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Quebec · Canada
The southern coast of the Gaspésie: warm-for-Quebec waters, the Miguasha fossil park (a UNESCO World Heritage site), and the Mont Saint-Joseph viewpoint.
In the photo: Baie des Chaleurs in Carleton-sur-Mer
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Get to know the place
Baie des Chaleurs separates the southern coast of the Gaspésie peninsula in Quebec from New Brunswick. The name, given by navigator Jacques Cartier in 1534, recalls the warmth he found there in summer. The bay’s shallow water is usually among the warmest in eastern Quebec.
Carleton-sur-Mer is the main seaside resort, with a lagoon, a stretch of sand and Mont Saint-Joseph, which has an oratory at the top and views over the bay. The region was home to Acadians, Mi’kmaq and Loyalists, and villages such as Bonaventure preserve that history.
About 20 km west of Carleton, Miguasha National Park protects a cliff with fish and plant fossils dating to roughly 380 million years ago, including species linked to the transition of life from water to land. The park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999.
The bay is part of a Gaspésie loop and pairs well with Percé at the far eastern tip of the peninsula.
This destination brings together 1 city: Carleton-sur-Mer.
One destination, many paths
Start with one city or combine several in your itinerary.
Boundaries: Statistics Canada (Statistics Canada Open Licence) / geoBoundaries. Adapted by Cidade Turismo.
✈ Bonaventure Airport (YVB), in Bonaventure · 60 km to Carleton-sur-Mer
Carleton-sur-Mer is about 640 km from Quebec City and about 360 km from Gaspé via Route 132. The regional airport at Bonaventure (YVB) is about 60 km away.
The local experience
A cliff with fish and plant fossils about 380 million years old, with a museum and a guided walk to the beach. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999.
A mountain of about 555 meters behind Carleton-sur-Mer, with a road to the top, a stone oratory and views of Baie des Chaleurs and New Brunswick.
Museum in Bonaventure dedicated to the history and culture of the Acadians in Quebec, with an exhibition about the 1755 deportation and life on Chaleur Bay.
Before you go
A little planning leaves more time to enjoy the journey.
Late June to August, when the water is warmest and Miguasha Park is open. September and early October bring autumn colors to the mountains.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Two days: one for Miguasha and Carleton-sur-Mer, another for Mont Saint-Joseph, the beach and Bonaventure.
Carleton-sur-Mer has hotels and inns facing the bay and campgrounds by the lagoon. Bonaventure and New Richmond offer inns and cottages.
Take your trash with you, follow the signs and support local businesses. In natural areas, follow the visiting guidelines.
Get your questions answered
Visit Miguasha fossil park, climb Mont Saint-Joseph, enjoy Carleton-sur-Mer’s beach and see the Acadian museum in Bonaventure.
It’s among the warmest in eastern Quebec in summer, but still cool for visitors from tropical seas.
Yes. Towns and parks are spread along Route 132.
Two days for Miguasha, Mont Saint-Joseph and the beach.
The same as Montreal and Quebec City: UTC−5, and UTC−4 from March to November.
