The Sea

The Ever-Present Sea in Gaspésie

In Gaspésie, the sea is everywhere. It borders roads, bathes the lives of the residents and inspires stories and works of art. You can smell it in the air, hear it lapping in coves and sense it even when far from the shore. It is a constant: sometimes hidden but always present.

It is the sea that so often creates that sense of escape so inherent to Gaspésie, giving you the impression of being far from your everyday life even if you are not a long way from home.

Here, the sea is more than just a backdrop for your photos. It is alive and always in motion. Calm and serene or wild and stormy, it sets the pace for coastal village life, accompanies the seasons and connects the sectors of Gaspésie. From La Mitis to La Baie-des-Chaleurs via the Forillon cliffs and the headlands in Percé, it shapes the landscape and creates lasting memories.

The sea is part of everyday life in Gaspésie, a region with 700 km of coastline. It borders towns, supports a fishing industry and nourishes local traditions. People gaze out at it, paddle across it, fish in it or simply sit by it. All around the Gaspé Peninsula, you will find simple and beautiful ways to access the sea: beaches, small wharves, hidden coves and municipal parks. Sometimes, all it takes is a turn of the wheel to discover a quiet spot by the sea.

Are you wondering whether you can swim in Gaspésie? The answer is yes you can, on warm summer days, especially in Chaleur Bay and Gaspé Bay. Elsewhere, you are more likely to only want to dip in your toes to cool off! The water is salty, and the tides are strong, two things to keep in mind to enjoy yourself safely.

Need a break? Sit on the sand, walk to the end of a wharf and breathe in the salty sea air. At sunset, when the conditions are just right, a golden halo may appear across the water: a sure sign that you should stay a little longer!

Enjoy Sea Activities in Gaspésie

In Gaspésie, the sea invites you to explore. Go kayaking among the seals or on a boat trip around Percé Rock, try your hand at sea fishing or hop in a Zodiac to tour the cliffs of Forillon. In the La Baie-des-Chaleurs sector, you can go sailing in a traditional sailboat or catamaran. Near Bonaventure Island, you can go diving beneath the surface to see colourful corals and curious seals.

In Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, Exploramer provides an immersive look at the St. Lawrence. This science museum offers an aquarium, exhibitions, sea excursions and tasting sessions featuring species showcased by Smarter Seafood, a program designed to promote the sustainable management of marine resources.

Along the shore, you can go stand-up paddleboarding, kitesurfing or swimming. You can also picnic on the beach or fish for striped bass… There are so many ways to enjoy the coastline in Gaspésie!