Discover Naval History at the Battle of the Restigouche National Historic Site in Gaspésie

Have you ever dreamed of travelling back in time? The Battle of the Restigouche National Historic Site will transport you back to the last naval battle between France and Great Britain for possession of the North American continent.

Located in Pointe-à-la-Croix along magnificent Chaleur Bay, this immersive museum is open from June to October. Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious to learn more about this little-known event in Canadian history, this site is a must-see attraction in Gaspésie!

The Battle of the Restigouche: A historic confrontation

During what would be its final voyage, the Machault, a privateer frigate, was providing protection for a convoy of French merchant ships. Their mission was to resupply New France in the hope of recapturing Québec City, which had fallen into British hands.

Outmaneuvered by the enemy fleet, the French ships retreated to Chaleur Bay. Upon learning of their position, the British commander, Lord Byron, dispatched five ships to destroy the French flotilla.

The battle took place on the waters of the Restigouche River. The French ships held out against British cannon fire for five days. Trapped, the commander of the French naval expedition, François Chenard de La Giraudais, gave the order to scuttle the ships on July 8, 1760.

The museum: An immersive experience of the Machault

After providing some historical context, the exhibition will immerse you in the Machault, an impressive 18th-century frigate.

Your adventure will begin in the council room, where the officers in charge of this important rescue expedition were stationed. It will then continue on the lower deck, where you can get a sense of what transatlantic crossings were like back then. Here you will be able to see the remains of the Machault, one of only three 18th-century French frigates discovered to date.

Finally, you can discover the ship’s precious cargo of goods and ammunition. This section explains the strategic importance of scuttling the ship to prevent the enemy from seizing French supplies and weapons.

The exhibition showcases hundreds of artefacts dating back more than 250 years, all of which

Tours: Travelling back in time with a costumed guide

Although you can explore the museum on your own, the Battle of the Restigouche National Historic Site also offers tours led by guides in period costume. Follow a soldier, Acadian woman or privateer to find out all about this decisive battle.

Plan on spending about an hour exploring the exhibition, either on your own or during a guided tour.

Guided tours are available upon reservation only, at a cost of $12 per adult and $8.50 per child.

Reserve your spot by calling 418-788-5676.

A different way to enjoy the site

Offering a spectacular view of the mouth of the Restigouche River, this historic site invites you to enjoy a moment of contemplation. In the fall, the terrace is a perfect place to stop and admire the vibrant fall colours. Enjoy the refreshments available for purchase on site or bring your own picnic to extend your visit. And don’t forget to stop by the Parks Canada gift shop before you leave!

Planning your visit

Whether you’re just passing through the area or staying in the La Baie-des-Chaleurs sector, the Battle of the Restigouche National Historic Site offers a captivating and accessible experience for visitors of all ages to learn more about this landmark event in Canadian history.

Plan your visit now to experience history in a whole new way!

This blog post is sponsored by Parks Canada.