Miguasha: when fish ruled the world… Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Miguasha fossil site is renowned worldwide for its unusually well-preserved fossils. The park will fascinate visitors of all ages who can journey through time to discover plant and fish fossils dating from the Devonian Period, some 380 million years ago.
The park’s permanent exhibition, From Water to Land, presents some of the most beautiful fossil specimens found in Québec, which bear witness to life on earth hundreds of millions of years ago. The Elpistostege: The Origins of a Quest exhibition will introduce you to the only complete specimen of Elpistostege watsoni ever found in the world. Preliminary research on this fish fossil suggests that it could be the closest relative to tetrapods, vertebrates with legs. Find out more about why this fossil, nicknamed Elpi, is of paramount importance in evolutionary biology. The exhibition includes an impressive multimedia presentation. During the “In the Eyes of a Geologist” activity, you will find answers to all your questions about geology, fossil formation and fossil digs at the foot of the cliff. The park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until October 11.
While visiting the park, be sure to stroll along the “Evolution of Life” trail, which runs along the fossil cliff and offers exceptional views of the Restigouche Estuary. This 3.5-km (2-mi.) loop trail includes information panels that recount the evolution of life on earth. You can also participate in the new Elpi treasure hunt, which gives kids the chance to hunt for fossils in the park (in French only). In July and August, enjoy a puppet show that is sure to captivate visitors of all ages.
Be sure to also pop into the L’Échoppe gift shop, where you will find a selection of original items for sale. Clothing, jewellery, books, decorative objects, minerals and fossils make unique gifts or souvenirs. Several local artists and artisans sell their beautiful creations here. The shop is open during park opening hours.
Finally, why not stop for a bite to eat at the Le Dévonien lunch counter. On the menu: delicious lobster, smoked salmon and shrimp sandwiches made with local seafood. Salads, soups, desserts and beverages are also available. Take advantage of the patio with a magnificent view. The lunch counter is open from mid-June to early September.
Opening dates
The park and exhibitions open from June to October. Administrative offices and the research centre are open year-round.
Cost
Park daily access pass: $9/adult. Park daily access pass with admission to the exhibitions: $22/adult. Free for children (under 18). Rates valid until December 31, 2021. Group rate (15+ people) available. Annual park card and Québec national parks card available. You must buy a daily access pass online before visiting a Sépaq park: www.sepaq.com/parksaccessReservations
Required for groupsPayment methods
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Visa
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MasterCard
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American Express
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Interac
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Cash
Activities available
Services
- Picnic area
- Pets allowed on leashes only
- Boutique
- Restaurant or snack bar
- Conference/meeting room
- Free parking
How to get there
The park is located on Miguasha Point, at the edge of the municipality of Nouvelle. On Route 132, follow directions to Route de Miguasha, either from Nouvelle or Escuminac.
Affiliations and distinctions
Affiliations
- Parcs Québec network (SÉPAQ)
- Québec Museums Association (SMQ)
- Tourisme Gaspésie
- Tourisme Baie-des-Chaleurs
Distinctions
- National park since 1985
- UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999
- Regional winner of a Québec Tourism Award in the "Tourism Organization of the Year, Public Sector" category (2004)
- Certified Quality Tourism Gaspésie