Travel Tips
Since a well-planned trip is always a better experience, here are some tips to facilitate your travels in Québec and Gaspésie. Enjoy exploring our region with peace of mind and making the most of your stay!
FAQs about Planning Your Stay in Gaspésie
Can I travel with my dog in Gaspésie?
Yes, it is possible to travel with your pet in Gaspésie. Many parks, accommodations, campgrounds, attractions and companies offering activities welcome pets, as do some restaurants that allow dogs on their outdoor patios. Most places require dogs to be on a leash.
To enjoy your visit with your dog to the fullest, plan your trip using the “Pet-friendly” filter in the What to Do and Accommodations sections of our website.
Do I need to book my accommodations in advance?
Yes. It is important to book your accommodations in advance especially if you are planning a trip during the peak season (mid-July to mid-August), require a specific type of lodging or are travelling with your dog.
Cottages are usually booked months in advance. If you plan to travel during the peak season, we recommend you make your reservations by March.
Reservations are also recommended for campgrounds and national parks, particularly if you are travelling in an RV or want to stay in a glamping unit.
How can I tell if an accommodation establishment is legitimate in Québec?
All accommodations listed on the Tourisme Gaspésie website comply with provincial standards and regulations.
In Québec, all tourist accommodation establishments must have a registration number, regardless of the type of accommodations they offer. This number confirms that the establishment has liability insurance and complies with current laws and regulations. The establishment’s registration number must be displayed in a certificate at the main entrance and appear online in any ad or listing. We recommend verifying this information before making a reservation.
What type of clothing will I need in Gaspésie?
To enjoy your stay to the fullest, we recommend you pack several types of outerwear, including sweaters and a windbreaker, which you can then layer as needed. Depending on what activities you plan to enjoy, other items may also be useful. For example, good footwear is essential for hiking, and a wetsuit can be handy if you plan to participate in any water sports.
Keep in mind that it is often cool and windy along the coast and that temperatures can change dramatically as you gain altitude in the mountains.
In the winter, you will need to dress appropriately for Québec’s cold climate. Please make sure to always check weather conditions before you head outside.
When can I admire fall foliage?
The best time of year to see fall colours in Gaspésie is between late September and mid-October. Exact dates will vary somewhat from year to year.
You can track the changing fall foliage online via a network of live cameras installed at several mountain sites in the region as well as on the Bonjour Québec’ map of fall colours.
Are there any mosquitoes in Gaspésie?
Yes. Mosquito season varies from year to year depending on the weather but usually runs from late May to mid-July. If you are travelling at this time of year, be sure to pack insect repellent, especially if you plan to enjoy outdoor activities.
Tourist Signage
In Québec, blue signs (website in French only) are used to indicate the names of tourist regions as well as the presence of tourist attractions, activities, accommodation establishments and campgrounds.
Village-Relais
A “village-relais” is a municipality located near a main road that offers essential services to travellers, including gas stations, garages, accommodations and restaurants. These places are convenient and safe places to stop year-round.
Villages-relais in Gaspésie
Mont-Joli
Cap-Chat
Saint-Maxime-du-Mont-Louis
Gaspé (Rivière-au-Renard)
Chandler
Paspébiac
New Richmond
Pointe-à-la-Croix
Amqui
FAQs about Driving in Gaspésie
How can I find out about road conditions in Gaspésie?
To plan your road trip and check road conditions, call 511, visit quebec511.info, or use the Québec 511 app. You will find information about any ongoing roadwork, road closures, winter conditions and any other situation that may affect traffic.
What do I need to know about driving in Gaspésie and Québec?
Before hitting the road in Gaspésie, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the regulations in effect in Québec.
Speed and gas: Canada uses the metric system, so speed limits are posted in kilometres per hour (km/h) and gas is sold by the litre (L).
Cell phones: Using a cell phone while driving is prohibited in Québec unless it is a hands-free device or controlled by voice commands.
Winter tires: From December 1 to March 15, all vehicles registered in Québec must be equipped with four winter tires. This requirement also applies to any vehicle rented in the province.
Child car seats: According to the Highway Safety Code, every child under 145 cm tall or less than 9 years of age must be secured in a seat appropriate for their height and weight. It is also recommended that all children aged 12 or under sit in the back seat.
Alcohol and drugs: Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs or certain medications is prohibited. In Québec, the legal limit is under 80 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood (0.08) and under 2 ng of THC per ml of blood.
Can I travel in an electric vehicle in Gaspésie?
Yes. Whether you are touring the entire peninsula or just exploring a portion of the region, getting around Gaspésie in an electric vehicle is easy with a bit of planning. Visit PlugShare or Circuit Électrique (in French only) to find electric vehicle charging stations along your route.
Where can I park my campervan overnight in Gaspésie?
In Gaspésie, you can sleep in a campervan by reserving a spot in a national park or certified campground. In addition, some gourmet tourism businesses allow recreational vehicles to park overnight via the Terego app. A few village-relais also allow overnight parking: visit their website for more details.
In Québec, it is illegal to park at a rest area for more than four hours, and most municipalities prohibit overnight parking in public spaces. Make sure you follow these regulations to avoid fines and ensure you can sleep with peace of mind.
Even if some areas appear free or unused, these spots always belong to a private owner, business, municipality or some other entity. They may also be protected. Driving or parking on beaches, for example, can cause significant damage to fragile habitats and the species that live in them. To enjoy a responsible campervan trip, make sure you comply with local regulations both while driving and when parking your vehicle.
Tipping
In Québec, it is customary to leave a tip for many types of services, including in restaurants, bars and taxis. This amount is not included on the bill and is calculated based on the pre-tax total. Generally, you would tip about 15%, which is the equivalent of the two sales taxes, but the amount you give may vary depending on the quality of the service you received or the circumstances.
Taxes
In Québec, a 5% federal goods and services tax (GST) and a 9.975% provincial sales tax (QST) are applied to most goods and services. Basic groceries and some services are exempt from sales taxes.
In Gaspésie and throughout the province of Québec, a 3.5% tax on lodging is also applied to overnight stays.
Accessibility
In Gaspésie, about 100 tourism-related sites are certified as accessible or partially accessible by Kéroul, an organization dedicated to making tourism accessible to everyone in Québec. These include lodging establishments, restaurants, attractions and companies offering activities. To find them easily, use the “Partially accessible” or “Entirely accessible” filters in the What to Do and Accommodations sections of our website.
You can also consult the list of accessible establishments in Gaspésie on the Kéroul website.
Visit our Accessible Travel in Gaspésie page to learn more.
Comments or Complaints
If you have had an unsatisfactory experience with a tourism service, you can file a complaint. Whether the situation involves inappropriate behaviour, poor service or a safety issue, you are encouraged to first share your concerns with the business or organization in question. If you are dissatisfied with their response, you can then submit your comments or complaint to the Alliance de l’industrie touristique du Québec.
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