The sea is all around you in the maritime region of Gaspésie. On this peninsula jutting out into the Gulf of St. Lawrence on the eastern edge of the province, water is part of the scenery, accompanying you all along your drive on Route 132 and creating unique landscapes for you to discover. Here are eight beaches to visit during your trip to Gaspésie.

1. Village of Sainte-Flavie

The gateway to Gaspésie, Sainte-Flavie may well be your first stop in the region. As you browse art galleries and explore the waterfront, breathe in the fresh sea air and admire an astonishing procession emerging from the water: about 100 sculpted figures make up Le Grand Rassemblement (The Great Gathering), a large-scale art project you’ll find at the Marcel Gagnon art centre.

2. Cartier Beach, Sainte-Anne-des-Monts

From the vantage point of this pebble beach, you can admire the sea stretching out as far as the eye can see. On the horizon, Côte-Nord is just a thin, barely visible strip of land. At the mouth of the Sainte-Anne River, follow the boardwalk along the water, then return to admire the sun setting over the St. Lawrence.

3. Mont-Saint-Pierre Beach

The small village of Mont-Saint-Pierre perfect illustrates the expression “between sea and mountains.” Recently revitalized, the local sandy beach is nestled between the high cliffs that surround the Station de montagne sur mer. Admire paragliders soaring through the air, relax in a hammock and enjoy playing on the pétanque court or giant chess board.

4. Haldimand Beach, Gaspé

Just a few minutes from the centre of Gaspé, Haldimand Beach offers beautiful scenery, with views across Gaspé Bay of the mountains located in Forillon National Park. Ideal for family swimming, this beach hosts a sandcastle contest every summer.

5. Coin-du-Banc Beach, Percé

Located at the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula, Coin-du-Banc Beach is a local treasure. Keep an eye out for birds and whales as you explore the beach’s 7 km (4 mi.) of sand. Among the shells and colourful pebbles, you may even find a few agates, which are semi-precious gemstones.

6. Îlots Beaux Sables Beach, Chandler

Why go down south for your vacation when you could visit Gaspésie instead? The fine sand and beach huts you’ll find at Îlots Beaux Sables Beach will almost give you the impression you’re in the Caribbean! This is a great place to enjoy breathtaking scenery and a peaceful atmosphere closer to home. Now, will you dare go for a dip in the area’s cool waters?

7. Beaubassin Beach, Bonaventure

Vast and rocky, Beaubassin Beach is an enchanting place to watch the sunset and is generally not very busy. It’s also a good beach for the whole family since it offers play modules to keep the kids entertained. To discover some of the area’s maritime heritage, walk to the nearby Pointe Bonaventure Lighthouse.

8. Beach in Parc des Horizons, Carleton-sur-Mer

Located in Parc des Horizons, just a stone’s throw from the centre of Carleton-sur-Mer, this sand and pebble beach is a great place to go swimming in the warm waters of Chaleur Bay, one of the most beautiful bays in the world. The town also has a water sports centre and volleyball courts, where you can enjoy a variety of activities.

A part of regional identity, the sea offers a wide range of experiences, not to mention breathtaking coastal scenery. The many beaches along Route 132 are treasures you’ll want to discover and enjoy to the fullest with family or friends. Happy travels!