Adventurion

Join us as we take you through our 6-day road trip to the beautiful Gaspesie region. From breathtaking hikes to exploring the shore of Saint Lawrence and historical sites, this journey had it all. Whether you’re planning a similar trip or just love a good travel story, we hope this guide inspires your next adventure.

The Journey Begins – Day 1 of our 6-Day Gaspesie Road Trip Adventure

Highlights

• Starting Point: Home
• Chutes d’Armagh Park: Our first stop was at Chutes d’Armagh Park. It is a perfect place to stretch our legs and take in the beauty of the waterfalls.
• Overnight Stay: Comfort Inn. We ended our day at the Comfort Inn, preparing for the adventures to come.

Chutes d’Armagh Park

Parc des Chutes d’Armagh, located in the beautiful Chaudière-Appalaches region of Quebec. It is a stunning natural spot. The park features a breathtaking 28-meter-high waterfall that can be viewed from a footbridge overlooking the canyon.

However, another bridge, located under a viaduct, was unfortunately closed during our visit, so we couldn’t experience that path.

The park is well-equipped for outdoor activities. It offers five kilometers of hiking trails with interpretive panels that showcase the area’s rich history and diverse wildlife. One of the highlights is the “Squirrel Trail”. The trail features an outdoor gym where we all had a lot of fun.

For cycling enthusiasts, the park is also the starting point for a 74-kilometer bike path that winds through the scenic MRC de Bellechasse.

However, during the winter, Parc des Chutes d’Armagh transforms into a snowy wonderland, providing trails for snowshoeing and access to snowmobiling routes.

The park is family-friendly, with picnic areas, and even a restaurant on-site, making it a perfect spot for a day trip or a relaxing getaway in nature.

Alternative stops

• Musée de la mémoire vivante
• Belvédère de la Croix
• La Montagne à Coton

Discovering the Maritime Heritage – Day 2

Highlights

• Site historique maritime de la Pointe-au-Père (SHMP): A deep dive into the maritime history of the region. We explored the historic site and learned about the area’s rich seafaring past.
• Capitaine Homard: A delightful seafood experience at Capitaine Homard, where we enjoyed a fresh menu of lobsters.
• Overnight Stay: Motel et restaurant Manoir sur Mer, where we settled in for the next three nights.

Site historique maritime de la Pointe-au-Père (SHMP)

The Site historique maritime de la Pointe-au-Père (SHMP) in Rimouski, Quebec, offers a rich and immersive experience of Canada’s maritime history. This historic site is home to three main attractions: the Pointe-au-Père Lighthouse, the Empress of Ireland Museum, and the HMCS Onondaga submarine.

We chose this stop mainly because of the forecasted rainfall, but didn’t regret this decision.

1. Pointe-au-Père Lighthouse: Built in 1909, this lighthouse is the second tallest in Canada at 33 meters (108 feet). Visitors can climb its 128 steps to enjoy a panoramic view of the St. Lawrence River and the surrounding area. The lighthouse played a crucial role in guiding ships safely along the river and is now a symbol of the region’s maritime heritage.
2. Empress of Ireland Museum: The museum is dedicated to the story of the Empress of Ireland, a ship that tragically sank in 1914, resulting in one of Canada’s deadliest maritime disasters. Through artifacts, interactive displays, and a multimedia show, the museum vividly brings to life the events leading up to the disaster and its aftermath. The show was particularly impressive, so don’t skip this part.
3. HMCS Onondaga:

1. This is the first submarine in Canada open to the public. Visitors can explore the 90-meter-long vessel, getting a glimpse into the life of its crew.

1. The self-guided audio tour provides insights into the submarine’s operations, from the control room to the torpedo bays, making it a unique educational experience.

With various amenities including a gift shop, picnic areas, and a café, this place is a perfect destination for families and history enthusiasts alike.

Alternative stops

• Moulin du Petit-Sault
• Parc National du Bic
• Chute Neigette – Parc de Neigette
• Canyon des Portes de l’Enfer

Coastal Wonders and Exploration – Day 3

Highlights

• Exploramer: We visited Exploramer, an interactive marine science museum that offered a fascinating glimpse into the marine life of the St. Lawrence River.
• Overnight: Motel et restaurant Manoir sur Mer.

Exploramer

Exploramer is a fascinating marine science museum located in Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, Quebec, on the southern shores of the St. Lawrence River. This unique center is dedicated to showcasing the rich marine biodiversity of St. Lawrence and educating visitors about the importance of preserving this vital ecosystem. It was a very pleasant discovery in our 6-Day Gaspesie road trip adventure.

Key Attractions at Exploramer:

1. Aquarium and Touch Pools: Exploramer features various aquariums that house a living collection of marine species native to the St. Lawrence River. Visitors can interact with these creatures through touch pools, providing a hands-on learning experience. The possibility of touching all these sea creatures provides a very special feeling. We all enjoyed it a lot.

1. Interactive Exhibits: The museum offers several interactive exhibits, including “Sharks: 100 Million Deaths,” which challenges common misconceptions about sharks and highlights their importance in marine ecosystems. The other exhibits, like “Exceptional Beings: When Science Rivals Fiction,” explore the diverse and often bizarre marine life found in the river.
2. Sea Excursions: Visitors can embark on guided sea excursions aboard the CE Marin, where they can participate in ecological activities such as hauling in crab and whelk traps, collecting scientific data, and learning from marine biologists.

1. La Fourchette Bleue: This culinary program promotes sustainable seafood by encouraging the consumption of lesser-known species from the St. Lawrence River. Visitors can participate in tastings and learn about sustainable fishing practices.
2. Fish Harvesting Activity: This was an extremely interesting experience. At low tide, you can wade into the St. Lawrence River and experience traditional fish harvesting techniques, providing a unique opportunity to explore the river’s ecosystem up close.

Exploramer is more than just a museum—it’s an educational experience that connects visitors to the marine environment of St. Lawrence engagingly and interactively. So, whether you’re interested in marine biology, sustainable seafood, or simply want to explore the natural beauty of the Gaspésie region, Exploramer offers something for everyone.

Alternative stops

• EXTRÊME CHIC-CHOCS INC.
• Eskamer Aventure inc

The Hike to Mont Albert – Day 4

Highlights

• Mont Albert: The highlight of our 6-Day Gaspesie road trip adventure was the hike to Mont Albert.
• Overnight: Motel et restaurant Manoir sur Mer.

Mont Albert – The main goal of our 6-Day Gaspesie Road Trip Adventure

Mont Albert is one of the most iconic peaks in Gaspésie National Park, located in the heart of the Chic-Choc Mountains in Quebec.

The mountain is renowned for its expansive plateau and offers some of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the region, making it a must-visit for hiking enthusiasts.

The Mont Albert Loop is a 17.4 km (10.8 miles) trail that takes hikers through diverse landscapes, including alpine tundra, dense forests, and rocky outcrops. The loop is moderately challenging, with an elevation gain of about 850 meters (2,790 feet). Hikers are rewarded with stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains and, if you are lucky, you can meet the park’s famous caribou herds. The full loop takes around 6-8 hours to complete, making it a full-day adventure for those who are up for the challenge. Unfortunately for us, on the day we hiked, the full loop was closed and we could hike only the northern part of the trail.

Mont Albert is part of a larger ecosystem that is home to a variety of wildlife, including moose, deer, and the endangered Gaspésie caribou. The alpine plateau of Mont Albert, with its unique serpentine rock, provides a habitat for these species, adding an extra layer of interest to your hike.

Alternative hikes

• La Saillie: A 3.4 km trail that provides a shorter but equally rewarding hike with views of the surrounding mountains and Gîte du Mont Albert.
• Mont Olivine: A 11.5 km trail that offers a more gradual climb and features a treeless ridge with spectacular panoramas.
• La Chute-du-Diable: A 7 km trail that takes you through old cedar forests and along the Sainte-Anne River, leading to the impressive Devil’s Falls.

Wind and Views – Day 5

Highlights

• Projet Éole: A unique experience at Projet Éole, where we explored the fascinating world of wind energy.
• Belvédère Beaulieu: We stopped at this beautiful lookout point for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
• Stay: Hôtel Universel, Rivière-du-Loup, QC.

Projet Éole

Projet Éole is a fascinating site in Cap-Chat, Quebec. This place is home to the world’s tallest vertical-axis wind turbine, standing at 110 meters.

It was built in the 1980s as part of Quebec’s early experiments in renewable energy. It was an important step in the development of wind power in the province.

Although it ceased operations in 1993, the site has transformed into a unique tourist destination, offering an educational journey into wind energy.

At Projet Éole, visitors can explore the remains of the experimental power plant, learn about the history of wind energy development, and enjoy panoramic 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape, including the sea, mountains, and the first wind farm in Quebec. The site also features guided tours, where visitors can enter the turbine generator and get up close to parts of wind turbines. There are scenic flower paths and picnic areas, making it a great spot for both learning and relaxation.

The site is open from mid-June to early October. It offers amenities such as a gift shop selling local crafts and snacks, as well as facilities for families, including a playground. The immersive experience at Projet Éole provides a glimpse into Quebec’s renewable energy history.

Belvédère Beaulieu

Belvédère Beaulieu, located in the Parc du Porc-Pic near Saint-Simon-de-Rimouski in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region. It offers an incredible panoramic view at 183 meters above sea level. This lookout provides a stunning perspective of the surrounding landscapes. The visitors describe the experience as being “suspended between heaven and earth.”

The trail leading to the viewpoint is about two kilometers long. It can be accessed by foot or bike. There are two ways to access the main viewpoint. On this trip, we hiked only one. The scenic hike to the lookout showcases multiple breathtaking views along the way. It is an incredible spot for nature lovers and photographers alike.

In our opinion, it’s a must-see location in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region.

Alternative stops

• St. Simon-sur-Mer Park
• Terfa
• L’Île-aux-Amours

The Return Home – Day 6 of our 6-Day Gaspesie Road Trip Adventure

Highlights

• La Montagne à Coton: A quick stop to explore this local landmark before heading home.
• Ending Point: Home

La Montagne à Coton

La Montagne à Coton is located near Saint-Pascal in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region of Quebec. It is a hidden gem perfect for a quick yet rewarding outdoor experience. Standing at 150 meters in altitude, this easy-to-moderate trail is ideal for stretching your legs during a road trip. The trail is just over one kilometer long, and along the way, you’ll pass by several lookouts offering panoramic views.

The trail is accessible from May to October. There are five rest stops with interpretive panels sharing the legend of Father Coton. Who was the hermit who once lived on the mountain. At the summit, there are picnic areas where you can relax and take in the 360-degree views.

The hike is not overly challenging, making it suitable for all ages. In addition, you can even bring your dog along, as long as they are on a leash.

Alternative stops

• Petit Phare
• Grand labyrinthe Kamouraska

Conclusion

This 6-day road trip through Gaspesie was an unforgettable experience filled with adventure, culture, and natural beauty. We hope our journey inspires your own travels, and we can’t wait to share our next adventure with you.