The Coastal Road

An 885-Km Scenic Route Looping around Gaspésie

The Gaspésie Tour is much more than a simple itinerary: it is a spectacular journey where the road itself becomes part of the experience.

At every turn, a new landscape opens up before you, revealing the estuary, gulf or mountains. You will pass through villages nestled in coves, drive by wharves and spot boats in the distance. This is an opportunity to take the time to pause, enjoy roadside rest areas and breathe in the salty sea air.

Whether you are just passing through or embarking on the full tour, each area reveals a unique side of the region of Gaspésie. And sometimes, around a bend, a restaurant or shop invites you to stop and savour the moment just a little longer…

Route 132 in Haute-Gaspésie

Credit: Mathieu Dupuis

L'Anse-à-Beaufils, Percé

Credit: Mathieu Dupuis

The Gaspésie tourist region begins in Sainte-Flavie, where Route 132 splits to form a loop around the peninsula. This is where the famous Gaspésie Tour begins. This 885-km scenic route was inaugurated in 1929 and has since become one of Québec’s most popular road trips.

A common question visitors ask when planning their tour is whether to drive around the Gaspé Peninsula in a northward (clockwise) or southward (counterclockwise) direction. The truth is, it does not really matter. Either choice will give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty and diversity of this region.

So which way will you go? Whatever your itinerary, you are sure to be wowed by the scenery all around you. To fully enjoy your road trip, plan at least five days of driving, which will give you enough time to stop, explore and savour the experience.

Explore the Roads of Gaspésie Your Way

Enjoy the Coastal Road

Did you know that as you drive along Route 132 around the Gaspé Peninsula from Sainte-Flavie to Matapédia, you will pass through all of the region’s coastal communities? Along this scenic route, the St. Lawrence gradually widens and then gives way to steep cliffs in the sectors of La Haute-Gaspésie and La Côte-de-Gaspé as well in Percé.

As the road winds towards Percé, it passes a salt marsh with sandy shores, teeming with wildlife. And just around a bend, there it is… iconic Percé Rock!

A stop at the L’Anse-à-Beaufils wharf is a must. This is a great place to enjoy a peaceful moment between two legs of your journey and soak up the surrounding maritime scenery.

Further south, the La Baie-des-Chaleurs sector, which is tempered by a microclimate, alternates between tranquil beaches and majestic cliffs.

Route 132 in Haute-Gaspésie

Credit: CHOK Images
Grande-Vallée (municipalité) Grande-Vallée Municipalities

Credit: Mathieu Dupuis
Percé (ville) Percé Municipalities

Credit: Sébastien St-Jean
Carleton-sur-Mer (ville) Carleton-sur-Mer Municipalities

Credit: Mathieu Dupuis

Discover the Coastal Road in Every Season

The landscapes along the Gaspésie Tour change with the seasons. In the spring, waterfalls cascade down cliffs while the sea turns a deep blue. In the summer, seals, birds and waves bring the shorelines to life. In the fall, the forests burst into colour. In the winter, snow and ice transform the landscapes into scenes of raw beauty.

And even with snow, a trip is still possible. Were you wondering if the region’s roads are passable in the winter? The Gaspésie Tour remains accessible during the cold season thanks to regular road-clearing operations, even in coastal sectors.

Whether lined with snow or reflecting the sun, the coastal road is ready to guide you—and Gaspésie welcomes you year-round!