Can’t-Miss Experiences in La Matapédia in Gaspésie

Here are 5 places to visit during your stay in La Matapédia in Gaspésie. Discover crystal-clear salmon rivers, a via ferrata and waterfall, a vast lake and a network of ATV (quad) trails.

Discover the history of Atlantic salmon sports fishing and that of the luxurious Matamajaw Salmon Club, which was owned by wealthy New York businessmen in the early 20th century. You can visit the main lodge where distinguished members stayed as well as the outbuildings. You can also observe salmon up close in a reconstructed salmon pool.

Matamajaw Salmon Club. Photo: Zone Blanche Photo

Whether you’re already an avid salmon angler or you’d like to try salmon fishing for the first time, you’ll love discovering the Matapédia-and-Patapédia-Rivers Wildlife Reserve. Between 3000 and 5000 Atlantic salmon swim up the Matapédia River, which is renowned for the size of these fish. Deep in the forest and bordered by New Brunswick, the Patapédia River is a well-kept secret you’ll also want to explore.

Enjoy a unique adventure along a via ferrata route during an activity that is a cross between hiking and rock climbing. You’ll first cross a 50-metre suspended walkway right in front of the 33-metre-high Chute à Philomène waterfall. You’ll then follow the 300-metre route to the top of the waterfall, where you can admire a view of the valley below you. Finally, you’ll make your way back down by soaring through the air on an 85-metre-long zipline!

Via ferrata route. Photo: Via Ferrata de la Chute à Philomène

Parc régional de la Seigneurie-du-Lac-Matapédia in Amqui

Seven hiking trails ranging in length from 1.4 to 6.4 km await you in this regional park. Climb them to soak up magnificent views of Lake Matapédia and the surrounding scenery. The park also offers both groomed and ungroomed mountain bike trails as well as sandy beaches and picnic areas.

Photo: Parc régional de la Seigneurie-du-Lac-Matapédia

Offering nearly 700 km of forest roads, dirt trails and backcountry roads to explore on an ATV, La Matapédia is a popular quad biking destination! Along the way, you can also admire beautiful waterfalls, salmon rivers and wind turbines as well as stop to soak up the views from various lookouts. The suspended platform at the Chute à Philomène waterfall, which is shaped like the bow of a boat, will give you an up-close view of this superb natural attraction. You can even admire the treetops under your feet through the glass panel in the floor!

Quad bike trail. Photo: CHOK Images

Make the most of your stay by participating in some of the events taking place in La Matapédia.

Fort Causap au Royaume du Saumon in Causapscal – July 24 to 28, 2024

Inspired by the French adventure-style game show Fort Boyard, this festival features challenges that test competitors’ endurance and skill. The event also offers evening shows under a big tent.

Festival challenge. Photo: Fort Causap au Royaume du Saumon

Festival Quad Matapédien in Amqui – August 30 to September 1, 2024

Enjoy guided quad rides (with a sweeper) on the local quad club’s trails during this event.

Quad bike ride. Photo: Festival Quad Matapédien

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