Explore captivating Gaspé Peninsula, one of the most scenic drives in Quebec. It’s definitely a trip of a lifetime and a must-see destination. This adventurous road trip hugs the shores of the mighty Saint Lawrence from Quebec City and offers unlimited outdoor activities, four National Parks, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and striking landscape features like Percé Rock and the Red Rock shores.
This area boasts some of North America’s best whale watching and birdwatching opportunities, along with exceptional geology.
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Top Scenic Drive in Quebec
Gaspé Peninsula scenic route 132 from Quebec City
The stunning rugged Gaspé Peninsula route takes you on a complete loop from Quebec City. The views are absolutely breathtaking.
This captivating scenic drive in Quebec is almost 1,700-kms long and can take seven to 10 days to tour at a leisurely pace.
Tour the Gaspé Peninsula on Route 132, one of Quebec’s most scenic drives. Photo: Roger St-Laurent/Tourisme Gaspésie
Discover the spectacular wilderness areas of the many provincial and national parks. Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites and access Quebec’s oldest lighthouse and Canada’s tallest lighthouse.
Marvel at the dramatic landscape features like Percé Rock and the red rock shores.
There are plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, water activities, and wildlife viewing including birdwatching and whale-watching.
You can find up to 13 different types of whales in the coastal waters of the St. Lawrence. Watch for humpback and the largest mammal on earth, the blue whale. There are various whale watching adventures available at Bas-Saint-Laurent, Gaspesie and Cote-Nord that allow you to watch these incredible creatures in their natural environment.
Learn about the rich diverse cultures of English Loyalists, Acadians, the Basque, the Irish, Jersey Islanders, and First Nations peoples.
Sample unique culinary delights and shop for handcrafted wares from the many artisans along the way.
Take the Tadoussac – Québec 138 ferry to Tadoussac
The Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park
From May through October view a variety of whales and other migratory marine species along the St. Lawrence Marine Park.
There are many at-risk species found in the waters here. The Blue Whale, the world’s largest whale species, is one of them.
The Beluga Whale gives birth in several areas of the marine park. Find out more about the park.
Forillon National Park
Impressive seascape and mountain views can be found in Forillon, Quebec’s first National Park. Explore a number of heritage sites as well as the Cape Gaspé Lighthouse.
Find out more about Forillon National Park.
Stunning sunset views from Forillon National Park. Photo: Parks Canada
Miguasha National Park an UNESCO World Heritage Site
Twenty-one different types of fish have been discovered in the rich fossil beds at Miguasha National Park.
It’s hard to image that more than 360 million years ago, this entire area had a tropical climate with warm waters.
The fossils found at this location are from the last two million years. This Devonian period “Age of Fishes” fossil site is the only one designated as an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This site is significant scientific find showing proof of major steps in evolution. Evidence indicates some fish here evolved into four-limbed animals.
Northern shore of the Gaspé Peninsula found on one of the most scenic drives in Quebec. Photo: Michel Laverdière, Tourism Quebec
Red rock shores of the Gaspé Peninsula on one of the most scenic drives in Quebec. Photo: Tourism Quebec
Route 132, one of the most scenic roads in Quebec, along the north shore of Gaspé Peninsula. Photo Mathieu Dupuis Gaspésie Tourism
The incredible natural environment of Parc national de l’Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher‑Percé features:
- The impressive Percé Rock found at the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula.
- Île Bonaventure (Bonaventure Island), home to the largest migratory bird sanctuary in North America. It has 11 different species of more than 200,000 breeding birds. Here you can see North America’s largest colony of 110,000 Northern Gannet.
Find out more about the park and download the Discovery Guide.
Admire breathtaking views of Percé Rock from the Percé UNESCO Global Geopark’s suspended glass platform. The platform is perched 200 metres-high on the edge of a cliff.
Discover more about this region’s national parks and other natural sites.
View of Percé Rock on one of Quebec’s most scenic drives travelling around the Gaspe Peninsula. Credit: By François Rivard,Tourism Quebec
Wendy Nordvik-Carr is a highly regarded travel writer who produces quality, well-researched articles with stunning photography and video.
She seeks out authentic experiences showcasing the people, culture and history that make each destination unique. Her focus is on solo, couple and multigenerational travel through cruising, air and road trip adventures.
Wendy is the editor & writer for LifesIncredibleJourney.com, a travel site that encourages exploration of destinations near & far.
She is a TMAC Director, Chair, National Governance Committee and Chair of TMAC's BC & Yukon Chapter, as well as a member of SATW and NATJA.
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