Can’t-Miss Experiences in La Baie-des-Chaleurs in Gaspésie

Here are 10 places to visit during your stay in La Baie-des-Chaleurs sector in Gaspésie. On the agenda: wildlife encounters, history and heritage focused on the area’s Acadian roots and fishing traditions, exceptional fossils, water sports in the salt waters of Chaleur Bay or in river.

Site historique national de Paspébiac in Paspébiac

Located by the sea, the 11 beautifully preserved buildings that make up this national historic site are sure to charm you. Learn more about the cod trade at this site that was the birthplace of the Robin and Le Boutillier Brothers companies. In the 19th century, Paspébiac was one of the largest export ports for dried cod in the world! You are sure to be impressed by the Le Boutillier warehouse, a five-storey wooden structure that remains one of the largest fishing buildings ever built in North America.

Bioparc de la Gaspésie in Bonaventure

Enjoy unique encounters as you stroll along the trails in this wildlife park, which is home to about 40 animal species that are indigenous to Québec. Be sure to also visit the petting farm, the pavilion housing amphibians and reptiles as well as the insectarium where you can admire an impressive collection of living and preserved insects. You can also participate in discovery activities as well as spend the night on site during the “Overnight with the Wolves” package.

Musée acadien du Québec in Bonaventure

Discover the rich history of the Acadians in Québec at this Acadian museum. The permanent exhibition will help you better understand the history and significance of the Acadian presence in Québec. Experience the immersive digital activity Lumière sur les Acadiens, which tells the story of the Acadian Expulsion. Made up of several buildings, the museum site includes a former blacksmith shop, general store, fish shed and boys’ academy as well as several gift shops selling local handicrafts and food products.

Cime Aventure in Bonaventure

Paddle down the crystal-clear Bonaventure River aboard one of the Cime Aventure vessels. Single or tandem kayaks, canoes, inflatable rafts and paddleboards are all available for rent. You are likely to catch a glimpse of Atlantic salmon during your outing! A wooded campground with shelters as well as “ready-to-camp” glamping yurts and cabins is also found on site.

La Grotte de Saint-Elzéar in Saint-Elzéar

Become a caver for a day while visiting the Saint-Elzéar cave! A 46-rung ladder will take you down into the main cave, which is over 13 metres (43 feet) underground. Unique in Québec, it is the deepest cave in the province as well as the oldest (over 200,000 years old!). It also features the largest cave room ever found in Québec as well as the largest stalactite. In addition, the cave contains many animal bones. Adventure enthusiasts can also enjoy exploring Gelifrac, a cave that requires crawling. Closed for the summer 2025.

Parc régional du Mont-Saint-Joseph in à Carleton-sur-Mer

Located only 5 km inland, Mont Saint-Joseph offers breathtaking views of Chaleur Bay and the Carleton Barachois from a 555-metre-high lookout. The regional park named after this mountain also offers mountain biking trails, a network of hiking trails with waterfalls, lodging in geodomes perched on the side of the mountain offering amazing views and a historic chapel offering an immersive digital show.

Écovoile Baie-des-Chaleurs in Carleton-sur-Mer

Go sailing on a magnificent body of salt water and take in the scenery from a whole new angle with Écovoile Baie-des-Chaleurs, which offers excursions ranging in length from 1.5 hours to a full day. You have many options to choose from, including spending several hours on a liveaboard sailboat, going on a guided catamaran tour, enjoying an introduction to sailing aboard a sports dinghy or setting out on an outing aboard an adapted sailboat. Paddleboards, kayaks and other vessels are also available for rent.

Parc national de Miguasha (fossil site) in Nouvelle

Discover the origins of the first terrestrial vertebrates some 380 million years ago at Parc national de Miguasha, home to a fossil cliff included on the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List. Visit the permanent exhibition to see several exceptional specimens! You can also go hiking, visit the fossil cliff and take part in various activities related to fossils and paleontology (including archeological digs and a treasure hunt).

Battle of the Restigouche National Historic Site in Pointe-à-la-Croix

Step back in time to 1760 at the Battle of the Restigouche National Historic Site, where an exhibition recounts the last naval battle between France and Great Britain for possession of North American territory. See the remains of the Machault, an impressive 26-gun military sailing vessel charged with protecting merchant vessels from the British, along with a birchbark canoe made by Mi’gmaq artisans.

Route des Belvédères scenic drive in Matapédia-et-les-Plateaux

Observe beautiful mountain and river scenery in the Matapédia-et-les-Plateaux area from three unique lookouts along the Route des Belvédères scenic drive. In the shape of a curved wooden tunnel, the Deux-Rivières lookout in Matapédia overlooks the confluence of the Matapédia and Restigouche rivers. In Saint-André-de-Restigouche, the Coeur des Plateaux lookout offers you a 360-degree view of the surrounding area from the top of a curving tower made of wood and metal. In Saint-Alexis-de-Matapédia, you can enjoy a stunning view of the Restigouche River from the Horizon de Rêve lookout (temporarily closed).

Events Not to Miss

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

Festival BleuBleu in Carleton-sur-Mer – June 20 to 23, 2025

Enjoy this music festival presenting about 20 shows in a variety of musical styles as well as several popular activities.

Festival La Virée Trad in Carleton-sur-Mer – October 10 to 12, 2025

Tap your toes to the beat of this festival featuring traditional music, song, dance and storytelling performances. The festival also hosts the largest public market in Gaspésie.

To help you plan your stay, find out more about the 7 sectors of Gaspésie!