Whether you’re a history buff or want to immerse yourself in local culture, there’s no shortage of great places to visit in Eastern Québec! Heritage sites, museums, interpretation centres, boutiques and art galleries are found throughout our regions. Here are five suggestions for a vacation full of culture and discoveries in the maritime regions of Québec.

Matamajaw Heritage Fishing Site

Located in Causapscal, in Gaspésie, the Matamajaw Museum will introduce you to fascinating fishing stories!

Originally founded in 1873 as a private fishing club, the site welcomed numerous dignitaries, businessmen and distinguished guests over the years. Today, the museum invites you to discover the rich history of Atlantic salmon fishing in the Matapédia Valley. Put on headphones and let the voices of Joe and Florence guide you through the site’s heritage buildings. Available in English or French, this audio tour recounts the history of the site and will immerse you in the stories of fishermen from days gone by. You can then head to Parc Les Fourches (Forks Park), at the confluence of the Matapédia and Causapscal rivers, to watch anglers fishing in a salmon pool.

After your tour, pause for a moment to relax and enjoy a drink from the bistro on the museum grounds. The Matamajaw Museum also offers a summer program of talks and musical performances.

The site is open from mid-June to early October.

Espace NAPAGA

Located in Pabos Mills, in Gaspésie, Espace NAPAGA welcomes visitors to a heritage-listed archaeological site that’s also an open-air museum where the past comes to life through modern technology.

Visit the site’s new permanent exhibition and step back in time to experience daily life in an 18th-century seigneury. This is also your opportunity to become an archaeologist for a time and embark on a captivating mission! Three other interactive experiences await you on site. On a pristine and isolated island, you can hunt ghosts by day or by night and make surprising discoveries during “Fantöm: The Hunt,” the world’s longest outdoor augmented-reality trail! Another option is “Ura,” which invites you to follow the path of water to learn how it has shaped the area. Finally, you can take part in an outdoor escape game (available in French only), which will put you in the shoes of fishermen trying to escape British soldiers in 1758.

On site, you’ll also find three beaches, nearly 20 km (12 mi.) of hiking trails, 10 km (6 mi.) of bike trails and a campground with tent and RV sites as well as several glamping units. In addition, Bistro NAPAGA offers a brasserie-style menu and local microbrews.

Espace NAPAGA is open from mid-June to late September.

Lighthouses in Bas-Saint-Laurent

The coasts and islands of Eastern Québec are dotted with numerous lighthouses, all of which are located in breathtaking settings. You can visit three of these sentinels of the sea in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region.

Off the coast of Rivière-du-Loup, on an island of the same name, the Pot à l’Eau-de-Vie Lighthouse has watched over the St. Lawrence Estuary since 1862. Now converted into a three-room inn, it welcomes you for a unique island getaway, with views of the sea and seabird colonies.

Also located on an island, the Île Verte Lighthouse is the oldest in Québec! Built in 1809, it has a rich history, which you can discover during a tour that will take you to the top of the tower. For a truly immersive experience, treat yourself to an overnight stay in the lightkeeper’s or assistant lightkeeper’s house.

Perched on the edge of the sea on the outskirts of Rimouski, the Pointe-au-Père Lighthouse is 33 metres (108 feet) high, making it the second tallest lighthouse in the province. Climb the 128 steps to the top of the tower for a breathtaking view of the St. Lawrence Estuary and to discover the history of this site. You can also learn all about the tragic sinking of the Empress of Ireland, which the lighthouse witnessed in 1914.

If you’d like to visit these lighthouses in Bas-Saint-Laurent during your vacation, be sure to confirm their opening dates and hours before you plan your itinerary.

First Nations communities in Côte-Nord

Did you know that eight of the nine Innu communities in Québec are in Côte-Nord? A visit to this region is an opportunity to meet members of these communities and learn about Innu history, traditions and artisanship.

As you drive east along the Whale Route, be sure to stop in Essipit to participate in guided activities to observe marine mammals or black bears (iconic animals that are traditionally associated with Innu culture). Further east, Pessamit offers activities to help you discover the community’s culture and history, including a traditional powwow that takes place every July. Near Sept-Îles, you can immerse yourself in Innu culture in the community of Uashat Mak Mani-Utenam by visiting a museum as well as an economuseum where you can watch artisans at work. Still further east, in the community of Ekuanitshit in the Minganie area, you can stop at the local Innu cultural centre to learn a wealth of information as well as hear spoken and chanted Innu-aimun, the language of the Innu people. If you continue your journey further east or north, you can also visit the communities of Nutashkuan, Unamen Shipu, Pakua Shipu and Matimekush.

While driving from Tadoussac to Blanc-Sablon, you’ll come across several historic sites that shed light on the early trade between the Innu Nation and Europeans. Be sure to add these sites to your itinerary!

La Grave heritage site

There’s only one official heritage site in the Îles de la Madeleine: La Grave, which was named after the beach that borders it (grave comes from grève, meaning “pebble beach”). Located on Havre Aubert Island, this site was once dedicated to fishing and now has a rich cultural significance.

During a trip to the archipelago, take the time to explore La Grave on foot, which will give you plenty of opportunities to admire the distinctive architecture of the buildings that make up this site as well as visit some of them. Today, these former fishing buildings house restaurants, cafés, boutiques, artisans’ workshops and even a museum! While you’re there, be sure to chat with the locals. Known for their warm hospitality, the Islanders love to share their passion for this region with visitors, so you’re bound to have some interesting conversations!

The heritage site is open year-round, but most restaurants, boutiques and artisans’ workshops are only open from May to October.

Are you ready to discover the culture and heritage of our regions? Start planning your vacation in Eastern Québec today!