Getting to Gaspésie
Gaspésie is a tourist region located in the eastern part of the province of Quebec, Canada. It is bordered by the Saint Lawrence Estuary, the Baie des Chaleurs, and the Bas-Saint-Laurent region.
The main access routes to Gaspésie are Highway 20, which ends in Mont-Joli, and Route 132, which follows the coast to Sainte-Flavie. This point marks the beginning of the tourist region and the Gaspésie tour, a spectacular 885 km itinerary.
Distances and travel times to getting to Gaspésie
    From the north shore of the St. Lawrence River, the Matane–Baie-Comeau–Godbout ferry provides direct access to Gaspésie. Other crossings, including Trois-Pistoles–Les Escoumins, allow travelers to take Routes 132 or 20 to easily reach the region.
From the Maritimes, Highway 11 or Route 134 leads to the J.C. Van Horne Bridge in Campbellton, and from there to Pointe-à-la-Croix. While traveling by car is the most convenient way to explore, it is also possible to reach Gaspésie by train, plane, or bus.
Distances and travel times to Sainte-Flavie, the gateway to Gaspésie:
From Quebec City: approximately 3 h 30 (350 km)
From Montreal: approximately 6 h (570 km)
From Gatineau: approximately 8 h (765 km)
From Moncton, New Brunswick: approximately 5 h 30 (500 km)
From Halifax, Nova Scotia: approximately 7 h 30 (735 km)
Important Information
Road conditions, especially in winter, should be checked on Québec 511 before driving.
Transport schedules can vary due to a number of factors. Make it a habit to confirm them before you depart to avoid any surprises.
Transportation options for getting to Gaspésie
    How to get to Gaspésie?
Can I travel to Gaspésie by train?
Yes, but not directly. From Montreal or Quebec City, VIA Rail service goes as far as Matapédia, stopping at Mont-Joli, Sayabec, Amqui, and Causapscal, before continuing on to New Brunswick. Service at these stations and stops is limited, and trains pass through Gaspésie at night. To reach the rest of the region from Matapédia, you need to combine train travel with a bus or car. There is no service between Matapédia and Gaspé, and no rail serves the northern side of the peninsula.
Can I travel to Gaspésie by plane?
Yes. Flights are available from airports in Quebec to Mont-Joli, Gaspé, and Bonaventure. For travelers coming from outside Quebec, including the Maritimes, a connection through Montreal or Quebec City is required.
PALS Airlines flies to Gaspé and Mont-Joli.
Pascan Aviation flies to Gaspé and Bonaventure.
Chrono Aviation offers private flights from Montreal, Quebec City, and Rimouski.
Upon arrival, car rental services are available directly at Gaspé Airport. For Mont-Joli and Bonaventure, rentals can be arranged through agencies located nearby.
Are flights to Gaspésie eligible for Quebec government discounts?
Yes. Gaspésie airports are included in the Regional Air Access Program (PAAR), which applies to flights within Quebec. This program replaces the $500 ticket offer launched in 2022.
Can I travel to Gaspésie by bus?
Orléans Express buses depart from Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City and arrive in Gaspésie via Mont-Joli. From there, two routes are available — one via the north and the other via the south — allowing travelers to tour the peninsula and visit around twenty villages.
For travelers coming from the Maritimes, Maritime Bus provides a connection with Orléans Express, notably at Campbellton and Rivière-du-Loup.
Can I travel to Gaspésie by ferry?
Yes. Ferries provide access to the region:
Matane–Baie-Comeau–Godbout: Open year-round, this crossing takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. Snowmobiles are accepted, and reservations are strongly recommended.
Trois-Pistoles–Les Escoumins and Rivière-du-Loup–Saint-Siméon (seasonal): These crossings connect the north shore of the river to the south shore, after which travelers can continue on Route 132 or Highway 20 to reach Gaspésie.
Can you travel to Gaspésie by road in winter?
Yes. Snow removal allows you to reach Gaspésie and drive throughout the winter season.
Before hitting the road, always check road conditions on the Québec 511 website. If a section is closed due to poor conditions, it’s best to postpone your trip. Caution is always advised, even when there’s no precipitation, as strong winds can sometimes reduce visibility to near zero.
Can I take a cruise with a stop in Gaspésie?
Yes. Some cruise lines offer itineraries on the St. Lawrence River that include a stop in Gaspé. Check with your travel agency to learn about available options.
Can I travel to the Magdalen Islands from Gaspésie?
No. There is no direct ferry between the two regions, and the only ferry to the Magdalen Islands departs from Prince Edward Island. For up-to-date information, consult the Tourisme Îles-de-la-Madeleine website.
Although the administrative region is called "Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine", the two are distinct tourist regions.
Gaspésie is accessible year-round
No matter the season, Gaspésie remains easy to reach. While a road trip is an iconic way to explore the region, other modes of transportation such as plane, bus, or train are also available, allowing you to enjoy it throughout the year.
    
    
    Please note that these texts have been translated by AI.
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