When Gaspé wakes up: 6 ways to savour spring
The sun is rising a little higher every day, the snow is slowly giving way to the ground, pebbles are reappearing on the beaches, and the scent of maple is wafting through the air: no doubt about it, spring is here - and Gaspé is slowly waking up. Between nature, gourmet delights and moments of contemplation, this transitional season is perfect for experiencing the region in a whole new way. Here are 6 ways to enjoy spring in Gaspé!
Taste maple products from our region
Spring is sugar time! Even without a traditional sugar shack, maple can be found in markets, restaurant dishes and homemade desserts. If you're lucky enough to boil some maple water yourself, go for it! If not, encourage local producers by buying maple syrup, butter or maple taffy - a true celebration of the Gaspé terroir.
Enjoy the first seafood of the season
From April onwards, Gaspé's fishermen set sail again, and with them comes all the excitement of spring arrivals. Crab traditionally opens the season, heralding the return of the marine flavors that are the pride of the region. To be enjoyed fresh, according to what the sea and the moment have to offer - at the market, in a restaurant or at home.
Walking on quiet beaches
Before the summer crowds arrive, Gaspé's beaches are havens of peace. Haldimand, Cap-aux-Os, Douglastown... Put on your boots (or your water boots!) and set off for a walk among sand, pebbles, ice and driftwood. The wind is still fresh, but the colors are soft and the moments precious.
Watching the return of migratory birds
Spring is the time when birds return to us after the winter. Geese, cormorants, buntings... binoculars are your best ally for enjoying this natural spectacle. Head for the wetlands, the coast or simply your balcony, to marvel at a winged world in full activity.
Rediscovering trails as they become available
Every week, a little more snow melts. Rediscover the trails step by step, between snow, carpet of thorns and first shoots. Bring your crampons or poles - and let yourself be guided by the scent of reborn earth.
Kayaking on Gaspé Bay
As soon as the ice retreats, the water becomes an adventure playground once again. For the more adventurous (and well-equipped!), sea kayaking lets you explore the bay in complete tranquillity, surrounded by reflections of ice, snow-capped mountains and the first sight of marine wildlife.
A beach bonfire with friends, an impromptu picnic in the sun, a photo taken at dawn with your feet in the still-fresh sand... Spring is the season of simple pleasures. And here in Gaspé, they take on a very special flavor.
Gaspé sustainable destination
Sustainable development at the heart of our destination
Escale Gaspé is committed to making sustainable development a central, cross-cutting element of its strategic planning. It is aligned with Croisières du Saint-Laurent's Sustainable Development Strategy and shares its vision for the St. Lawrence destination.
The cruise industry contributes to the socio-economic vitality of Quebec and its regions, while helping to preserve and regenerate ecosystems. The St. Lawrence destination offers a human and sustainable experience with a positive impact, through the bridges we build between visitors and host communities, maritime, tourism and scientific players.
Escale Gaspé has taken action in recent years in terms of sustainable tourism development. It has equipped its cruise lodge with waste-sorting islands and a boutique showcasing local products. It also broadcasts sustainable and responsible tourism awareness content for cruise passengers, via a screen located in its pavilion.
The organization also rolled out its first-ever stakeholder consultation forum in spring 2025, participates regularly in the sustainable tourism best-practice sharing community Les Courants Durables du Saint-Laurent, and takes part in a social acceptability campaign run by Croisières du Saint-Laurent.
Destination Gaspé's brand-new, optimized website also stimulates the local economy and enhances the tourism offering by improving the visibility and appeal of local businesses. It offers a modern, engaging showcase on a centralized platform, while integrating rich content linked to local stories and the region's unique cultural events.
