Weather and Climate

Yes, Gaspésie is hot during the summer. In fact, temperatures are comparable to those in the rest of the province of Québec. Since Gaspésie is a maritime region, sea breezes can make the air feel cooler along the coast than in the forest or inland. To fully enjoy your stay, be sure to always have a windbreaker and a warm sweater on hand.

Gaspésie offers lots of options for family fun on rainy days. Museums, interpretation centres, an aquarium and indoor play centres are among the activities you can enjoy when the weather is not cooperating. You can also stop in a café, restaurant or gourmet shop to discover local products while you stay out of the rain.

Winter temperatures in Gaspésie are essentially the same as in the rest of Québec, but snowfall is often heavier. How cold it feels will vary depending on how windy it is, your altitude and the type of environment you are in. To fully enjoy outdoor activities, you will want to wear layers so you can adjust according to your effort level and any changes in weather conditions.

Yes. Roads in Gaspésie are cleared of snow and remain accessible throughout the winter. As in the rest of Québec, you should be well prepared and check current road conditions on the Québec 511 website before setting out, especially during storms.

Yes. The risk of avalanches is real in the Chic-Choc Mountains, especially if you are backcountry skiing or snowmobiling off the main trails. Before heading out, be sure to check snow conditions and be familiar with mountain safety rules. Avalanche Québec, the only avalanche centre in Eastern Canada, is the go-to resource for planning your outings in the mountains.

Some museums remain open year-round, including the Musée de la Gaspésie and the Musée Acadien du Québec. In addition, the region offers other interesting things to discover as a family, including escape rooms, boutiques, artisans’ workshops and various gourmet spots. Depending on where you are staying, you can also take advantage of an indoor pool or simply enjoy hot chocolates at a local café.

Yes, the northern lights can be seen in Gaspésie, but only rarely. The region is further south than the most active observation areas, which are found in northern Québec. However, if you are lucky and the conditions are right, you can admire a spectacular display in Gaspésie. The best time of year to see the northern lights is from late September to early April between dusk and dawn. To increase your chances of seeing this phenomenon, choose a clear location away from light pollution.

Yes. From May to October, depending on food availability, up to six species of whales can be observed in the waters of Gaspé Bay and the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

The species of cetaceans you can see in Gaspésie are blue whales, the largest animals on the planet, as well as fin whales, humpbacks, minke whales, Atlantic white-sided dolphins and harbour porpoises.

During a whale-watching excursion, you may spot the back or tail of a whale emerging from the water, hear the blows of these majestic animals or even see dolphins performing acrobatics. While paddling along the coast in a sea kayak, you may also encounter grey or harbour seals basking on long flat rocks.

Environment Canada and The Weather Network provide local forecasts for Gaspésie, including weather alerts and hourly weather conditions.