Percé Rock in Quebec’s Famous Gaspé

In 2009, National Geographic Traveler ranked the Gaspé Peninsula third on its list of the world’s must-see places. Why? Visitors to this region are soon awestruck by Percé Rock and the natural inhabitants of nearby Bonaventure Island.

Rising dramatically from the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Percé Rock is a monolith off the Gaspé Peninsula. Located 750km east of Québec City, this limestone island-peninsula is 450m long, 90m wide and 85m high.

It is one of the world's largest natural arches and is considered a geologically and historically-rich natural icon of Quebec. In fact, it was recently nominated as one of the Seven Wonders of Canada by the CBC.

Percé Rock, translated to English as Pierced Rock, was given its name by the explorer Samuel de Champlain in 1607. He felt that the arch on its seaward end looked as though a needle had cut through the rock.

From May 28 to October 12 each year, brave visitors to the rock can cross the sandbar that appears at low tide - a mere four hour window. During these times, park guides provide information on the geology of Percé Rock, however, the top is not accessible as many birds perch there.

Next to the rock is Bonaventure Island, and together the two form Bonaventure Island and Percé Rock National Park. An interpretation centre in the town of Percé features an exhibition entitled "one rock, one island, one national park," which details the wildlife, geology and history of the area.

The Park extends over a 2km stretch of the coastline, and exhibits a wide variety of flora and fauna. It is also one of the largest and most accessible bird sanctuaries in the world, with more than 280,000 birds. In fact, 293 different species of birds have been recorded here. The most common of these is the Northern Gannet, and the island is home to the largest colony of gannets in the world, with over 121,000 birds.

For those who would prefer to see the rock from the water, a cruise from Percé is a 75-minute trip. And if you’re lucky, you may spot some of the many species of whale that can be seen along the coast.

Enigmatic and fascinating, immortalized by artists, poets and writers, the Gaspé’s Percé Rock is definitely a must see attraction.

GASPÉ PENINSULA GETAWAY

10 Fun Facts about Canada's Maritimes

By Website Editor • May 9, 2023

‘All Aboard!’ for Fall Foliage

By Website Editor • February 14, 2023

‘All Aboard!’ for Fall Foliage

How to Shop for a Packaged Tour

By Jessica • September 27, 2022

The next time you're vacation shopping, be sure to follow these useful tips.

Top 5 Reasons to Travel with Us to the Agawa Canyon

By jessicabullock • August 5, 2022

Here are the top 5 reasons why you should book your Agawa Canyon Adventure with us!

St. Johns, Newfoundland's friendly capital

By Website Editor • May 26, 2021

No trip to Newfoundland is complete without visiting its capital St. John’s. This inviting city is the perfect combination of big-city luxury and small-town charm. And as the oldest and most easterly city in North America, it is also where history lives. Visitors will delight in wandering the narrow, criss-crossing streets carved by horse and carriage over 100 years ago. Many pictures have been snapped of the colourful jellybean row houses wedged together in hidden alleyways and along the city’s steep hills. You’ll be amazed by the famous Battery, where tiny wooden homes still cling valiantly to cliffs ravaged by ocean waves. And hovering over the Battery is Signal Hill and the unmistakable Cabot Tower that guards the summit. It was here in 1901 that Marconi famously received his first wireless transmission across the Atlantic. But in addition to the museums, shops and attractions that you would expect to find in a capital city, St. John’s is located on the water. In fact, the province features over 29,000 kilometres of pristine coastline, enough to stretch back and forth across Canada four times. And there's no better way to enjoy it than by boat. Sail along the shore enjoying its rugged beauty, and encounter natural wonders like whales, icebergs, and seabirds. In fact, many visitors have caught a glimpse of a humpback playfully frolicking or breaching high into the air. Friendly and curious creatures, whales are known to surface just a few metres from tour boats. During spring and early summer, you might also cross paths with a 10,000-year-old iceberg drifting down Iceberg Alley on a southerly migration from Greenland. And keep an eye out for the puffins, kittiwakes, and gannets that reside in the many cliffs, crags, inlets, and islands around the coast, and on the ocean itself. For the nature lover, a trip out to the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve is a must. Comprised of four small islands, this reserve is one of nature's greatest wonders anywhere on earth. In summer, it is home to millions of seabirds that come to shore to nest and raise their young on the four islands. Of course, despite all of this, what you’ll remember most about your trip to Newfoundland, is the people. Friendly faces greet you at every turn, people proud of their history, and eager to make you one of their own.