The Bas-Saint-Laurent – Gaspésie Tour is a popular road trip itinerary that loops around a vast forested territory bordered by the sea. Renowned for providing views of breathtaking scenery, this road trip also offers you the opportunity to observe a wide variety of birds as well as marine and land mammals. Nature and wildlife lovers will enjoy discovering this itinerary that starts in Bas-Saint-Laurent and follows Route 132 around the Gaspé Peninsula. Keep your eyes peeled as you drive: you’re bound to see lots of wildlife along the way!

La Pocatière to Rivière-du-Loup

The mudflats in La Pocatière are home to a wide variety of waterfowl, including black ducks, black scoters and Canada geese. A multi-purpose trail runs along the shoreline, accessible by foot or bike from the town.

Off the coast of Rivière-du-Loup, Pot à l’Eau-de-Vie Island and Île aux Lièvres (Hare Island) are accessible by boat with Société Duvetnor, which is also responsible for the conservation of these islands. Both provide shelter for colonies of birds, including razorbills, black guillemots, cormorants and common eiders. You can also go for a stroll along the shore to observe seals, belugas, minke whales and porpoises. Hiking trails, wilderness campsites and lodging in cottages, an inn and even a lighthouse are also available on these islands.

Rivière-du-Loup to Rimouski

In Cacouna, the land-based Putep ’t-awt marine mammal observation site allows you to observe belugas in their natural habitat. Participate in the “Window on Belugas” interpretive activity to immerse yourself in the fascinating world of these whales. Nearby, Parc côtier Kiskotuk offers you the opportunity to admire rare bird species such as American wigeons, king rails and laughing gulls.

Located just before Rimouski, Parc national du Bic is home to common eiders and several species of birds of prey. In the spring, the Raoul-Roy lookout offers a unique vantage point from which to observe these predatory species. Bordering the St. Lawrence Estuary, the park also offers the opportunity to observe harbour and grey seals, white-tailed deer and foxes.

From the Rimouski marina, you can take a boat to Saint-Barnabé Island, where you can admire harbour seals and over 70 species of birds! You can also camp as well as hike on 20 km (12 mi.) of trails on the island.

Rimouski to Amqui

The Matapédia Valley offers a multitude of activities for wildlife and nature lovers. For an unusual observation experience, snorkel with Nature Aventure to observe Atlantic salmon in the Matapédia River. Other outdoor activities (canoeing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding) are also available on site.

Amqui to New Richmond

This is the La Baie-des-Chaleurs sector, where you’ll find Parc national de Miguasha in Nouvelle. This park takes you back to the origins of life, 380 million years ago, with an exhibition of plant and fish fossils, including the world’s only complete specimen of Elpistostege watsoni. Follow the trail dotted with interpretive panels to discover the fossil cliff, which is included on the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List.

New Richmond to Percé

To get a closer look at several animal species, visit the Bioparc de la Gaspésie, a wildlife park in Bonaventure. Various discovery activities will introduce you to some of the nearly 40 wildlife species indigenous to Québec that await you here in five different ecosystems.

On the way to Percé, you’ll drive past several renowned bird-watching sites including the marshes in Paspébiac as well as Port-Daniel Bay and Grand Pabos Bay.

Percé to Gaspé

In Percé, you’ll find Parc national de l’Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé, a park rich in natural, historical and geological heritage that offers hiking, sea excursions and wildlife observation. Bonaventure Island is home to the world’s most accessible northern gannet colony as well as other species of seabirds; large numbers of seals and whales can also be spotted nearby. This is also where you’ll find legendary Percé Rock, the region’s most iconic natural landmark!

On the way to Gaspé, be sure to stop at the Malbaie Salt Marsh, a must-see bird-watching site. Enjoy a walk along the sand spit, where you can observe many species of plants and animals.

Gaspé to Sainte-Anne-des-Monts

In Gaspé, Forillon National Park offers a multitude of experiences between sea, cliffs and forest in an environment where you may encounter moose, black bears, porcupines and beavers as well as see numerous species of seabirds. From Forillon, Cap Aventure offers sea kayaking outings to observe seals up close, and Croisières Baie de Gaspé invites you to participate in a whale-watching excursion in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Sainte-Anne-des-Monts to Matane

In Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, discover various species found in the St. Lawrence at Exploramer. A museum, aquarium and sea excursions will help you better understand the marine environment in this area.

Worthwhile detour

Located just south of Sainte-Anne-des-Monts via Route 299, Parc national de la Gaspésie offers many hiking trails along which you’ll find campsites and huts. The altitude of the park’s mountains has created a distinct ecosystem, shaped by a harsher climate and sheltering a unique diversity of species, including birds, moose, white-tailed deer and woodland caribou, a threatened species, in the only herd found south of the St. Lawrence.

Matane to Rimouski

Offering over 100 km (60 mi.) of hiking trails in the mountains and through valleys, the Réserve faunique de Matane is home to remarkable wildlife, including moose, white-tailed deer, beavers, hares, golden eagles, ruffed grouse and bald eagles.

Rimouski to Kamouraska

The mudflats in the Kamouraska area are a good place to see Canada geese, snow geese, black scoters and many species of ducks. You may encounter wildlife in this area while hiking or rock climbing.

Worthwhile detour

Accessible from Rimouski via Route 232 or from Rivière-du-Loup via Highway 85, Parc national du Lac-Témiscouata in Saint-Michel-du-Squatec protects one of the largest and most beautiful lakes south of the St. Lawrence Estuary and is home to white-tailed deer, beavers and moose. Nearly 150 species of birds also live in this park, including impressive bald eagles, the largest birds found in the province of Québec.

Are you looking forward to discovering wildlife species in Bas-Saint-Laurent and Gaspésie during your next vacation in Québec by the Sea? Start planning your road trip now!