Renowned for spectacular scenery, the maritime regions of Québec are also home to fascinating vestiges of our past. Archaeology (the study of the human past through the examination of material remains) and paleontology (the study of prehistoric life through the examination of fossils) are scientific disciplines that are relatively unknown to the general public, but together both contribute to our understanding of the natural and human history of Eastern Québec. So let’s go back in time at six sites that showcase these sciences in our regions!

Parc national du Lac-Témiscouata

Do you know the origin of the name Témiscouata? To find out, take part in summer activities (in French only) at Parc national du Lac-Témiscouata in Bas-Saint-Laurent. Home to over 50 archaeological sites, the park offers various activities led by an archaeologist. Make your own arrowhead, work with clay or participate in a dig to journey back in time and discover the Wolastoqiyik people who have lived in this region for thousands of years.

Fort Ingall

Relive the Aroostook War as if you were there! In the 1830s, a border dispute between Canada and the United States led to the construction of Fort Ingall, a strategic military fort located on the shores of Lake Témiscouata, also in Bas-Saint-Laurent. Dismantled after the war and replicated in 1972, the fort now offers a true immersion into a 19th-century British army camp, with guides in period costume. The fort also houses the Preparing for War permanent exhibition, which features numerous artefacts found during archaeological digs on site and sheds light on this little-known conflict. To top off your visit, don’t miss the firing of the Noon Gun at 1 p.m.!

Battle of the Restigouche National Historic Site

At the mouth of the Restigouche River on the south side of the Gaspé Peninsula, you can visit the Battle of the Restigouche National Historic Site, which commemorates a naval battle that pitted France against England in 1760. Today the site showcases the archaeological heritage of this historic confrontation. The interpretation centre exhibits the remains and artefacts of the Machault, a French frigate that was recovered during underwater excavations. Because the items in this collection are exceptionally well preserved, they’re considered a standard reference for the Seven Years’ War period in New France!

Parc national de Miguasha

Did you know that the Chaleur Bay area, which is also in Gaspésie, is renowned worldwide for its fossil beds? Located in this area, Parc national de Miguasha is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as the world’s most outstanding illustration of the Devonian Period. Numerous fossils have been found in the Miguasha cliff, some dating back 380 million years, making it a paleontological treasure trove! Discover the cliff in the company of a naturalist park warden and take part in a treasure hunt to test your knowledge. To learn more about this period, be sure to also visit the park’s natural history museum.

Espace NAPAGA

Frequented by the Mi’gmaq, Basque fishermen, French settlers and British soldiers, the Pabos area has witnessed centuries of human history unfold in Gaspésie. Tucked between the sea and Grand Pabos Bay, Espace NAPAGA keeps alive the area’s archaeological heritage through exhibitions, an archaeological trail revealing the way of life of 18th-century fishermen and the Animarchéo mock dig. Recognized by the Québec government for its archaeological value, this site offers a wide range of fun activities, from an augmented-reality ghost hunt to an immersive trail and an escape game!

Archéo Topo Center

Home to over 1300 identified archaeological sites, Côte-Nord is one of Québec’s most studied regions. Located in Les Bergeronnes, the Archéo Topo Center is the perfect place to discover this archaeological heritage by visiting exhibitions that trace the region’s 9000 years of human history. You can also participate in various workshops, including making your own dream catcher or talking stick, to discover the culture of the Innu, the First Nation that inhabits this vast territory.

Exploring the archaeological and paleontological sites of Québec by the Sea will plunge you into millions of years of history while your feet are firmly planted in the present. Each fossil or artefact tells a piece of that history, from extinct sea creatures to the peoples who have shaped the land. Whether you’re passionate about science, curious about nature or simply wanting to enjoy unique adventures, these sites offer you a fascinating journey through time!