Travel Tips
Because a well-prepared trip is always more enjoyable, we’re sharing some tips for traveling in Quebec and Gaspésie. Here you’ll find advice to explore with peace of mind and make the most of your stay.
Tips for a Stay in Gaspésie
Is it possible to travel with my dog in Gaspésie?
Yes, you can travel with a dog in Gaspésie. Many accommodations, campgrounds, activities, parks, and attractions welcome pets, as do some restaurants that allow them on their terraces. Most places require dogs to be kept on a leash. To make the most of your visit, it’s best to gather information before your trip.
In To do and Accommodations, filtering the service Pet-friendly will help you find places where you can bring your dog.
Do I need to book my accommodation for my vacation in Gaspésie?
Yes. It’s important to book your accommodation, especially if you’re traveling from mid-July to mid-August, need a specific type of lodging, or are bringing a pet.
Chalets often fill up first. It’s best to make reservations before March if you plan to travel during peak season.
Reservations are also recommended for campgrounds and national parks, particularly if you have an RV or want to rent a ready-to-camp unit.
How can I tell if an accommodation is legal in Gaspésie?
All accommodations listed on the Tourisme Gaspésie website are compliant.
In Quebec, all tourist accommodations must have a registration number, regardless of their type. This number confirms that the establishment complies with current laws and regulations and that the host carries liability insurance. It should be displayed as a certificate at the main entrance and appear online in any listing or advertisement. It is recommended to verify this information before making a reservation.
What clothes should I bring to Gaspésie?
To make the most of your stay, it’s recommended to bring a variety of clothing, such as a sweater and a windbreaker, and layer them as needed. Depending on your planned activities, other items may also be useful. For example, good boots are recommended for hiking, and a wetsuit can be handy for water activities.
Keep in mind that the coastline is often cool and windy, and temperatures can change quickly in the mountains with altitude.
In winter, it’s important to dress appropriately for Quebec’s climate. At all times, it’s best to check the conditions before heading out.
When can we see the fall colors?
The best time to see the fall colors in Gaspésie is between late September and mid-October. Dates may vary slightly from year to year.
You can track the progression of the fall colors online through a network of cameras placed on several mountains in the region, as well as via Bonjour Québec’s fall colors map.
Are there mosquitoes in Gaspésie?
Yes, there are mosquitoes in Gaspésie. The mosquito season varies from year to year depending on the weather, but it mainly occurs between late May and mid-July. It’s recommended to bring insect repellent, especially if you plan to do outdoor activities.
    Tourist Signage
In Quebec, blue signs [In French only] indicate the names of tourist regions. They also point out attractions, tourist activities, and accommodation and campground facilities, providing directions to reach them.
    Village-Relais Accredited Services
A “village-relais” is a municipality located near a main road that offers essential services, such as gas stations, garages, accommodations, and restaurants for travelers. These are convenient and safe stops year-round.
The Villages-relais of Gaspésie
Mont-Joli
Cap-Chat
Saint-Maxime-du-Mont-Louis
Gaspé (Rivière-au-Renard)
Chandler
Paspébiac
New Richmond
Pointe-à-la-Croix
Amqui
Planning Your Travel in Gaspésie
How can I find out the road conditions in Gaspésie?
To plan your travel and check road conditions, call 511, visit quebec511.info, or use the Québec 511 app. You’ll find information on ongoing roadwork, road closures, winter conditions, and any other situations that may affect traffic.
What should you know about driving in Gaspésie and Quebec?
Before hitting the road, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the regulations in effect in Quebec.
Speed and Fuel: Canada uses the metric system, so speed limits are posted in kilometers per hour (km/h) and fuel is sold by the liter (L).
Cell Phones: Using a cell phone while driving is prohibited unless it’s hands-free or controlled by voice commands.
Winter Tires: From December 1 to March 15, all vehicles registered in Quebec must be equipped with winter tires. This requirement also applies to rental vehicles in the province.
Child Car Seats: According to the Highway Safety Code, each child must be secured in a seat appropriate for their height and weight until they reach 145 cm or 9 years of age. It is also recommended that all children 12 years old and under sit in the back seat.
Alcohol and Drugs: Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or certain medications is prohibited. In Quebec, the legal limit is 80 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood (0.08) and 2 ng of THC per ml of blood.
Is it possible to travel by electric vehicle in Gaspésie?
Yes, it is possible to travel in Gaspésie by electric vehicle. Whether you’re touring the entire peninsula or exploring a portion of the region, getting around is easy with a bit of planning. The websites plugshare.com and lecircuitelectrique.com can help you locate charging stations along your route.
Where can I park to sleep in a van in Gaspésie?
In Gaspésie, you can sleep in a van by reserving a spot in a national park or a certified campground. Some gourmet tourism businesses also welcome self-contained recreational vehicles through the Terego app. A few village-relais locations allow overnight parking as well; check their websites for details.
In Quebec, it is illegal to stay parked at a rest area for more than four hours, and most municipalities prohibit overnight parking in public spaces. It is important to follow these regulations to avoid fines and ensure a safe stay.
Even if some areas appear free or unused, the spot you wish to park on always belongs to a private owner, business, municipality, or other entity. It may also be a protected area. Driving or parking on beaches, for example, can cause significant damage to fragile habitats and the species that live there. For responsible vanlife, make sure you are in compliance both while driving and when parking your vehicle.
    Tipping
In Quebec, it is customary to leave a tip for many types of services, including restaurants, bars, and taxis. This amount is not included in the bill and is added to the pre-tax price. Generally, around 15 % of the total bill (including both taxes) is typical, but the amount may vary depending on the quality of service or the circumstances.
    Taxes
In Quebec, two sales taxes apply to most goods and services: the federal tax (GST) of 5 % and the provincial tax (QST) of 9.975 %. These taxes are added to almost everything, except for certain basic consumer products.
In Gaspésie and throughout Quebec, a 3.5 % accommodation tax is also added to the price of each overnight stay.
    Québec for All: Accessibility for People with Disabilities
In Gaspésie, around one hundred businesses are certified as accessible or partially accessible by Kéroul. This includes accommodations, restaurants, attractions, and activities. To find them easily, simply use the filters Partially accessible or Entirely accessible in the To do and Accommodations sections.
You can also consult the list of accessible establishments on Kéroul's website.
Visit our page Gaspésie Accessible to learn more.
    Making a Comment or Conveying Dissatisfaction
If you have experienced a dissatisfactory situation related to a tourism service, you can file a complaint. Whether it involves inappropriate behavior, poor service, or a safety issue, you should first share your concerns with the establishment in question. If the follow-up or response is unsatisfactory, you can then submit your comments or complaints to the Alliance de l’industrie touristique du Québec [In French only].
Please note that these texts have been translated by AI.
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