The Québec maritime Blog

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Paspébiac National Historic Site, Gaspésie
Mathieu Dupuis
5 Must-See Stops to Discover the Unique Culture of Eastern Québec
Come and celebrate the soul of Québec by the Sea! Embark on an unforgettable journey where every stop immerses you in the inimitable history, culture and flavours of this land. Here are five must-see attractions, each of which reveals a unique aspect of this exhilarating destination!
Fort Ingall
A faithful reconstruction of the British campaign fortress built on this site during a border conflict between Canada and the United States, Fort Ingall is a must-see stop for history buffs. Step back in time by exploring the remains of the original fortification, discovering fascinating exhibitions on the lives of the soldiers at the time and admiring artefacts found during archaeological digs. You can also take part in interactive activities such as the firing of the Noon Gun, which occurs every day at 1 p.m.
More than just a site steeped in history, Fort Ingall also offers an immersive overnight experience in unique accommodations. Spend the night in the dormitory or in Dr. Jean-Étienne Landry’s room to enjoy this historic experience to the fullest!
Where to go
The fort is in Témiscouata-sur-le-Lac, in Bas-Saint-Laurent.
When to go
The site is open from mid-May to Canadian Thanksgiving.
Birthplace of Canada
Travel back in time to the heart of the village of Gaspé as it was in 1900. Discover a cluster of reconstructed historic buildings, including a tavern, general store, authentic heritage residence and much more, each animated by interpreter guides in period costume portraying characters who left their mark on this area. Immerse yourself in the daily lives of Gaspé’s inhabitants of yesteryear through exhibitions of period objects, photographs and dramatizations retelling the story of Gaspé from Jacques Cartier’s arrival in 1534 to the town’s strategic role during the Second World War.
Want to learn even more? Treat yourself to a guided tour, take part in seasonal events and explore a unique heritage trail through the town. Complemented by a multilingual web application, the Birthplace of Canada offers an interactive experience that will immerse you in the region’s rich maritime history.
Where to go
This site is in Gaspé, in Gaspésie.
When to go
The site is open from June 2 to October 31, 2025.
Espace NAPAGA
Imagine an open-air museum where maritime history comes to life! At Espace NAPAGA (formerly Parc du Bourg de Pabos), archaeology and innovation come together to transport you into the life of an 18th-century seigneury. Archaeological digs, authentic artefacts and historical re-enactments unveil an entire past, while immersive interpretive experiences will enrich your discoveries.
Follow in the footsteps of the invisible with Fantöm: The Hunt, a fascinating exploration of the past, or be inspired by Ura: A Celebration of Water, an audio-guided quest celebrating the power of water. You can also put your logic to the test with the interactive Really Real? quiz or the outdoor escape room (this latter activity is offered in French only). To extend your stay, take advantage of the NAPAGA campground, which offers tent and RV sites as well as glamping tents and trailers.
Where to go
This site is in Pabos Mills, near Chandler, in Gaspésie.
When to go
The site is open from mid-June to mid-September.
Dams in Côte-Nord: Manic-5, Manic-2 and Romaine-1
Visiting the iconic dams of Côte-Nord is an opportunity to discover some of Québec’s most impressive hydropower facilities. Monumental symbols of Québec ingenuity surrounded by majestic landscapes, these giants open their doors to you for an unusual experience.
Located on the Manicouagan River, Manic-5 is the largest multiple-arch-and-buttress dam in the world. During a tour of this site, you’ll hear the story of its impressive construction. Further south, the Manic-2 dam houses a 400-tonne rotor turning at 120 rpm and is one of the world’s largest hollow-joint gravity dams. Finally, at Romaine-1, near Havre-Saint-Pierre, you’ll learn more about hydropower generation using the latest technology.
Through fascinating guided tours, explore these monumental infrastructures that supply Québec with renewable energy. Combining science, history and nature, these extraordinary tours are ideal for anyone wishing to understand the power of water and its impact on our daily lives.
Where to go
All three dams are in the region of Côte-Nord: Manic-5 is 215 km (135 mi.) north of Baie-Comeau; Manic-2 is 22 km (14 mi.) north of Baie-Comeau; and Romaine-1 is near Havre-Saint-Pierre.
When to go
All three sites are open from mid-June to late August.
A gourmet tour of the Îles de la Madeleine
During your next stay in the Îles de la Madeleine, let yourself be tempted by a gourmet trail, during which you’ll learn about the history of the archipelago and the Islanders’ bond with their environment as you savour delicious local food.
For example, a visit to the Fumoir d’Antan smokehouse, in Havre-aux-Maisons, is an opportunity to taste the Islands’ famous smoked herring while learning about a tradition handed down from generation to generation. Be sure to also visit the Fromagerie du Pied-de-Vent cheese factory, a cheesemaker economuseum, where you can discover products made from the milk of Canadienne cows, a heritage breed. In Cap-aux-Meules, treat yourself to a foodie break at Gourmande de Nature, which houses a bistro featuring local flavours and a culinary boutique offering takeaway dishes as well as gourmet artisanal products.
These are just a few of the many stops you can make along your tour to enjoy delicious local flavours as well as the Islanders’ legendary hospitality.
Where to go
The gourmet trail will take you to various spots throughout the archipelago, which is in the middle of the Gulf of St. Lawrence
When to go
You can savour this tour at any time of the year.
Are you ready to make memorable cultural discoveries in Québec by the Sea? Start planning your trip today!
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