Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine

Running along the south shore of the Gaspé Peninsula, the Baie-des-Chaleurs — the "bay of warmth" — lives up to its name beautifully. Named by Jacques Cartier in 1534, who was struck by the mildness of its waters, it is one of the most peaceful and welcoming bays in eastern Quebec. With its fine sand beaches, its surprisingly temperate water for the region and its blazing sunsets over neighbouring New Brunswick, it appeals to nature lovers and to travellers looking for quiet alike.

The region is full of picturesque villages with colourful houses that recall the Gaspé's Acadian, Scottish, Irish and Québécois heritage. Carleton-sur-Mer, tucked at the foot of the mont Saint-Joseph, is a genuine jewel with its seaside promenade, its good restaurants and its relaxed summer atmosphere. New Richmond, Bonaventure, Maria, Paspébiac and Pointe-à-la-Croix each have their own charm, blending heritage, food and outdoor activities.

Outdoor enthusiasts are happy here in any season. You can sea kayak in the bay, run the magnificent Bonaventure River — one of the clearest in the world — by canoe or inner tube, watch seals at the Banc-de-Paspébiac, hike in Miguasha National Park (a fossil site recognized by UNESCO), or climb the summits of the Réserve faunique des Chic-Chocs a little farther north.

The region also stands out for its cultural life. The Bioparc de Bonaventure lets you discover Quebec wildlife in natural habitat, while the Musée acadien du Québec pays tribute to the rich and moving history of the Acadians. On the food side, the local products are hard to resist: artisanal cheeses, microbreweries, fresh seafood, salt cod and the famous galettes blanches.

With its peaceful pace, its legendary hospitality and its breathtaking landscapes where the sea meets the mountains, the Baie-des-Chaleurs offers an authentic Gaspé experience, well off the beaten path, perfect for decompressing and reconnecting with what matters.

We left in July 2025 for 7 days, in a house we had rented. The idea was to show the Gaspé to our Swiss visitors, since Nany was visiting Quebec that week.

In the heart of Gaspé, on rue de la Reine, the TÉTÛ Taverne Gaspésienne won us over from the first bite. Set on the edge of the bay, this restaurant offers a spectacular view of the water and the mountains from its outdoor terrace — an ideal setting in which to enjoy the maritime flavours of the Gaspé. The restaurant serves artisanal Gaspé cooking made with regional products, house cocktails, beers from Quebec microbreweries, local spirits including more than 40 varieties of gin, scotch, and a wine list made up 100% of private imports. 

The atmosphere is warm and unpretentious, true to the Gaspé spirit. The company's philosophy is to proudly champion our regional and Quebec producers and products in the food as much as in the drinks, from the microbreweries through to the distilleries of the region. On the menu: fish tacos, lobster rolls, duck confit, wood-fired pizzas, tartares — every dish tells a story. A real tribute to the culinary richness of the peninsula.