Let’s plan for an unforgettable road trip through Québec’s maritime regions. From the dramatic coastlines of Gaspésie to the quaint villages of Bas-Saint-Laurent, this journey is packed with stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and endless opportunities to connect with nature.

Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or just looking for a scenic escape, Québec by the sea has something for everyone.

Here is my itinerary for my Québec trip in June, complete with insider tips and must-see spots.

Don’t miss our guide on What and Where to Eat in Québec Maritime Regions!

Let’s hit the road and discover the magic of Québec!

Getting There and Around

First, I explored Québec City for a few days, where I did some sightseeing. Then the adventure kicked off and I took a shuttle at 5:45 AM sharp to get to the Jean-Lesage Airport (YQB), where I took one of the first flights with PAL Airlines to Gaspé’s Michel-Pouliot Airport (YGP). It was a quick hop, and arrival was around 1.5 hours later. Just in time to get a solid breakfast at the airport that keeps the energy up.

Pro tip: Book flights early and double-check PAL’s baggage rules, as they’re a bit stricter than some airlines. That’s because they fly with smaller aircraft to smaller airports.

From Gaspé, a rental car is the way to go. Route 132, the iconic Gaspésie Tour loop, stretches about 900 kilometers (560 miles) and offers jaw-dropping views recognized by Michelin and National Geographic. Roads are well-kept, but some stretches feel remote, keep the gas tank full and a GPS handy. The scenery’s worth every mile, so no rush here.

Québec’s maritime regions are loaded with natural and cultural gems. Here’s what’s on the list:

Percé, Quebec

Percé, a gem in Quebec’s Maritime Region, is a must-visit for its breathtaking coastal beauty and unique natural wonders.

I arrived in the early afternoon to find misty weather, but it was still easy to appreciate its beauty. The good thing about the weather at the coast is that it changes so quickly. I tried relying on the rain radar and weather forecast, but that didn’t really work out. 2-3 hours later I enjoyed the sun.

Musée Le Chafaud in Percé, Quebec, Canada.
Musée Le Chafaud in Percé, Quebec, Canada.

Nestled along the Gulf of St. Lawrence, this charming village is famed for the iconic Percé Rock, a massive limestone formation rising dramatically from the sea, captivating visitors with its sheer scale and striking presence, especially at sunrise or sunset. We passed it twice with the boat, once in mist and once with better weather and from further away.

The nearby Île Bonaventure, a haven for thousands of gannets and puffins, offers unforgettable wildlife encounters through boat tours or hiking trails. See below for more info.

With its vibrant arts scene, fresh seafood, and a serene yet adventurous vibe, Percé blends nature’s grandeur with small-town warmth, making it an ideal destination for those seeking awe-inspiring views and immersive experiences.

Île Bonaventure

A boat ride from Percé lands you at North America’s largest migratory bird refuge. The Northern Gannet colony is a noisy spectacle, and the hiking trails are easy to walk. It goes uphill, but in an easy way, and after 45-60 minutes, you are reaching the gannet colony.

Budget three hours total, including the 60-minute boat trip out, as a minimum. I personally would have liked to stay even longer, watching the birds, and I would have taken an earlier ferry to get there. The last one heads back around 5 pm, and that’s when everyone leaves the island, apart from the birds.

Address: Gannet colony Percé

Percé UNESCO Global Geopark

This site dives into 500 million years of Earth’s history. The glass platform, perched 200 meters (660 feet) up, is a heart-pounding highlight; skip it if heights freak you out, but the views are unreal from any angle. And as you can see, you can even take nice photos from the platform itself, even if the weather isn’t sunny.

It’s quite a hike up that hill, so instead, you could take the shuttle from the Geopark – Pavilion Tektonik.

Address: Glass Platform, Percé, Quebec

Micmac Interpretation Site of Gespeg

Nestled against the mountains and near the forest in Gaspé, Quebec, the Micmac Interpretation Site of Gespeg offers an immersive journey into the rich history and culture of the Mi’gmaq Nation.

It’s located right next to the main road, making it a great stop and an excellent opportunity to learn more about the background and history of First Nation communities in Canada. Many others are more set back, and it’s more of an effort to visit them.

Located in Gespeg, meaning “where the land ends,” this site features a faithful reconstruction of a 17th-century Mi’gmaq village and summer camp, showcasing traditional lifestyles through guided tours and a permanent exhibition.

Visitors can explore ancestral values, such as respect for nature and community solidarity, through authentic artifacts like traditional clothing and hunting tools. The boutique offers handcrafted Mi’gmaq items, including baskets, jewelry, and medicinal plant products, celebrating Indigenous craftsmanship. This is a good spot to buy souvenirs.

It’s open from June to October, and this site provides a profound, authentic experience, honoring the Mi’gmaq’s deep connection to their land and heritage.

Address: 783 Boulevard de Pointe Navarre, Gaspé, Quebec

Forillon National Park

Spanning 245 square kilometers, this park mixes sea, cliffs, and forests. Trails like Les Graves offer whale-watching opps, and the Grande-Grave heritage site tells fishing tales.

I’ve started my visit at the Forillon National Park Interpretation Centre, where I grabbed a sandwich for lunch and a really good coffee at Café DesRosiers.

From there, it’s only a short drive to Sentier Cap Bon-Ami – Mont Saint-Alban. From here, you have an amazing view along the coastline. I even spotted a sea lion on a rock. It’s also possible to take the stairs down to the stone beach.

Address: 1238 Boul de Forillon, Gaspé, Quebec

Waterscape Garden Waterfall

On the road (Rte 132, Mt Laurencelle) towards the Forillon National Park, it’s worth stopping and doing a very short hike into the valley to see the Waterscape Garden Waterfall. The quickest route is only 450 meters, and you have to go into the valley for the first 380 meters. I was able to do it on crutches and with broken ligaments, so if you are relatively fit, you should be fine.

The longer hike is the more scenery one.

It’s not a super huge waterfall, but a pretty one. So it’s definitely worth seeing. This is also a good spot for kids.

Address: Cap-des-Rosiers-Est

Adirondack chairs in Forillon National Park

The hike to the lookout with Adirondack chairs in Forillon National Park, located at the northeast tip of Quebec’s Gaspé Peninsula, is a rewarding adventure that blends stunning coastal views with serene wilderness.

This trail, part of the park’s extensive network, leads to a scenic vantage point overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence, where vibrant red Adirondack chairs invite hikers to pause and soak in the dramatic cliffs, rolling waves, and distant whale blows (if you can spot them from that distance – bring binoculars).

The moderately challenging path winds through lush forests and rugged terrain, offering glimpses of the park’s rich biodiversity. Accessible from the Cap-Gaspé trailhead, this hike encapsulates Forillon’s raw beauty, making it a perfect spot to connect with nature and reflect on the region’s maritime heritage.

I started the hike at the Mont Saint Alban Trail Parking Lot and chose the North-Western route. It’s a tiny bit longer, but not as steep as the other one. As I was on crutches, it was the better choice, and it took me around one hour to reach the top.

That view is definitely worth the hike. Take some water and snacks with you, as the viewing platform is a good spot to rest. You might get attacked by mosquitoes at forest stops, but not so quickly at the top of the tower.

Station de montagne sur mer de Mont-Saint-Pierre

A newer ecotourism spot with epic aerial views, hiking, biking, kayaking and even paragliding. The natural amphitheater vibe is a standout.

I visited the Station de montagne sur mer, which lies on the mountain above Mont-Saint-Pierre, perched on Quebec’s Gaspé Peninsula. That spot offers a thrilling blend of adventure and natural beauty.

You could hike up there, but I would recommend taking the shuttle van from the tourist information center.

When you reach the top, you should definitely watch the captivating video show at Vol libre Mont St-Pierre, which highlights the history of that place. Important: stay until the video finishes completely to see the real highlight and surprise.

This coastal mountain, renowned for its dramatic cliffs and panoramic views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, hosts a multimedia presentation that immerses visitors in the region’s rich history, geology, and cultural significance, showcasing the rugged allure of Mont-Saint-Pierre. And then there are the “flying stones“, which refer to the unique geological phenomenon where wind and erosion create stones that appear to defy gravity, adding a touch of wonder to the landscape. The wind can get so strong that it breaks little slate stones out of the mountain. And instead of falling down, it gets blown up the mountain. That happens with a huge speed that some stones even get stuck into the wooden wall of the station.

As a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, the station also serves as a launch point for tandem hang-gliding with Vue du Ciel, offering breathtaking aerial perspectives of this maritime marvel.

Address: Mont Saint Pierre

Pointe-au-Père Maritime Historic Site

Climb 128 steps up Canada’s second-tallest lighthouse for a 360° St. Lawrence panorama, then hit the Empress of Ireland Museum to unpack a maritime tragedy. And you can board the submarine Onondaga, a 90-metre steel monster, to discover the daily life of the 70 men who were enclosed there for months.

Visiting the Onondaga Submarine

Step aboard the HMCS Onondaga, Canada’s first publicly accessible submarine, at the Pointe-au-Père Maritime Historic Site for a fascinating dive into maritime history.

This 90-meter Oberon-class vessel, operational from 1967 to 2000, offers a self-guided audio tour in English, French, or Spanish, revealing the confined yet intriguing daily life of its 70 crew members. Explore the control room, torpedo room, and living quarters, immersing yourself in the mysterious world of submariners, complete with insights into the vessel’s powerful engines and sonar systems.

As you take this tour, imagine what it would be like to stay on board a submarine for several weeks. The audio tour will help you to do just that. I would recommend watching the film The Boat before your visit – it’s a classic and a must-watch.

Musée Empress of Ireland

The Musée Empress of Ireland at the Pointe-au-Père Maritime Historic Site brings to life the poignant story of the RMS Empress of Ireland, a transatlantic liner that sank in 1914, claiming 1,012 lives in Canada’s greatest maritime tragedy.

Through an immersive exhibition, visitors explore over 200 artifacts, passenger testimonies, and interactive displays tracing the ship’s construction, life aboard, and its tragic 14-minute sinking.

A multisensory show, “The Last Voyage,” recreates the liner’s final moments, offering a moving and educational experience.

I assume everyone has either seen the film Titanic or is familiar with the story behind it. The Empress of Ireland has a similar, lesser-known story. I found it really interesting to find out more about it, and the multisensory show itself was worth a visit to the museum.

Immersive video experience about the Empress of Ireland, Quebec, Canada.
An immersive video experience about the Empress of Ireland, Quebec, Canada.

Pointe-au-Père Lighthouse

Who doesn’t like lighthouses, right?

So make sure to climb the 128 steps of the Pointe-au-Père Lighthouse, the second tallest in Canada at 33 meters, for a guided tour that unveils its pivotal role in St. Lawrence River navigation since 1909.

Located at the Lieu historique national du Phare de Pointe-au-Père, the lighthouse station includes exhibits in the keeper’s house and foghorn shed, showcasing the history of St. Lawrence lighthouses and sound signals.

The panoramic view from the top, overlooking the river and distant Parc national du Bic, makes this a captivating stop for history and nature enthusiasts.

Address: 1000 Rue du Phare, Rimouski, Quebec

Parc national du Bic

Think capes, bays, and islands teeming with seabirds and seals. It’s a photographer’s dream and a chill spot to unwind.

Parc national du Bic, nestled along Quebec’s St. Lawrence River, is a captivating destination where rugged cliffs, tranquil bays, and diverse wildlife create an unforgettable coastal experience.

Renowned for its scenic trails and stunning sunsets, the park is worth a stop at Aventures Archipel, where visitors can snap a memorable photo amid the archipelago’s picturesque islands and rocky shores. That’s also where you can start your kayaking experience. I had no time for that, which I regret, but I’ve seen a group coming back, and the scenery was just perfect for kayaking.

For a breathtaking view over Baie du Ha! Ha!, head to the parc-du-bic-parking-1 spot, offering a panoramic vantage point of the bay’s serene waters framed by rolling hills and distant mountains. This is also a good spot to go SUPing or just to unwind and read a good book.

With opportunities to spot seals, seabirds, and lush forest ecosystems, Parc national du Bic is a haven for nature lovers and photographers alike.

Address: 3382 Québec 132, Rimouski, Quebec

Putep’t-awt Belugas Observation Site

Run by the Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk First Nation, this new deck offers beluga sightings and a digital trail on conservation. The sacred mountain setting adds depth.

Though when we were there, we saw a wall of grey fog. So make sure to have better weather when going there, as the Putep’t-awt Belugas Observation Site, perched atop Gros-Cacouna Mountain in Quebec’s Bas-Saint-Laurent region, offers a unique eco-tourism experience celebrating the endangered beluga whales of the St. Lawrence River.

Meaning “Beluga Trail” in the Wolastoqey language, this 2-km interpretive trail, accessible via a scenic hike or electric shuttle, features cultural panels and digital content highlighting Wolastoqey heritage. At the summit, the observatory’s “Window on Belugas” activity, guided by interpreters, uses advanced technology to immerse visitors in the lives of belugas without disturbing their nursery habitat.

Open from June 21 to September 1, 2025, the site blends breathtaking views, Indigenous culture, and marine conservation, earning a spot among Time Magazine’s 100 greatest places to visit in 2024.

You can park your car at the Boutique D’art Autochtone Matuweskewin (gift shop). Then it’s up to you to decide whether you prefer the hike or the e-shuttle. Also, be sure to visit the shop. Pretty much everything you can buy here is made by the Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk First Nation, and I’m sure you’ll find a good souvenir.

Address: Cacouna, Quebec

Kamouraska

Kamouraska, a picturesque village in Quebec’s Bas-Saint-Laurent region, is a must-visit for its stunning collection of 19th-century homes that exude historic charm and architectural elegance along the St. Lawrence River.

Recognized as one of Quebec’s most beautiful villages, its main street is lined with colorful facades, curved eaves, and large verandas, reflecting the English Picturesque style that harmonizes with the scenic riverfront. We stopped here on our way back to Quebec City, and I would recommend finding a good spot for lunch or a coffee.

This is also a good day trip from Quebec City, just under two hours by car, as it offers ample time to stroll past these heritage gems, explore local boutiques, and enjoy the tranquil waterfront, famed for its breathtaking sunsets. For a deeper experience, an overnight stay at a cozy inn or at a motel allows visitors to savor the village’s culinary delights, such as artisanal chocolates and fresh seafood, making Kamouraska an ideal blend of history, beauty, and relaxation.

Plage Ste-Luce

This is another stop worth visiting.

Nestled along the scenic shores of the St. Lawrence River in Quebec’s Bas-Saint-Laurent region, Plage Ste-Luce is a 2.5-kilometer stretch of sandy beach that captures the essence of maritime charm in the quaint village of Sainte-Luce.

Founded in 1829, this vibrant coastal community is celebrated for its inviting salty air, fiery sunsets, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes it a standout destination for travelers seeking relaxation and adventure. Whether you’re strolling along the shore, marveling at intricate sand sculptures, or soaking in the rich history tied to the nearby Empress of Ireland wreck, Plage Ste-Luce offers an unforgettable experience that blends natural beauty with cultural allure.

On your way to Plage de Sainte-Luce, why not stop at Restaurant Le Matelot to enjoy some locally caught lobster?

Cultural Experiences

Timing this trip around June 21’s National Indigenous Peoples Day means there may be possible celebrations at the Micmac Interpretation Site – think artisan showcases or storytelling, although it’s weather-dependent. June 24’s St. Jean holiday might spark festivities in Gaspé, too, if the skies cooperate.

Both are a chance to soak up Québec’s vibrant “joie de vivre”.

Practical Tips

  • Weather: June’s a mixed bag – cool mornings, warm afternoons, and sudden rain. Pack layers, a waterproof jacket, and sturdy shoes. I learned the hard way more than once: soggy socks kill the vibe.
  • Language: French rules here, but tourist spots get by with English. Learn “bonjour” and “merci”, plus a few phrases – it’ll earn you smiles.
  • Photography: Sunsets over the St. Lawrence are pure gold, and Percé Rock at sunrise is a stunner. Bring a decent camera or a charged phone.
  • Driving: The Gaspé-to-Rimouski haul (5 hours, 385 km) is a slog. Break it up with stops like Mont-Saint-Pierre or a roadside café. Trust me, you’ll need the stretch, a good snack and some coffee.

If you’re looking for accommodation, check out my guide on Where to Stay in Québec’s Maritime Regions.

The Lowdown: Challenges and Why It’s Worth It

This trip isn’t flawless. The early 5:45 AM shuttle to the airport sounds brutal, and I hope there will be some coffee ready. A long day of driving can wear you down, especially if traffic or weather conditions turn sour. And if heights spook you, that glass platform in Percé might not be your dream place.

But here’s the flip side: the payoffs are massive. Gannets diving off Île Bonaventure, belugas popping up in Cacouna, and sunsets that make you forget the road fatigue – it’s all worth it.

Take it slow, plan your stops, and you’ll roll with the punches.

This road trip through Québec’s maritime regions is shaping up to be a wild ride – natural beauty, cultural depth, and those little moments that stick with you.

From rugged Gaspésie cliffs to Bas-Saint-Laurent’s sleepy villages, it’s a slice of Canada that begs to be explored.

For more info, check out Bonjour Québec and Québec Maritime.

Author

  • Travel Dudes

    I'm sure you've had similar experiences I had whilst traveling. You're in a certain place and a fellow traveler, or a local, tip you off on a little-known beach, bar or accommodation. Great travel tips from other travelers or locals always add something special to our travels. That was the inspiration for Travel Dudes.

    View all posts I'm sure you've had similar experiences I had whilst traveling. You're in a certain place and a fellow traveler, or a local, tip you off on a little-known beach, bar or accommodation. Great travel tips from other travelers or locals always add something special to our travels. That was the inspiration for Travel Dudes.

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