Plan your Labor Day weekend in Gaspé

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Destination Gaspé
Plan your Labor Day weekend in Gaspé

The Labor Day long weekend is the last big summer getaway. And what better place to enjoy it than Gaspé? Between sea and mountains, our scenic routes lead you from village to village, beach to beach, lighthouse to lighthouse… A perfect road trip to wrap up the summer season in style.

Explore Gaspé's villages

Douglastown - Photo by Mathieu Dupuis

From Fort-Prével to L’Anse-à-Valleau, each village has its own personality and history. Seaside, heritage, charming eateries, or simple stops to admire the scenery: each stop is a delightful surprise. Take the time to wander, walk, and chat with the locals; it's often in these moments that you discover the true soul of Gaspé.

Explore all the villages of Gaspé before you leave and plan your favorite stops!

💡Road trip tip: explore the coast at your own pace and let your desires guide you. A photo, a coffee, a conversation… sometimes, it's the impromptu detours that become the most beautiful memories.

Follow the Lighthouse Route

Cap-des-Rosiers Lighthouse

The Lighthouse Route is a journey in itself. Three stops, three atmospheres, three unforgettable panoramas.

Cap-des-Rosiers Lighthouse - the tallest lighthouse in the country, standing proudly facing the Gulf. An impressive monument, where the ocean seems to stretch as far as the eye can see.

Pointe-à-la-Renommée Lighthouse - perched atop a cliff, it tells the story of sailors and the first maritime radio station in North America. Here, you truly feel the weight of the stories and the grandeur of the landscape.

Cap-Gaspé Lighthouse - at the end of Forillon National Park, a trail leads to this iconic lighthouse. Along the way, the scenery unfolds between forest, sea, and dizzying cliffs. Reaching the end of the world feels magical.

💡Road trip tip: if you arrive from the north coast, take the Pointe-à-la-Renommée → Cap-des-Rosiers → Cap-Gaspé route. If you arrive via Chaleur Bay, do it in reverse. Three lighthouses, three memorable stops, one road that will lead you straight to the heart of Gaspé's maritime history.

Enjoy the beaches

Haldimand - Photo by Mathieu Dupuis

In Gaspé, the beaches are as varied as they are spectacular. Each has its own character, rhythm, and scenery.

The fine sand beaches, like Haldimand, Sandy Beach, or Cap-aux-Os. Here, the soft sand stretches out in golden ribbons. People settle in for a refreshing swim, a game of frisbee, or a long walk, gazing out at the horizon.

The most beautiful fine sand beaches in Gaspé.

The pebble beaches, for example, at Grande-Grave or Anse aux Amérindiens. Here, every step reveals a new treasure: pebbles of various shapes, polished by the waves, displaying an infinite palette of colors. The lapping of the sea on the rounded stones creates a soothing atmosphere, perfect for contemplation or an unforgettable sunset.

Explore Gaspé's pebble beaches.

The mixed beaches, like Anse-au-Griffon or Rivière-au-Renard. With both sand and pebbles, they offer a unique experience. A blend of all the richness the Gaspé coastline has to offer.

Discover the mixed beaches with sand and pebbles.

💡 Road trip tip: visit one of each type of beach during your stay. Three atmospheres, three ways to experience the sea, one unforgettable region.

Explore by bike

Pioneer's Trail, Gaspé cycling path

In Gaspé, cycling is an ideal way to discover the region, whether on asphalt, gravel, or forest trails.

Road and Gravel Biking – Between sea and mountains, the scenic roads and quiet gravel paths offer routes of spectacular beauty. Every turn reveals a new view: cliffs plunging into the sea, lush valleys, picturesque villages. Whether you're a fan of long athletic rides or leisurely rides, road and gravel biking in Gaspé are a must-do experience.

Mountain Biking – For those who prefer adrenaline, Gaspé also offers an exceptional forest playground. Technical trails, dynamic descents, and surprising panoramas await cyclists looking to push their limits. Mountain biking in Gaspé promises an intense adventure, with sustained climbs, dynamic descents, and breathtaking views.

💡 Road trip tip: combine both! One day on scenic roads, another on wooded trails. You'll see Gaspé from two completely different, yet equally magnificent, perspectives.

Taste the local cuisine

Brise-Bise - Photo by Roger St-Laurent

In Gaspé, our food is deeply connected to the land. Freshly prepared seafood, ice-cold craft beers, welcoming cafes for a break between activities… there's always a good reason to stop.

In the evening, some restaurants offer the perfect ambiance to extend your day around a good meal. And for a quick bite, nothing beats the local diners with their regional specialties, a nod to red sauce poutine or shrimp poutine, which are famous in the region.

Check out our full list of local businesses to plan your food stops and savor Gaspé with every bite.

💡 Road trip tip: when you stop at a restaurant or diner, treat yourself to a typical local dish. Choose something you won't find back home. It's the best way to truly taste Gaspé!

Strolling along Rue de la Reine

Rue de la Reine - Photo by Mathieu Dupuis

In the heart of downtown, Rue de la Reine is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll. Local boutiques, welcoming cafes, lively patios… you'll find a friendly atmosphere that reflects the spirit of Gaspé.

It's a chance to pick up a souvenir, discover local artisan creations, or simply stop for a coffee and watch downtown life go by. A lovely way to end the day.

💡 Road trip tip: don't just walk along Rue de la Reine. Take the time to step into the shops, chat with the owners, and connect with the locals. You'll quickly realize that Gaspé is more than just a scenic backdrop: it's a truly welcoming place.

The perfect getaway awaits you

A long weekend in Gaspé is a chance to slow down, be surprised, and leave with memories that will make you want to come back.

👉 Get inspired by our Gaspé must-sees to complete your itinerary.

Gaspé: A Sustainable Destination

Sustainable development at the heart of our destination

Escale Gaspé is committed to making sustainable development a central and cross-cutting element of its strategic planning. It aligns with Cruise the Saint Lawrence's Sustainable Development Strategy and shares its vision for the Saint Lawrence destination.

The cruise industry contributes to the socio-economic vitality of Quebec and its regions, while also participating in the preservation and regeneration of ecosystems. The Saint Lawrence destination offers a positive-impact, human, and sustainable experience, building bridges between visitors and host communities, maritime, tourism, and scientific stakeholders.

Escale Gaspé has taken action in recent years regarding sustainable tourism development. It has equipped its cruise terminal with waste sorting stations and a boutique showcasing local products. It also broadcasts educational content on sustainable and responsible tourism for cruise passengers via a screen located in its terminal.

The organization also launched its very first stakeholder consultation forum in spring 2025, regularly participates in the sustainable tourism best practices sharing community 'Les Courants Durables du Saint-Laurent', and is involved in a social acceptability campaign led by Cruise the Saint Lawrence.

Destination Gaspé's brand new, optimized website also helps stimulate the local economy and enhance the tourism offering by improving the visibility and attractiveness of local businesses. It provides a modern and engaging showcase on a centralized platform, while integrating rich content related to local stories and the region's unique cultural events.