Bonaventure Island Cruise: our practical guide

Famous for its colony of Northern Gannets, Bonaventure Island is also distinguished by its rich natural, historical, and geological heritage.

This must-visit destination is an essential part of your next Eastern Canada tour.

I had the joy of making this excursion for the first time this summer, during my stop in Percé, and I keep a wonderful memory of it.

So, I've put together a guide to help you plan your cruise to Bonaventure Island as best as possible.
 

Introduction to Bonaventure Island

Bonaventure Island is located at the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula, about 3 km off the coast of Percé.

This protected area is managed by the Québec Society for Outdoor Establishments (Sépaq), giving it the status of a national park along with Percé Rock. 

The Bonaventure Island and Percé Rock National Park is home to the largest migratory bird refuge in North America.

Although more than 11 bird species can be found there, the island is famous for its Northern Gannets, who come each summer to reproduce. 

No need for social distancing here, the birds come by the thousand and nest in a compact colony

But Bonaventure Island is also endowed with an exciting historical aspect, highlighted by the conservation of the island's built heritage, the last testimony of the life of islanders from the last century. 

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The course of the cruise to Bonaventure Island

Meet at the Percé dock 20 minutes before the departure time indicated on your ticket. 

Allow 75 minutes for the cruise only.

It includes a tour of Percé Rock as well as a tour of Bonaventure Island, before heading to its dock. You will discover breathtaking panoramas.

During the cruise, a guide-interpreter answers all your questions and comments on the excursion (in English and French). The boat slows down and remains stationary for a few moments in front of Percé Rock and in front of the cliffs where the colony is located.

Why are there so many birds here? How was Percé Rock formed? Why is the island no longer inhabited?

Bonaventure Island and Percé Rock will no longer have any secrets for you.

Allow 1h for this part.

Once at the island's dock, two options are available to you:

• Either you disembark from the boat to explore the island on foot, which I highly recommend.
• Or you stay on the boat and return to Percé.
   

Allow 15 min for the return crossing to the Percé dock.

Note that it is also possible to go directly to the island in the morning without taking the cruise (first departure of the day). 

Where to book your cruise?

Two companies operate the cruise to Bonaventure Island and offer the same services and rates.

In both cases, you must go to the ticket office to get your tickets before boarding. There is no need to book.

• Les bateliers de Percé; : 
  • 162, route 132 West, Percé, G0C 2L0
  • Telephone toll-free  : 1 877 782-2974
     
• Cruises Julien Cloutier :
  • 5 Quai street, Percé, Quebec, G0C 2L0
  • Telephone toll-free  : 1 877 782-2161
     

If you are planning a Quebec road trip with us, ask your road trip specialist! They will be happy to assist you with the booking process.  

What to do on Bonaventure Island?

Although the island’s main attraction remains its population of migratory birds, its history and rich heritage make it an exciting destination. 

All these things can be discovered by exploring its 15 km of hiking trails, distributed over 4 paths.

During my visit in August 2020, due to Covid measures, some trails were closed and others were one-way.

We took "The Colonies" to get to the Northern Gannets and "Le Chemin du Roy" on the way back.

The Colonies

• Length (Round trip) : 6.6 km
• Duration (Round trip) : 1h30
• Difficulty level : Intermediate
• Elevation gain : 135 m
   

This is the easiest and most direct route to access the famous colony of Northern Gannets. 

It is rated "intermediate" by the Sépaq but honestly, it presents no difficulty.  

Its accessibility by stroller with large wheels is certainly a reason for this.

That said, I recommend the baby carrier if you are accompanied by young children because it will allow you to take another path for the return, instead of backtracking.

Most of the trail takes place in the forest, but a few hundred meters before arriving, the view of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence opens up and we start to hear the birds.

The noise says a lot about the quantity one can expect to see.

Once there, try to forget the smell (which some qualify as unbearable) and admire the show: it's a unique opportunity to observe such birds so closely. 

Interpretative signs are installed on site but do not hesitate to talk to the park rangers and naturalists and ask them questions. They are passionate and highly skilled.

 Chemin du Roy trail

• Length (round trip) : 9.4 km
• Duration (round trip) : 3h
• Difficulty level: intermediate
• Elevation gain: 75 m
   

In my opinion, the most beautiful trail in the park!

We took it on the way back. When there's not a breathtaking view of the gulf and the Northern Gannets, we find ourselves in the forest or in the meadows, where restored ancestral houses stand.

In the last portion of the trail, it's the Percé Rock that enhances the scenery.

When we talk about grand landscapes of Quebec... well, here we are!

 About the two other trails, I haven't taken them but here is some information about them :

 Les Mousses

• Length (round trip) : 7 km
• Duration (round trip) : 2h30
• Difficulty level : intermediate
• Elevation gain : 120 m
   

This trail winds through vegetation of mosses and lichens before emerging onto the cliffs.

Two viewpoints offer views of the sea, before arriving at the colony of Northern Gannets.

 Le Paget

• Length (round trip) : 7,4 km
• Duration (round trip) : 2h
• Difficulty level : intermediate
• Elevation gain : 90 m
   

This forest trail is named after a family of islanders who lived here in the past. Interpretative panels tell you more about their history.

You will need to take the Chemin-du-Roy for nearly a km to join this trail that will lead you to the Northern Gannets.

Practical Information

Cruise schedule 
 

There are departures every day from mid-May to the end of October.

In low season

In May, June and September, there are departures every two hours between 9am and 3pm.

In October, there are only 3 departures per day.

In high season

In July and August, there are departures every hour between 9am and 3pm.

Note that the island closes at 5pm so if you plan to land on the island to go hiking, you should prefer a departure in the morning.

As the schedules are subject to change, I suggest you verify this information directly with the operator.

2020 cruise rates to Bonaventure Island
 

• Adult: 40 $ taxes included
• Child 6 to 15 years: 18 $ taxes included
• Child 0 to 5 years: Free
   

If you disembark from the boat to go on the island, you must pay the fees to enter the national park:

• Adult: 8.90 $ taxes included
• Child (17 and under): Free
   

The boatmen of Percé offer the direct morning trip at $35 instead of $40.

What to bring?
 

• Some time! I suggest you plan at least 3 hours on the island to fully enjoy the place without rushing.
• Water and a picnic (otherwise, there's a restaurant on site)
• Walking shoes
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Charged batteries because you will take a lot (a lot) of photos

Where to eat?
 

There are two places to eat on the island:

• Le Resto des Margaulx : located at the entrance of the island, the restaurant serves seafood dishes, like its famous fish soup or delicious crab or lobster sandwiches.
• Le Relais des Fous : located at the Northern Gannet colony, it offers fast-food service and refreshments. You won't get a second chance like this to enjoy your Pit Caribou (local beer) in such a unique setting.

There! I think you know everything.

As you can see, this excursion is a must when you visite Percé. I guarantee that this experience will be among the most beautiful memories of your trip to Quebec.

If you have any questions or additional information on the subject, feel free to write to us in the comments section below.