Gaspésie Tour: Family Discoveries Itinerary

Are you curious by nature? Here is a suggested itinerary for a 7-day trip around the Gaspé Peninsula that combines history, geology, culture and wildlife interpretation… enough to satisfy the curiosity of your whole family!

Day 1 – Gardens and salmon fishing  

Duration of drive: 1 hour from Grand-Métis to Causapscal

Visit the Reford Gardens, a plant paradise on the shores of the St. Lawrence with more than 3,000 species and varieties of plants distributed in about fifteen gardens. Then, discover the history of  the Site patrimonial de pêche Matamajaw (Matamajaw Fishing Heritage Site), which was originally the fishing camp belonging to Lord Mount Stephen. 

Accommodations: In Causapscal, the Chalets La Coulée Douce cottages are specifically designed for family stays.

Other options for activities: La Vallée de la Framboise economuseum (raspberry farm), Chute à Philomène (waterfall), Centre Zoom Nature Desjardins

Family-friendly art and culture activities: Explore the Murmures de la Ville, a walking tour of about 30 murals in downtown Mont-Joli.

More lodging and activities options in La Mitis and La Matapédia.

Reford Gardens. Photo: Roger St-Laurent

Duration of drive: 1.5 hours from Causapscal to Nouvelle, then 75 minutes from Nouvelle to Bonaventure

A fossil-rich site inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, Parc national de Miguasha will impress the whole family, while a visit to the Musée acadien du Québec may lead you to discover an Acadian ancestor!

Accommodations: In Bonaventure, the cottages at Les Chalets des Blés de Mer overlook the beach, with a playground on site.

Other options for activities: Écovoile Baie-des-Chaleurs (sailing), Lillojeux, Battle of the Ristigouche National Historic Site

More lodging and activities options in La Baie-des-Chaleurs (Avignon).

Parc national Miguasha. Photo: Jean-Pierre Huard

Showcasing five local ecosystems and the animals that live in each, the Bioparc de la Gaspésie wildlife park is a must-see for the whole family!

Accommodations:In Bonaventure, the Chalets du Bioparc de la Gaspésie are located on the beach, they accommodate 4 to 8 people and offer you all the amenities.

Other options for activities: Ferme Bourdages Tradition (strawberry farm), Théâtre La Petite Marée

Family-friendly art and culture activities: At the Verre et Bulles studio boutique, meet artist Julie Frappier, who creates objects made of kiln-formed glass, among other things.

More lodging and activities options in La Baie-des-Chaleurs (Bonaventure). 

Bioparc de la Gaspésie. Photo: Jérôme Landry

Duration of drive: 30 minutes from Bonaventure to Paspébiac, then 1 hour from Paspébiac to Chandler

Relive the cod fishing era at the Paspébiac National Historic Site through performances by characters in period costume.

In Parc du Bourg de Pabos, archaeological digs have revealed the history of this seigneury. Be sure to also participate in Ura, a fascinating multimedia experience offered on site.

Accommodations: In Chandler, Motel Fraser offers units with kitchenettes as well as a family restaurant.

Other options for activities: Circuit des Bâtisseurs (founders’ walk), Vieille Usine de L’Anse-à-Beaufils (cultural centre)

Paspébiac National Historic Site. Photo: Mathieu Dupuis

Day 5 – Northern gannets and exceptional geology

Duration of drive: 45 minutes from Chandler to Percé

Explore Parc national de l’Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé, home to the most accessible northern gannet colony in the world!

Visit the Percé UNESCO Global Geopark and discover the exceptional geology of Percé via the Tektonik multimedia experience, a suspended glass platform, a zipline and hiking trails.

Accommodations: Overlooking Percé Rock, Riôtel Percé offers units with kitchenettes as well as a restaurant, an outdoor play area and evening campfires.

Other options for activities: Magasin général historique authentique 1928 (authentic general store), Camp de Base Gaspésie

More lodging and activities options in Rocher-Percé. 

Parc national de l’Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé. Photo: Jean-Pierre Huard

Duration of drive: 1 hour from Percé to Gaspé

Step back in time at the Micmac Interpretation Site of Gespeg by visiting a reconstructed traditional First Nations village.

The Musée de la Gaspésie offers you a virtual-reality sea fishing experience as well as a permanent exhibition and a geo-rally.

Accommodations: Overlooking Gaspé Bay, Hôtel Plante offers units with kitchenettes in the centre of Gaspé.

Other options for activities: Forillon National Park, Pointe-à-la-Renommée Lighthouse

Family-friendly art and culture activities: The guide-interpreters, dressed in period costumes, are sure to immerse you in the heart of the fascinating history of John Le Boutillier at the Centre socioculturel Manoir Le Boutillier.

More lodging and activities options in La Côte-de-Gaspé.

Micmac Interpretation Site of Gespeg. Photo: Marilou Levasseur

Duration of drive: 2.5 hours from Gaspé to Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, then 1 hour from Sainte-Anne-des-Monts to Matane

Visit Exploramer to discover the St. Lawrence through museum exhibitions, aquariums, touch pools, sea excursions and fish-harvesting activities.

In Matane, the Jardins de Doris offer you the opportunity to enjoy beautiful moments with your family among flower gardens, farm animals, fairy tale-inspired huts, a butterfly aviary and picnic areas.

Accommodations: Riôtel Matane offers units with kitchenettes as well as a restaurant, an indoor pool and breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence.

Other options for activities: Fromagerie du Littoral (cheesemaker), Parc régional de la rivière Mitis

Family-friendly art and culture activities: In Sainte-Madeleine-de-la-Rivière-Madeleine, visit Atelier Effet Mer, where you will find soaps and original creations by local artists.

More lodging and activities options in La Matanie and La Haute-Gaspésie.

Photo: Jardins de Doris

Please note that this itinerary is intended for information purposes only; it is not a package. It proposes a tour of the Gaspé Peninsula starting on the south side (and going counterclockwise around the region). This itinerary is meant to inspire you and may be modified as you wish.

Use this selection of activities to inspire your own itinerary around the Gaspé Peninsula! Be sure to also check out our Outdoor Adventures and Outdoor Family Fun itineraries.