In Percé, you can enjoy a wide variety of experiences and activities—discover, experience, and savor them at your own pace. Prepare for a getaway that is refreshing, astonishing, and inspiring—one that will make your heart race and fill your mind with unforgettable memories.
Start at the UNESCO Global Geopark of Percé
To understand how Percé’s exceptional landscape was formed, a visit to the UNESCO Global Geopark of Percé is a must. The immersive Tektonik experience will take you back in time to the formation of Percé and its famous rock. Your curiosity as an aspiring geologist will be instantly sparked. You’ll be eager to explore the geosites—geological phenomena with names as evocative as they are intriguing. Discover them along the trails, caves, crevices, magical forest, bottomless pits, cedar forest, and much more.
The highlight of your day will likely be the glass platform suspended 200 meters above the ground, where thrills and emotions blend together! It’s the perfect spot to pause and admire Percé’s spectacular environment in all its glory. End your day with the outdoor screening of the animated film “The Legend of Gluskap”—fun for both kids and adults!
Good to know:
A motorized shuttle ($) is available to reach the platform.
The geopark offers an 18 km network of easy-to-intermediate trails, allowing visitors to discover multiple geological phenomena (map available here).
The Must-See Bonaventure Island and Percé Rock National Park
An icon of Gaspésie, this park is full of hidden treasures, starting with the Discovery Centre. Just steps from the Percé pier, it’s the ideal spot to prepare for your visit and get into the spirit before setting out to sea. As you sail toward the island, the boat will pass by the rock, giving you a chance to admire and photograph it from every angle. Memories! Memories!
Circumnavigating the island, thousands of seabirds, seals, and perhaps even whales will amaze you! A spectacular whirlwind of “Raa! Raa! Raa!” (the gannets’ call) sets the stage for a face-to-face encounter with the largest accessible gannet colony in the world. On the island, do not hesitate to chat with the guides—they will generously share their knowledge about the flora, fauna, history, and everything you need to know about this magnificent bird. Back on the mainland, why not attend one of the park’s discovery evenings at La Saline?
Good to know:
Departures for Bonaventure Island are from Percé’s pier with Les Bateliers de Percé and Les Bateaux de Croisières Julien Cloutier. No reservation is needed, except for groups.
Landing on the island is optional.
Plan at least a 3-hour visit on the island.
It takes at least 1 hour one-way on foot to reach the gannet colony.
Other maritime excursions in Percé include whale-watching tours and sea fishing.
A Day That Will Take Your Breath Away
Ideally, head out early in the morning along Route 132 toward Gaspé - the landscape is breathtaking. Make a brief stop at the Pic de l’Aurore lookout to appreciate this towering natural wall of 127 meters. Next, visit the Parc municipal de la Rivière Émeraude where you will combine a little hiking with plenty of “wow”! A natural site featuring a waterfall plunging into a green-emerald pool. They say a picture is worth a thousand words—especially true here!
Once recovered from the thrill, continue exploring. Next stop: Coin-du-Banc beach and the Malbaie barachois (salted marsh) for a long (or short) seaside walk, shell hunting, birdwatching, or just relaxing. Simply idyllic! Pack a picnic, binoculars, sunscreen, and enjoy! Extend your outing a few kilometers along this beautiful coast to Pointe St-Pierre—an absolute favorite.
Good to know:
The Rivière Émeraude Park is less crowded in the morning.
The trail includes some challenges and a steep staircase with over 100 steps.
Coin-du-Banc and Pointe St-Pierre are popular for outdoor activities: sea kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, fatbiking, and striped bass fishing with Camp de base Gaspésie and/or Le Nordet.
A Getaway Filled with History, Heritage, and Culturere
Percé’s history is closely linked to its natural environment. Walking the Percé Historical Tour you will discover and appreciate its rich, well-preserved heritage. Continue along Route 132 to L’Anse-à-Beaufils and step into an authentic General Store dating back to 1928 for a truly memorable visit.
Strolling through the fishing port, you will spot La Vieille Usine a former fish plant turned into a lively cultural center. Do not hesitate to take a few extra kilometers to include Cap-d’Espoir beach and lighthouse in your tour of the area.
In the area around L’Anse-à-Beaufils, as well as throughout the Greater Percé, you’ll encounter numerous local producers and artisans jewelers, ceramicists, painters, sculptors, screen printers, smokehouses, microbrewers, distillers, soap makers, chocolatiers, maple syrup producers, farmers, herbalists, and many more!
Amazing Experiences and Unique Worlds to Discover in Percé
Among the many experiences you can explore in Percé, here are some activities that promise truly thrilling moments:
Dive into vibrant underwater worlds with the Plongée Percé or fly around Percé in a helicopter tour with Passport Hélico.
Try a tree climbing adventure or bungee jumping with Folies Boréales.
Prefer water sports? Go stand-up paddleboarding and/or sea kayaking at Camp de base Gaspésie or Le Nordet - fun and excitement guaranteed!
Immerse yourself in nature with glamping in a geodesic dome at Domaine Renard or a transparent bubble tent at Folies Boréales.
Treat yourself to moments of relaxation at a nordic spa or with a massage at Thuya Spa and Sentiers Secrets.
Take the time to explore the many facets of Percé, a destination that is astonishing, delightful, and truly unique!
This blog post is sponsored by Tourisme Percé.
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