Gaspe Peninsula Road Trip in Quebec

You're never far from the sight of a church steeple on the Gaspe Peninsula
You're never far from the sight of a church steeple on the Gaspe Peninsula

For years, I’d always wanted to take the time and enjoy a Gaspe Peninsula road trip in Quebec – considered one of Canada’s most scenic drives. But it’s not an easy place to get to. From Quebec City it’s at least a 4.5 hour drive and that’s just to Matane on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River.

Fortunately, one summer I had places I wanted to explore that were either in or adjacent to the Gaspé Peninsula – the hike up Mount Albert in the Chic Chocs and a coastal hike in Forillon National Park.

So I was able to pull of a Gaspe Peninsula road trip. The hikes were accessed from different parts of the Gaspé Peninsula so over a couple of days I had a chance to enjoy world-class scenery – both along the coast and in the woods.

The coastal scenes that unfolded along the Gaspé Peninsula exceeded all my expectations. Even driving through the fog on the second day was beautiful – though that was mostly because the sun was trying so hard to peak through.

I think the prettiest parts of the Gaspe Peninsula road trip are along the south shore of the St. Lawrence River through to Percé Rock. From Percé Rock all the way to Chaleur Bay it’s still pretty, but it’s not nearly as dramatic.

I didn’t get as many photos as I would have liked. I was driving the car alone and didn’t want to cause a traffic accident with any sudden stops. But I truly couldn’t get over the drama as I wound my way along the base of cliffs which from afar looked impossibly steep for a road.

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Enjoy the coastal beauty on a Gaspe Peninsula road trip

Here’s what you’ll see should on a 1,095 km road trip around the Gaspe Peninsula on Route 132 starting in Rivière-du-Loup and finishing in Gaspé.

Allow at least two days. Practice your French as there isn’t much English spoken. Get familiar with the Google translate app.

The road crawls along the base of the mountains on the Gaspe Peninsula
The road crawls along the base of the mountains on the Gaspe Peninsula
Some exquisite shoreline along the Gaspe Peninsula
Some exquisite shoreline seen on a Gaspe Peninsula road trip
Gaspe Peninsula road trip - where there are places to pull off and enjoy a picnic
There are places to pull off and enjoy a picnic on the Gaspe Peninsula road trip
Not much room for a highway along the Gaspe Peninsula
Not much room for a highway along the Gaspe Peninsula
Coming into one of the pretty villages dotting the Gaspe Peninsula
Coming into one of the pretty villages dotting the Gaspe Peninsula
Petite Vallee from above
Petite Vallee from above
At the water's edge in Petite Vallee
At the water’s edge in Petite Vallee
Early morning fog on my second day out driving the Gaspe Peninsula
Early morning fog on my second day of my Gaspe Peninsula road trip
Fog adds a moodiness to a deserted parking lot
Fog adds a moodiness to a deserted parking lot in the Gaspe
Small towns make a big effort to pretty up their waterfront
Small towns make a big effort to pretty up their waterfront
Lots of wood strewn on beaches around the Gaspe Peninsula suggests stormy day
Lots of wood strewn on beaches around the Gaspe Peninsula suggests stormy days
Just outside Forillon National Park on the Gaspe Peninsula
A road trip around the Gaspe Peninsula takes you to Forillon National Park 
Perce Rock comes into view
The town of Perce comes into view
Take the boat trip to Bonaventure Island for great views
Take the boat trip from Perce to Bonaventure Island for great views

Where to stay on a Gaspe Peninsula road trip

There is quite a lot of choice and a range of accommodation options as you travel on a Gaspe Peninsula road trip. There aren’t many truly luxurious places to stay but loads of comfortable ones, many boasting locations on the beach or at the very least as sea view.

Here are some ideas in the towns you pass through.

Matane

The Riotel Matane is located directly on the beach with a view of the St. Lawrence and Matane Rivers. For a B&B option that’s rated exceptional check out Auberge Bruine Océane.

Cap-Chat

Chalets Valmont offers colourful cabins on a beach with a restauarant but also a fully equipped kitchen.

Mont-Louise

If you’d like a well-appointed inn, Auberge L’Amarré should do the trick. Great location and colourful rooms. 

Gaspé

Auberge Sous Les Arbes, rated superb, offers accommodation in Gaspé City. There is a garden and terrace onsite too.

Hôtel Baker, a 40 minute drive from Forillon National Park, offers great water views.

Le 154 Jacques Cartier – offering free bikes for use would be another good choice.

Percé

In Percé, check out Riotel Perce, a hotel rated as fabulous. The views of the famous Percé Rock certainly are. In this town you’re only a boat ride away from Bonaventure Island – home to massive numbers of seabirds and pretty hiking trails.

Further reading on things to do in Quebec in summer

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A road trip around the Gaspe Peninsula in Quebec

 

 

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