Percé © Tourisme Gaspésie
Should You Book Accommodations in Advance for Your Trip to Gaspésie?
If you’re planning a stay in Gaspésie between mid-July and mid-August, it’s highly recommended that you book your accommodations in advance. Here are some helpful tips to guide you in planning your trip.
High and low seasons
In Gaspésie, the high season begins on June 24 (Québec’s national holiday, also known as Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day) and ends on the first weekend in September (Labour Day weekend). However, the volume of tourists usually peaks from the provincial construction holidays (late July to early August) to the second or third week of August. We therefore strongly recommend that you book in advance if you plan to travel during these weeks.
If you’d prefer to travel without reservations and still enjoy all the activities available in the summer, you should plan to take your trip between late June and early July or late August and early September. And if you’d rather not plan everything in advance but still want to make sure you get to stay in places that suit you, you can book your accommodations one or two days in advance once you’re in Gaspésie.
Photo: Auberge l'Ambassadeur
Types of accommodations
The need to make reservations also depends on the type of accommodations you’re looking for.
Cottages probably require booking the farthest in advance. Some places can be fully booked up to a year ahead! To make sure you can stay in the type of cottage you want, we recommend you book before March, especially if you’re planning to travel from mid-July on. Keep in mind that most cottages are not available for a single night. Many can only be rented on a weekly basis. If you’re finding it hard to book a cottage, consider staying in a motel room with a kitchenette or a trailer in a campground.
Photo: Chalets des Blés de Mer
If you’d like to stay in a bed and breakfast, keep in mind that most of these establishments only offer from 3 to 5 rooms. Rooms with a private bathroom tend to be booked first. These rooms are also popular with international travellers, many of whom travel at the beginning and end of the season (especially in September and October).
As for camping, reservations may be necessary, especially if you’re travelling with a trailer or RV. You’ll find it easier to find a campsite for a tent; however, some campgrounds will fill up anyway during high season, especially those in national parks.
Parc régional du Mont-Saint-Joseph. Photo: Dany Vachon
Your specific needs
Finding a room at the last minute in high season is difficult, but if you’re looking for pet-friendly accommodations, a room adapted for someone with reduced mobility or somewhere that’s close to a particular attraction, your options will be even more limited. If you have specific needs, we highly recommend you book in advance, regardless of when you’re travelling.
Forillon National Park. Photo: Roger St-Laurent
What will happen if you don’t book in advance?
Depending on when you’re travelling, you may be lucky and find accommodations that suit you. However, you may also have to drive an extra 300 km to get to a hotel that has a room available or spend two hours calling hotels in the area instead of enjoying yourself. You may also have to stay in an establishment that doesn’t really suit you! When you’re travelling in high season in Gaspésie, booking in advance will eliminate worries and leave you with more time to enjoy your vacation with peace of mind.
Photo: Hôtel La Normandie
Tourisme Gaspésie is there for you!
Many of the lodging establishments found throughout the region are listed on the Tourisme Gaspésie website. Our friendly team is also available to offer you advice by phone, email or chat year-round.
Once you’re here, you can also visit any of the tourist information offices in Gaspésie and ask for advice. Although they cannot act as travel agencies and plan your vacation for you, they’ll be happy to help you find accommodations. The staff is familiar with local lodging establishments and can help you make informed choices. Don’t hesitate to visit them if you’re in need of assistance!
Mont-Joli Tourist Information Bureau. Photo: Dany Vachon
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