Miguasha National Park

Renowned worldwide for its fossil-rich cliff and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Miguasha National Park offers you a fabulous journey through time. This park is a unique piece of our natural heritage and will fascinate young and old alike with its plant and fish fossils dating from the Devonian period, some 380 million years ago.

The Natural History Museum invites you to discover the unusually well-preserved fossils in its exhibit and thus gain a better understanding of the evolution of life on earth. Guided tours are offered from early June to mid-October. The rest of the year, tours are self-guided.

After your visit to the museum, head out to the Miguasha cliff, where researchers study the fossils. Wander along the “Evolution of Life” trail that runs along the fossil-rich cliff and offers exceptional views of the Restigouche Estuary. Stop in one of the picnic areas to eat a bite and don’t miss the information panels that recount the evolution of life on earth. Stairs will lead you back from the beach. The entire hike is about 3 km (2 mi.) long.

End your visit with a stop at L’Échoppe, which offers a selection of original products. Ammonite and amber jewellery as well as minerals and fossils make unusual gifts or souvenirs. Some 30 artists and artisans sell their best creations here. The shop is open year-round.

Finally, why not stop for a bite to eat at Le Dévonien. Lobster, crab, shrimp and smoked salmon are offered in salads or sandwiches. Enjoy these local Gaspesian delicacies. Fast food and group menu also available. Patio with exceptional décor. The restaurant is open from mid-June to late September.

Read the testimonial about the Miguasha National Park!

Schedule

From early June to mid-October: daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. From mid-October to early June: Monday to Friday. Closed during public holidays and Christmas holidays.

Cost

Admission fees for park and museum, based on age, family configuration and group size. Network and park passes available.

Note for this reservation

Required for groups in high season

Payment methods

• Cash
• American Express
• Interac
• MasterCard
• Visa
• Travelers Cheque

Activities available in summer

Gardens and Natural Science

Can paleontology (the study of fossils) be understood by the general public? Of course! Popular science has become an integral part of the museum thanks to its educational program and can be enjoyed by all visitors of all ages.

Guided Tours

A guided tour of the park is a must for anyone interested in learning more about fascinating fossils and the evolution of life. From June to October, an experienced guide will take you on a 90-minute tour of the museum and fossil-rich cliff.

Hiking

The “Evolution of Life” trail is a 1.5 km hike through a wooded area with a stunning view of the Restigouche Estuary. Interpretation panels along the trail tell the story of life on the planet.

Interpretation Sites

Miguasha National Park is a world-renowned interpretation centre. From June to October, the museum’s guided tours of the exhibit, laboratory and cliff are a well-established tradition, as are the popular science talks.

Museums

Fish and plant fossils are the hallmark of the Natural History Museum and the focal point of the permanent exhibit. This unique museum offers activities and services (including a gift shop and restaurant) for visitors of all ages.

National Parks and Wildlife Reserves

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Miguasha National Park contains fossils that recount a specific episode of life on earth. Museum visitors of all ages will have the opportunity to become familiar with this natural treasure.

See what this partner is offering in fall, in spring or in winter.

Services

• Picnic area
• No pets allowed
• Boutique
• Restaurant or snack bar
• Conference/meeting room
• Free parking

How to get there

The park is located on Miguasha Point, at the edge of the municipality of Nouvelle. On Route 132, follow directions to Route de Miguasha, either from Nouvelle or Escuminac.

Affiliations and distinctions

Affiliations:
Parcs Québec network
Canadian Museums Association
SMQ (association of Québec museums)
Tourisme Gaspésie
Tourisme-Baie-des-Chaleurs

Distinctions:
UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999
Regional winner of a Québec tourism award ("Grand Prix du tourisme québecois") in the "Tourism Organization of the Year, Public Sector" category in 2004
Certified Quality Tourisme Gaspésie