For as long as I can remember, I’ve been crossing the border for my summer vacations. I spent my vacations on the other side of the border, seeking solace in the ocean and its waves, its beaches, and the change of scenery.
This year, amid the pandemic AND closed borders, I was really disappointed that I couldn’t recapture that sense of “zen” that the sea air on the U.S. East Coast always gives me. I was sad to have to settle for a vacation right here in Quebec. I had the feeling I wouldn’t enjoy it as much or get as much rest there. That’s when someone suggested the Gaspé Peninsula. The Gaspé Peninsula… Oh, really?
In my mind, the Gaspé Peninsula is gray, cold, and windy. In my mind, the Gaspé Peninsula is Franglais It’s fishermen whose wrinkles are deepened by the hardships of their trade; it’s endless forest roads; it’s hunters with moose heads strapped to the roofs of their pick -up.
But anyway, this year, that's all I can hope for, so we'll just have to make do. I so, the pack my stock (I'm already practicing my (Franglais). Lots of warm clothes, a few lighter summer items—just in case. And here I am, ready to go… I didn't think I'd be confronted so much—in a good way—with my own prejudices!
We’re racking up the kilometers. The further we go, the more the river’s presence becomes visible and palpable. We take Highway 132, and it’s at that exact moment—in Rimouski—that I feel myself being transported into a whole new world. The American East Coast has absolutely nothing on this beautiful region of our own. The further we drive, the more incredible the landscapes become! From village to village—the whales, the seals, the birds, the sea air, the rocks—everything is extraordinarily beautiful. The charm of the seascapes never fails to captivate me: I’m completely enchanted.
We started with seven days of camping in Forillon National Park. A wild, idyllic place where you leave all your stress behind at the park entrance. Densely forested, clean, and accessible, this park offers a world of possibilities for on-site activities. For our part, we opted for a short hike (about an hour to complete the loop) leading to an almost exotic waterfall—the kind you only see in movies. A large pier has been built in another section of the park, much to the delight of avid mackerel and striped bass anglers. From there, we watched seals lurking around the fishermen’s lines, on the lookout for easy prey! Several beaches are directly accessible within the park. Water sports enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy at Penouille Beach, with rentals for kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and pedal boats. The sea is generally calm here since it’s a bay.
Next, a visit to Percé was a must! Once again, the scenery is exceptional. The high-altitude views of the sea are well worth the 2-hour drive. Of course, right in the middle of the construction industry’s vacation period, the town of Percé was swamped with tourists wearing masks. Despite that, the natural monument remains impressive to see, and the village surrounding it has a certain charm thanks to its local crafts.
To wrap up our trip, we continued on to the CIME Aventures campground in Bonaventure, in Baie des Chaleurs. A trip down the Bonaventure River is a must-do on your Gaspé itinerary, whether by SUP, kayak, inner tube, or inflatable boat. The water is sometimes crystal-clear, sometimes turquoise. No words are powerful enough to describe its beauty. Four hours of pure bliss under the sun, paddling down this legendary river that ends at the mouth of the ocean, offering yet another breathtaking view.
And here I am again this morning, sitting at my computer, reminiscing about this vacation that will remain etched in my memory forever. It just goes to show—we have to dare to break down the mental barriers we’ve built! The Gaspé Peninsula… For real? Oh yes, for real! #GaspesieI love you #SupportLocal