We all enjoy taking photos of places we visit to preserve memories, to be able to share our experiences with loved ones and even to make other people jealous! And it’s a well-known fact that the maritime regions of Québec are particularly photo-worthy, so you won’t lack for opportunities to take stunning photos in our regions! Here then are 10 not-to-be-missed photo ops: one for each of our national parks.

1. Seals basking in the sun

Seals seem to pose for visitors on the rocks that dot the shoreline of Parc national du Bic, in Bas-Saint-Laurent. While harbour seals are found here year-round, you can also observe grey seals in the park as of mid-July. Interpretive activities about these friendly marine mammals are also offered.

Find out more about Parc national du Bic.

2. A view of the second largest lake south of the St. Lawrence

Parc national du Lac-Témiscouata is nestled in the heart of the Bas-Saint-Laurent forest. Hike up the Montagne-du-Fourneau trail for a stunning view of Lake Témiscouata. You can also enjoy many lake activities in the park, including canoeing, rabaska excursions, stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) and more.

Find out more about Parc national du Lac-Témiscouta.

3. One of 25 peaks over 1000 metres (3300 feet) high

Parc national de la Gaspésie is a popular hiking destination that offers many picture-perfect views: the park contains 25 mountains that are over 1000 metres (3300 feet) high! Which one will you capture: Mt. Albert, Mt. Logan, Mt. Xalibu, Mt. Richardson or Mt. Jacques-Cartier?

Find out more about Parc national de la Gaspésie.

4. A heritage site that harks back to the heyday of the cod fishery

Located at Land’s End, at the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula, Forillon National Park is known for its impressive cliffs as well as the area’s cod-fishing heritage. Head to the Grande-Grave site to travel back in time and take photos of this former fishing village.

Find out more about Forillon National Park.

5. Famous Percé Rock

Gaspésie’s most famous natural landmark, Percé Rock, has been drawing the attention of photographers for decades. Take advantage of a visit to Parc national de l’Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé to capture this stone monolith from as many angles as possible: you can shoot it from the village of Percé (from Mt. Joli, for example), from the wharf, the shore or the sea, and even from Bonaventure Island, home to a northern gannet colony you’ll also want to visit (and photograph!).

Find out more about Parc national de l’Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé.

6. The world’s only complete specimen of Elpistostege watsoni

Located at the edge of Chaleur Bay, in Gaspésie, Parc national de Miguasha has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the quality of its fossils, including the only fully intact specimen of Elpistostege watsoni ever found in the world. Come and see (and photograph!) this fossil that represents the transition between fish and land vertebrates, which occurred some 380 million years ago!

Find out more about Parc national de Miguasha.

7. A whale’s tail

The Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park is one of the best places in the world to observe whales. Whether you opt for an excursion aboard a sightseeing boat, Zodiac or sea kayak or go for a stroll along the shore, you can admire whales in the park from May to October. Be sure to have your camera ready because you never know when one will leap out of the water in front of you!

Find out more about the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park.

8. One of the longest fjords in the world

Over 100 km (60 mi.) long and from 2 to 3 km (1 to 2 mi.) wide, the Saguenay Fjord is sure to impress you! Explore various facets of this majestic waterway during a visit to Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay, in Côte-Nord. Hike along the cliffs for a view from on high or go for a sea kayaking excursion for a more immersive experience of this stunning landscape.

Find out more about Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay.

9. An owl, a crocodile, a wedding cake and the Lady of Niapiskau...

All of these intriguing shapes can be seen among the spectacular limestone monoliths in the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, in Côte-Nord. Find out more about these natural monuments during a guided hike in the park reserve. Take photos and then test your your friends to see if they can identify the different shapes!

Find out more about the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve.

10. White-tailed deer

It’s hard not to take photos of white-tailed deer in Parc national d’Anticosti! Over 160,000 of them make their home on Anticosti Island, in the middle of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, in Côte-Nord. You’re bound to come across them in the park, during a hike, for example.

Find out more about Parc national d’Anticosti.

Are you ready for a photo safari in our national parks this summer? Visit our website to plan your trip and don’t forget your camera!