Things to Do in Gaspé

A 1.5km waterfront boardwalk along the Rivière York, with benches, wildflower gardens, and plaques about local history. Connects to the marina and a small beach.

🕐 24 hours; lit after dark until 11pm

💡 Start at the bridge near Rue de la Reine and walk upstream. At dusk, you'll often see seals hunting in the river mouth. Free parking at the marina end.

A grassy headland with a large cross marking where Cartier planted a cross in 1534. Interpretive panels explain the encounter with local Mi'kmaq. Views across Gaspé Bay.

🕐 24 hours; interpretive centre open mid-June to Labour Day 10am-6pm

💡 Go at low tide to see the remains of the old wharf. Bring binoculars for seabird spotting—puffins sometimes appear offshore in late spring.

An outdoor site with a replica of a traditional Mi'kmaq longhouse, birchbark canoe, and storytelling circle. Trail through the boreal forest with plant ID markers.

🕐 Daily 10am-6pm July-Aug; weekends only in June

💡 Free, but donations appreciated. The staff give informal tours if it's quiet. Best visited in late afternoon when the sun hits the longhouse interior.

Two floors of exhibits on Gaspé's Mi'kmaq heritage, Acadian settlement, and maritime history. Includes artefacts from Jacques Cartier's 1534 landing.

🕐 Tue-Sat 9am-5pm; closed Sun-Mon except summer

💡 Admission is $8.50 CAD. Free entry every first Sunday of the month. The gift shop sells local handicrafts at fair prices.

A vast national park where the Appalachian Mountains meet the sea. Walk or cycle the 3km coastal trail to Cap-des-Rosiers lighthouse.

🕐 Daily, sunrise to sunset; visitor centre open 9am-5pm June-Sept

💡 Entry fee (around $9 CAD) covers the whole day. Best value: bring a picnic and spend the afternoon on the pebble beach near Grande-Grave.