The Cradle of Canada
The Cradle of Canada, Gaspé's historic site, brings to life the country's origins and heritage
In downtown Gaspé, the Cradle of Canada is a historic and cultural site that tells the story of the country's origins. It was here that Jacques Cartier dropped anchor in 1534, marking an important page in Canadian history. Today, the site comes alive with exhibitions, guided tours, shows and activities that bring memory and living culture together. Soirées Desjardins, 5 à 7 at Taverne Baker and printing workshops add to the experience, making it a festive, accessible and unifying place. With its exceptional view of Gaspé Bay, the Berceau du Canada is a must-see for combining historical discovery and cultural pleasure.
Discover the full program on the Berceau du Canada website.
Our other activities
Discover the hidden treasures of our region.
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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.
