ita

I want to travel by car from Montreal to the Gaspe. Is this practical. How long would it take, stopping at interesting places (no hiking). When is the best time for whale watching?

bob_brown

Is driving from Montreal to the Gaspé practical? Well, yes. But! It depends on how much time you have.

The best whale watching is between mid May and perhaps early October.

To drive from Montreal to the town of Gaspé is a long one, all day and then some because you will want to stop for various attractions.

If you are thinking of a day trip, then NO. Too far.

You may be able to take a whale watching cruise from Rivière-du-Loup
on the north shore of the peninsula.

I am not well enough informed enough about whale watching to advise you on this aspect of the trip.

Rivière-du-Loup itself is 5 to 6 hours from Montreal. Even so, to drive from Montreal, take a cruise, and drive back is a lot for just one day. Three days would be much better because there are several good attractions along the north shore.

If you are more interested in whale watching, quite a few operators are based in Tadoussac on the north side of the St. Lawrence estuary.

Erick_L

I've seen whales from the south and north shores of Forillon park, no hiking required. Also from the boat to Bonaventure island in Percé. I believe you can see them in the distance from the St-Lawrence's south coast.

Take the following with a grain of salt... may is a bit early. I *think* august and september are best in Tadoussac. Not sure about Gaspésie though. I believe the whales are in Gaspésie come earlier but in smaller numbers and more spread out. I also "think" blue whales are more common in Gaspésie than in the st-Lawrence.

One sure thing is you'll see seals. If you hear people screaming the F-word while pointing at the water, there's a seal. "Phoque" means seal.

Eibhlin

Ita,

Give me a bit more information and I'll provide you with lots, if required, about a stunning part of Canada - the Gaspe.

Digbydog

Eibhlin, I don't mean to highjack this post, but I too would love to hear more about the Gaspe. We will be at the Gite du Mont Albert and Perce in mid June. It's hard to find lots of information from those who have actually been there.

Erick_L

What kind of info are looking for?

Digbydog

Erick--Any hikes that are particularly good. (I copied the hikes you recommended for the Parc de la Gaspesie from another post.) Interesting towns to visit doing the loop around the peninsula. Good restaurants. We plan to take the boat out to Ile Bonaventure. Are there other activities that are interesting? Thanks!

laverendrye

Don't miss the Reford Gardens (Jardins de Métis) just outside Sainte-Flavie (between Rimouski and Matane). They are fabulous and worth several hours at least.

Erick_L

Digbydog, in Forillon, stick to the short trails between the park's road and the sea. The longer trails inland aren't particulary interesting. If the weather is nice, get up early for the sunrise on cap Bon-Ami and walk up mont St-Alban.

On Bonaventure island, I think it's best to cross the island straight to the Gannet colony and then turn right and walk around the island.

I'm not a reference for restaurant. I'll just suggest the Café Couleur in Barachois, near Percé. The gaufres with wildberries are succulent, served by artists. The walls are covered with their art.

I got the last suggestion from Dan at the Indian Head campground (Tête d'Indien). He's an american who liked the region so much he moved there. He makes a small guide for the Percé region so you can avoid tourist traps (Percé is a bit over-touristy). Don't know if he'll give one if you don't stay there. You can always get boat fares from him and ask for suggestions.

I made a map for cyclists. It might help for others as well. It's only a small sample. There's so much to see in Gaspésie. I actually asked my boss I'd take a pay cut to be tranferred at our Gaspé office.

Click-hold to drag, double-left-click to zoom in, double-right-click to zoom out:

http://www.borealphoto.com/gallery/4544914_csSa9

Digbydog

Thanks Laverendrye! It may be evening when we hit Reford Gardens, but if not, we will stop. Erick--thanks for all the info. It's very helpful. I'm a little worried to hear Perce is touristy. I thought the Gaspe was rather remote and not too touristy. Oh well...