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What to do in Gaspésie in summer

Kayaking on the Bonaventure River from above
© Dylan Page - Rivière Bonaventure

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That’s it! That magic moment has arrived and you’re on your way to an iconic tour of Gaspésie in summer?

The beautiful season knows its share of crowds, but you’ll be able to find a balance between the must-see places and the quieter little gems in this large peninsula.

Let’s find out what to do in Gaspésie in summer without further ado, as many classics as fun breathtaking activities! 

Discover Quebec’s Edible Marine Species 

Do you like fish and seafood? So, stop by Exploramer for the Fourchette bleue activity which will allow you to savour more or less known marine species and learn more about the marine life of Gaspésie.

A great foodie idea for the curious! 

Cruise at the Foot of the Rocher Percé and on to Bonaventure Island 

Le Rocher Percé

Who says Gaspésie says Rocher Percé! Make no mistake, but it’s not for nothing that this monolith is all the rage.

The landscape it punctuates is sublime, then the cruise that takes you from the water’s edge to Bonaventure Island gives you a completely different perspective.

You will graze the giant and observe its details closely before an island hike to meet the gannets. 

Kayaking at Camp de Base Gaspésie 

Speaking of this famous rock, how about paddling to it from Coin-du-Banc, in a sea kayak? With Camp de base Gaspésie, the original adventure awaits you.

You will take 3h30 (round trip) to complete this excursion that you are certainly not about to forget! 

Deux personnes en kayak
© Camp de base Gaspésie

Paragliding in Mont-Saint-Pierre 

Sommet du Mont Saint Pierre
© Jennifer Dore Dallas – Mont Saint Pierre

You are not scared and would like to jump down from mount Saint-Pierre in the village of the same name?

Add this to your bucket list to do in Gaspésie, because you will love the panorama above the cove as you gently descend towards the beach.

Not your thing? You can also organize a bus ride to enjoy the view without jumping. 

Become a Lizard at Bonaventure Beach 

Beaubassin Beach is the best known in Baie des Chaleurs, but Bonaventure has 7 beaches to bask your skin on vacation.

Put on your sunscreen, take your towel, and take it easy on the hot sand this summer in Gaspésie. 

Party at the Festive Auberge Sea Shack 

If you hear tiki bar, breathtaking sunsets, shows and campfires by the water, what do you think of? Fun, huh? The festive Auberge Sea Shack offers you exactly that for your next road trip through Ste-Anne-des-Monts. 

Spectacle à l'extérieur au Sea Shack
Terrasse griffon aventure
Feu de camps sur la plage

In the Saintlo family, this establishment offers dormitories, private rooms, chalets as well as independent spaces. Fun is always the name of the game, during SUP and snorkelling outings as much as for partying once the sun has fallen. 

Meet the Caribou at Gaspésie National Park 

lac et montagne

Did you know that there are wild caribou in Gaspésie?

No, not just in the North! At the top of mount Jacques-Cartier, you will see them gently rummaging through the surrounding flora as you complete your hike.

It’s quite a reward after the climb! 

Go to the End of the World at Forillon National Park 

Un phare sur le bord de la me

Make your way to the tip of Forillon National Park, park at Gugumijinaweneg, or Anse-aux-Amérindiens, then take the Les Graves trail to the end of the world.

Yes, yes… Cap-Gaspé is nicknamed the end of the world because of its geographical position at the tip of Gaspésie. 

Visit the Mi’gmaq Interpretation Site in Gespeg 

Three Aboriginal communities populate the Gaspé Peninsula. Explore the history of the Mi’gmaq in Gaspé during a visit to the interpretation site.

There is a reconstruction of a traditional village of yesteryear, but above all a host of interesting explanations to better understand Indigenous cultures. 

Descend the Bonaventure River and the Malin 

Kayak vue de haut sur la rivière

Whether you choose a canoe, kayak, inflatable raft or SUP board, the descent of the Bonaventure River will delight you.

Depending on the level of the river, the easy rapids will offer you some sensations, but it is at the Malin rapid that you will want to stop to enjoy the enchanting scenery. 

Taste Unique Gaspé Wines at Vignoble Carpinteri 

Cave à vin

Wine in Gaspésie? Yes, yes, you read that right! The Carpinteri Vineyard is also the only one in the region. Built to look like it’s straight out of Italy, the photogenic site serves as an interesting stopover for a tasting of local wines and spirits.

Go Canyoning With Griffon Aventure and Enjoy a Night in Nature 

Book your stay at our Auberge Griffon Aventure, near Forillon Park in L’Anse-au-Griffon. You will not only find beds in shared or private rooms, but also original cabanes for original glamping in the forest, a few steps from a pebble beach. 

Terrasse griffon aventure
devanture du griffon
Une personne qui regarde au loin, dans un champs
Une personne qui plonge dans une rivière

During the day, plan an iconic Gaspésie activity, canyoning! You will let yourself slide along waterfalls, swim in the waves, hike along the water’s edge.

In short, you are going to have a magical time in highly photogenic emerald pits. 

In the evening, campfire, bar and hammocks overlooking the sea await you to complete your getaway to L’Anse-au-Griffon. 

Hold a Gaspésie Microbrewery Rally 

Devanture de la microbrasserie La Fabrique

Do you like microbrewery beers? During your trip to Gaspésie, take part in tastings in establishments along the Eastern Quebec Beer Route and stock up on good brews for the cottage or home! 

Organize an Instagrammable Photoshoot at the Reford Gardens/Jardins de Métis  

Uh oh, your road trip in Gaspésie is over, you’re slowly heading back home… Don’t forget to stop at the Reford Gardens/Jardins de Métis, a site far from classic botanical gardens. Get out your cell phone and get ready to take a ton of selfies in the perfect settings for the occasion. 

Hoping that these recommendations of what to do in Gaspésie in summer will be useful to you, have a good road trip!