Exploring Québec's Gaspé Peninsula

Quick Summary

"Stunning coastal scenery." "Breathtaking." "A trip of a lifetime." That's how visitors describe Québec's Gaspé Peninsula — a 250-km-long peninsula (155 miles) jutting into the Gulf of St. Lawrence packed with varied, untamed landscapes. Recognized by National Geographic as a top travel destination, it's a place of stirring natural beauty and serenity, rugged seascapes, secluded beaches, and small-town charm. Take your time on a bucket list road trip through brightly painted fishing villages and pine forests, past historic lighthouses, whitewashed farms atop plunging red cliffs, and quaint little bays of clear blue-green water.

Quick Facts

Getting there

Fly into Québec City, then drive north on Route 132 along the steep St. Lawrence River shore through celebrated Charlevoix food-and-farm region with views of the wild Chic-Choc mountains. Follow the 550-mile Gaspésie Tour, a renowned loop circling the peninsula. 

• Jardin de Métis (Reford Gardens): 45 acres of English-style topiaries, Himalayan blue poppies, peonies, meandering paths — Canadian National Historic Site created by Elsie Reford in the 1960s
• Chic-Choc Mountains: Detour for hiking through this wilderness playground

Top Highlights — Whale Watching & Percé Rock

Percé Rock
One of the world's largest natural arches — a hulking vertical mass rising dramatically out of the water off the peninsula's tip. Québec's icon, "pierced" by a 12-metre-high (40-foot) hole. Hike the area, kayak, and walk around the quaint fishing town with North America's only all-wood cathedral and handsome mid-1800s buildings.

Whale Watching at Tadoussac
Cycle and savor the beauty in 1600s trading post Tadoussac — a traditional summer holiday spot. Look for breaching whales off the coast or book a whale watching tour.

Bonaventure Island
Boat to Bonaventure Island sanctuary just off the coast to see North America's largest colony of northern gannets — about 100,000 birds.

More Things to See & Do

• Grande Crevasse: Dizzying lookouts near Gaspé
• Haldimand Peninsula beaches: Relax and search for agates on the sand
• Forillon National Park: At the eastern tip — gorgeous hiking, camping, and scuba diving
• Salmon Fishing: Clear Rivière Bonaventure (Cime Aventures guided tours), Miguasha Peninsula for mackerel, Matapedia Valley for river salmon
• Miguasha UNESCO Site: Impressive World Heritage fossil site
• Les Quatre Vents: World-renowned 8-hectare garden in Malbaie created by Francis Cabot — book ahead (open just 4 times/season)

Where to stay

• Auberge du Fleuve: Lovely shore inn near Jardin de Métis with outstanding dining
• Auberge des 3 Canards: La Malbaie — river views, locally-sourced fare
• Hôtel la Normandie: Seaside with Percé Rock views from balcony
• Riotel Percé: Waterfront with commanding vistas La Maison William Wakeham: Immaculate 1860s heritage — like lodging in a museum
• Hôtel Tadoussac: Landmark hotel in picture-perfect Tadoussac

Where to Eat

Fresh seafood is the specialty, along with local game, big fluffy waffles, and classic poutine. Pick up the Gaspésie Gourmande guide for recommendations. 

• Atkins et Frères: Delicate smoked salmon in Mont-Louis
• La Broue dans L'Toupet: Seasonal stand-outs in Saint-Anne-des-Monts
• Maison du Pêcheur: Clam chowder, trout, salmon, lobster on Percé wharf
• Épicerie Fine at Auberge du Marchand: Local cheese and charcuterie in Maria
• Brise Bise: Classic French fare in Gaspé

When to Go & What to Know

• Best seasons: Summer (June-September) is glorious; fall offers golden foliage and fewer crowds
• Language: French-Canadian (most speak English too) — say "Bonjour" when entering shops, "merci," "s'il vous plaît"
• Character: Euro charm, superb from-scratch cuisine, "joie de vivre" attitude, genuinely friendly locals

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