The Gaspésie Tour is a legendary scenic drive that loops around the huge Gaspé Peninsula. National Geographic Traveler included this region in its 20 Best Trips of 2011, while the renowned Michelin Green Guide gave it 3 stars.
Côte-Nord borders the St. Lawrence for 1250 kilometres (775 miles), from Tadoussac to Blanc-Sablon. This region’s coastline has been designated the Whale Route, since 13 different species, including the blue whale, can be found in the waters of the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence. From several locations, you can participate in sea excursions by boat, Zodiac or even sea kayak to observe these fascinating mammals. Whales can also be seen from the shore.
In Québec maritime, ferries serve as an extension of the road network. In addition to allowing you to visit both shores of the St. Lawrence without retracing your steps, they are a novel way to travel and offer unique perspectives on the surrounding scenery and marine mammals.
Go on a National Park Tour to see the best of what Québec maritime has to offer. Our ten national parks present ten different ways to experience the nature, culture and history of our regions.
The Lighthouse Trail takes you to unique buildings and sites all along the St. Lawrence coast. This self-guided tour is also an opportunity to learn about an important part of Québec history.
Participate in discovery activities on the history of the Jersey Island companies as well as their development and dominance in the region. Visit the residence of the manager of the Le Boutillier Brothers, an Anglo-Norman cod fishing company.
The Battle of the Restigouche National Historic Site commemorates the last naval battle between France and England for possession of the North American continent, an event that sealed the fate of New France forever after.
A part of our history that is worth discovering! A meeting point for European settlers and Aboriginal people, the Tadoussac area is an important historic site. Explore the vestiges of the past from yesteryear to today.
Île Verte Lighthouse
Built on an island in 1809, the Île Verte Lighthouse was Québec’s first. Learn about the history of this lighthouse and the evolution of its light and sound systems. While you’re at it, you might even see a few belugas. You can spend the night in the lighthouse keeper’s home or the assistant keeper’s home, which have been converted into bed and breakfasts.
Photo: Pietro Canali
Petite île au Marteau Lighthouse
Located in the heart of the Mingan archipelago, the Petite île au Marteau Lighthouse lets you relive the era of lighthouse keepers of old. For a truly unforgettable experience, take part in a guided hike at night by the light of the capailloux lanterns (perforated metal containers with candles inside).
Photo: Nelson Boisvert
Cap-des-Rosiers Lighthouse
Built over 150 years ago, the Cap-des-Rosiers Lighthouse is the tallest in Canada. Climb to the top of the lighthouse in the company of a guide and learn about its history and workings.
Photo: Pietro Canali
Pointe-des-Monts Lighthouse
Visit the oldest lighthouse on the north shore of the St. Lawrence. Explore a seven-storey exhibit on the lives of the lighthouse keepers who operated it from 1830 to 1964. Four comfortable rooms are available in the keeper’s home, including a restaurant.
Photo: Pierre Rambaud / Le Cyclope
Pointe-au-Père Lighthouse
Recognized as a national historic site, this lighthouse is the second tallest in Canada. Climb its 128 steps to a unique view of the St. Lawrence. You will learn about the sinking of the Empress of Ireland and visit the submarine Onondaga.
Photo: Pietro Canali
L’Anse-à-la-Cabane Lighthouse
Built by the Government of Canada between 1870 and 1874, the Anse-à-la-Cabane Lighthouse served as a beacon to sailors and fishermen as they approached the Îles de la Madeleine. Still in operation today, the lighthouse is fully computerized.
Photo: Michel Bonato / Tourisme Îles de la Madeleine
La Martre Lighthouse
Still in operation, the La Martre Lighthouse has a unique wooden structure, and the original timing system controls the rotation of the light. The Musée des phares located nearby explains the evolution of the lighting systems as well as the operation and the important role of Québec lighthouses.
Photo: Pietro Canali
Bon-Désir Lighthouse
Located in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, the Bon-Désir Lighthouse is one of the youngest lighthouses along the St. Lawrence. The site offers various interpretation activities and is perfect for observing marine mammals from dry land.
Photo: Marc Loiselle / Tourisme Manicouagan
Pot à l’Eau-de-Vie Lighthouse
This unique lighthouse has been designated as a national historic monument. Take a guided tour and discover the surprising history of the small archipelago on which the lighthouse is located. The lighthouse was restored by the Société Duvetnor in 1989, which rents out rooms with a view of the sea.
Photo: Pietro Canali
Pointe à la Renommée Lighthouse
After spending 20 years in the port of Québec City, this lighthouse was brought home to its original location in 1997, making it the most travelled lighthouse in the world! The lighthouse sits on the site of the first maritime radio station in North America. It is home to two exhibits dedicated to radio operators and lighthouse keepers.
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