Would you like to experience outdoor adventures while surrounded by exceptional scenery? From enchanting trails to fascinating wildlife and unspoiled beaches, Québec by the Sea has it all! Discover these five must-see stops to add to your itinerary for a great nature getaway in our regions.

Croisières Baie de Gaspé

Embark on an excursion that combines the immensity of the Gulf of St. Lawrence with the magic of encountering whales! Far from the crowds, Croisières Baie de Gaspé offers you an amazing whale-watching experience in spectacular Forillon National Park. Board the Narval III or the Rocher Le Vieux at the enchanting Grande-Grave site and set off to discover cetaceans with an expert captain and a passionate guide.

During this excursion, you’ll encounter up to six species of whales, including majestic blue whales and impressive humpbacks, while learning the secrets of these giants of the sea and their fascinating ecosystem. This adventure is an authentic immersion in the wilds of Gaspésie. So are you tempted to include this unforgettable experience in your next nature getaway in Québec by the Sea?

Where to go

Cruises depart from the Grande-Grave wharf, which is about 7 km (4 mi.) from the South Area entrance to Forillon National Park, in Gaspésie.

When to go

These whale-watching cruises are offered from early June to mid-October.

Événements Gaspesia

Sports enthusiasts and outdoor lovers, get ready to experience the unexpected! Throughout the spring and fall, Événements Gaspesia organizes a series of racing events that are designed to turn Gaspésie into a huge natural playground while providing trail and road runners with the opportunity to challenges themselves in spectacular surroundings.

In 2025, these events include:

• Ultra Trail Gaspesia 100 (UTG100) – June 13 to 15, 2025: An epic 10th edition of these ultra trail-running races in Percé, between sea and mountains!
• Ultra Trail Forillon – September 19 to 21, 2025: Up to 160 km (100 mi.) of trail running in Forillon National Park
• Marathon Gaspésia – October 25, 2025: A series of road-running races ranging in length from 1 km to a full marathon in scenic Percé in the fall

Where to go

All of these events take place in the Percé and Gaspé areas in Gaspésie.

When to go

The races are June 13 to 15, September 19 to 21, and October 25, 2025.

Parc national du Lac-Témiscouata

Offering 10 trails stretching over about 40 km (25 mi.) through breathtaking scenery, Parc national du Lac-Témiscouata is a hiker’s paradise. Among the park’s treasures, the Grey-Owl trail invites you to discover 11 km (7 mi.) of Lake Témiscouata’s quiet banks, where the serenity of this area is revealed with every step. If you’re looking for a more challenging hike, the 5.8-km (3.5-mi.) Montagne-à-Fourneau trail will plunge you into a lush forest before rewarding you with a dazzling view of the lake. Families will enjoy exploring the 0.7-km (0.4-mi.) Curious by Nature trail at Grand Lac Touladi, where children can have fun discovering the park’s captivating history through interactive games.

Where to go

The park is in the Témiscouata area in Bas-Saint-Laurent and has three entry points: Saint-Michel-du-Squatec, Dégelis and Saint-Juste-du-Lac (via a ferry).

When to go

While the park is open year-round, most services are available from mid-May to mid-October.

Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve

Enjoy a getaway in one of the most beautiful sites in Québec by the Sea! Made up of about 20 main limestone islands and over a thousand granitic islets, this archipelago in Côte-Nord is an incredible bird-watching destination. The iconic Atlantic puffins are one of the main attractions of the park reserve. In the summer, some of the islands become refuges for these amazing seabirds, offering a unique opportunity to observe them in their natural habitat while exploring the park reserve’s wild and unspoiled landscapes. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just bird-curious, you’ll want to admire the beauty and uniqueness of these colourful birds!

Where to go

To get to the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, you’ll need to take a boat from Havre-Saint-Pierre or Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan in Côte-Nord.

When to go

The best time of year to see Atlantic puffins is from June to mid-August.

Beaches in the Îles de la Madeleine

In the summer or fall, there’s nothing like a stroll along a beach in the Îles de la Madeleine to recharge your batteries! Let yourself be charmed by the Islands’ striking red cliffs and long stretches of golden sand. The deep blue of the sea, soaring seabirds and gentle breezes are sure to create an atmosphere of pure relaxation. You’ll see, you’ll be captivated by the beauty of these beaches! Imagine spotting seals in the distance as you stroll along Old Harry Beach or admiring seashells on De la Martinique Beach. In the fall, you can take advantage of the extra peace and quiet to take magnificent photos or simply savour the tranquility of the Islands at that time of year. With over 300 km (190 mi.) of beaches to choose from, there’s no shortage of options on the archipelago!

Where to go

Located in the middle of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Îles de la Madeleine archipelago is surrounded by beaches.

When to go

The Islands’ beaches are accessible year-round and offer you different experiences every season.

So, which of these sites will you explore during your next nature getaway in Eastern Québec?