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Gaspésie Tour: Family Discoveries Itinerary
Are you curious by nature? Here is a suggested itinerary for a 7-day trip around the Gaspé Peninsula that combines history, geology, culture and wildlife interpretation… enough to satisfy the curiosity of your whole family!
Day 1 – Gardens and salmon fishing
Starting point: Grand-Métis
Visit the Reford Gardens, a plant paradise on the shores of the St. Lawrence with more than 3,000 species and varieties of plants distributed in about fifteen gardens. Then, discover the history of the Site patrimonial de pêche Matamajaw (Matamajaw Fishing Heritage Site), which was originally the fishing camp belonging to Lord Mount Stephen.
Other options for activities: La Vallée de la Framboise economuseum (raspberry farm), Chute à Philomène (waterfall), Centre Zoom Nature Desjardins, Parc régional de la rivière Mitis
Family-friendly art and culture activities: Explore the Murmures de la Ville, a walking tour of about 30 murals in downtown Mont-Joli.
Logistical details
Route and transportation: 1 hour from Grand-Métis to Causapscal
Accommodations: In Causapscal, the Chalets La Coulée Douce cottages are specifically designed for family stays.
More lodging and activities options in La Mitis and La Matapédia.
Day 2 – Fossils and Acadian heritage
Starting point: Causapsacal
A fossil-rich site inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, Parc national de Miguasha will impress the whole family, while a visit to the Musée acadien du Québec may lead you to discover an Acadian ancestor!
Other options for activities: Lillojeux, Battle of the Ristigouche National Historic Site, La Petite Grève
Logistical details
Route and transportation: 1.5 hours from Causapscal to Nouvelle, then 75 minutes from Nouvelle to Bonaventure
Accommodations: In Bonaventure, the cottages at Les Chalets des Blés de Mer overlook the beach, with a playground on site.
More lodging and activities options in La Baie-des-Chaleurs.
Day 3 – Local animals and ecosystems
Starting point: Bonaventure
Showcasing five local ecosystems and the animals that live in each, the Bioparc de la Gaspésie wildlife park is a must-see for the whole family!
Other options for activities: Ferme Bourdages Tradition (strawberry farm), Théâtre La Petite Marée
Family-friendly art and culture activities: At the Verre et Bulles studio boutique, meet artist Julie Frappier, who creates objects made of kiln-formed glass, among other things.
Logistical details
Route and transportation: Day and overnight in Bonaventure
Accommodations: In Bonaventure, the Chalets du Bioparc de la Gaspésie are located on the beach, they accommodate 4 to 8 people and offer you all the amenities.
More lodging and activities options in La Baie-des-Chaleurs.
Day 4 – Interactive historical activities and multimedia experiences
Starting point: Bonaventure
Relive the cod fishing era at the Paspébiac National Historic Site through performances by characters in period costume. In Espace NAPAGA, archaeological digs have revealed the history of this seigneury. Be sure to also participate in Ura, a fascinating multimedia experience offered on site.
Other options for activities: Circuit des Bâtisseurs (founders’ walk)
Logistical details
Route and transportation: 30 minutes from Bonaventure to Paspébiac, then 1 hour from Paspébiac to Chandler
Accommodations: In Chandler, Motel Fraser offers units with kitchenettes as well as a family restaurant.
Day 5 – Northern gannets and exceptional geology
Starting point: Chandler
Explore Parc national de l’Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé, home to the most accessible northern gannet colony in the world! Visit the Percé UNESCO Global Geopark and discover the exceptional geology of Percé via the Tektonik multimedia experience, a suspended glass platform and hiking trails.
Other options for activities: Vieille Usine de L’Anse-à-Beaufils (cultural centre), Magasin général historique authentique 1928 (authentic general store), Camp de Base Gaspésie
Logistical details
Route and transportation: 45 minutes from Chandler to Percé
Accommodations: Overlooking Percé Rock, Riôtel Percé offers units with kitchenettes as well as a restaurant, an outdoor play area and evening campfires.
More lodging and activities options in Rocher-Percé.
Day 6 – Mi’gmaq culture and local history
Starting point: Percé
Step back in time at the Micmac Interpretation Site of Gespeg by visiting a reconstructed traditional First Nations village. The Musée de la Gaspésie offers you a virtual-reality sea fishing experience as well as a permanent exhibition and a geo-rally.
Other options for activities: Forillon National Park, Cap-Des-Rosiers Lighthouse, Pointe-à-la-Renommée Lighthouse
Family-friendly art and culture activities: The guide-interpreters, dressed in period costumes, are sure to immerse you in the heart of the fascinating history of John Le Boutillier at the Centre socioculturel Manoir Le Boutillier.
Logistical details
Route and transportation: 1 hour from Percé to Gaspé
Accommodations: Overlooking Gaspé Bay, Hôtel Plante offers units with kitchenettes in the centre of Gaspé.
More lodging and activities options in La Côte-de-Gaspé.
Day 7 – Marine life, gardens and farm animals
Starting point: Gaspé
Visit Exploramer to discover the St. Lawrence through museum exhibitions, aquariums, touch pools, sea excursions and fish-harvesting activities. In Matane, the Jardins de Doris offer you the opportunity to enjoy beautiful moments with your family among flower gardens, farm animals, fairy tale-inspired huts, a butterfly aviary and picnic areas.
Other options for activities: La Martre Lighthouse, Fromagerie du Littoral (cheesemaker), Maison des verriers
Family-friendly art and culture activities: In Sainte-Madeleine-de-la-Rivière-Madeleine, visit Atelier Effet Mer, where you will find soaps and original creations by local artists.
Logistical details
Route and transportation: 2.5 hours from Gaspé to Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, then 1 hour from Sainte-Anne-des-Monts to Matane
Accommodations: Riôtel Matane offers units with kitchenettes as well as a restaurant, an indoor pool and breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence.
More lodging and activities options in La Matanie and La Haute-Gaspésie.
* Please note that this itinerary is intended for information purposes only; it is not a package. It proposes a tour of the Gaspé Peninsula starting on the south side (and going counterclockwise around the region). This itinerary is meant to inspire you and may be modified as you wish.
Plan your Gaspésie Tour: Family Discoveries Itinerary
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