Water activities
Discover water activities in Gaspé: whale watching, sea kayaking, sailing, fishing, paddleboarding, surfing, and kitesurfing amidst breathtaking scenery.
Whale watching in Gaspé
From Forillon National Park or the Gaspé marina, boats head out toward one of the
richest areas of the St. Lawrence: the Banc-des-Américains Marine Protected Area. Up to thirteen species of whales frequent these feeding grounds, where currents bring an abundance of life to the surface.
Humpback whales, fin whales, minke whales, porpoises, Atlantic white-sided dolphins, and blue whales—the largest animals to have ever lived on Earth, and unfortunately endangered—often cross paths with visitors. Harbor seals, gray seals, and seabirds complete the picture. Here, whale watching takes place in a magnificent setting. Cliffs, open sea, and an endless horizon make Gaspé one of the most beautiful places in Quebec to admire these marine giants.
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Sailing and sailboat excursions in Gaspé
The marinas in Gaspé and Rivière-au-Renard welcome both visiting sailors and locals, for
whom sailing is a natural part of daily life. Many head out after work, follow the evening breeze, or participate in local regattas.
Gaspé Bay, vast and naturally sheltered, offers ideal sailing conditions. Whether it's a sunset cruise, a sailing lesson, or a stopover during a long maritime voyage, the water invites you to set sail.
A sailing school located at the Gaspé marina offers lessons for beginners and experts alike, while local companies provide guided excursions to discover the coast from the deck of a sailboat.
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Sport fishing and sea fishing in Gaspé
In Rivière-au-Renard and L’Anse-au-Griffon, fishing has been part of the landscape for generations. At the Grande-Grave wharf in Forillon National Park, lines are cast to the rhythm of the tides and local conversation. People come here for mackerel, striped bass, or simply for the pleasure of being by the water.
Fishing is also enjoyed at sea, on rivers, or in lakes: crab, lobster,
and shrimp offshore, salmon in the rivers, and trout in the region's lakes. It is an activity deeply rooted in Gaspé culture, always practiced with respect for the seasons and regulations.
Departing from Cap-des-Rosiers in Forillon National Park, guided excursions offer an introduction to sea fishing with all the necessary equipment provided. It is a unique opportunity to experience this maritime tradition and, perhaps, head home with the guide's favorite recipe!
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Sea kayaking in Gaspé
Paddle through Gaspé Bay or along the cliffs of Forillon National Park,
is to discover the coast from the water's edge. The silence of a kayak allows you to observe seals and seabirds while appreciating the quiet power of the landscape.
Departing from Grande-Grave or Cap-aux-Os, guided excursions are offered near the Petit-Gaspé seal colony. These outings are conducted in compliance with observation distance guidelines and current regulations, allowing for a privileged and safe encounter with the wildlife.
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Paddle boarding, surfing, and kitesurfing in Gaspé
At Haldimand Beach and in several areas of the bay, the sea changes with the rhythm of the wind and tides. Some days, it is calm and invites you to enjoy the gentle pace of paddle boarding. Other times, it comes alive and becomes a playground for kitesurfing and surfing.
Before heading out on the water, it is essential
to carefully assess weather conditions, currents, and the influence of the tides. Flotation devices, appropriate clothing, and communication tools are essential.
Because here, these bodies of water are not lakes: this is the sea.
Our other activities
Discover the hidden treasures of our region.
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.
