Canada’s Birthplace at the Gateway to Quebec! 4 Sightseeing Spots in Gaspé

Gaspé is a small town with a population of about 15,000, located at the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula on the south bank of the St. Lawrence River. This is where French explorer Jacques Cartier first landed as a European and declared French ownership. This Nouvelle-France is considered the foundation of today's Canada, and Gaspé is said to be the birthplace of Canada. Today, it is a naturally rich and quiet town, and many cruise tour ships depart and arrive to tour the vast Gulf of St. Lawrence. This article highlights four recommended sightseeing spots in Gaspé, the beginning of Canada.

1. Gaspé's Cross

In 1534, Jacques Cartier, under the orders of French King François I, explored the Gulf of St. Lawrence with two ships. Cartier, who landed in what is now Gaspé, erected a cross, named it "Nouvelle-France," and declared French ownership.

Nouvelle-France was ceded to Britain and Spain in 1763, but the fact remains that Cartier was the first European to set foot in what is now Canada, which is why Gaspé is called the birthplace of Canada.

To commemorate Cartier's achievements, a new "Gaspé's Cross" was built on the shore of Gaspé as a tourist attraction. It is a tourist spot that can be said to be the identity of Gaspé, important as the birthplace of Canada.

2. Forillon National Park

Forillon National Park is a long, narrow peninsula across a bay from the town of Gaspé. This peninsula, located near the northern end of the Appalachian Mountains that extend from central America, is characterized by its complex and rugged terrain.

From the lighthouse at Cape Gaspé at the tip, you can enjoy a wide view of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The lush park has many waterfalls and streams, and diverse animals such as Canadian porcupines, double-crested cormorants, and salamanders live there.

If you go down to the beach, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the cliffs and the sea, and fully enjoy the great nature of Canada. Because it is a fairly large national park, it is recommended to hire a guide in the town of Gaspé.

3. Percé

If you go south from Gaspé Airport, opposite the town of Gaspé, you will find a small area called Percé. It is a town at the tip of a small peninsula, like Gaspé, and further on, there is a very distinctive rock mass called Percé Rock. It is good to view Percé Rock from the hills behind the town, overlooking the peaceful townscape, or to participate in a tour boat to get closer to the rock and enter the cave.

Also, off the coast of Percé is a small island called Bonaventure Island, which is entirely a national park. In addition to enjoying refreshing hiking, the east coast is a breeding ground for Northern gannets, so many tourists visit for bird watching.

4. Whale Watching

The Gulf of St. Lawrence, which spreads out in front of Gaspé, is both an inland sea and the estuary of the St. Lawrence River. The abundant nutrients brought by the river attract many plankton and fish that feed on them to the bay. Furthermore, many whales can be seen seeking these small fish.

From Gaspé and other ports around the Gulf of St. Lawrence, many whale watching tours operate. There are various types, from large ones that can carry a large number of people to small, high-speed boats. Find a tour that suits your time and purpose. For more adventurous people, it is also interesting to go whale watching on your own by kayak.

◎ Summary

Gaspé itself is a small town, but when you think that the great nation of Canada started here, the mood for sightseeing suddenly increases. The majestic Gulf of St. Lawrence spreads out in front of Gaspé, where you can observe creatures unique to the Canadian sea. If you go up the St. Lawrence River, you will find Quebec City, Montreal, and the Canadian capital Ottawa. If you have time when visiting these cities on the east coast of Canada, please stop by Gaspé.