GASPESIE: A LONG WEEKEND ROAD TRIP IN QUEBEC
Gaspesie
This road trip is not for the weak - it does involve ALOT of driving - especially depending on where you're coming from. We came from Quebec City & Saguenay area which adds on some time!
However, if you're into hiking, parks, wildlife, lighthouse chasing, road trips, seafood, small towns, great views, and an amazing time, this road trip is 100% for you!
Day One: Gaspesie National Park
We didn't include the driving to this spot as realistically, you would have driven here the night before (if you're coming from anywhere in the Quebec or even New Brunswick area). However, from Quebec City to this national park it's about a 6 hour drive!
What To Do:
The options for hiking here are ENDLESS, however do note that depending on the time of year you visit, some hikes may not be open. We visited at the end of May and some hikes were closed.
The hikes we really enjoyed were the following:
La Chute Sainte-Anne Loop: This is a short hike with a stunning viewpoint of the waterfall. The waterfall was very powerful when we visited - such a great sight!
American Lake OR Mont Xalibu Hike: We originally headed out to do the Mont Xalibu hike, however due to closures we ended up just heading to American Lake. This was a quick return hike of less than an hour and the views at the lake were STUNNING. It was a rainy, cloudy, moody day which made for a great scene.
Mont Ernest-Laforce Hike: 1-2 hours will bring you on this trail! We did this on a misty morning VERY early in high hopes of seeing some Caribou & Moose, which is quite common on this trail. Unfortunately, we didn't see any, but we did get some stunning views and it was a great way to start the day.
You could realistically pack all three of these hikes into today plus a little driving and relaxing in between, or opt for one of the longer hikes listed on the SEPAQ page. Plus, even just driving around the park is stunning! There's some beautiful pull over view points to see the river, rapids, waterfalls, and so much more.
If you have kids or are super into what's in the ocean, there is an aquarium close to here that would be a great outing. Plus it's right beside the ocean!
Where To Stay:
If you don't feel like camping, check into a hotel located right in the national park!
Or reserve a camp spot in the park itself!
Where To Eat:
For this day of the trip, you're camping - so bring some food, snacks, drinks, and cooking appliances! Plus the town isn't TOO far away if you want to hop out for a meal or some groceries. We cooked all our meals, however we did head to this cafe for a snack and ended up getting a few of them...
Day Two: Forillon National Park
Wake up and start making your way over to Forillon National Park. Make sure to take the coastal route to chase down some iconic lighthouses before reaching Forillon National Park. You'll definitely have to wake up relatively early to pack all of this into your day!
What To Do:
First - our lighthouse route! Break up your road trip with a few scenic viewpoints and exciting stops. Learn, see, and admire the views. Here are the lighthouses we stopped at along this route:
After a morning of scouting lighthouses, you will finally make it to the iconic Forillon National Park! This hike is packed with hikes and if you have extra time, definitely consider staying in the area a little longer to make the most of it.
Take some time to drive around the peninsula and admire the ocean views. If you get here around lunch, stop near the ocean for a scenic meal.
Mont Saint Alban Hike: This hike is about 8km long, so it will take most of your afternoon but it's definitely worth it! This iconic view is one of the most photographed ones in the park - it lives up to the hype.
After this hike head back out of the park to stay in Perce, the cutest little ocean-side town with SO much to do.
Where To Stay:
There's honestly a bunch of cute places to stay here, but a bed and breakfast is definitely out favourite way to do it. With the ocean right across the street and everything you need in walking distance, this B&B is a great choice! This is where you'll stay for the next two nights.
Where To Eat:
Breakfast and lunch are on the road!
For dinner, stop by a casse-croute - usually a small stop on the side of the road that is almost guaranteed to have quick and yummy meals like burgers, poutine, fries, and in this neck of the woods even lobster rolls! This one is right on your way from the national park to your final rest stop for the evening (Perce).
Day Three: Perce
Perce is a cute coastal town with so much to offer. This morning, wake up in paradise. Head for a walk by the ocean, have a slow morning, spend the day out and about!
What To Do:
Stop for a sweet treat at this spot! Their ice cream and sorbet are super popular and homemade - AND they are a short walk away with a great view.
If you want to head for some drinks to top the night off, head to the local pub. This spot has flights for tasting, great brews, and an awesome atmosphere. Play games, hang out, and even hop out on the patio throughout the day and night!
What To Eat:
Breakfast: If breakfast isn't included in your hotel option, consider a cafe. We loved this one (but honestly anywhere with a cute interior and good coffee we will love).
Lunch: Grab a late lunch or snack on your day trip - they have a local cafe with a great view after you've finished adventuring!
Dinner:
Where To Stay:
Stay at the same location you booked last night.
Day Four: Carleton-sur-Mer
What To Do:
After waking up in Perce, eventually make your way back into the car to drive on down to Carleton-sur-Mer. Don't rush this morning as this spot, whilst beautiful, is just a stop on your way home. We recommend spending the morning walking around Perce and taking in the good views!
When you're ready, hit the road. En route, stop at a local spot that sells all sorts of fun and homemade things - wine, jams, homemade food, souvenirs, decor, and SO many other cute items.
Once you arrive in Carleton-sur-Mer, there's so many options of what you can do. There's a park if you want to do some more light hiking, mountain biking, or other adventures.
There's also lots of beachfront and piers to walk along and just enjoy the ocean one last time before you leave this area! Plus microbreweries, boutiques, cafes, and other good spots are available to explore in the downtown area.
What To Eat:
Breakfast: It's either included in your B&B / hotel or grab a light breakfast at one of the few cafes located in town!
Lunch: If you're feeling fast food, try out one of the local fast food chains - dixie lee. We don't see these in the rest of Quebec, so we wanted to try it out! It was a typical fast food restaurant, so if this isn't on your radar, head anywhere along the route!
Dinner:
Where To Stay:
There's quite a few options to stay in this spot - you can't go wrong really! Here are a few good options at reasonable prices.
After this night, head back home (wherever that may be), and reminisce on an amazing coastal road trip!
Extra Time?
If you have extra time, we would highly recommend spending it in Gaspesie National Park - this stunning area has SO many hikes, waterfalls, rivers, and local spots to explore.
We hope you enjoy this road trip as much as we did. If you want to see some of our other adventures and more on Quebec, check out our blog!
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