Itinerary to Discover La Matanie, in Gaspésie

Here’s a suggested itinerary to explore La Matanie, a sector in Gaspésie made up of a string of villages stretching for some 70 km along the coast. Between Baie-des-Sables and Les Méchins, you’ll have many opportunities to discover a wide variety of locally made food products.

From the gateway to the Gaspé Peninsula, you can drive along the St. Lawrence to Matane, at the heart of La Matanie, in less than an hour. Once you arrive, stop in at the tourist information bureau for travel tips and info.

Before checking into one of the area’s many lodging establishments, visit the Am’Art gift shop where you can purchase a variety of beach accessories, sculptures, jewellery, hand-turned wooden items, stained glass items, knitwear, soaps and other locally made handicrafts.

In the evening, treat yourself to a delicious seafood dinner at one of Matane’s many restaurants. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to try the famous northern shrimp harvested offshore and processed in Matane, which are as fresh as they get! The Cargo restaurant in Riôtel Matane offers a menu featuring regional dishes, craft beers and privately imported wines. You can enjoy your meal outside on the heated patio or inside in a warm and trendy decor that’s a nod to Matane’s industrial and maritime heritage.

Another place to eat is the dining room in Hôtel-Motel Belle-Plage where you can enjoy fish and seafood (including lobster and artisan smoked salmon) as well as grilled meat dishes, along with a wide selection of cocktails and wines by the glass.

You can also opt for Le Matelot where you’ll find regional cuisine featuring fish and seafood, including lobster and brochettes.

All three of these establishments will offer you a stunning view of the St. Lawrence!

Photo: Atelier Camion

Start your day with a good cup of coffee at the Toujours Dimanche bakery and café or at La Miss Café, which are on the same street in downtown Matane. You can also grab a cup of java at Café Caisse in Baie-des-Sables. And while you’re at it, why not treat yourself to a homemade pastry or other goodie for breakfast!

Next, you can visit Le Vivier, a gourmet shop in Matane where you can stock up on various picnic fixings: cheeses, deli meats, locally grown fruit and vegetables, bulk items and craft beers made in Gaspésie.

In Saint-Ulric, head to Vignoble Carpinteri for a guided tour of the winery and vineyard. This is your opportunity to enjoy a Tuscan-style experience in Gaspésie! While you’re there you can purchase some of their wines (red, white, rosé or ice) along with gourmet products such as olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Photo: Vignoble Carpinteri

In Baie-des-Sables, the family-run Fromagerie du Littoral cheesemaker invites you to taste their cheeses made with milk from their farm, including fresh cheese curds, aged cheddar, a cheese spread, a halloumi-style cheese, soft cheese and more.

At the Les Passions Créatives boutique in Matane, you’ll find a variety of handcrafted jewellery made with semi-precious gems and Swarovski crystals. You can also take jewellery design classes on site and buy materials to make your own jewellery.

At the Bahut de la Matanie, a centre focused on local traditional crafts (including weaving, embroidery, knitting and sewing), you’ll find blankets, woven rugs, tablecloths, quilts, socks, slippers, etc.

In the evening, don’t miss the opportunity to dine at Projet La Ruche, a family farm in Baie-des-Sables that offers a country-style restaurant experience. Enjoy a delicious farm-to-table meal made with the freshest ingredients! You can also spend the night there.

Photo: Projet La Ruche

The La Matanie sector offers you many opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. If you’re a golf enthusiast, you’ll love the stunning views of the Matane River and the St. Lawrence Estuary from the 18-hole Club de Golf de Matane golf course. 

Photo: Club de Golf de Matane

For dinner, enjoy a meal in the La Fabrique brewpub or on their patio in the heart of Matane. Their menu showcasing local ingredients includes burgers, mussels, fish & chips and other tasty dishes. If you’re in the mood for a Québécois classic, head to Chef Fred Poutinerie where you can choose from over 50 different types of poutine!

La Fabrique. Photo: Dany Vachon

Before hitting the road again, take the time to enjoy a hearty breakfast of sweet and/or savoury Breton crepes made with wheat or buckwheat flour at the Les Gamineries café and creperie in Sainte-Félicité.

And if you feel like extending your trip, you can hop on the Matane–Baie-Comeau/Godbout ferry to explore the Côte-Nord region along the north shore of the St. Lawrence. Departing from Matane, this ferry runs two to four times a day and offers a gourmet bistro, panoramic lounges and more.

Café Crêperie Les Gamineries. Photo: Tommy Ferlatte

Be sure to also read our blog post about can’t-miss experiences in La Matanie to make sure you don’t miss anything during your visit!

To extend your stay, find out more about the 8 sectors of Gaspésie.

Please note that this itinerary is intended for information purposes only and is not a package. It is meant to inspire you and may be modified as you wish.