Making the most of Gaspe
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Passengers can go directly from ship to shore by tender or dock. The safe, secure wharf and gangway lead straight to the Welcome Pavilion, with scenic views over the coast and downtown. The anchor is 0.5 mile from Gaspé Marina, a 5-minute tender ride. At the Welcome Pavilion, find gifts and signature products, phones, internet, tour and visitor information; shuttles, car rentals, buses and taxis wait conveniently outside.
There is another dock about 2 miles to the east, although it is rarely used.
Percé is the most important sight in the whole Gaspe region. English speakers often call it Percy, but it is pronounced “Pehrseh”. It is one of the world’s largest and most famous natural arches. At low tide you may visit it, but do not linger: access lasts only about four hours a day and requires a guide.
Getting around
Every turn on the 100-kilometer route from Gaspé Village to Percé brings dramatic scenery. The road curves gently around capes and over an extraordinary sequence of cliffs and bays, where Gaspé Bay, the Forillon National Park of Canada cliffs, the Malbaie sandbar and legendary Percé Rock combine into a remarkable Canadian East Coast panorama. Reserve a ship excursion or rental car well in advance.
Nearby places
Bonaventure Island is home to the world’s largest nesting colony of gannets.
Food and shopping
Gaspé may be Land’s End, but its shopping choices are far from limited. Local boutiques and artist studios offer a striking range of high-quality, one-of-a-kind items, while two modern shopping centers serve the region. Visitors, cruise passengers and ships’ crews can have their needs handled easily and are never far from familiar comforts.