Gaspe, Canada

The top attraction is undoubtedly Forillon National Park, a place of breathtaking beauty where mountains meet the sea. Located about a 30-45 minute drive from the port, it offers stunning coastal hiking trails, historic sites like the Hyman & Sons General Store, and chances to spot whales and seals from shore.

A visit to the iconic Percé Rock is a must. While the rock itself is viewed from the village of Percé (about an hour away), many shore excursions include a boat tour around this massive limestone formation and nearby Bonaventure Island, a sanctuary for over 100,000 northern gannets.

For those staying closer to town, the Musée de la Gaspésie offers a fantastic overview of the region's history, culture, and maritime heritage, located just a short distance from the port.

The most popular nearby destination is the charming village of Percé, located approximately 60 kilometers (about 37 miles) south of the port. The scenic drive takes about one hour each way.

Percé is the launching point for boat tours around its namesake, the magnificent Percé Rock, and to Bonaventure Island, home to a massive northern gannet colony.

While further afield, some visitors may explore parts of the Chic-Choc Mountains, but a trip to Percé offers the most iconic Gaspésian experience within a typical port day.

Cruise ships dock at the deep-water wharf in Sandy Beach, which is located across the bay from the main town center of Gaspé.

The distance to downtown is approximately 4 kilometers (about 2.5 miles), which is not considered a comfortable walking distance for most visitors. Cruise lines typically provide complimentary shuttle buses to transport passengers to the heart of town, near the tourist information center and shopping district.

The immediate pier area is industrial and has limited amenities, so taking the shuttle into town is the best way to begin your exploration.

The official currency is the Canadian Dollar (CAD).

While some tourist-focused shops may accept US Dollars, it is often at an unfavorable exchange rate, so using local currency is highly recommended.

Credit cards, particularly Visa and MasterCard, are widely accepted in most shops, restaurants, and tour operations.

ATMs are readily available in the town center for withdrawing Canadian Dollars.

Gaspé is considered a very safe destination with a low crime rate, and visitors can feel secure exploring independently.

The primary safety considerations are related to the natural environment. When hiking in Forillon National Park, stay on marked trails, be aware of wildlife such as black bears and moose, and carry water.

When on boat tours, always follow the instructions of the crew. There are no specific areas of town to avoid; standard travel precautions like being aware of your surroundings and keeping valuables secure are sufficient.

The cruise season in Gaspé runs from late spring through early fall (May to October).

Summer months (June to August) are generally pleasant and mild, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 18°C to 25°C (65°F to 77°F).

The fall season (September and October) is cooler, with crisp air and spectacular autumn foliage, but requires warmer clothing. Weather can be unpredictable, and rain showers are possible at any time, so dressing in layers and bringing a waterproof jacket is highly recommended, regardless of the season.

Most cruise passengers explore Gaspé's main attractions via pre-booked shore excursions, which provide coach transportation.

For independent travel, taxis are available at the pier, but they can be limited in number, so expect a potential wait. Ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft are generally not available in this region.

Renting a car is a great option for flexibility, but it's essential to book well in advance due to limited availability. The town of Gaspé itself is walkable, but getting to outlying attractions like Forillon National Park requires transportation.

The main shopping area is located along Rue de la Reine in downtown Gaspé, easily accessible via the port shuttle.

Here you will find a variety of charming local boutiques, galleries, and souvenir shops. Look for unique handcrafted goods from local artisans, including jewelry, pottery, and woodwork.

Popular local products to take home include maple syrup and other maple-infused treats, as well as smoked fish. Prices are generally fixed, and bargaining is not a common practice.