Gaspe Peninsula

Matane is a town on the Gaspé Peninsula in Quebec, on the south shore of the Saint Lawrence River at the mouth of the Matane River. The town is known for its windmills with Quebec’s most important windmill park and is also known as the shrimp capital of the world with its summer festival honoring the little crustacean. The Matane River crosses the town and represents an important salmon river for anglers around the world.

If you like walking and history, try the Promenade des Capitaines, a boardwalk along the river offering a view of the city and presenting its maritime history on informative panels.

It is also possible to rent bikes or sea kayaks. You must visit the marina and the old lighthouse built in 1906 now transformed into a tourist information office.

Take Hwy 195 along Matane River to Matane’s Natural Reserve (40 km south) where you will find Mt. Blanc (945-m altitude), source of the river. Enjoy your favorite activity, fishing, hunting or hiking, in breathtaking scenery. In the short distance between Matane and Saint-Rene-de-Matane, there are three pretty covered bridges.

Cap Chat is nestled between the Chic-Choc Mountains and the St. Lawrence River. This little French city is located on the vast, eastern peninsula of Gaspésie.

Alluding to the sea and land, the peninsula boasts all landscapes, from red cliffs, to dense coniferous forests and barren hilltops that cover with powder snow each winter, creating a haven for winter sport enthusiasts.

Possibly the most recognisable land mark of Cap Chat is the Le Nordias Windmill Park, with a total of 133 windmills powering the surrounding area with green, renewable energy.

Cap-Chat is surrounded by nature. Whether you want to try your hand at fishing in the city’s superb salmon river, or venture into the Chic-Choc mountains, where an array of outdoor activities is on offer.

Enjoy snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, nordic skiing, Hok skiing and mountain trekking in the beautiful Gaspésie National Park. Further east, nature trails lead to a beach which offers unparalleled views of the Chic-Chocs Mountains.