When you visit the maritime regions of Québec, you’ll be thrilled by the variety of activities available. Whether you’re interested in adventurous, contemplative or educational tourism, you’ll find many attractions that’ll meet your tastes and interests. However, since your vacation time is limited, you’ll want to make sure you’re making the right choices… Here then are a few suggestions.

For plant lovers and gardening enthusiasts

Reford Gardens © Reford Gardens

Reford Gardens, Gaspésie

A national historic site of Canada and renowned as one of the world’s most beautiful gardens, the Reford Gardens should definitely be on your list of places to visit, especially since they’re celebrating their 50th anniversary this summer. A variety of activities is planned to mark the occasion, including special exhibits, musical brunches, outdoor movie screenings, shows and special banquets.

You’ll be impressed by the over 3000 species of plants grown in the gardens. And while you’re at it, be sure to visit the International Garden Festival, which, in 2012, showcases the artistic vision and horticultural design of London designers. More details here.

The Reford Gardens are part of the Signature Experiences Collection®.

For animal and nature lovers

Special moment with an animal
© Marc Loiselle/Ferme 5 étoiles

Ferme 5 Étoiles holiday resort, Côte-Nord

A stay at the Ferme 5 Étoiles holiday resort is a unique opportunity to enjoy special moments with animals. Meet the wolves, cougars and bison and, in the morning, help the animal care attendant feed the baby moose as well as deer, raccoons and other animals This is an activity you won’t want to miss!

Stay in a cottage, yurt or campsite in an enchanting setting along the banks of the Saguenay Fjord and enjoy the outdoor activities offered on site: sea kayaking, ATV (quad) excursions, hiking or just relaxing at the health centre, which offers a unique opportunity to commune with nature.

There’s really something for everyone at Ferme 5 Étoiles and you’ll definitely feel closer to nature after your stay at the farm. More details here.

For history buffs

Exhibit at the Musée de la Gaspésie
© Musée de la Gaspésie

Musée de la Gaspésie

Visit the Musée de la Gaspésie and take a tour through the history of the Gaspé Peninsula. The museum’s permanent exhibit provides a unique opportunity to learn more about the Aboriginal presence in Gaspésie, the European settlement of this area and the various industries that marked the region. Take advantage of your visit to see the monument built in honour of Jacques Cartier’s first voyage to the continent in 1534. This summer, the museum also presents an exhibit on the Anglo-Norman origins of several local families. More details here.

 For sailors at heart

Pointe-au-Père Lighthouse
© Pointe-au-Père Maritime Historic Site

Pointe-au-Père Maritime Historic Site, Bas-Saint-Laurent

Are you fascinated by sea stories? Visit the Pointe-au-Père Maritime Historic Site to satisfy your curiosity! First known for its lighthouse, the second highest in Canada, the Pointe-au-Père site witnessed one of the most important shipwrecks in Canadian history when the Empress of Ireland sank offshore in 1914. The site, which will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the sinking in 2014, presents a new multimedia show recounting the tragic event as well as life onboard. On site, you can also visit Canada’s only submarine open to the public, the Onondaga, and learn about the daily lives of submariners through the audio-guided tour. You can even spend the night onboard! More details here.

The Pointe-au-Père Maritime Historic Site is part of the Signature Experiences Collection®.