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What to do
- Noteworthy
- Worth the detour
- Must see
Forillon National Park is a narrow, mountainous peninsula that extends into the Gulf of St. Lawrence and marks the eastern end of the Appalachian mountain chain.
Its majestic landscapes cover a 244 km2 area that is carved out of the sea, cliffs and mountains, giving it a real "end of the world" feel.
The presence of ten different rock formations, colonies of seabirds and enigmatic arctic-alpine plants give this park its unique character.
CAP-BON-AMI
Season: daily from early June to early October.
While you are in the area, you simply must visit Cap Bon-Ami, where a lookout and a hiking trail leading down to the beach offer spectacular views of the sea and the rugged cliffs.
Why not make the most of your beautiful surroundings by bringing a picnic lunch and exploring one of the hiking trails? You may be lucky enough to spot some of the wildlife common to the area, such as cormorants, seals, beaver, porcupine and black bear.
GRANDE-GRAVE
Season: daily from early June to early October (some buildings are only open from the end of June to early September).
The "Une tournée dans les Parages" trail, a 3-kilometre loop, will take you back in time to the 19th century, when Grand-Grave was a thriving fishing village where cod was dried and salted for export to Europe.
Step into the warm atmosphere of yesteryear with a visit to Grande-Grave’s carefully restored authentic houses and buildings, the last standing reminders of the fishing villages once common along the Gaspé coastline. Costumed interpreters will be on hand to answer your questions and bring the period to life (at Maison Blanchette, L'Anse-Blanchette, early June to early September from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
A real trip back in time!
SNORKELLING WITH THE SEALS
Season: daily from late June to early September.
Here is an introduction to snorkelling that you won't forget in a hurry! Discover the underwater world with this half-day marine adventure. Who knows, you may cross paths with lobster, starfish and other sea creatures, and have the chance to swim with grey seals and harbour seals in their natural habitat.
The price includes all necessary equipment including flippers, mask, snorkel, wetsuit, hood, gloves and boots. Transport on board a 12-passenger zodiac and training by a certified diver are also included.
Plongée Forillon:
Grande-Grave pier / 418-892-5888
www.plongeeforillon.com
SEA KAYAK AT SUNSET
Saison: daily from early May to early October.
The ultimate guided excursion for observing the wildlife of Forillon National Park, including many species of seabirds, grey seals, harbour seals and more.
During this three-hour sea kayaking tour with your biologist/guide you will glide among the sandstone cliffs and small rocky islands at a leisurely pace that will allow you to enjoy nature and admire the spectacular sunset over Baie de Gaspé.
The price includes a single or double kayak, paddle, nylon spray skirt, life vest, neoprene suit (spring and fall) and a waterproof bag.
Cap Aventure:
2052 Blvd. Grande-Grève, Cap-aux-Os (Gaspé) / 418-892-5055
www.capaventure.net
Where to eat
- $ Inexpensive
- $$ Moderate
- $$$ Upscale
- $$$$ Fine dining
Brise-Bise ($$)
Clients flock to Brise-Bise for its house specialties: crab and lobster club sandwiches, smoked salmon and shrimp club sandwich, cod fish & chips and shrimp poutine. The restaurant also offers fine regional cuisine and family cuisine. A Gaspé institution, Brise-Bise has a warm and friendly atmosphere typical of the region. Open for lunch and dinner, daily from 11 a.m.
135 Rue de la Reine (2, Côte Carter), Gaspé / 418-368-1456
www.brisebise.ca
Café des Artistes ($$)
Located in downtown Gaspé, Café des Artistes is the first coffee roaster in Gaspésie and also a restaurant offering healthy bistro cuisine, with homemade fresh pasta, grilled sandwiches, pita pizzas, salads and a menu of the day. Open Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday from 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
101 Rue de la Reine, Gaspé / 418-368-3366
www.cafedesartistes.co
Café de l’Anse ($-$$)
This simple and unpretentious bistro offers regional dishes made with local products. You can even sit on the terrace with a view of the sea. You must try one of the house specialities: cod cakes, smoked fish, brandade de morue (a local codfish stew) and the Fisherman's Pot. Open in summer from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. In winter, open for lunch Saturday-Sunday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
557 Blvd. du Griffon, L’Anse-au-Griffon / 418-892-0115
www.cafedelanse.com
Where to sleep ?
Festivals calendar
Festival Musique du Bout du Monde
Dates: August 8 to 11, 2019
Festival Musique du Bout du Monde is a unique family-oriented music festival that is a celebration of world music and a cultural exchange between Gaspesian culture and other world cultures. The event also features street performers and free activities and workshops for the whole family. The famous sunrise concert is not to be missed.
In Gaspé:
musiqueduboutdumonde.com
Location
Climograph
- Very Favourable
- Favourable
- Unfavourable
Month | Average temperature min (°C) |
Average temperature max (°C) |
Precipitations (mm) |
Overall score |
---|---|---|---|---|
January | -17 | -5 | 91 | |
February | -16 | -4 | 75 | |
March | -11 | 2 | 105 | |
April | -4 | 8 | 94 | |
May | 1 | 15 | 90 | |
June | 7 | 21 | 81 | |
July | 10 | 24 | 107 | |
August | 10 | 24 | 98 | |
September | 5 | 19 | 86 | |
October | 1 | 12 | 122 | |
November | -5 | 5 | 101 | |
December | -12 | -2 | 122 |
Travel reviews
majestic landscape
another stunning park but unfortunately some trails closed because too many trees down after the storm