Zodiac safaris to observe whales with Cap Aventure © Cap Aventure
Sea Excursions in Gaspésie in the Fall
Whether you are interested in an observation cruise, fishing or the simple pleasures of recreational boating on vast blue waters, head out to sea surrounded by the colours of fall in Gaspésie!
Whale- and seal-watching cruises
Several companies offer cruises with an interpreter guide or sea kayaking excursions on the salty waters off the coasts of Gaspésie. This is an opportunity to observe various marine species, including harbour seals. Have fun spotting these amusing marine mammals that like to bask in the sun along the shore, flip around in the water and pop up to the surface! Whale-watching excursions are also offered on sightseeing boats, ensuring your safety and keeping a proper distance from these majestic animals.
Les Bateliers de Percé offers cruises around Bonaventure Island, departing from Percé, until October 21, 2023. During this cruise, you will be able to observe the largest colony of northern gannets in the world. Croisières Julien Cloutier, also based in Percé, offers the same experience, cruises around Bonaventure Island, offered until October 20, 2023,
In Forillon National Park, Les Croisières Baie de Gaspé invites you to board the Narval III from the Grande-Grave wharf. This area is recognized as the best place in the province of Québec to see great whales! Cruises are offered until October 18, 2023.
Also in the Forillon National Park, Cap Aventure - Zodiac offers Zodiac safaris to observe whales, seals, cliffs and seabirds in a comfortable 12-passenger Zodiac, accompanied by a captain who is also an interpreter guide, until Octobre 9, 2023.
Percé. Photo: Mathieu Dupuis
Fishing
Follow the lead of the locals and head to the region’s wharves to cast your line! Fishing from a wharf is free; it does not require the purchase of a provincial fishing licence. Consult our Wharves in Gaspésie blog post for more information.
Fish at sea with Destination Haute-Mer on the St. Lawrence River, in the Matane region. Fishing for mackerel, cod, striped bass and several species of groundfish, or simply to observe marine mammals. Until September 17, 2023.
On the Baie-des-Chaleurs side, Pêche sportive Baie-des-Chaleurs and Rats de Marées - Fishing Guide take you out to sea to fish for striped bass, cod, mackerel and plaice with experienced guides and all the equipment necessary. Both are in operation until September 30, 2023.
Forillon National Park. Photo: Mathieu Dupuis
Recreational boating
Located in Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, Exploramer, a science museum focused on the marine environment of the St. Lawrence, offers sea excursions. During these outings, visitors will be introduced to the fascinating ecosystem of the St. Lawrence and can also participate in hauling in crab and whelk traps as well as collecting scientific data. Offered until October 8, 2023, this activity must be booked by phone at least 24 hours in advance. The museum (which is also open until October 9) includes aquariums and touch tanks that are home to a living collection of marine organisms from the St. Lawrence.
In Carleton-sur-Mer, Écovoile Baie-des-Chaleurs offers cruises on highly stable sailing crafts until September 10, 2023. Sail on the waters of Chaleur Bay, one of the most beautiful bays in the world, aboard a livable sailboat or the famous yellow catamaran TaxSea!
Excursion Exploramer. Photo: Éric Marchand
Set off on a fishing trip, observation cruise or sailing excursion surrounded by beautiful fall landscapes in Gaspésie!
For more ideas for your fall vacation, read the following blog posts: