The Gaspé Peninsula begins in Sainte-Flavie, where Route 132 splits to form an itinerary loop of approximately 885 km. It is at this specific point that you must choose your route, either the South Tour or the North Tour. Whatever your decision may be, all through your journey you are sure to find the most diversified and picturesque sea and mountain landscapes, valleys, bays and coastlines. This vast territory, is divided into five natural areas: The Coast, The Haute-Gaspésie, Land's End, The Chaleur Bay and The Matapédia Valley. 

Photo: Louise Tanguay

Situated along the coast of the colossal St. Lawrence River, this region features a series of small, picturesque villages with rich heritages, clear rivers home to an abundant fauna, fields and forests of green and a blue-waved sea lapping its shores.

Tinged with serenity and magnificence, the Reford Gardens welcome you. Bordering the river, this great garden displays its splendor in an explosion of glorious shapes and colours.

A river ends its long descent into the heart of Matane, allowing you to admire the patience and know-how of the salmon fishers in action, as they confront the salmo salar and its fighting spirit. In the backcountry, there is a wildlife refuge where moose sightings are common. Perhaps along your hike, you will have the chance to catch a glimpse of a golden eagle or a peregrine falcon, birds which are rarely seen among all the others.

For more information about the Coast: www.vacanceslamitis.com and www.tourismematane.com.

 

Lain across 130 km of coastline, the Haute-Gaspésie sector goes all out. The highest peaks of southern Québec can be found here, sculpted by the passing of glaciers over 100,000 years ago. Several rivers cut into its landscapes, an abundance of wildlife and plant species call it home in an atmosphere of peace and freedom, small, charming coastal villages bring the region to life, and the nearby River believes it is an ocean.

Magnificent staging, scenery changes featuring various seas, mountains and ecosystems, all composing wonderful pageants where all the great players share the stage: a fabulous sun fading into the water, salmon running up crystalline rivers, caribou herds playing the main roles on the high plateaus of a park, and magical falls that disppear only to become the longest underground fish ladder in the world.

In the Parc de la Gaspésie or in the Chic-Chocs Reserve, each of the high peaks would remind him of a challenging mythical character or god. Also, three lighthouses, permanently functioning and among the most beautiful within the Haute-Gaspésie landscape, would play Cyclops, whose shining eyes study the horizon...

For more information about the Haute-Gaspésie: www.vacanceshaute-gaspesie.com.

 

Photo: Jean-Pierre Huard

Ah! Land's End... as if Mother Nature had poured all her energy into it! This region offers dramatic and grandiose landscapes in Gaspésie. With its sharp cliffs, often very breathtaking, ans a particulary rugged topography created by the Appalachians, it marks the continental end of this mountain range, along with the Forillon Park. You will notice an authentic maritime character, a variety of heritage treasures.

At the Forillon National Park, a symbol of protection for natural heritage, the many attractions and activities are waiting to fascinate you and fill your days. On July 24^th, 1534, Jacques Cartier erected a cross at the end of the now-famous Gaspé Bay and thus claimed Canada on behalf of the King of France. The Percé Rock and Bonaventure Island, clearly enchanting places, make up a wonderful park where excursions are guaranteed to offer you thrilling experiences. In the midst of endless blue waves, thousands of bird broods, and ancestral houses are dispersed throughout flowering fieldsé. Here, everything seeks to charm you.

For more information about the Land's End: www.tourismegaspe.org and www.rocherperce.qc.ca.

 

Aided by the natural elements that surround it, the Chaleur bay protects itself from the winds and enjoys a microclimate that warms its waters. Its name, which means "bay of warmth", is very adequate! The bay was named so by Jaques Cartier in 1534, when he arrived during a July heat wave! This seaside region will seduce you with its long inviting beaches caressed by the waves of a sea beaming with magnificence, and with its mountainous panoramas and red cliffs crowned by an abundant vegetation.

A number of hiking and bicycle trails invite you to wind your way through the Bay. A promontory lookout offers a sepctacular view of the bay, whose pristine waters welcome swimming and several water sports. You can go on a fishing expedition, to show off your skills and practice your patience in the emerald waters of salmon rivers, or travel through time in the fossiliferous site where you discover legacies from the past.

Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club
Because of its great beauty and its exceptional quality, the Bay is now a member of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club. The goal of this association, which was created in 1997 in Berlin, is to promote these heritage jewels (30) through in-depth knowledge of the common problems related to them, while taking into consideration their great value and universal dimension.

For more information about the Bay: www.baiedeschaleurs.ca.

 

When entering the Valley, you embrace a wonderfully wild nature of forests, plateaus, mountains and streams as well as an atmosphere of unparalleled purity! It boasts panoramas where forests and scenic landscapes coexist in harmony. The influence of the mountains and even the orientation of the valley create its exceptional microclimate. Hence, it differs from the coastal regions. While traveling through it, you will certainly notice its potential for agroforestry and be charmed by its small villages.

A witness of its history, the rich heritage of the Valley will show you magnificent churches, ancestral homes, historical sites and "Town-type" covered bridges. You can also visit it by following one of its many hiking, bicycle or ATV trails, or even by engaging in some agricultural tourism.

For more information about the Valley: www.lamatapedia.ca.