Sea Air
Here, the Saint Lawrence River merges with the sea, and the surrounding landscape is stunning and sprawling. Four national parks, impressive historical sites, the famous Percé Rock, flocks of Northern Gannet, whales, and Baie des Chaleurs, one of the most beautiful bays in the world...: welcome to Gaspésie and Bas-Saint- Laurent, where nature and culture are sure to charm you!
At the root of these attractions, you’ll find the stalwart presence of Indigenous communities, essential to understanding Eastern Quebec. Europeans had first contact with this part of the New World by meeting the Gaspésie Mi’kmaq during the 16th century. The Mi’kmaq, divided into three communities across the peninsula, continue to share their culture with the world thanks to remarkable ancestral sites. The Maliseet inhabit the Cacouna region in Bas-Saint-Laurent.
To discover
Communities
Gesgapegiag
Recognized since 1850, the Gesgapegiag community is established on the shore of Chaleurs Bay, at the mouth of the Cascapedia River. Its name means large river in Mi’gmaq. English is the language most widely spoken in the community.
Gespeg
Living in harmony with the nature that surrounds it, the Mi’gmaq community of Gespeg has permanently settled in Gaspé Bay since the 16th century. In Mi’gmaq, Gespeg means the land’s end.
Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk
The Maliseet of Viger First Nation, now known as the Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk, is right next to the municipality of Cacouna. The Maliseet have historically lived off fishing and hunting; their movements along the banks of the St. Lawrence following the seasons.