spend a whole day prospecting. The pleasure in this activity lies in discovering our treasures. It is enjoyable.
The two sites I will show you are full of these stones. Geodes. What is very interesting is that there is never the same thing inside. Let’s climb up right away. I’ll show you where these stones are. The fun begins even before arriving at the site. All visitors are entitled to a training course
That enables them to learn all the characteristics and differences to detect in order to find the most beautiful stones in the mine. Due to the richness of this site, it is impossible to leave empty handed. At the end there is the stonecutter who is an expert. He will help
You choose your stones and determine which of them have more potential. Every stone is guaranteed here. If there are stones with no gems inside, they will be simply replaced by us. Here at Mount Lyall, the gems are not lacking. Continuing to roll between sea and mountains
Along Route 132, just 25 kilometers east of Sainte-Anne-des Monts, travelers encountered the beautiful red lighthouse of La Martre. With a breathtaking view from its top, this famous lighthouse on the Gaspe coast stands proudly on a natural promontory. And so the beauty of the place is whole.
There it is, close to the lighthouse, the local church Sainte-Martre, the only one in Gaspé being covered with cedar shingles. The four keepers of the lighthouse spent altogether nearly 100 years here. They were privileged to live in the heart of the village due to the location of the lighthouse.
Thus its nickname, the Cadillac of lighthouses, as the keepers never had to deal with the loneliness that usually characterizes their profession. The lighthouse of La Martre is the only one in the province that still uses the original wave driven mechanical system
Like the old clocks used to have in order to rotate its sliding module. This is the light source module. Only the red painted part weighs two tons. The way it operates is quite impressive because there are no ball bearings inside. They weren’t used at that time,
As they weren’t so well developed in terms of mechanics. This system floats on a bath of mercury. In other words, the bottom of this tank is filled with mercury around ten liters. This is what creates the space. Mercury is dense enough to support the total weight of the module. Its Fresnel lens,
A masterpiece of lighthouse engineering, has cast its light over 30 nautical miles into the Gulf for over a century, guiding ships safely to harbor. Each lighthouse has its own light code. Here it is 4 flashes and a pause of 30 seconds. We can clearly see the four sections that create flashes.
These round sections that amplify the flow of light. This is the pause section. The light does not get through. Each lighthouse is very different from another. So the module is also different. For example, at Madeleine, in the next village, the code is three flashes. So, there were several variables that could be adjusted
To change the code and to assign each site a specific code. The lighthouse of La Martre is an exemplary piece of our maritime history. With its signature red cap, it is not only a functional nautical landmark, but also an architectural marvel. In the silence of the Gaspé night,
The beacon continues to send its signal: a pulse, a heartbeat, the light of La Marte, long may it shine. Throughout the region of Gaspe, Canadian historical facts and events are omnipresent. The Lighthouse of Pointe-à-la-Ranomme is one of these places. The natural beauty surrounding this place is a sight to behold.
The rugged cliffs, pristine waters and serene landscape provide an enchanting backdrop for the lighthouse, and its visitors. Pointe-à-la-Ranomme, often referred to as Cape Reputation, is a name woven into the fabric of maritime history. The name “Pointe à la Renommée” comes from a ship
That sank near Anticosti Island, and the survivors came here. It was in the 1500s or so. That’s why it was called so. The ship itself was named “Pointe à la Renommée.” When people arrived here in 1880, they renamed the place “Faim Point” because at that time, people were starving here.
However, in 92, we restored the place to its original name: “Pointe à la Renommée.” Due to its huge lens. The biggest on St Lawrence River. The Lighthouse was one of the most powerful of its time. His prism is 3 meters high and 2 meters in diameter. If we discuss the prism
It’s made of Saint-Gobain glass imported from France. The company “Barbier, Benard, and Turenne” from Paris came and installed it. In some lighthouses, there is a rotating light inside, like a beacon. but here that’s all that revolves around. That’s why the simple little light, large as it is, with the lens,
Will shine 500,000 candles. The light can be seen from Anticosti Island, at a distance of 50 nautical miles. the site holds a unique place in the history of communication. It was here that Guglielmo Marconi made his groundbreaking transatlantic wireless transmission, forever changing the way the world connects.
Pointe-à-la-Ranommee hosts a museum dedicated to Guglielmo Marconi. It has been declared a National Historic Site, for the creation of the Canadian Maritime Telegraph Service. 50 km from Pointe-à-la-Ranommee, stands the village of Cap-des-Rosiers, a sentinel of maritime history and a bastion of traditional Quebecois culture.
Inhabited since the 17th century by fishermen. Cap-des-Rosiers became a strategic point for the merchant vessel entering the St. Lawrence River. Today, tourism and fishing are major elements of the economy. Fishermen in the village offer fishing excursions as well as cruises on golf. sits the tallest lighthouse in Canada. At Cap-des-Rosiers
This fabulous structure measures more than 37 meters, but the measure of its heritage lies in its location at the extremity of the Gaspé Peninsula and in its architecture. In view of the many wrecks that occurred in the past near Cap-des-Rosiers,
The Canadian Government had a most powerful lighthouse constructed upon the top of the Cape. And when heavy fogs hang over the sea and make even the bright beacon practically invisible, warning is given to mariners by means of cannons. The lighthouse at Cap-des-Rosiers was lit in 1858. In 1974,
The lighthouse was declared a National Historic Site, and in 1994, the tower itself was designated as a Federal Heritage Building. In the eastern vicinity of the village of Cap des Rosiers begins the breathtaking world of Forillon National Park. A place where rugged cliffs, pristine forests and the ever present
Gulf of Saint Lawrence converge to create a natural masterpiece. Here, the Appalachian Mountain chain reaches its grand finale, creating a refuge for an array of wildlife. From the heights of its cliffs down to the depths of its waters, life thrives. This is a sanctuary where the wild roam free
And the air is alive with the course of nature. A place of convergence for the creatures of the forest and the inhabitants of the deep. For hikers and nature lovers, there are nearly 72 kilometers of trails that pass through no fewer than ten distinct ecosystems,
Each with a cornucopia of diverse plant and animal life. If getting out on the water is your game, there are whale watching cruises, sea kayaking and paddleboarding excursions. Or perhaps you’d rather just bask in the warm, shallow waters of Pinedo Beach. Even history buffs have a place at Forillon’s table,
With a little known episode of World War II. Fort Peninsula is the only World War II shore battery that has been completely preserved, and that is open to the public in Quebec. During the Second World War, submarines “U-boote” German entered the St. Lawrence Gulf and River.
There, they sank 23 allied. Canadian Navy strategists. chose to site a naval base at Gaspé Bay. Bay’s deep waters were easy to defend being sheltered by the surrounding coastal relief. Fort Peninsula, one of Canada’s leading military stations was part of “HMCS Fort Ramsay,” composed of the naval base proper,
A fleet of 19 warships, three coastal batteries and huge anti-submarine net, which closed off Gaspé Bay to any incursions by German submarines. With a population of over 15,000 people and a history that stretches back to the dawn of European colonization
In what is now Canada, Gaspe is the largest city capital of the region with which it shares its name. Gaspé’s paramount importance in the colonial history of North America is little known even to Canadians. Indeed, this city lays claim to the title of “Cradle of French America” .
Nearly 600 years ago, 16th of July 1534, the famous explorer Jacques Cartier took refuge from a heavy storm in the Bay of Gaspé, came ashore briefly somewhere on the spot where the city stands today. In the presence of a number of Indians who had gathered to witness
The arrival of the white men, he erected a large wooden cross and took possession of the land in the name of the King of France. We are here on the site of the Musée de la Gaspésie, where the monument to Jacques Cartier is located. The monument was inaugurated in 1982
To commemorate the event that happened here in Gaspé: namely the taking possession of the territory in the name of the King of France. However, as we know, the territory was already inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Mi’kmaq, who occupied Gaspesie, and several nations who frequented the territory seasonally,
Such as the Iroquoians of St. Lawrence. Moreover, the monument, consisting of six styles, was created by the Bourgault family of Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, the sculptor. It tells the story of Jacques Cartier, his arrival in Gaspé. Here we have a scene of exchanges between the indigenous people and Cartier.
Additionally, we have the erection of the cross, the official gesture committed by Jacques Cartier to take possession of the territory, along with the representation of the uncertain Iroquoians. Further, there is another scene on which we can see the Iroquoian chief stating that this territory
Will not belong to Cartier, but rather to his ancestors. Jacques Cartier is of course, a significant character in the history of Gaspé, Gaspésie, Quebec, and even Canada. We still have an important place within the museum in our permanent exhibition. Cartier was the first to document what he saw in the region.
He was one of the first to report to us how the First Nations lived at that time. A particular importance in spreading knowledge about the history and unique heritage of the Gaspé Peninsula is the Gaspé Regional Museum’s purview
Cuts a broad swath that covered the rich history, charming culture, and surprisingly vibrant art scene of the region. Traveling along Route 132 towards Chaleur Bay, we encounter a landscape rich in coastal scenery, distinctly different from the steep cliffs on the northern side of the Gaspesie Peninsula.
Winding through quaint fishing villages and skirting pristine beaches, the road dances steeply up and down, momentarily departing the ocean’s embrace for the embrace of the forest, only to reveal another marvel of the peninsula: the majestic Rocher Percé,
a colossal rock formation emerging from the depths of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. Percé Rock, the arch shaped offshore rock formation from which the town takes its name is an awesome natural marvel that has become an iconic emblem of the Quebec, attracting thousands of visitors annually.
Estimated at over 375 million years old. The rocks tens 90 meters in width, 433 meters long and rises 88 meters above the water at its highest point. Perce Rock loses 200 to 300 tons of rocks per year due to thawing and erosion. At the top there are numerous cracks.
Frequently, rain seeps into these cracks, freezes during the winter and subsequently causes them to burst. There has already been a third hole at the obelisk and we can see that little tip in the water. It was once connected to the rock, but fell in 1951.
They say the rock will remain here for another 15000 to 20000 years. We don’t want it to fall. The village, which shares the same name with the rock is seated in the undulating valley between the mountain and the shore cliffs, and in every direction there is a panorama of verdant slopes,
contrasting with the soft red of the cliffs. The heritage of buildings in Perce is impregnated with the region’s history, closely tied to fishing. Some of the beautiful ancestral homes have been preserved as tourist attractions. The Old Factory – formerly a processing plant for fish,
Has been restored and transformed into a cultural and tourist center. Percé takes full advantage of its scenic seaside location, with a host of aquatic activities awaiting visitors during the busy summer months. The St Lawrence Estuary and its vicinity teams with whales during the warm summer months.
And in Percé, there are a pair of whale watching outfits that afford you the chance of seeing a variety of species, including fin, minke humpback and even the endangered blue whale, as well as white sighted dolphins and harbor seals. The whales return here almost every year. We often see the same ones
Because if it is a female, she will leave for at least one year. It takes 10 to 12 months for gestation, and she will return the following year. This year, like others, we had a humpback whale with its calf.
The best season to see the whales, I would say, is from May until mid-October. However, since 1994, we can see them throughout the year. All males can be seen throughout the year, even during the winter. The whales are identified by the back of their tail fin, much like a fingerprint.
One has black spots. Another one is all white. There is one called leprechaun who has a black question mark. The one that has a tail completely white is named Splish, and it has been coming here for over 25 years. It is huge. Weighing over 30 tons. The Avolo Plein Air experience,
Transcends the conventional boundaries of sea kayak guided tours, presenting itself as a collective adventure for aficionados of the great outdoors, and, undoubtedly, a pursuit of pure delight. We engage in sea kayaking to admire the magnificent rock. The guided tours are suitable for everyone,
From young children aged 4 to 5 to adults of 90 years old. Having strong arms is not a necessity because in kayaking we don’t primarily use the arms. It’s the abdomen that does the work. These walks are beautiful and with the guide around there are no problems.
We will assist you, share stories about flora and fauna, and delve into the history of the place, as many significant events have occurred here in Percé. Impressive things might happen during the tours, like having a whale surface on the side of the kayak.
It is a breathtaking experience, especially since we are at the water level. Speaking of history, the kayak originally served as a hunting boat. Initially, it was used for hunting whales. Now we do the opposite. We observe whales in it. Only 3 km away from Percé Rock is another Gaspé gem:
Bonaventure Island, the largest migratory bird refuge in North America. After a short boat ride, you’ll disembark at L’Anse à Butler, on the west side of the island, and you’ll see in front of you a cluster of ancestral clapboard houses. Before it was a protected natural haven,
Bonaventure Island was the site of a small but thriving community of fishermen until the decline of fishing activity at the beginning of the 20th century. Welcome to the Bonaventure Island and Percé Rock National Park. This park encompasses several important themes, offering enjoyment in geology, history, and ornithology
On a small but diverse territory. One notable aspect of the park is that it serves as one of the largest migratory bird refuges in North America with Percé Rock and Bonaventure Island being integral parts of this entity.
Among the seabirds found in this refuge, the Gannets form an impressive colony numbering nearly 110,000, making it the second largest Gannet colony in the world. Boating around the island allows you to witness 30 percent of the colony nestled in the cliffs. Once inside the park, taking the three kilometers, shortest trail
Brings you to a stunning sight: a carpet of gannets at your feet. The abundance of seabirds on both Percé Rock and Bonaventure Island can be attributed to several factors. The isolated environments reduce the risk of predators. Behind the island it’s 90 meters. The gannet is like a glider.
So he’s going to launch himself into the air current. The fact also that, you know, this water around us is a pantry for birds. The gannets, it’s quite impressive. They will see their prey very well from a height of around 30 meters. They will do a lot at 100 kilometers per hour, entering
10 to 12 meters of water and catch their fish. So you see, there are a lot of seabirds settling in. The geological features also play a crucial role, providing various habitats suitable for different bird species. Gannets prefer large tablets, murres and little penguins favor big rock
Infrastructures, while seagulls opt for small thresholds on the cliffs edge. This ecological niche ensures the diverse presence of seabirds within the park. The rich underwater marine life can be explored firsthand, diving expeditions in the waters around Bonaventure Island. Whether experts are beginners, divers of all skill levels
Can enjoy one of the most spectacular seabeds in Quebec. Welcome to Bonaventure Island. Today, we’re embarking on a fantastic drift dive due to the favorable current. We’ll take a boat to retrieve divers further from here. Our dives are not only easy, but also diverse in colors and marine species
Featuring beautiful grottoes to explore. While thousands visit the island’s surface annually, we are fortunate to explore the hidden side beneath the island, which in my opinion, is more interesting. Just last week we had a memorable encounter with a big gray seal that came to play with us, displaying remarkable persistence.
Seals are typically a bit reserved and there are certain precautions. I even had the chance to kiss it on the nose and it gave me its paw playing with us like a big friendly dog, albeit with bare jaws, but less dangerous and quite amusing.
It even playfully nibbled on me just for a gentle taste. Undoubtedly, this is one of the most intriguing activities here in Percé. Meandering along Route 132, on the stunning shores of Chaleur Bay, one can overlook the sea from the foot of steep cliffs.
Visitors are left with the impressions of a place, where life revolves around the sea. 136 Km west of Perce, lies Bonaventure, a quaint town cradling 2,800 souls. Founded in the 18th century, Bonaventure stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Acadian people.
From its early days as a fishing and farming community. This town has been a cradle of culture and resilience. Even though this ancestral activity decreased sharply in the early 20th century, fishing is still one of the main sources of income for Bonaventure residents. For those curious and adventurous enough
To try penetrating the secrets of this difficult but fascinating activity, there is the chance to embark on a real fishing expedition. And not just as a simple observer, but as an active member of the L’Omirlou crew. Tourists have the opportunity to embark
With us at 3:45 in the morning for the fishing trade activity. They will head out to sea with our crew and have the chance to actively participate in the work, doing the same tasks as our crew members. I highly recommend that everyone join us for this unique experience.
It’s not only a beautiful job, but also a rare opportunity to board a fishing boat. In addition to engaging in carp fishing, the visitor is presented with the opportunity to fish on their own. Embarking on recreational mackerel fishing adventures proves to be an indelible experience,
As the mackerel, renowned for its combative nature. Yes, three. And I lost another one. There were four. I had another one here. This is a very greedy fish. Like here. Do you see? The fish bit the hook. Just like that. It doesn’t even have bait. It is attracted by the color.
It loves red, blue and green. The mackerel adores these colors. Most of the tourists who come aboard have a lot of fun. We are in good spirits. We laugh. We are engaged in a pleasant activity out at sea. And the weather is fine. The captain is always in a good mood.
And so am I. We bring energy to the boat. Then, it’s me who takes out the fish. Nobody needs to get their hands dirty. Bonaventure, a city renowned for its diverse range of tourist activities, is home to the Gaspésie Bioparc,
A premier destination for those seeking to explore the diverse and vibrant natural ecosystem of the Gaspe Peninsula. The park is not just a simple exhibition of animals, but also an interpretation center. The biopark offers a unique opportunity to encounter various animals that inhabit the Gaspésie.
Almost all the animals here are born in captivity, with some exceptions, those we rescued from the wild, such as orphans or injured ones, which we maintain in good health. These animals are not typically encountered in the wild, so being able to see them up close is quite interesting.
The biopark provides a chance to witness different activities involving some of these animals and in certain cases, visitors can even touch them. In this space. you’ll find various amphibians and reptiles. We provide explanations about the distinctions between amphibians and reptiles, and of course, visitors can interact with and touch them.
Children, particularly enjoy the hands on experience with different organisms and even adults find it fascinating. Chaleur Bay region was endowed with a generous and authentic nature. Its rich landscape being fed by its equally picturesque rivers. Matapédia, Restigouche, Patapédia and New River, all crisscross the Gaspé P eninsula’s magnificent territory.
Matapedia River has carved a deep valley in the Appalachian Mountains, while forming a natural border between the Bas-Saint-Laurent and Gaspé, regions. The economy of the area is primarily shaped by its geographical attributes, encompassing sectors like salmon fishing, fly tying, hunting and tourism. Established in 1997, Nature Adventure
Has been providing a comprehensive suite of outdoor experiences, including canoe and kayak descents, canoe-camping excursions, guided hiking trips and stand up paddleboarding. This range of offerings features their flagship activity: an exclusive and remarkable opportunity to swim alongside the Atlantic Salmon, a species esteemed as the king of rivers.
We are now on the shore of the Assemetquagan River. This river flows into the Matapédia River, eventually emptying into Chaleur Bay in Gaspé. Our purpose here is to embark on a snorkeling tour with Atlantic salmon observation. This activity is accessible to everyone,
As we have had participants as young as nine years old, as well as elderly individuals and those who have never swum before. We provide life jackets and have trained guides for drowning, first aid, canoeing, and kayaking, making it truly accessible to everyone.
There are sections with very wild pits where we will dive underwater, equipped with masks and tubes to observe salmon, trout, anthropoid and insects. Some areas have calm pits, while others have fast currents for those seeking an extra adrenaline rush.
Jumping off rocks is an option for fun in the rapids, and there are small waterfalls to explore. While it’s enjoyable to travel south and explore various waters, the rivers here in Québec offer something extraordinary. Many people experience these rivers from a canoe, viewing the water from above.
However, witnessing what lies beneath the water is a completely different world, truly amazing. As we bring our expedition to a close, our journey across the captivating Peninsula Gaspésie has been nothing short of a visual symphony, painting landscapes of awe and narratives of resilience.
From the coastal fringes to the lofty peaks, this journey has unraveled the tapestry of a region that pulsates with the rhythm of nature and the heartbeat of its communities. Through the lens of our exploration, we have witnessed the delicate balance
Between tradition and progress, as the Gaspésiens embrace modernity without relinquishing the timeless traditions that shape their identity.
Dive into the heart of Canada’s breathtaking landscapes with “The Best Places to Visit in Canada – Gaspésie Peninsula,” a captivating episode from the acclaimed “Discover Canada” documentary series, now available on YouTube. This visually stunning film takes you on an unforgettable journey to the Gaspésie Peninsula, a hidden gem located in the eastern part of Quebec that boasts an unparalleled blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and adventurous activities.
From the majestic Percé Rock rising out of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence to the lush, rugged interior of the Chic-Choc Mountains, the documentary showcases the peninsula’s most iconic sights through mesmerizing drone footage, intimate wildlife encounters, and interviews with local residents and experts who share their deep connection with the land and its history.
Perfect for travel enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone curious about Canada’s diverse landscapes, “The Best Places to Visit in Canada – Gaspésie Peninsula” offers a comprehensive and inspiring guide to one of Canada’s most spectacular regions.