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Montreal to Gaspésie: the ultimate road trip itinerary

Embarking on a road trip from Montreal to Gaspésie is an unforgettable adventure filled with breathtaking landscapes, charming small towns, and thrilling outdoor activities. Whether you're an avid hiker, a nature lover, or simply someone looking for a scenic escape, Gaspésie has something for everyone.


In this guide, you'll find everything you need to plan your trip—from routes and must-see stops to camping suggestions and pro tips that’ll make your journey smooth and memorable.


📍 How to Get There


We recommend driving to Gaspésie. If you don’t have a car, renting one is a great option. It gives you the freedom to explore all the amazing, spread-out spots along the coast.


  • Distance from Montreal to the farthest point (Forillon National Park): ~12 hours of driving

  • Public transport? Buses are available, but they’re limiting in terms of flexibility and access to natural parks and trails.


Two people in a car with a sunroof, driving towards the ocean on a scenic road. GPS on the dashboard shows a map. Bright, sunny day.
Road trip view

Tip: Start the trip with the mindset that the road is part of the adventure. We’ll recommend some scenic stops on the way that make the drive more exciting and manageable.

People stand on a wooden deck overlooking the ocean at sunset. A gray car is parked nearby. The scene is calm with a vibrant sky.
One of many road stops

🗓️ Best Time to Visit


While Gaspésie is beautiful year-round, this itinerary is designed for late spring to early fall. That’s when:

  • Hiking trails are open (many close in winter).

  • Outdoor activities like kayaking, camping, and wildlife watching are at their best.

  • You can enjoy comfortable weather, blooming landscapes, and fewer driving risks.


👉 Before heading out, check park websites for trail closures, camping sites availability and weather updates:




🏕️ Where to Stay


We camped the entire trip, and honestly, we think it's the best way to experience Gaspésie’s raw beauty. In each section below, we list the exact campsites we stayed at (plus prices).



Want to prep for your camping journey? Check out our Camping in Quebec Guide (Article will be available soon)

📍 Road Trip Stops


These are optional stops, hiking spots, camping ground... worth considering either on your way to Gaspésie or on your way back.



🌊 Chute Montmorency (near Québec City)


  • What to see: 83m waterfall, taller than Niagara!

  • What to do: Walk the stairs to see the falls from below and above.

  • Fitness level: Moderate (lots of stairs)

  • Entrance fee:

    • $5.85 CAD (Quebec residents)

    • $11.70 CAD (non-residents)


💧 Chute de la Chaudière


  • A lesser-known but beautiful 35m-high waterfall

  • Peaceful and surrounded by trails for exploring

  • Great place to picnic or relax

  • Free access


🥾 The Gaspésie Loop


Night 1: Parc National du Bic (Rimouski)


🏞️Why stop here first? It’s the perfect intro to Gaspésie’s coastal beauty and you also just drove 6h at this point.


🥾What to do?


  • Le Grand Tour Hike

    • 8.7 km / 3 hrs /moderate hike

    • Available in summer and only at low tide

    • Features “Dragonstone-like” coastal views. Hello Game of Thrones fans!

Jagged gray rock formations rise by the sea under a cloudy sky, creating a dramatic and serene coastal landscape.
Rocky formation at Bic National Parc trail
  • Sea Kayak Tour (sunset)

    • Guided by Aventures Archipel

    • Seals spotting and stunning ocean views!

    • $71.25/person


  • Visit Rimouski Town

    • Eat at their many restaurants

    • Visit the Historical Maritim Museum (SHMP) to go inside a War submarine

    • Walk along the Marina coast

Black submarine "Onondaga" on rocky shore with colorful chairs in front. Blue sky, grassy foreground, and wooden building in back.
Historical Maritim Museum (SHMP)

🏕️Accommodation? Camping at National parc Bic: $31.50/night + Sepaq entry: $9.85/adult/day


Night 2: Parc National de la Gaspésie (Sainte-Anne-des-Monts)


🏔️Why stop here here? A must for wildlife lovers and hiking enthusiasts!


🥾 Top Hikes? Choose your poison !


  • Mont Jacques-Cartier:

    • 1,268m elevation, offers epic alpine views

    • Difficulty hard


  • Le Tour du Mont Albert

    • 17.3 km / 6–8 hrs / advanced hikers

    • Full loop recommended for panoramic views

Rocky stream flows through a lush, green forest with mountains in the background under a clear blue sky.
Mont Albert Trail
  • Mont Ernest Laforce

    • 4.6 km / ~2 hrs

    • Difficulty easy

    • Best moose-spotting hike (we saw 8 moose on the road alone!)

Moose spotted at Mont Ernest Lafroce trail

🚣Other Activities? Canoeing, paddleboarding, fishing, and even a 3-course meal at Gîte du Mont Albert


🏕️Accommodation? Camping at National parc de la Gaspésie: $42.70/night + Sepaq entry: $9.85/adult/day


TIP : The road from Sainte-Anne-des-Monts to the national park takes at least 30 minutes. If possible, we recommend not driving it at night, as there are a lot of animals, including deer and moose, that sometimes wander onto the road, leading to many accidents each year. 


TIP : Grocery shop before you enter the park—there are no stores nearby!


Night 3: Forillon National Park (Gaspé)


🌊Why stop here? Gaspé is the easternmost city of Gaspésie, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It's a charming, small city that you can easily explore in a few hours, perfect for grabbing a bite before heading to one of Canada's most stunning national parks, Forillon National Park.


🌲What to do there?


  • Mount Saint-Alban Tower Hike: 2–3 hrs with incredible ocean panoramas

    Four friends smile on a wooden lookout above a forest and ocean. They're dressed casually in sporty attire, enjoying a sunny day.
    Group picture at the top at Saint Alban tower hike
  • Cap Bon Ami Beach: Ideal for picnics and a BRIEF COLD swim. You are swimming now in Ocean salt Water


  • Les Graves Hike: Ends at a cliff called “The End of the World”—windy and wild! You will be at the edge of Gaspésie going down stairs and facing incredible winds. Loved it !

    Two smiling people pose by a "Land's End" sign. One gestures joyfully; the other wears a patterned jacket. Green foliage in the background.
    Picture at Land's End sign

🏕️ Accommodation? Camping Forillon: $28.50/night + Park Canada entry: $9 adult/day


TIP : Also don't drive from Parc de la Gaspésie to Forillon park at night because of the wildlife encounter and for it's beautiful coastal views along the way



Night 4: Percé & Bonaventure Island National Park


🪨Why stop here? This small village along the coast is the heart of tourism in Gaspésie. Named after its famous pierced rock, everywhere you go you can grab a postal picture photo

Sunset over a grassy cliff with pine trees, overlooking calm water. Sky displays vibrant orange and purple hues, creating a serene mood.
View along the road

🏞️What to do there?


  • Bonaventure Island: Home to thousands of Northern Gannets

    • Accessible by boat, ticket can be purchased next to the port—aim for a morning or early afternoon trip

    • Part of the Sepaq Park, you can camp there if you are lucky to have a spot !

    • 2–3 hrs loop with cliffside views, bird colonies, and rock formations

    • Boat fee : 45$/adult



  •  Cap Mont-Joli lookout point: For the best view spot of the Perce rock !

    Massive tan and yellow rock formation juts out into blue ocean under clear sky, reflecting warm sunlight. Rugged natural beauty.
    Cap Mont-Joli lookout point
  • La Maison du Pêcheur:

    • Reward yourself with an authentic on the pricier side sea food restaurant.

    • Book at least two days in advance as places get filled up quickly.



🏕️ Accommodation? Camping du Phare à Percé: $40/night 



TIP: This place gets super touristy, and accommodations book up fast—whether for camping or hotels—so it’s best to book your stay ahead of time. Same goes for the boat ride to Bonaventure Island: try to book first thing in the morning or even earlier. And be sure to buy your national park access pass online beforehand, as the signal on the island can be spotty! 


💧 Stopover: Bonaventure River


Between Percé and Carleton-sur-Mer, this crystal-clear river is perfect for paddling.


  • Activity: SUP, kayak, canoe (with Cime Aventure)

  • Book ahead departures are in the morning

  • Price: $39.95 for a 2-hour family tour


Night 5: Carleton-sur-Mer


🌅Why stop here? A charming village in Chaleur Bay with mountain, beaches, and great food.


  • Swim or paddleboard at the beach

  • Hike Mont Saint-Joseph: Amazing views over the region

  • Explore the village: Boutiques and restaurants


Two men in swim trunks stand in shallow sea water under a clear blue sky, one is facing the horizon, creating a relaxed beach scene.
Swimming at Carleton sur Mer Peninsula Camping ground

🏕️ Accommodation? Camping at Carleton-sur-Mer on a peninsula: $37/night


Hell’s Gate Canyon (On your way back)


🌉Why go there? Located near Rimouski, this hidden gem features dramatic canyon views and epic hikes. It will allow you to cut the road back in half.


🌲Things to do at their Park ? Wake up to the soothing sound of a 20-meter-high waterfall right by your campsite. From there, take a short trail leading to a breathtaking 63-meter-high suspension bridge—the highest in Quebec! Feeling adventurous? Tackle the “Descent into Hell” trail, where you’ll descend 300 steps deep into the canyon. Just don’t forget—you’ll have to climb them all back up!

Four people stand on a bridge overlooking a forested canyon. The bridge has a metal and wood railing. The mood is serene and observant.
Drone view of the Hell's Canyon

🏕️ Accommodation? Camping at Hell's Canyon: $35/night or Entrance fee $17.75/adult


Final Tips for your trip


  • 📱 Download offline maps before heading out—cell service is spotty in remote areas.

  • 🧺 Pack food & essentials in advance and overpack ! especially for remote parks.

  • 🔦 Bring a headlamp for sunset hikes.

  • 📅 Reserve your camping and activities ahead of time—summer gets booked fast!

  • 🛶 Try at least one water activity—Gaspésie is made for it!

  • 🦞 Try at least one sea food meal— Won't get any fresher than that !

  • 🫂 Chose well your friend group—Don't forget it's a minimum of 25h road trip

2 Comments

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Guest
Apr 17
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

very nice trip

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Guest
Apr 15
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

Best itinerary!

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Hello! My name is Hisham Ibrahim, and I’m thrilled to share my travel journey with you. Three years ago, I took the leap into the world of traveling and camping, and it has truly transformed my life.


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