The Flavours of Gaspésie

Signature Flavours of Gaspésie

The flavours of Gaspésie taste of the sea and the great outdoors.

No visit to Gaspésie would be complete without sampling the region’s seafood, caught nearby and cooked with care: lobster fresh off the boat, juicy crab, northern shrimp, as well as halibut, cod, turbot and smoked salmon.

These delicacies can be savoured in a variety of settings: at a fine-dining restaurant, around a shared seafood platter on a patio with a view, at a local snack bar in a shrimp poutine or lobster club sandwich, or even during a picnic after a stop at a fish market or local shop. In addition, Gaspesian cuisine often pairs well with locally made gin or a refreshing local brew.

Whether you are enjoying an impromptu meal or a carefully prepared feast, every bite will bear the signature of Gaspésie.

Certain questions come up repeatedly when the subject of fishing or seafood in Gaspésie is broached: When is lobster, crab or shrimp season? Can you buy crab or lobster directly on the wharves? Is it possible to go out on fishing boats?

Crab is fished in May, lobster in June, and shrimp mainly in July and August. These seafood products then appear year-round on local restaurant menus. You cannot buy them directly on the wharves, as these areas are reserved for fishing operations. To enjoy the freshest catches, we recommend you stop at a local fish market. As for going out to sea, although it may seem appealing, it is not permitted due to commercial fishing regulations.

Other distinctive flavours can be found in the region’s microbreweries and distilleries, which delight visitors with the quality of their creations. In total, about ten microbreweries and six distilleries are scattered across the Gaspé Peninsula. Some welcome visitors on site, while others can be discovered in local restaurants, pubs and boutiques throughout the region.

To find the best foodie stops during your visit, follow the Gaspésie Gourmande and Saveurs du Bas-Saint-Laurent food tours, which will take you to local cheesemakers, chocolate factories, meaderies, berry farms and more. Along the way, gourmet shops, farmers markets and specialty counters will make it easy for you to stock up on local flavours.

Enjoy Local Flavours

What could be more refreshing than a tasty brew after a day of exploring the region? Stop in a microbrewery to sample local creations, carefully brewed and inspired by the surrounding landscape.

Continue to tantalize your taste buds with freshly baked bread, homemade pastries or a local cheese to share. Take a moment to stop for a snack, savour an ice cream or bite into a piece of artisan chocolate.

Looking for an outdoor gourmet adventure? Some farms offer guided tours of their strawberry or raspberry fields, combining a countryside experience with delicious flavours.

All around the Gaspé Peninsula, you can discover flavourful smoked salmon prepared by passionate artisans. Every stop is an opportunity to savour local expertise, which has been proudly passed down through generations.