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.