Admire the Colours of Gaspé
Here is a suggested itinerary for a 4-day road trip in and around Gaspé, in Gaspésie, in the fall. Hiking, whale watching and maritime history are on the agenda!
Day 1 – The Lighthouse Trail in the Gaspé area
Fourteen lighthouses dot the coast of Gaspésie, three of which are in the Gaspé area. The Pointe-à-la-Renommée Lighthouse is accessible via a narrow unpaved road between Cloridorme and L’Anse-à-Valleau. Don’t miss visiting this exceptionally beautiful site!
Next, keep driving along Route 132 towards the Cap-des-Rosiers Lighthouse, which is the tallest in Canada. As of mid-September, both lighthouses are closed (so you cannot climb their towers) but visiting them from the outside is well worth the detour!
Want to stretch your legs? There is nothing better than going for a walk in a park! Head to L’Anse-aux-Amérindiens, in Forillon National Park, and follow the 4-km trail that will take you to Land’s End, where the Cap-Gaspé Lighthouse is located. On the way back, be sure to visit the heritage buildings in the Grande-Grave sector.
Other options for activities: Carricks Monument, Cap-des-Rosiers Beach, interpretation centre in Forillon National Park
Local flavours to try: Northern shrimp are available from the processing plants in Rivière-au-Renard.
Photo: Roger St-Laurent
Day 2 – Hiking and history in Forillon National Park
Forillon National Park is home to beautiful scenery and vistas. In the early morning, put on your hiking boots and head to the observation tower along the Mont-Saint-Alban trail from Petit-Gaspé (5.4 km there and back, 2.5 hours) or Cap-Bon-Ami (3.6 km there and back, 2 hours). From the top of the tower, you can admire one of the most beautiful views of the cliffs and can even see Percé Rock on a clear day!
In the afternoon, discover local fishing history by visiting Manoir Le Boutillier. This historic site will plunge you into the heart of the 1850s, at a time when fishing was the main economic activity in this area.
Other options for activities: La Maison aux Lilas de l’Anse (vegetable gardens and market), Griffon Aventure (canyoning, fishing, SUP)
Local flavours to try: Savour a good meal featuring local flavours at the Café de L’Anse in the Centre culturel Le Griffon.
Day 3 – Whales and moose in Forillon National Parkal Forillon
Gaspé Bay is a great place to observe a variety of marine mammals. Head to Grande-Grave for a 2-hour excursion with Les Croisières Baie de Gaspé and meet the cetaceans and seals that inhabit this ecosystem.
Fall is also an ideal time of year to see the many moose that live in Forillon National Park. Participate in a moose-watching activity to see these animals in their natural habitat. This 7-km hike in the woods is guaranteed to lead to unforgettable discoveries!
Other options for activities: Sea kayaking with Cap Aventure or Aube sur Mer
Local flavours to try: Don’t miss the spices, dried mushrooms and other forest delicacies from Gaspésie Sauvage, which are available in most grocery stores.
Day 4 – Culture and history in Gaspé
The name Gaspé comes from the Mi’gmaq word Gespeg, which means “where the land ends.” Visit the Micmac Interpretation Site of Gespeg to learn more about the traditional way of life of the Mi’gmaq Nation in the 17th century and enjoy an authentic and unique experience!
Next, head towards the centre of Gaspé and stop at the Musée de la Gaspésie to visit the various exhibitions as well as the Gaspésienne no. 20, a historic cod fishing boat.
Then walk along the Promenade Jacques-Cartier boardwalk to the Birthplace of Canada Historic Site and discover the history of the settlement of Gaspé. To cap off your day, enjoy the multimedia show A Tale of Time and Tides at sunset on this site.
Local flavours to try: Look for fish and seafood that is certified “Smarter Seafood” (a program that supports the sustainable development of the marine resources of the St. Lawrence) on the menu at Bar-Bistro Le Brise-Bise.
Please note that this itinerary is intended for information purposes only; it is not a package. It is meant to inspire you and may be modified as you wish.
Given the current context, we strongly recommend that you check with businesses to find out when they are reopening before you travel.
This blog post is sponsored by Destination Gaspé.
Be in the loop! Plan your trip at tourisme-gaspesie.com today! #gaspesie
Be sure to also check out our fall itineraries in La Mitis, La Matanie and Percé as well as in the Haute-Gaspésie, Chaleur Bay and Valley sectors.
For more ideas for your fall vacation, read the following blog posts:
Attractions in the Matapédia Valley to Discover by Quad
5 Historical Walking Tours
