Top 10 Things to do in Gaspésie
A fun tourism guide to the Gaspésie Region for ESG262 final project.
In the summer of 2019, I participated in a French Immersion Program called "Explore", and spent over 5 weeks in Gaspé (La Cité, n.d.). I decided to do my final project on this location because this trip was an awesome experience. This project is a compilation of what I deem to be the "Top 10 Things to do in Gaspésie". This list is my own personal opinion and is not the result of research or surveys.
This trip is the reason I first heard about Bishop's University. I made a friend in Gaspé who is a year older than me and we kept in touch after the program. When she was in her first year at Bishop's and I was finishing high school she told me all about how awesome the school is and I applied.
Gaspé is located in Eastern Quebec along the Atlantic Ocean. It is located on Abenaki, Wabanaki Confederacy and Mi'kmaq territorry (Whose Land, n.d.). "In the Mi’gmaq language, Gespeg means 'land’s end' ” (Tourisme Gaspésie, n.d.). At Parc Forillon, you can see the "Bout de Monde" which overlooks the ocean from a high elevation point. The three rivers in Gaspé are the York, Dartmouth and Saint-Jean. When Jacques Cartier arrived to Canada in 1534, his ship landed in Gaspé, and that is how the city got the title of “Birthplace of Canada" (Tourisme Gaspésie, n.d.).
View of the City
You can hike up the trail located behind the Cégep for a beautiful view of the City. It takes about 15 minutes to walk up the hill, and there are two lookout points as well as fire pits.
Sailing Lessons
You can take sailing lessons right in the heart of town, located just a quick walk over the bridge at École de voile Le Cormoran. This is a great place for experienced sailor's to go, or for beginners to learn. Not only can you take sailing lessons here, but you can rent different kinds of watercraft such as a catamaran. Here you can also rent a stand up paddle board, a life jacket, and a wetsuit. The prices are all listed on their website (École de voile Le Cormoran, n.d.).
Canyoning
Go canyoning at Auberge Griffon Aventure! Their website explains that canyoning is "like an outdoor waterpark designed by nature over thousands of years of natural erosion. Our guides will show you our exceptional site with emerald green pools, natural water slides, stunning waterfalls and much more! Discover a truly magical oasis in Gaspésie that you’ll never forget!"(Canyoning, n.d.). It is truly a hidden gem for those looking for an adventurous day. Reservations can be made through their website. There is a canyoning video below.
Haldimand Beach
Here you can get lunch, and if you walk down to the south end of the beach you will find an old, abandoned bridge that you can jump into the water off of. You may also find crabs along the shoreline.
Kayak Rental
Rent a kayak at Forillon National Park and enjoy a beautiful day on the water. Along the coast there are often hundreds of seals on the rocks (Parks Canada Agency, 2023). The address is 2052 Boul Grand-Grève, Gaspé QC G4X 6L6
Camping at Forillon
There are many different camping options at Forillon National Park. The following are options listed on the website: frontcountry camping, backcountry camping, yurts, and more (Parks Canada Agency, n.d.).
The location listed here has the option to either pitch a tent or rent a yurt. Here, there is a staircase to the beach, as well as hammocks in the trees that overlook the water and make for a perfect mid-afternoon napping spot. This is a beautiful area to watch the sunset.
Hike the Cap Gaspé Trail to the Bout du Monde
"This is an 8.0-km out-and-back trail near Gaspe, Quebec. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 44 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are April through September. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash" (All Trails, n.d.).
Rocher Percé
"Parc national de l'Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé stands out with its rich natural, historic, and geological heritage. Sculpted by time and the sea, at the Gaspé Peninsula's tip, it has the fortress of Bonaventure Island and the magnificent stone vessel of Percé Rock-Québec's tourism emblem. Its outstanding flora and fauna, including its famous colony of Northern Gannets make it a must-see for visitors, as do the island's old homes-the last witnesses to the way the islanders lived a century ago" (Sépaq, 2023).
Whale Watching
In Percé, you can take a whale watching cruise between June 30 - September 20. The cruises are about 2.5 hours long, and depending on the time of year, you can see different types of whales (Bonjour Québec, n.d.).
Bird Watching
Off of the same dock, you can also take a bird watching cruise and get off on the island to see the thousands of birds. Bonaventure Island is home to "...the largest accessible gannet colony in the world is sure to delight any birdwatcher" (Tourisme Percé, n.d.). Here you may also see razorbills, black-legged kittiwakes, puffins, black guillemots and common guillemots (Tourisme Percé, n.d.).
Planning Your Trip From Bishop's University to Gaspé
Driving route from Bishop's University to Gaspé
Source: ArcGIS and Google Maps
Driving to Gaspé:
The drive is approximately 909km long. It is about a 9.5 hour drive from Bishop's University to Gaspé, so the drive can be completed in a day. It is a very scenic route, with a majority of the drive being along the St Lawrence River, or other rural areas. There are many beautiful places to stop along the way, so the drive could be broken up into a few days to make for a fun, and scenic roadtrip!
Flying to Gaspé:
You can take a direct flight to Gaspé out of Québec City. The drive from Bishop's University to Jean-Lesage International Airport in Québec City is approximately 243km and take about 2 hours and 20 minutes. From there, the flight to Gaspé is approximately 563 km and approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes long.
Source: ArcGIS, Google Maps, and Google Flights.
Drive to Gaspé Views - Photos by Emily Crunican
Canyoning at Auberge Griffon Aventure - ArcGIS Story Map video for ESG262 April 2023
Video by: Emily Crunican, 2019
Created by: Emily Crunican
Location: Auberge Griffon Aventure (Canyoning, n.d.)