Exploring the Gaspé Peninsula by motorcycle is an experience you won’t find anywhere else. The diversity of the landscape, between sea and mountains, coastline and cliffs, reaches its peak at Percé Rock and Cap Bon Ami. Riding a motorcycle allows you to feel the wind in your hair and take in all the scents of the sea and the forest. The grand panoramic tour of nearly 900 kilometers follows the coastline and forests of the peninsula along Route 132. However, the Chic-Chocs mountain range, which overlooks the Gaspésie National Park, is worth venturing inland to get a bird’s-eye view. Gaspé is also known for its local gastronomy, featuring fresh seafood and local products. Going on vacation in this corner of the country means making choices, as there is so much to do and see! The Tourisme Gaspésie website lists no fewer than 74 attractions and 196 activities on the 885-kilometer Grand Tour. Discover three itineraries to choose from to immerse yourself in the Gaspé Peninsula, depending on your availability and desires.
The Grand Tour of the Gaspé Peninsula
The Grand Tour of Gaspésie is the most complete route. With a total distance of 885 km, more than 700 km of it is along the coast! Route 132 circles the peninsula, so it’s easy to follow. We choose to start in the north, heading towards Cap-Chat. The trip can last from 3 to 5 days. That may seem like a lot for 900 kilometers, but in Gaspé, time stands still. The average speed slows down because you want to take advantage of every moment to enjoy the diverse seascapes and numerous tourist attractions.
We hop on our motorcycles and head north! After just 25 kilometers, we stop in Métis-sur-Mer for our first break with a view of the river and a visit to the Grand-Métis Gardens for flower lovers. We pass Matane and begin to follow the estuary of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
We stop at Cap-Chat. The Éole project is home to the world’s tallest vertical axis wind turbine. From the panoramic terrace offering a 360-degree view, you can contemplate the enchanting landscape of the Le Nordais wind farm and the surrounding area, including Cap-Chat, the sea, and the majestic Chic-Chocs mountains. The immersion begins!
For more freedom, you can choose the length of your daily itinerary, and a section will be devoted to accommodation and meals.
About 20 kilometers from Cap-Chat, Sainte-Anne-des-Monts is the gateway to the Haute-Gaspésie region. For foodies, the Couleur Chocolat chocolate museum is a must-see. It is also a gateway to explore the Gaspésie National Park on foot, with its magnificent mountainous landscapes and the possibility of seeing moose.
After Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, motorcycle paradise comes into view. The road begins to curve and wind, promising supreme pleasure on two wheels as you lean into the curves with the legal thrill of defying gravity. And what about the scenery!
The red La Martre lighthouse is worth a souvenir photo, and Anse Pleureuse Lake requires a stop at the rest area to enjoy the charm of the still waters surrounded by the Chics-Chocs mountains. Less than 100 kilometers away, with many twists and turns, another rest area, Grande Vallée, will take you to new heights. A majestic view of the river and the village nestled in the cove, with its distinctive church. Continue along the road. No, you’re not dreaming, you’re driving along the St. Lawrence River, enjoying the many curves and incredible scenery. You are entering Forillon National Park. A stop is a must to enjoy the view from the Cap Bon Ami lookout with the orange-hued cliffs of Forillon plunging into the sea.
Stop in Gaspé
After enjoying the park’s attractions, not to mention its waterfalls, a stop in Gaspé is a must. This town is considered the birthplace of Canada since Jacques Cartier erected a cross here in 1534.
It’s time to head for the jewel of the Gaspé Peninsula, Percé Rock. Take the time to enjoy the winding asphalt road. At the bend in the road, stop at the Pic de l’Aurore rest area. Finally, there it is, in the distance, the famous Percé Rock and its legendary cliff.
For the traditional photo, head to the Côte Surprise rest area on the east side of the village of Percé. Include part of your motorcycle in the photo to make it unique.
It would be a shame not to linger a while in the village and its surroundings.
Then it’s time to hit the road again to Bonaventure. The river flows into Chaleur Bay, where you can see a barachois. This typical Gaspé name describes a small, shallow bay with a sandbar cut by a channel. Beaubassin Beach is a dream spot for swimming in the sea.
Carleton-sur-Mer is one of the seaside towns where you can enjoy good food and a good night’s sleep by the sea. Avenue du Phare, which runs along Pointe Tracadigache, offers a privileged view of the local barachois. At the end, you can take a photo of yourself next to the lighthouse.
It’s time to head inland to the Matapédia Valley to reach Sainte-Flavie and complete the loop. But take your time to enjoy attractions such as salmon rivers and covered bridges. In Routhierville, you’ll find the longest covered bridge in Eastern Quebec.
Accommodations and dining options
When it comes to lodging and dining, you’ll end your trip in Sainte-Flavie with the Saveurs Gaspésiennes package at the Gaspésiana, which includes dinner, a night with a view of the river, and breakfast at the Au Goût du Large restaurant.
During your trip, we recommend the Hôtel-Motel Grande-Vallée and its restaurant, L’Aubergine (ask for a room with a view of the St. Lawrence River), as well as the panoramic restaurant at the Hôtel La Normandie, which offers a view of Percé Rock (reservations recommended).
The Riôtel hotel group has establishments in Matane, Percé, Bonaventure, and Carleton-sur-Mer, with restaurants included: Le Cargo, Le Paqbo, Le Kano, and Rest-pub St-Joseph. The group offers an attractive turnkey package of three nights or more in at least two of its four establishments, including breakfast and dinner. You can even upgrade with the “all-you-can-eat lobster” offer. In Carleton-sur-Mer, the Rest-pub St-Joseph will introduce you to its famous seafood poutine. The package even includes an exclusive discount card valid at certain tourist attractions in the Gaspé Peninsula.
In the Matapédia Valley, L’Auberge l’Ambassadeur in Amqui is a good choice (described below), as is the Sélectôtel Amqui Pastali, which offers many services, not to mention delicious comfort food. Because the Gaspé Peninsula is the place to enjoy fresh fish and seafood, served with a warm welcome and a hint of accent.
Alternative itineraries
The Gaspé Peninsula is a place you’ll want to come back to again and again. So, there are two other alternative itineraries that are shorter and less well known.
The Petite Gaspésie tour
The first itinerary is called La Petite Gaspésie. Covering 545 kilometers, it combines the beauty of the coast with the wild charm of the hinterland. Starting in Sainte-Flavie, it goes up to Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, then branches off onto Route 299 to cross sideways to New Richmond. You enter the Chic-Chocs and are surrounded by mountains rising to an altitude of 1,000 meters. In the middle of this haven of peace, the Gîte du Mont-Albert welcomes you for a quality local meal or a comfortable stay, including an outdoor swimming pool. You are in the middle of nature, there is no cell phone reception in some places and no shops (fill up your motorcycle). The road is paved, but moose have the right of way. You will follow the Cascapédia River until you reach the other side of the bay, in Chaleur Bay. The scenery changes as you pass through Carleton-sur-Mer, then cross back over land through the Matapédia Valley and its sparkling rivers. The Philomène Falls (33 meters) can be seen from a suspended platform overlooking them.
It’s time to head to Sainte-Flavie and visit the Marcel Gagnon Art Center, which houses an art gallery, an inn, a restaurant, and a boutique in an unusual setting.
La Virée tour
The second route is called La Virée. At 233 kilometers long, it’s ideal for a day trip. This loop starting from Sainte-Flavie will take you along the little-known Route 195, connecting Matane to Amqui. You will follow the picturesque Matane River. I recommend stopping at the covered bridge in Saint-René-de-Matane to admire the scenery. You will enjoy the rolling roads with the Chic-Chocs as a backdrop in the Saint-Tharcisius area. In Amqui, try the Auberge de l’Ambassadeur in the city center, with its gourmet restaurant and swimming pool. This year, it is adding a new Pavillon Beauséjour with inn-style rooms.
Whether you’re staying for a week or a day, there’s always something new to discover in the Gaspé Peninsula, and a motorcycle is the perfect way to enjoy all its attractions.
