Enjoy Nature and Foodie Experiences in La Matanie in the Fall!

Here is a suggested itinerary for a 4-day road trip in La Matanie in Gaspésie in the fall. Discover this area around Matane, which is renowned for its fresh shrimp and other seafood, rich scenery and history, and warm hospitality.

Discover the Jardins de Doris, an oasis in downtown Matane! Named one of 50 gardens to visit in Québec, this site is a perfect place to relax. Visitors of all ages can enjoy the butterfly aviary, sundials, giant chessboard, observation tower, animal park, Zen garden, cactuses and fruit trees as well as various fairy tale-inspired houses. Buy some local treats and enjoy a picnic lunch at the heart of these magical gardens! Open until October 15. 

Spend the rest of your day at Vignoble Carpinteri. Located a few kilometers west of Matane, this vineyard is a great place to enjoy an exotic experience while stimulating your taste buds! You will be charmed by the Tuscan-inspired architecture and the walks among the vines and can also discover and sample the unique products made on site. Get a taste of Italy in Gaspésie! Open until end of December. 

Other options for activities: Carrefour Nature de La Matanie, beach and playground at Parc des Rives in Saint-Ulric, Pierre-Carrier covered bridge

Local flavours to try: Be sure to try the famous Matane shrimp (also known as northern shrimp), which are available in many restaurants and fish markets.

Picnic spread featuring local products from La Matanie. Photo: Marie-Ève Campbell

La Matanie is home to breathtaking scenery. Take Route 195 to discover landscapes between the mountains and the Matane River, and cross several historic covered bridges. You can explore this road by car or motorcycle or even by bike if you are an avid cyclist!

Other options for activities: hiking and observation at the Chute à Ti-Mé waterfall in Saint-Ulric, Fumoir M. Chassé (smokehouse) in Saint-René-de-Matane, Club de golf de Matane (golf course)

Covered bridge in La Matanie Photo: Tommy Ferlatte

One of the attractions of La Matanie is the Matane River, which is considered an ideal place to learn how to fish for salmon. Introductory and advanced classes are offered by ZEC Rivière Matane. Fishing guides will teach you fishing techniques as well as share their knowledge about the history of salmon fishing in this area—and with any luck you will catch your first salmon here! Open until September 30. 

You can also fish for trout, mackerel and other groundfish from the wharf. Local anglers will be happy to help you choose the best bait.

After a great day of fishing, what could be better than a walk along the St. Lawrence where you can watch a spectacular sunset or observe curious seals.

Other options for activities: trout fishing at the Pisciculture J fish farm in Sainte-Félicité, fishing and marine mammal observation with Destination Haute-Mer, discovering the history of the region at the Société d’histoire et de généalogie de Matane (history and genealogical society)

Local flavours to try: Stop in for some Breton-style crepes at Café-crêperie Les Gamineries in Sainte-Félicité.

Salmon fishing in the Matane River. Photo: Wildcats

Mountain biking enthusiasts will not want to miss the Igloo mountain bike trails, which are accessible near downtown Matane. Enjoy an adrenaline-fuelled adventure on these trails!

After expending all that energy, head to the La Fabrique microbrewery to sample their products. With over 20 local beers on the menu, they can offer you a beer flight customized to your tastes!

While you are in downtown Matane, be sure to go for a stroll in Parc des Îles and along the promenade des Capitaines boardwalk, which leads to the St. Lawrence.

Other options for activities: Seal watching at the Baie-des-Sables roadside rest area, hiking along the Sentier des Rosiers trail, tastings at the Fromagerie du Littoral cheese factory, art exhibition at Espaces F

Local flavours to try: Stop in at the Boulangerie Café Toujours Dimanche bakery to try their baked goods and other local products.

Beer from the La Fabrique microbrewery. Photo: Tommy Ferlatte

Please note that this itinerary is intended for information purposes only; it is not a package. It is meant to inspire you and may be modified as you wish.

This blog post is sponsored by Tourisme Matane.

Discover this area around Matane, which is renowned for its fresh shrimp and other seafood, rich scenery and history, and warm hospitality this fall.

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

• Explore Haute-Gaspésie in the Fall!
• Discover La Mitis in the fall, at the Gateway to Gaspésie