Musée Acadien du Québec © Groupe ExploraTerra

Can’t-Miss Experiences in La Baie-des-Chaleurs (Bonaventure) in Gaspésie

Here are 5 places to visit during your stay in Bonaventure, the eastern half of the La Baie-des-Chaleurs sector in Gaspésie. On the agenda: wildlife encounters, history and heritage focused on the area’s Acadian roots and fishing traditions, river activities and caving.

Site historique national de Paspébiac in Paspébiac

Located by the sea, the 11 beautifully preserved buildings that make up this national historic site are sure to charm you. Learn more about the cod trade at this site that was the birthplace of the Robin and Le Boutillier Brothers companies. In the 19th century, Paspébiac was one of the largest export ports for dried cod in the world! You are sure to be impressed by the Le Boutillier warehouse, a five-storey wooden structure that remains one of the largest fishing buildings ever built in North America.

Site historique national de Paspébiac. Photo: Mathieu Dupuis

Bioparc de la Gaspésie in Bonaventure

Enjoy unique encounters as you stroll along the trails in this wildlife park, which is home to about 40 animal species that are indigenous to Québec. Be sure to also visit the petting farm, the pavilion housing amphibians and reptiles as well as the insectarium where you can admire an impressive collection of living and preserved insects. You can also participate in discovery activities as well as spend the night on site during the “Overnight with the Wolves” package.

Bioparc de la Gaspésie. Photo: Jérôme Landry

Musée acadien du Québec in Bonaventure

Discover the rich history of the Acadians in Québec at this Acadian museum. The permanent exhibition will help you better understand the history and significance of the Acadian presence in Québec. Experience the immersive digital activity Lumière sur les Acadiens, which tells the story of the Acadian Expulsion. Made up of several buildings, the museum site includes a former blacksmith shop, general store, fish shed and boys’ academy as well as several gift shops selling local handicrafts and food products.

Cime Aventure in Bonaventure

Paddle down the crystal-clear Bonaventure River aboard one of the Cime Aventure vessels. Single or tandem kayaks, canoes, inflatable rafts and paddleboards are all available for rent. You are likely to catch a glimpse of Atlantic salmon during your outing! A wooded campground with shelters as well as “ready-to-camp” glamping yurts and cabins is also found on site.

Canoeing on the Bonaventure River. Photo: Cime Aventures

La Grotte de Saint-Elzéar in Saint-Elzéar

Become a caver for a day while visiting the Saint-Elzéar cave! A 46-rung ladder will take you down into the main cave, which is over 13 metres (43 feet) underground. Unique in Québec, it is the deepest cave in the province as well as the oldest (over 200,000 years old!). It also features the largest cave room ever found in Québec as well as the largest stalactite. In addition, the cave contains many animal bones. Adventure enthusiasts can also enjoy exploring Gelifrac, a cave that requires crawling.

Saint-Elzéar cave. Photo: Michel Julien