Espace NAPAGA

115, chemin de la Plage
Pabos Mills (Quebec) Canada
G0C 2J0
Phone:
+418 689-6043
Email:
info@espacenapaga.com

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Set against a breathtaking natural environment that has been shaped over millennia, everything you experience at Espace NAPAGA will immerse you in 250 years of history in a maritime seigneury, through the lives and adventures of the inhabitants of New France. At Espace NAPAGA, archaeology comes to life in the great outdoors!

Basque fishermen, First Nations people, French settlers and British soldiers have all left their mark on this majestically beautiful corner of the world. In the heart of Gaspésie, the Pabos archaeological site explains the role of the most important commercial fishing port under the French regime up to the French and Indian War (1730-1758). This open-air museum’s permanent and temporary exhibitions are well worth visiting for a full day—and evening!

The innovative architecture of the interpretation centre blends history, archaeology and the surrounding natural environment. Themed guided tours and audio tours will prepare you for interpretive activities designed for the whole family: mock archaeological digs, “Really True?” quiz game, Seek and Find game and connected object hunt.

FANTÖM: The Hunt is an activity during which you will search for the lost souls that haunt the archaeological site. Wearing augmented-reality goggles, you will find as many ghosts as possible and help them leave Earth and find peace. You will be captivated by these historical figures who will tell you fascinating stories!

URA: A Celebration of Water is an audio tour during which you will discover the power of water at eight interactive multimedia stations. Lamia, the goddess of water, will accompany you throughout your journey. Discover her history as you learn about Earth’s most precious resource.

NEW: The escape game, The English Are Coming! (in French only), is a re-enactment of the arrival of British troops who attacked the village of Pabos during the French and Indian War. Visitors will find themselves back in the 18th century in the shoes of our ancestors who are trying to escape!

Espace NAPAGA is also an opportunity to play while discovering the site’s hiking trails, bike paths, three sandy beaches, playgrounds and water games.

A vacation is also a time to enjoy NAPAGA: a typical Gaspesian snack bar-style bistro with a patio offering a breathtaking view, cultural programming and festive evenings as well as a quiet 4-star campground.

Explore Espace NAPAGA to experience archaeology and Gaspésie from another angle!


Opening dates

Mid-June to late September


Schedule

Mid-June to late August, daily, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. September: Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets sold until one hour before closing time.

Cost

Visit our website for admission fees.

Reservations

Online reservations recommended for temporary exhibitions

Payment methods

  • Visa  Visa
  • MasterCard  MasterCard
  • Interac  Interac
  • Cash  Cash

Activities available

Hiking
Nearly 20 km (12 mi.) of trails offer hikers of all ages and abilities the pleasure of discovering the Pabos archaeological site, which is being preserved and showcased by Espace NAPAGA. A lookout, sea air and rest areas are included in the experience!
Cycling
Espace NAPAGA offers 10 km (6 mi.) of bike trails in nature and along the sea near a heritage-listed archeological site. These bike paths connect with Chandler’s municipal network via the Circuit des Bâtisseurs.
Interpretation Sites
Explore an archaeological site that traces the history of the village of Pabos. One of the most important maritime seigneuries of the New France era, this unique site witnessed culture clashes between First Nations people, French settlers and British soldiers.
Maritime Heritage
Since the 1700s, Pabos Bay has been part of the cod route for Basque and then French fishermen who settled here. The area’s rich maritime history shaped the development of New France and Gaspésie.
Arts and Crafts
Be sure to stop in our charming gift shop before you leave!
Theatre and Live Shows
The FANTÖM and URA immersive interpretive activities bring the history of the site to life in an unusual and exciting way thanks to technologies deployed in nature on the archaeological site. The bistro also offered evening shows in the summer!
Museums
The artefacts and ruins displayed in this open-air museum bear witness to the lives of fishermen in the 18th century as well as the area’s timber industry at the turn of the 20th century. Mock archaeological digs, immersive interpretive activities and augmented reality: there’s something for everyone!
Gardens, Parks and Natural Sites
A natural environment that has been shaped over millennia. Three fine-sand beaches. Nearly 20 km (12 mi.) of hiking and bike trails in an enchanting setting. Breathtaking views of Grande Anse and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. An awe-inspiring site!
Regional Flavours
Bistro NAPAGA serves snack food, refreshments and local beers, which you can enjoy on site or take away (no table service). The patio offers a magical view, particularly at sunset! Children are welcome.


Services

  • Childrens playground
  • Picnic area
  • Pets allowed on leashes only
  • Boutique
  • Restaurant or snack bar
  • Free parking
  • Other: wheelchair with 3 wheels (reservation recommended)

How to get there

The Espace NAPAGA reception building is located at 115, chemin de la Plage, in Pabos Mills.

Whether you are driving from the Percé side or the New Richmond side, please follow the blue road signs along Route 132.

If you are walking or biking from Chandler, take the pedestrian bridge linking Rue de la Plage (Chandler) to Chemin de la Plage (Pabos Mills).


Affiliations and distinctions

Affiliations

  • Accredited museum institution officially recognized by the Québec government
  • Tourisme Gaspésie
  • Archéo Québec
  • Québec Museums Association (SMQ)
  • Events Attractions Québec (EAQ)
  • Route du Rocher-Percé
  • Route de la Morue (Cod Route)

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