Gaspé

Gaspé comes from Gespeg, which means “land’s end” Iin the Mi'gmaq language. Everything ends and begins in Gaspé, which is associated with the origins of the country and the beginning of Western history in North America: the cross erected here by Jacques Cartier in 1534 earned Gaspé the title of the “Birthplace of Canada.” Like the locals, Gaspé Bay is welcoming and generous. Gaspé is nature at its purest! Each season has its own charm and will leave you with unforgettable memories that will make you want to come back again and again.

Gaspé has three internationally renowned salmon rivers, the York, Dartmouth and Saint-Jean, which are frequented by over 1500 anglers every year. Summer bustles with activities, bringing together swimmers, boaters and outdoor enthusiasts. The area offers a variety of accommodation options, good restaurants, marinas and, an airport as well as many attractions and services.

L'Anse-à-Valleau: Stop at the tourist welcome bureau in L'Anse-à-Valleau. The name of this community evokes a people of the sea and comes from a natural and daily phenomenon: the tides. The parish of Saint-Maurice-de-l'Échouerie brings together other hamlets whose names are just as evocative: Pointe-Jaune (“Yellow Point”), Saint-Maurice and Petit-Cap.

Rivière-au-Renard: Discover the lively world of fisheries in this municipality, which is home to (wharves, fish processing plants and a boat fleet). Rivière-au-Renard is rightfully known as the “Capital of Fisheries,” since fish and seafood of all kinds are unloaded and processed here. Savour these delicacies in fish markets. Nearby, the Plage de la Sablière Beach offers rest areas and playgrounds. The marina provides docking services to recreational boaters. The marsh in the middle of the village is a great place for birdwatching, while the lookout at the chapel offers a view of the entire village.

L'Anse-au-Griffon: Some say that Griffon was the name of a ship that sailed along the coast in the 18^th century. Others believe that the name comes from Gris-fonds (pronounced the same way and meaning “grey bottom”) in reference to the colour of the seabed. There is also a legend about how the Devil, hearing the desperate cries of shipwrecked sailors, left the marks of his claws (griffes) on their rowboat.

Cap-des-Rosiers (“Rosebush Cape”): This cape was named after the many wild roses that once grew here. For sailors, the cape marks the point where the St. Lawrence becomes a gulf. From here, an officer sighted Wolfe's fleet in 1759 and immediately sent a messenger to Québec City. This area has witnessed numerous shipwrecks, which led to the construction of a lighthouse in 1858. Designated as a historic monument in 1977, it is the tallest lighthouse in Canada. Cap-des-Rosiers is also the gateway to Forillon National Park. On site, you will also find the Du Banc trail, a harbour, an observation tower, a picnic area and a site commemorating the shipwreck of the Carricks, an Irish sailing vessel carrying 187 passengers.

Cap-aux-Os: In 1623, while travelling through Gaspé Bay, the missionary Gabriel Sagard described how the sounds of the whales and the noise of their blows interfered with his sleep. The name of this village (which means “Bone Cape”) was inspired by the many whale bones found along the beach here. Enjoy the view of Gaspé Bay and the Penouille Peninsula, the Boom Defence dunes and Plate de Pointe-Saint-Pierre Island. Follow a nature trail that clings to the mountainside, winding along the village for over 7 km. Hikers, horseback riders and cyclists can admire various species of local forest plants along this trail. West of the village, discover Fort Peninsula, a vestige of World War  II.

Douglastown: The southern gateway to the town of Gaspé, this village is home to the highest concentration of Gaspésie residents of Irish descent, who, still today, proudly celebrate St.  Patrick’s Day every year. Located along the barachois of the Saint-Jean River and Gaspé Bay, Douglastown offers an exceptional view of the Forillon Peninsula. Plan to spend some time here: you can enjoy the warm welcome at the hostel in the middle of the village.

Fort-Prével: Built in 1936 and now a tourist attraction with a golf course overlooking the sea, this fort was a defensive outpost during World War II that aimed its heavy artillery towards the Atlantic.

• Electric vehicle charging stations: Gaspé Tourist Welcome Bureau, Chalets du Bout du Monde, Hôtel des Commandants, and Économie Québec (167, rue de la Reine), Gaspé rest area, Maison des jeunes de Rivière-au-Renard, Golf Fort-Prével, Tourist Welcome Bureau of L'Anse-à-Valleau Tourist Welcome Bureau
• Electric bike rental at the Tourist Information Bureau
• Airport
• Population: 15 260

• kVillage-relais services
• (Permanent site
• jHospital

• iIndoor pool
• PElectric vehicle charging station
• ™Dumping station
• hPicnic area

• ;Children Playground
• mSupervised beach
• OMarina
• fSkating
• @Fishing
• MBoat rampe
• &Hiking
• óSnowshoeing
• aDownhill skiing
• rCross-country skiing
• YBiking
• dMountain biking