PERCÉ

Northern Gannet colony on Île Bonaventure

When to visit

Very Favourable
Favourable
Unfavourable

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec

What to do

Noteworthy
Worth the detour
Must see

Village of Percé, Gaspesie The village of Percé owes its name to the iconic Rocher Percé (which means "pierced rock"), located just offshore. The impressive sheer rock formation is 471m long, 85m high and has a hole measuring 10m in diameter; it is the tourist emblem of Quebec.

Percé is known around the world for its beautiful scenery. It is a great place to take a stroll, and is known as one of the most beautiful villages in Québec. You are sure to leave with unforgettable memories of your time spent here.

BONAVENTURE ISLAND AND ROCHER PERCÉ CRUISE

Season: mid-May to end of October.

Northern Gannet colony on Île Bonaventure This cruise is indisputably one of the most popular activities in the area, and for good reason! After enjoying a close-up view of Rocher Percé, you will be transported to Bonaventure Island, known for its seals and its large migratory bird sanctuary, including a famous colony of Northern Gannets.

During the cruise, you will have the option of going ashore on Bonaventure Island to pursue your exploration on foot. You can soak up the captivating island atmosphere along four hiking trails totalling 15 km.

Bonaventure Island offers the spectacular sight of some 250,000 sea birds including razorbills, seagulls, guillemots, Atlantic Puffins and the largest Northern Gannet colony in North America. Duration of the boat excursion: Approximately 90 min, or a minimum of 3 hours if you go ashore on the island. Daily departures on the hour, starting at 9 a.m.

Bateliers de Percé:
162 Route 132 Ouest / 418-782-2974
www.lesbateliersdeperce.com

NOVA LUMINA

Season: end of June to early October. First departure at 9 p.m.

Enjoy an out-of-the-ordinary immersive experience with "Nova Lumina", an illuminated seaside night walk created by renowned Montreal studio Moment Factory. Explore a magical forest trail carrying the light of a fallen star, with the mission of returning it to the night sky. The trail is 1.5 km long and the experience lasts about 60 minutes. You can buy your tickets online on the website. Closed shoes are recommended.

Nova Lumina:
155 Rue de la Plage, Chandler / 581-361-0065
bourgdepabos.com/en/nova-lumina

Optional activities

Where to eat

$ Inexpensive
$$ Moderate
$$$ Upscale
$$$$ Fine dining

Café-Bistro de la Vieille Usine ($$-$$$)

Located in L’Anse-à-Beaufils south of Percé, this dynamic cafe-bistro offers fish, seafood and regional specialties, many prepared with locally-sourced ingredients. Offers live shows throughout the summer. Open daily from the beginning of June to the end of September, 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

55 Rue à Bonfils, Anse-à-Beaufils (Percé) / 418-782-2277
www.lavieilleusine.qc.ca

Restaurant de l’Hôtel La Normandie ($$$-$$$)

A dining room with a view of Rocher Percé and an haute cuisine dining experience await you at the Hôtel La Normandie restaurant. The menu offers a good variety of fish, shellfish, meat, poultry, grilled and pasta dishes. Open from mid-June to early October, for breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and dinner from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

221 Route 132 Ouest, Percé / 418-782-2112
www.normandieperce.com

La Maison du Pêcheur ($$-$$$) et Le Café de l’Atlantique ($-$$)

La Maison du Pêcheur is a classic spot for fresh lobster and a wide variety of fish and seafood. They also serve excellent wood-fired pizza. Open early June to mid-October from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. (in low season from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.).

Le Café de l'Atlantique is a bistro located in the same building as Maison du Pêcheur and offers good grilled meats and its famous "steak & fries". A lively atmosphere in the evenings. Open mid-June to early September from 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. (until 10 p.m. in low season).

157 Route 132 Ouest (Place du Quai), Percé / 418-782-5331
www.maisondupecheur.ca

La Maison Mathilde ($$$)

A little gem of a restaurant that simply must be experienced. Quality lobster, fish, seafood, pasta, meat and poultry dishes are served in a friendly and inviting atmosphere. Open from the end of June to the end of September for dinner only.

77 Route 132, Percé / 418-782-2183
www.aubergelestroissoeurs.com

Where to sleep ?

Festivals calendar

Les Percéides Film Festival

Dates: August 15 to 25, 2019

More than thirty films (feature-length and short films, documentaries, fiction and animated films) are screened at this annual international film festival. Other activities include open-air cinema activities, presentations and discussions with filmmakers, the public and artisans of the screen.

www.perceides.ca