Summary
The Gaspe Peninsula (properly, the Gaspésie or Gaspé Peninsula, pronounced Ga-spay-zee or Gaspay, respectively) is a region of eastern Quebec. Its geography puts the Gaspe Peninsula in close proximity to the Atlantic provinces and features many maritime attractions, including rugged shorelines, fine fishing, and a laid-back, friendly population.
The Peninsula
The Gaspe Peninsula encompasses a predominantly coastal region of eastern Quebec, bordered by the St. Lawrence waterway and the Bay of Chaleur. It is located 560 km from Montreal and 340 km from Quebec City by road.
The journey begins in Sainte-Flavie, where Route 132 splits to form an 885 km loop. Visitors can take either the South Tour or the North Tour. Regardless of your choice, expect to discover a diverse array of picturesque sea and mountain landscapes, valleys, bays, and coastlines. This vast territory is divided into five regions: The Coast, The Haute-Gaspésie, Land’s End, The Chaleur Bay, and The Matapédia Valley.
Getting There
There are several convenient ways to reach Gaspe:
- VIA Rail: This service offers stops along the Gaspe Peninsula. An overnight train from Montreal provides passengers with stunning seaside views in the morning.
- Orléans Express: A Quebec bus service that connects Gaspe with Montreal International Airport, downtown Montreal, Quebec City, and other destinations.
- Air Canada: Offers flights into Gaspe with connecting flights available in Montreal or Quebec City.
- Ferry Service: Ferries to the Gaspe north shore are available from Quebec, as well as south shore services from New Brunswick.
- Driving: The drive from Montreal to the western edge of the Gaspe Peninsula is approximately seven hours. Continuing for another six or seven hours will get you to the town of Gaspé at the eastern tip. From the Maine/Canada border, the drive to Gaspe takes about three to four hours.
- For those interested in a more comprehensive understanding of the St. Lawrence Quebec and maritime region, consider cruise options.
What to Do
Many popular activities in Gaspe focus on outdoor and nature experiences. Some highlights include:
- Whale watching and sea excursions
- Kayaking
- Bird watching
- Salmon fishing
- Lighthouse and architectural tours
- Hiking
- Scenic drives
Top Attractions & Highlights
Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the natural sites around Gaspe. Key attractions include:
- Percé: A picturesque town famous for its iconic pierced rock formation.
- Bonaventure Island: A charming island that is a short ferry ride from Percé, now a significant bird sanctuary.
- National Parks: Gaspe houses several national parks, including Forillon National Park and Parc national de la Gaspésie.
When to Go
The Gaspe Peninsula is accessible year-round. Winter offers opportunities for cross-country skiing and downhill skiing.
As spring arrives, a greater variety of outdoor activities become available, such as whale watching, sea kayaking, bird watching, and enjoying the stunning countryside.
June and July are particularly popular for whale watching as these magnificent creatures migrate close to shore in search of food.
May and June see many birdwatchers come to the peninsula due to its significance in the Atlantic flyway, with many seabirds nesting at Forillon National Park and Bonaventure Island in summer. The September/October migration also draws significant visitors amid vibrant fall foliage.
Language
While French is the predominant language spoken on the Gaspe Peninsula, English is widely understood, especially in tourist towns like Percé, at train stations, and within restaurants. The residents are known for being welcoming and laid-back, with less of the formality some encounter in larger cities.
It’s beneficial to familiarize yourself with some French phrases for travelers and consider having a dictionary or translation app handy, as knowledge of English may be less prevalent in rural areas than in cities like Montreal or Quebec City.
Where to Stay
In Gaspe, expect to find a range of accommodations from remote cabins to cozy lodges and small resorts, offering a more intimate and authentic interaction with the local community.
The Gîte du Mont-Albert is particularly noteworthy, positioned beautifully in Quebec’s Gaspésie region, providing convenient access to the Chic-Choc Mountains.
