7 ways to celebrate Gaspesian Day outdoors

Crédits photos: Mathieu Masse, Mym_duro, Sara-Kim Bourdages et l’équipe de Vivre en Gaspésie

The great outdoors is one of Gaspésie’s many treasures! Here are some activities that everyone can enjoy to celebrate Gaspesian Day surrounded by nature.

1. Set out to hunt for agates on the seashore

Spending the day on the beach looking for precious stones is a great activity when the weather is fine. The main beaches where agates can be found in Gaspésie are the ones at Coin-du-Banc, Anse-à-Beaufils and Beaubassin in Bonaventure. You can also find them on Haldimand beach in Gaspé, on Goélands beach in Maria, on Carleton-sur-Mer’s beaches and on the town beaches in Caplan and Saint-Siméon.

2. Set out for a nature walk or run

Walking or jogging on trails in the forest, by the river or along the sea is one of the outdoor activities that give you a chance to appreciate our wonderful region. Here are a few local trails you can use free of charge or almost free:

MRC de la Haute-Gaspésie

• The Baie des Capucins walking trail in Cap-Chat
• Ruisseau-Castor seaside park in Saint-Anne-des-Monts
• The Monts-Saint-Pierre sea & mountain resort
• The Cap-Chat and Marsoui rest areas
• Parc du petit bois trail (part of multi-sports park) in Saint-Anne-des-Monts

MRC de La Côte-de-Gaspé

• The Pointe-Verte trail in Pointe-Saint-Pierre
• The Penouille trail and beach in Forillon National Park
• The Banc trail, Cap-des-Rosiers beach
• The Fort Péninsule trail

The Chaleur Bay RCMs

• The trail near Rivière au grand saut in Maria
• Picot Falls trail
• The Éperlan trail
• The trails at the Domaine du Ruisseau creux in Bonaventure

MRC du Rocher-Percé

• Trails in the Bourg de Pabos park
• The river trail
• The magnificent Percé boardwalk!

3. Take photos

Having access to the great outdoors also means having access to a wealth of natural scenery! You don’t need to be an expert to appreciate Mother Nature’s beauty and play photographer for a day. It’s a great way to rediscover our region from a different angle on a day that celebrates Gaspésie!

4. Picnic on the beach

A fun family picnic at lunchtime, playing in the sand with the kids, or a meal with friends at the end of the day to watch the sun set over the water are great ways to enjoy what Gaspésie has to offer.

Many beaches feature shelters and picnic tables:

• The town beach in Carleton-sur-Mer
• The town beach in Caplan
• Green beach in New-Carlisle
• The Cap d’Espoir beach
• Haldimand beach in Gaspé
• Mont-Saint-Pierre beach
• The Cap-Chat rest area beach

Several beaches have access mats:

• Penouille beach in Gaspé
• Haldimand beach in Gaspé
• Beaubassin beach in Bonaventure
• The Carleton-sur-Mer beach
• Beaux Sables beach in Newport
• Pabos Mills’ 3rd beach

5. Go cycling or take a walk

We’re lucky to have several bike trails in the area. They boast magnificent vistas the like of which are few and far between in Québec. Since they’re paved, you can also roller blade or skateboard on them:

• The network of bike trails on the Carleton-sur-Mer barachois
• The Bonaventure multi-use trail
• The Circuit des Bâtisseurs bike trail in Chandler
• Gaspé bike trail
• The 1st Avenue bike trail in Saint-Anne-des-Monts

For people with reduced mobility, Accès-Cycle offers bicycles adapted for people with disabilities. They are available near several bike trails:

• Écovoile Baie-des-Chaleurs in Carleton-sur-Mer
• Pointe-Taylor Park in New Richmond
• Circuit des Bâtisseurs in Chandler

6. Fish from the wharf

There’s no shortage of wharves in the region! You’ll find one in nearly every village. Many activities take place there, such as mackerel and striped bass fishing. striped bass. Gaspesian Day is the perfect day to go fishing with family and friends from a nearby wharf!

7. Take the time to read outside

The great outdoors in the Gaspésie isn’t just about sports! It’s also about being able to read at the beach, in the forest, by the river, on a mountaintop, and so on. We challenge you to find the best place to read your favourite book.

Let’s be proud of our region! Tag your photos with @Vivre en Gaspésie and use #VivreEnGaspésie to share your daily life in Gaspésie with us!