5 Wildlife-Watching Sites in Gaspésie in the Fall

On land, at sea or in a river, enjoy watching wildlife in Gaspésie! Here are five places where you can observe various species in our region.

In a sightseeing boat or Zodiac, observe blue whales, minke whales, common dolphins, North Atlantic right whales, basking sharks and other marine species off Percé and Gaspé. Explore the maritime landscapes of Gaspésie in complete safety and comfort while discovering the fascinating lives of marine mammals with interpreter guides and experienced captains from Croisières Baie de Gaspé.

Go sea kayaking along the coast off Percé or Forillon and enjoy delightful encounters with the many grey and harbour seals that like to bask on long flat rocks in this area. You can also go for a guided sea kayaking excursion with Cap Aventure (Forillon), Aube sur Mer (Forillon), Avolo Plein Air (Pointe-Saint-Pierre) or Camp de base Gaspésie (Coin-su-Banc).

Croisières Baie de Gaspé. Photo: Kim Meyer

The second highest peak in Québec, Mont Jacques-Cartier is covered in tundra-type vegetation, an essential habitat for caribou. You may also spot these animals during a hike up the mountain; however, please stay on the trails and only hike during the prescribed schedule to avoid disturbing the caribou. Note that the herd in Parc national de la Gaspésie is the only one found south of the St. Lawrence. The mountain is accessible until October 9, 2023.

At the top of Mont Albert, you may observe several species of birds, including American three-toed woodpeckers, black-backed woodpeckers, olive-sided flycatchers, merlin, great horned owls, broad-winged hawks, golden eagles and fox sparrows (their cries can be heard for miles). Caribou are also found on this peak, though in smaller numbers than on Mont Jacques-Cartier. This mountain is also accessible until October 9, 2023.

On Mont Ernest-Laforce, keep your eyes peeled and you may spot moose! The mountain provides the perfect environment for this species, which likes to feed on aquatic plants found in lakes and ponds. Moose also appreciate the forest in this area, which is primarily made up of yellow birch, young fir trees and various shrubs.

Caribous. Photo: Éric Deschamps

The aquariums at Exploramer present a living collection of fish and other marine life that live in the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence. You will be able to observe over 1000 individual organisms from 60 different species! Exploramer also offers guided tours with biologists, touch basins where you can handle certain species (such as crabs, starfish and sea cucumbers), and various interactive exhibitions revealing surprising facets of the St. Lawrence. You can also participate in an excursion aboard a Zodiac, to explore the waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Exploramer is open until October 8, 2023.

Exploramer. Photo: CHOK Images

Over 200,000 nesting birds from 11 different species congregate in the seabird colonies in Parc national de l’Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé, making this the largest migratory bird sanctuary in North America! During a boat excursion around Percé Rock and Bonaventure Island or on foot on the island’s trails, you can observe superb species, including the most accessible northern gannet colony in the world, which is home to 116,000 birds!

The park also preserves a rich natural, historical and geological heritage. Discover the park’s built heritage, which bears witness to the lives of the people who inhabited Bonaventure Island in the 19^th century. The park is open until October 9, 2023. To discover other sites where you can observe birds, visit our Birdwatching Tour page.

Parc national de l’Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé, Percé. Photo: Mathieu Dupuis

Home to some 40 animal species that are indigenous to Gaspésie, the Bioparc de la Gaspésie offers you the opportunity to enjoy close encounters with local wildlife. Stroll along the outdoor trails to see the animals in settings that evoke their natural habitats. The wildlife park is also home to a pavilion featuring reptiles and amphibians from Québec (including frogs, salamanders, turtles and snakes); interactive modules and a games app for mobile devices will help you discover this mysterious world.

You can also observe about 20 live species and over 1000 mounted specimens in the insectarium. At the little farm, you can interact with the barnyard animals (including ponies, cows, donkeys, hens and rabbits) and can pet goats, sheep and pigs. The Bioparc is open to the public daily until October 9, 2023.

Bioparc Wildlife Park. Photo: Roger St-Laurent

Keep an eye out for wildlife on land or water this fall in Gaspésie!

For more ideas for your fall vacation, read the following blog posts:

• 5 Fall Activities in Gaspésie
• 5 Colourful Fall Hikes in Gaspésie
• Sea Excursions in Gaspésie in the Fall