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.
Let’s hit the road and discover the magic of Québec!
Getting There and Around
First I’ll explore Québec City for a few days, where I’ll do some sightseeing. Then the adventure kicks off and I’ll take a shuttle at 5:45 AM sharp to get to the Jean-Lesage Airport (YQB), where I’ll catch one of the first flights with PAL Airlines to Gaspé’s Michel-Pouliot Airport (YGP). It’s a quick hop and arrival is 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.
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.
Where to Stay
Accommodations on this trip blend comfort with local charm. Here’s where I’ll be crashing:
Hôtel-Motel le Mirage
This spot boasts killer views of Percé Rock and Bonaventure Island. The 67 rooms are top-notch, and the vibe is warm and welcoming—perfect after a long day.
Address: 288 Québec 132, Percé, Quebec
Auberge sous les Arbres
A small, historic gem in downtown Gaspé, this inn mixes old-school decor with modern comforts. The owners treat you like family, which makes it special.
Address: 146 Rue de la Reine, Gaspé, Quebec
Hôtel Rimouski
Right on the St. Lawrence River, this place has 185 cozy rooms, a convention center, and an on-site restaurant (La Brigade 225, see below for more info). It’s a great hub for exploring Bas-Saint-Laurent.
Address: 225 Boulevard René Lepage Est, Rimouski, Quebec
Auberge Comme au Premier Jour
Housed in a restored 1868 presbytery, this eco-friendly inn oozes heritage and serves up local cuisine. The family-run feel seals the deal.
Address: 224 Boulevard Bégin, Saint-Pacôme, Quebec
Must-See Attractions
Québec’s maritime regions are loaded with natural and cultural gems. Here’s what’s on the list:
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.
Address: Glass Platform, Percé, Quebec
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 a blast. Budget three hours total, including the 60-minute boat trip out.
Address: Gannet colony Percé
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.
Address: 1238 Boul de Forillon, Gaspé, Quebec
Micmac Interpretation Site of Gespeg
This Migmaq village replica dives into First Nations history with guided tours and artisan demos. Here you can experience a hands-on look at local roots.
Address: 783 Boulevard de Pointe Navarre, Gaspé, Quebec
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.
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.
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.
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.
Address: Cacouna, Quebec
Cultural Experiences
Timing this trip around June 21’s National Indigenous Peoples Day means possible celebrations at the Micmac Interpretation Site—think artisan showcases or storytelling, though 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”.
Dining Recommendations
Food here is all about fresh catches and local flair. Check these out:
La Maison du Pêcheur
Steps from the wharf, this spot serves killer seafood and maple-fired pizzas. The in-season lobster is a must-try.
Address: 157 Route 132 Ouest, Percé, Quebec
Gaspé Restaurants
I’ll scope out downtown options—expect seafood-heavy menus with a regional twist. Suggestions welcome!
La Brigade 225
Fine dining with a regional edge and a solid wine list. It’s upscale but relaxed.
Address: Hôtel Rimouski, 225 Boulevard René Lepage Est, Quebec
Kamouraska Eateries
This picturesque village has a few gems for local bites—perfect for a laid-back dinner after a day on the road.
Address: Kamouraska
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”—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.
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 driving can wear you down, especially if traffic or weather turns 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.
I’m looking forward to pack my bags, hit the road, and see it for myself.
For more info, check out Bonjour Québec and Québec Maritime.
