Discover La Mitis in the Fall, at the Gateway to Gaspésie

Here is a suggested itinerary for a 4-day road trip in the La Mitis area, in Gaspésie, in the fall. Magnificent gardens, historic village centres, natural beauty and the majestic St. Lawrence... so much to enjoy while on vacation!

Day 1 – Welcome to La Mitis: Mont-Joli and Sainte-Flavie

Start off your vacation in La Mitis by exploring the Murmures de la Ville, a walking tour of murals, public art and heritage buildings in Mont-Joli.

Next, visit Mitis Distillery! Discover unique spirits inspired by the La Mitis area made with local ingredients, including their flagship product, Gin Mugo, which is produced in collaboration with the Reford Gardens and was awarded a Double Gold medal in 2019 at the New York World Wine & Spirits Competition. Tastings and guided tours of the distillery are also available.

Then, go down the Flavie-Drapeau road to Sainte-Flavie and take a stroll along the 132 to take the time to visit the many art galleries and walk between the statues emerging from the sea at the Centre d'art Center Marcel Gagnon (until October 9). The ancestral houses and the old presbytery will charm you.

End the day watching the sunset on the beach or from the dock.

Other options for activities: visit the Musée de la Neuve-France (Vieux Moulin)

Local flavours to try: Savour smoked and marinated fish from Poissonnerie de La Mitis, beers from Le Ketch microbrewery, renowned seafood dishes from the Sainte-Flavie canteen, honey wines from the hydromellerie du Vieux moulin.

One of the murals along the Murmures de la Ville, a walking tour of murals and public art in Mont-Joli. Photo: Gaétan Morissette

Day 2 – At the confluence of the Mitis River and the St. Lawrence

Discover a beautiful natural environment as you explore the eight short hiking trails in Parc régional de la rivière Mitis. You will be able to observe the surrounding vegetation and various species of birds. Totaling a little over 3 km, these trails allow you to discover the park’s ecosystems in a marsh and forest and will then take you down to a wide beach along Mitis Bay. Take the time to stop and soak up the superb view of the St. Lawrence!

Take the time to explore Métis-sur-Mer, one of the most beautiful villages in Québec! Take a book and a good coffee at the Café sur mer and relax to the sound of the waves.

Other options for activities: Maurice Lamontagne Institute (marine sciences centre), the Mitiwee trail that connects Grand-Métis to Price along the Mitis River

Local flavours to try: Try the homemade gelato made with local ingredients from the Atelier culinaire Pierre-Olivier Ferry in Métis-sur-Mer.

Métis-sur-Mer. Photo: Nancy Guignard

Day 3 – Grand-Métis and its gardens

Located at the confluence of the Mitis River and the St. Lawrence, the magnificent Reford Gardens combine art and nature. A national historic site of Canada, this plant paradise features 3000 species and varieties of plants. You can also enjoy a meal at the gourmet Estevan Lodge restaurant as well as at the Le Bufton restaurant or the Garden Café. Do not forget to visit the garden tools museum and the other permanent exhibitions! Open until October 1.

Other options for activities: Artisanal soap at the Mousse de mer soap factory in Saint-Octave-de-Métis, fruit picking at Les P’tits fruits champêtres in Mont-Joli

Local flavours to try: Seafood dishes from Gaspésiana in Sainte-Flavie

Estevan Lodge, in the Reford Gardens. Photo: Marjelaine Sylvestre

Day 4 – Caves in La Rédemption

Behind a magical wood and steel doorway, walk through the underground tunnel called Spéos de la Fée in the caves of La Rédemption. Descend into the depths of the cave safely on the via ferrata and learn about the rock formations by asking your guide questions. You will go 47 meters underground. Take advantage of this unique experience in Quebec! Until September 24 only.

Other options for activities: quadding or hiking on Mount Saint-Pierre in La Redemption

Local flavours to try: The canteen Aux Délices du Phare in Sainte-Angèle-de-Mérici

Superb fall view of the St. Lawrence from Mitis River Park. Photo: JC Lemay

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.

Magnificent gardens, historic village centres, natural beauty and the majestic St. Lawrence... so much to enjoy while on vacation in the La Mitis area!

This blog post is written in collaboration with the MRC de La Mitis.

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

• Enjoy Nature and Foodie Experiences in La Matanie in the fall!
  
• This Fall, Explore the Matapédia Valley, a Quad Biking Paradise!