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Abitibi-TémiscamingueGaspésie
A peninsula of majestic landscapes
Beyond the region’s rugged coastline, peaceful fishing havens, pleasant valleys and mountainous wilderness, the real reasons behind your unforgettable stay in Gaspésie, one of the five regions of maritime Québec, are its proud and hospitable people! Enjoy activities as varied as they are exciting: hunting for agate stones on the beach, whale watching, fishing the waters of the sea or the rivers, relaxing at a health spa, or taking in a little culture—and let’s not forget sampling the delectable maritime cuisine!Ready for a tour of the Gaspésie?
The national park that consists of the famed Rocher Percé, a monumental 470-m (1,540-ft.) long butte rising out of the sea, and Île Bonaventure, home to one of the world’s largest colonies of Northern Gannets, is a must for any visitor. Not far from Percé, the craggy coastline of Forillon National Park of Canada (244 km² / 94 sq. mi.) hasn’t changed since Jacques Cartier first laid eyes on it back in 1534. The peninsula, well watered by crystalline rivers teeming with Atlantic salmon, has long been a sought-after destination for sport fishermen. To the south, Chaleurs Bay is particularly appreciated for its sandy beaches and the pleasant temperatures of its waters. It’s also home to Parc national de Miguasha, a remarkable fossil site that’s on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The road through the Matapédia valley takes you along the river, notably to Reford Gardens, a charming horticultural paradise created between 1926 and 1959, based on the English country garden.Where nature and adventure are one
The Appalachians—that legendary mountain chain stretching all the way up from the southeastern United States—become a veritable sea of peaks and valleys in the peninsula’s interior. Parc national de la Gaspésie, where moose and caribou abound, boasts many summits 1,000 m (3,280 ft.) and higher. The vast domain it forms together with the neighbouring Matane and Chic-Chocs wildlife reserves provides a perfect setting for adventure pursuits, winter and summer alike. As for the International Appalachian Trail, its 650 km (400 mi.) of trails and numerous shelters and camping spots draw hiking enthusiasts from all over!
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