The region Discover the regional features of Gaspésie

Photo: Jean-Pierre Huard

“The Gaspésie invites you to take the road that leads you to them.”

These fourteen proud witnesses to history have been given a second life thanks to the judicious interventions of enthusiasts. These true sentinels of the sea or their outbuildings have been transformed into museums or tourist information offices.

The Matane lighthouse towers above the area and offers a splendid view of the marine activities, the windmill park and the Chic-Chocs Mountains, and the lightkeeper’s house is a museum as well as a tourist information office. The La Martre lighthouse, which remains operational, still has its original clock components, and the building next to it houses the lighthouse museum and its permanent exhibit.

The Cap de la Madeleine lighthouse, from the top of its 44 steps, overlooks the village, the mountains, the barachois and the mouth of one of the most beautiful salmon rivers. The site offers several services, a shop and a museum. The Pointe-à-la-Renommée lighthouse, renowned for having traveled a lot, stands in a panoramic setting that is quite breathtaking which is also its original home. This historic site was, thanks to Marconi, a strategic communications centre.

The Cap-des-Rosiers lighthouse, which stands at 34 metres, is the highest in Canada, and navigators can always count on its beacon, which was lit in 1858, to find their way. Firmly planted at the entrance of the Forillon National Park of Canada, this fabulous structure was declared a historic monument. The Cap Gaspé lighthouse is found on the easternmost tip of the park.

The Cap-Chat lighthouse is located at the heart of the Parc récréotouristique du Rocher Cap-Chat. The site offers flower trails and people can enjoy aerial hebertism and sleep in the lightkeeper’s house. It is also possible to stay at the Cap d’Espoir lightkeeper’s house, located 10 minutes from Percé. The Pointe Duthie lighthouse is located on the New Richmond Britville site (Gaspesian British Heritage Village). It is possible to visit the Carleton lighthouse, located on the Pointe Tracadigash, very close to the Carleton campground. The Bonaventure lighthouse is found on the Pointe Beaubassin, close to the Plage Beaubassin campground. Three lighthouses however do not offer any activities: Pointe de Métis, Cap Blanc (Percé) and Port-Daniel.

All these witnesses to maritime heritage know how to make their respective history known through various ways. Now it is up to you to take the trail that will lead you to them… www.routedesphares.qc.ca

Photo: Michel Julien

“The four national parks of Gaspésie: four treasures not to be missed!”

The Parc national de la Gaspésie, 802 km² of territory hidden inside the Gaspesian Peninsula, uninhabited and wonderfully strange where the Chic-Chocs are gracefully spread, full of steep peaks, torrents and deep valleys where yo can enjoy many activities, excursions and hiking, whether it is wintertime or summertime. These peaks, the highest in Eastern Canada, are home to a herd of caribou as well as numerous moose and white-tailed deer.

Combining highly typical natural areas, sometimes unique in terms of geology, flora, fauna and human activities, the Forillon National Park of Canada preserves the natural and cultural wealth of this territory under the theme: Harmony between Man, land and sea. This territory covers almost 244 km² where hiking enthusiasts can enjoy an exceptional microclimate. Here, land and sea become one, creating pebble beaches, breathtaking cliffs, small coves, rocky capes and fine sandy beaches. You can observe more than 225 species of birds, black bear, moose, white-tailed deer, coyote, red fox, lynx, mink, snowshoe hare, estern chipmunk, groundhog, beaver and several other small rodents, reptiles and amphibians.

The Parc national de l'Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé is an enchanting site; the island red cliffs are in tune with the fascinating rock, this unshakable rock and limestone mass that belongs to the Gaspesian geologic heritage. An excursion on the Bonaventure Island is like going from discovery to revelation. A breathtaking scenery awaits you: 250,000 birds nest on the island: seagulls, murres, razorbills, puffins and others. And of course, the Northern gannet colony of 120,000 individuals offering hours of observation. 

The Parc national de Miguasha where the history is engraved into stone, preserves a fossil rich cliff where fish and plants are proof of an environment that existed some 380 million years ago. Remarkably preserved, the Miguasha fish fossils have helped to better understand the passage of vertebrates from aquatic to terrestrial life. This exceptional natural site is part of the UNESCO World Heritage.

Photo: Louise Tanguay

“Wonderful settings where thousands species of plants form true masterpieces. ”

The Reford Gardens, National Historic Site of Canada, created between 1926 and 1958 by a horticulture lover, Elsie Reford, present more than 3000 species and varieties of plants, presented in approximately 15 gardens. The international garden festival presents contemporary gardens imagined by landscape architects. Also, be sure not to miss the visit of the Estevan Lodge, temporary exhibits and special events: musical brunches, literary teas, outdoor concerts and garden-inspired gourmet evenings.

Les Jardins de Doris, selected among the 50 gardens to visit in Québec, invite you to relax by taking a walk to admire rock gardens, butterflies, fruit trees and a multitude of perennials. A small petty zoo with miniature houses, a sundial that is 30 feet in diameter and a giant chess game delight children.

Les Bio-Jardins Rocher-Percé comply with the principles of sustainable agriculture for the organic vegetable production and processing. Visit the theme gardens: ornamental, medicinal, and vegetable gardens, trail, arboretum and swamp and the interpretation centre, where an exhibit on agroecology is presented.

The Petit jardin de l’abeille, heaven for hummingbirds and amateur botanists present species that are native to the Gaspésie, honey plants and several other varieties on an enchanting site.

Hidden at the heart of the Petite rivière du Loup valley, the Jardin La Petite-Rochelle is inspiring and encourages relaxation thanks to the atmosphere created by the artist. Stay for the night and enjoy several activities.

Photo: Jean-Pierre Huard

Covered bridges made out of wood could be seen almost everywhere in the Québec landscapes between 1800 and 1960. Québec architects, taking the work of European and Asian builders as an example, start adding a roof to the bridges in order to preserve their superstructure. Conventional wooden bridges last between ten and twenty years, whereas the lifespan of covered bridges can be up to ten times longer.

At the time, more than a thousand of these bridges stretch across ravines or cross Québec rivers, and allow the people to enjoy the romantic aura of their architecture. Nine of these witnesses to days gone by can still be found in the Gaspésie. The oldest bridge, which crosses the Matapédia River, dates back to 1909, while the newest one was built in 1945. Québec Covered bridges

Photo: Michel Julien

“A significant amount of fishing destinations await you in Gaspésie.”

Fishing still holds an important place in the lifestyle of the Gaspesians, whether it be commercial fishing, recreational fishing or fishing off of wharves. The latter often allows you to meet colorful people that take malicious pleasure in telling you a large number of stories about the day’s catches, stories that are peppered with anecdotes and popular stories.

Many fish markets offer a large amount of freshly caught fish and seafood. You can also purchase all of these catches in the form of fresh, smoked, and dry-salted items or even prepared dishes.

The Gaspésie is a preferred location for sport fishers and particularly for salmon fishing. Discover twenty magnificent salmon rivers among the most renowned in the province. Trout fishing in outfitters and zecs, sea fishing and fishing off of wharves are also good choices. The Matapédia Valley is a prime destination, one of its rivers is known worldwide for its high-quality salmon.

Photo: Michel Julien

“Enjoy a sea excursion and take a closer look at these magnificent marine mammals.”

The Gaspésie, because of its geographic location, is a preferred place to escape at sea and observe the wealth of its fauna. From May to October, different species of whales can be seen offshore from Percé, Bonaventure Island and in the waters nearby the Forillon National Park of Canada. Alongside the shoreline, the powerful blow of these mammals can be seen when they surface to breathe or enjoy a sea cruise to better hear them. These cruise companies offer a series of custom packages, including the presence of a guide-interpreter, to discover whales and other marine mammals.

The largest creatures of the planet are also quite fascinating to watch and a dozen of different species of whales love to explore the Forillon and Percé sector, and among them the impressive blue whale. Others can also be seen, such as the humpback whale, the minke whale, the fin whale, the harbor porpoise, the long-finned pilot whale and the Atlantic white-sided dolphin. All you have to do is wait for them to take a breath in order to spot them. In Forillon, whales come close to the shore searching for small fish schools or small crustaceans that they filter with their whalebones.

During the same period, along the coast, also notice the presence of several grey seals and harbour seals lounging on the long flat rocks. The grey seal has a head shape resembling the one of a horse and is found in Gaspésie from April to November, while the head shape of the harbour seal resembles the one of a dog and is found year-round. In French, it is nicknamed loup-marin (sea wolf) because of its howl.

Photo: François Rivard

“Take a closer look at whales, seals, moose and seabirds.”

Dozen of crystal-clear water streams go through the Gaspésie towards green valleys that run alongside the Chic-Chocs Mountains, with more than 1,400 kilometres of rivers waiting for kayaking and canoeing enthusiasts. The proximity of the St. Lawrence River, the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Gaspé Bay and the Chaleur Bay offers a closer look at the whales, the seals and the seabirds. At the heart of the Chic-Chocs Mountains, on the Cap-Chat River, you can observe the moose in its natural habitat.

Enjoy numerous activities offered by regional kayak and canoe service providers: lodging in a yurt, tepee, tipi, eco-lodge on piles, shelter, inn and primitive campground, spa, sailing, sea kayaking, canoeing and river rescue lessons. And of course, rafting and canyoning (cliff jumping, swimming and sliding) for the more daring.

Through the Sentier maritime du Saint-Laurent, you can admire the Gaspésie while sea kayaking. The Route bleue de la Gaspésie offers the possibility to get acquainted with sea kayaking along the most imposing natural landscapes such as cliffs, shores and rivers. In total, 700 kilometres, more than 160 possible stopover sites, and essential services to safely enjoy the activity. For more information, visit www.sentiermaritime.ca, where you will find the rules of conduct for a respectiful observation, the safe and “leave no trace” use of the sites and useful tips for kayaking.

Photo: Jean-Pierre Huard

“Gaspesian beaches, places to relax, have fun and get in touch with vastness.”

The shoreline of the Gaspésie has an overly surprising beauty: sandy and pebble beaches, rocky coves and mountains dissected by valleys form a very diversified landscape.

You feel like swimming or hiking in a nice setting? The Gaspésie offers long pebble beaches, small coves protected by rocky capes and fine sandy beaches. Swimming is possible almost everywhere in Gaspésie, however, the water temperature is generally colder on the north side. The water is warmer in the Gaspé Bay and in the Chaleur Bay where the temperature can reach 20°C at the peak of the summer season.

Sunsets, sunrises, moonsets, moonrises, Perseid meteor showers on the beach mid-August, northern lights: the seashore offers many magnificent and always unique sceneries. All beaches are preferred locations for marine life observation, however rocky shores during low tide and mudflats remain the most interesting because they are home to many microscopic organisms.

The Gaspésie is renowned for its agates. Other rocks, such as jasper and chert, are spreaded on the beaches and are as beautiful. Awash rocks, pebbles with surprising shapes and designs as well as fossils are also part of the “rock treasures” that can be found on the Gaspésie beaches. Sea wood, shells, various sea debris, shipwreck debris, blue, green, brown or translucent polished glass are found on the seashore: these treasures also inspire artists, enthusiasts and professionals in their creation. Furthermore, you will be pleased by the many nautical activities intended for the whole family.

Photo: Jean-Pierre Huard

“The Gaspésian culture surprises and seduces with its distinctiveness and diversity”

The Gaspesian culture is closely linked to the sea, the nature and the people and is also marked by past events.

Gaspésie’s particular colour comes from the different ethnic groups that populated this region, resulting in a very interesting blend of cultures where the diversity will sometimes make you feel in a heterogeneous territory. Whether going through an Acadian or English village or an Amerindian reserve, Gaspésie provides a nice change of scenery through these multicultural aspects. The history of Gaspésie has obviously started with the Micmacs, named the sea Indians, that have been living in the peninsula for more than two thousand five hundred years. French, Acadians, Loyalists, Bretons, Basques, English, Jersey, Irish, Scottish then came and found shelter, work and country.

To find out more about these different builders, a visit of museums, interpretation centres and historic sites is a must. Each of these locations reveals a part of Gaspésie’s history. You must also discover the artists and the artisans-designers through an evening at the theatre, a show or an afternoon in an art gallery, from which you will bring back in your luggages, a thought as well as a part of what makes Gaspésie.

Photo: Michel Julien

“Taste the exquisite flavours of the Gaspésie!”

The Gaspésie gives you the charm of its countryside, sea treasures, the pleasure of tasting sea products and above all, its food delights.

Good foods often start with a salmon, mollusc or crustacean dish; their very delicate flavour awakens the taste buds of the finest gourmets. There are many good restaurants in Gaspésie: inns, restaurants and hotels, all have their specialty. Whether you prefer the regional cuisine and small homemade dishes or the gourmet meals served with refinements, everywhere you go, the fresh Gaspésie products have the place of honor.

Delicious and very popular, local products provide a taste of new food art trends: ostrich and emu products, goat cheeses, sea urchin mousse, lumpfish caviar, maple jelly, different smoked fish and seafood products, dry salted fish, lamb, honey products and others.