Can’t-Miss Experiences in La Côte-de-Gaspé in Gaspésie

Here are 5 places to visit during your stay in La Côte-de-Gaspé in Gaspésie. On the agenda: a lighthouse, manor house and museum rich in history, a reconstructed traditional Mi’gmaq village and the wild beauty of Forillon, which will give you the impression of being at the edge of the world.

Located at the entrance to the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the lighthouse at Pointe-à-la-Renommée dominates the landscape. Discover the history of this impressive bright red structure and its lightkeepers as well as that of North America’s first marine radio station and its wireless operators. You can also enjoy interactive exhibitions and an evening projection show as well as access to a network of hiking trails.

Visit Manoir Le Boutillier in the company of interpreter guides dressed in period costume and immerse yourself in the history of leading cod merchant John Le Boutillier as well as that of the development of Gaspésie. Designated a national historic site of Canada and classified as a historic monument by the Québec government, this magnificent manor house, built around 1850, served as a fishing station, manager’s residence, general store and residence for hired hands.

Photo: Manoir Le Boutillier

Forillon National Park offers stunning scenery featuring cliffs, the sea and mountains, along with superb wilderness areas. Be on the lookout for wildlife: you may spot seals, whales and moose. You can go hiking or biking on a network of trails as well as sea kayaking, swimming and fishing in the park. You can also explore heritage sites and take part in interpretive activities that focus on the park’s natural and historical heritage.

Mont Saint-Alban observation tower, Forillon National Park. Photo: Mathieu Dupuis

Enter the world of the Mi’gmaq with a visit to the Micmac Interpretation Site of Gespeg. Visit a reconstruction of a traditional 17th-century village and learn more about the history and culture of the Mi’gmaq Nation from yesterday to today. The site also features a gift shop where you can purchase authentic items made by artisans from the community, including baskets, jewellery and herbal teas.

Micmac Interpretation Site of Gespeg. Photo: Marilou Levasseur

This museum’s new permanent exhibition takes you on an immersive journey through the history of the region. The museum features exhibitions on maritime history, including The Deep Blue Sea and La Gaspésienne no 20, an authentic cod fishing boat. You can also enjoy an immersive virtual-reality experience aboard this boat. Be sure not to miss the Jacques Cartier Monument and an exact replica of the cross erected by this famous navigator in 1534.

Photo: Musée de la Gaspésie

Make the most of your stay by participating in some of the events taking place in La Côte-de-Gaspé.

Festival en Chanson de Petite-Vallée in Petite-Vallée – July 25 to August 3, 2024

This renowned song festival offers a wide-ranging program that celebrates the rich diversity of the Québec music scene as well as up-and-coming talent. You’re sure to make some amazing discoveries!

Song festival in Petite-Vallée. Photo: Éve Richard

Festival Musique du Bout du Monde in Gaspé – August 8 to 11, 2024

With shows taking place in the centre of Gaspé as well as in spectacular locations such as Cap-Bon-Ami and the top of Mont Béchervaise, this world music festival celebrating cultural diversity will delight your ears and eyes!

Festival Musique du Bout du Monde. Photo: CHOK Images

To help you plan your stay, find out more about the 8 sectors of Gaspésie.