The Gaspésie region offers enchanting autumn adventures for all travellers
A getaway to Gaspésie will no doubt stave off the autumn chill and leave an everlasting impression.
The summer may be winding down in the city, but taking advantage of the warm weather for as long as possible has never been easier. A getaway to the Gaspésie offers a chance to make summer last well into the autumn months, offering a range of breathtaking sights and fun activities for anyone wanting to soak up the sun before it comes time to hit the ski slopes.
Though the Gaspesie may be renowned for tourist attractions, like the Percé Rock and the cliffs of Forillon National Park, these features are only a pixel in the larger panorama of attractions. The diverse regions of Gaspesie have undiscovered treasures to explore over a short weekend itinerary.
When planning a short getaway, seek out hidden gems and focus on exploring one district at a time, says Stéphanie Thibaud, director of communications at Tourisme Gaspésie.
“Go explore the small villages that are out of the limelight, like Mont-louis,” Thibaud said. “It’s a great way to get to know the locals, who’ ll give you the bestkept secrets of their town.”
The crimson, orange,
and gold colours of fall foliage are most striking when hiking through the Boreal Forest. With over 25 peaks in the Chic-chocs mountains alone, there are trails for everyone, from the most experienced hikers to those who are looking for a peaceful promenade. A hike through the forest is the best way to unplug from modern life and embrace the sprawling natural world—you might even spot a moose on your way up.
If you’re a fan of the great outdoors, don’t stop there— magnificent cycling trails snake through the landscape, and the rugged terrain is ideal for cross-country and enduro mountain biking.
Quad bike trails are available for those who aren’t afraid of a little mud, with a 1,500-kilometre trail that winds all around the peninsula.
But relaxation is an essential part of any vacation too,
and luckily, the wide range of wellness centres and spas will provide myriad ways to ease your mind and body. Recharge the Scandinavian way at Thuya Spa near Percé, where you can lounge in cedarwood pools. Some may opt for a thalassotherapy experience at Oblivio Spa in the south, which uses seawater for restorative healing.
Though it’s a cradle of Quebecois hospitality, visiting the Gaspésie can feel like voyaging to a faraway land.
“It’s the complete opposite of what the big city has to offer,” Thibaud said. “And I think that people crave the great outdoors
[...] the Gaspésie’s charm is that you get the impression that you’re somewhere completely different. You don’t feel like you’re in Québec, and this feeling of being elsewhere is accessible, and right at your fingertips.”
There is so much to see, both on land and at sea. Surrounded by the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, the Gaspésie’s shores are home to majestic mammals, like dolphins, blue whales, and humpbacks, all of which can be glimpsed on a whalewatching cruise at Forillon National Park. Kids will love Bioparc de la Gaspésie, where they can observe over 40 native species of wild animals in open-air habitats.
The Gaspésie isn’t just a pretty landscape—it also has a rich history and culture waiting to be discovered at interactive museums and heritage sites, as told by the locals who know it best. The Micmac Interpretation Site of Gespeg, for example, welcomes visitors into the culture of the first inhabitants of the region through a reconstruction of a 17th-century village, traditional food, and artisanal workshops for the whole family.
Autumn is the perfect time of year to sample craft beers and local spirits, made with recipes that have been perfected over generations. Coupled with the artisanal chocolatiers, cheesemakers, smokehouses, and fish markets filled with delicacies, you’ ll leave with enough souvenirs to last you the winter.
There’s a wealth of accommodations to round out your stay in Gaspésie, but what you choose might depend on what you’d like to do. Tucked up in the mountains, so you can revel in the views? Or in the heart of a small village, so you can immerse yourself in the culture and browse specialty boutiques? Either way, you’re guaranteed to be greeted with open arms.
“In Québec, we’re very welcoming and warm,” Thibaud said. “But in the Gaspésie, it’s a cut above. Everyone is happy to talk to you and they’re very approachable.”
No matter what activities you choose to fill your days, or what sights you choose to behold, a getaway to Gaspésie will no doubt stave off the autumn chill and leave an everlasting impression.
For more information, visit tourisme-gaspesie.com.