From mountains to coastlines: Take the Gaspé Peninsula road trip this fall

Vibrant red and golden foliage, cooler temperatures, and amazing seaside views - this pretty much sums up the Gaspé Peninsula road trip experience in the fall. If you are visiting Southern Ontario or Southern Québec, this route will offer you spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Appalachian mountain chain.

One of the most underrated road trip routes in Canada, the Gaspé Peninsula gives you a chance to witness unique locations like Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, Sainte-Flavie, Bonaventure, & more. Here, you can allow yourself to de-stress from the chaotic life of the city and explore the charming towns dressed in gold and amber.

So, without further ado, let’s explore our 7-day Gaspé Peninsula road trip itinerary and see what makes this fall journey so special.

Gaspé Peninsula road trip autumn itinerary - Route 132

For travelers visiting the Gaspé Peninsula for the first time, taking Route 132, which takes you around the whole area, is an ideal option. Usually, it takes 5-7 days to cover the whole route, but many travelers recommend being on the road for at least 7-10 days to discover the Gaspé Peninsula without rushing.

Although you may have the option of taking your personal car for the journey, many travelers prefer renting one to avoid adding extra kilometers to their vehicle. As rentals are available in different categories, you can choose one according to your group size and luggage capacity.

Here’s a brief on the 7-day itinerary:

Day 1: Land in Quebec

If you have decided to rent a car, the decision of whether you want your rental at the airport or in Quebec City Downtown is up to you. As soon as you reach the city, freshen up and get ready to explore the historic heart of French North American civilization. With a limited timeframe, it’s best to visit Old Quebec, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers an incredible mix of cultures.

Key spots to visit: Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, Montmorency Falls, Plains of Abraham, Terrasse Dufferin

Top dishes to try: Gourmet burgers, poutine, Pouding Chômeur, Rabbit Wings, Pâté en Croûte, Foie Gras, Seared Scallops, Clay-Baked Trout, Wild Venison

Where to eat & stay

Day 2: Let’s begin traveling to Rimouski

The next day, we will drive towards Rimouski on Route 132. It perfectly introduces the St. Lawrence coastline by providing incredible waterfront scenery and easy access to nature. Before entering the Gaspé Peninsula, this spot works as a great place for relaxing and getting rejuvenated for the rest of the trip.

Key spots to visit: HMCS Onondaga, Domaine Valga, Parc national du Bic

Top dishes to eat: Local halibut accras, tomato velouté, Nagano pork, Filet de Turbot Et Sa Réduction Béarnaise

Where to eat & stay

Day 3: Head towards Sainte-Anne-des-Monts

The primary gateway to the rugged Chic-Choc Mountains, Sainte-Anne-des-Monts is where the marine environment amalgamates with the alpine landscapes. No matter where you look, the whole location is filled with breathtaking views and remarkable autumn scenery.

During your drive, you will pass by popular locations like Sainte-Flavie & Matane, where you can do plenty of activities like beach fat biking & cycling, salmon fishing, visiting local art galleries, etc. At the end, reach Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, visit nearby markets, and spend a night there.

Key spots to visit: Sainte-Flavie, Matane, Cap-Chat, Parc national de la Gaspésie

Top dishes to try: Lobster and Shrimp Tartine, Seafood Crepes, Coquille, seafood casseroles, Ris de veau

Where to eat & stay

Pro Tip: During the month of October, there are chances that some services might not be available. Like Parc national de la Gaspésie is open in October, but individual facilities, rental offices, and reception services may not be open. Before making any plans, check the details.

Day 4: Next stop - Gaspé

The next day we will head towards Gaspé, a city on the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula. On the way, you will come across these two popular locations: Grande-Vallée & Rivière-au-Renard. There, you can walk through the Galipeault Covered Bridge, enjoy Cap au Large, which offers an immersive 4D movie experience & stroll around Quai Rivière-au-Renard. Reach Gaspé and visit historic lighthouses, iconic landmarks, and stay overnight.

Key spots to visit: Galipeault Covered Bridge, Rivière-au-Renard waterfront, Haldimand Beach and Pointe-à-la-Renommée Lighthouse (open seasonally; check dates before visiting)

Top dishes to try: Pouding Chômeur, Fresh Lobster & Crab, Shrimp Poutine

Where to eat & stay

Day 5: Take scenic journey towards Percé

Let’s begin driving towards Percé on day 5th. This beautiful seaside village is home to the famous Percé Rock, an almost 88-metre-high limestone monolith rising from the Gulf of St. Lawrence, famous for its natural arch. Travelers across the world visit Percé to witness this one-of-a-kind geological creation. The drive from Gaspé to Percé is short and scenic, so you get plenty of time to stroll around the city and immerse yourself in the local culture.

Key spots to visit: Bonaventure Island, Percé UNESCO Global Geopark, Pic de l'Aurore Lookout

Top dishes to try: Boiled cod with pork (traditional lunch), fresh lobster

Where to eat & stay

Day 6: Set off for New Richmond

At the southern stretch of the Gaspé Peninsula and the northern shore of Baie des Chaleurs sits the town of New Richmond. It gives travelers a shift of scenery from Percé’s dramatic cliffs to calmer forests and rivers. Carleton-sur-Mer, Matapédia, and Route 299 are a few of the nearby short detours where fall has spilled its best foliage. Stay in New Richmond overnight.

Key spots to visit: Taylor's Point Park, Tourist resort Pin Rouge, Phare de Pointe-Duthie

Top dishes to try: Tourtière, Pâté chinois

Where to eat & stay

Day 7: End the trip with a stroll at Carleton-sur-Mer

Get up early in the morning, have your breakfast, and ride towards Carleton-sur-Mer that is approximately 30 minutes away. Visit the nearby spots like the Plage municipale et parc des Horizons, Parc régional du Mont Saint-Joseph & more.

Now you can continue your journey back to Quebec and drop off your rental at the selected location. Just make sure to arrive on time and refuel the tank.

Gaspé Peninsula short road trips

The best way to discover the Gaspé Peninsula is by taking a full loop around Route 132 and covering 885km of area. But if you are on a tight schedule, then here are a few shorter routes around this pathway:

Haute-Gaspésie coastal route

Route: Sainte-Anne-des-Monts - Mont-Saint-Pierre - Grande-Vallée - Rivière-au-Renard

Time: 3 hours approx.

Distance: 177 km

This route offers the classic “mountains meet the sea” view, which looks even more alluring during the fall. As the mountain slope gets covered in autumn leaves and chilly air keeps blowing, you definitely would want to add extra stops to your travel plan.

Baie-des-Chaleurs coastal route

Route: Percé - Chandler - Bonaventure - New Richmond - Carleton-sur-Mer - Matapédia

Time: 4 hours approx.

Distance: 266 km

Autumn seasons color the coastlines, forests, and rolling hills into beautiful earthy tones that make spending every km here worth it.

Route 299

Route: Sainte-Anne-des-Monts - Parc national de la Gaspésie - New Richmond

Time: 3 hours approx.

Distance: 143 km

Cutting from the coastal area, Route 299 takes you deep into the forest and alpine region of the Chic-Choc Mountains. Indeed, the view during autumn here is spectacular.

Route 198

Route: L'Anse-Pleureuse - Murdochville - Gaspé

Time: 2 hours approx.

Distance: 132 km

If you want to enjoy the quieter side of Gaspésie, a drive on this route in autumn is a great choice. Surrounded by autumn colors, the inland drive experience here is phenomenal.

Driving in the Gaspé Peninsula road trip this fall

• Weather around fall time changes quickly. Make sure to check the weather before heading out.
• As the sun starts to set early during fall, it’s best to begin your journey at the crack of dawn. This will allow you to visit more scenic routes.
• Some areas between communities may not have fuel topping-up facilities. It’s better to refuel your tank whenever you get a chance.
• Do not rush through scenic sections. Take time to cherish the beautiful routes and winding roads.
• Keep emergency utilities like water, snacks, a phone charger, and warm clothing packed in your car.
• Wildlife is usually on alert during dawn or dusk. Be attentive while driving though quieter areas.

FAQs

• Can I take inland shortcuts?

  If you don’t have enough time to complete the 855km loop, then there are inland shortcuts like Route 299 & Route 198 to get the best of fall foliage.

• What essential documents should you carry for driving a car rental in the Gaspé Peninsula?

  Every person who is coming from abroad and wants to drive a car rental through the Gaspé Peninsula should have:

  • A valid passport
  • A valid International Driver’s Permit (IDP) if it’s not in the Roman or Latin alphabet
  • An original driving license
  • A valid credit card in the name of the main driver

• What are the best scenic routes through the Gaspé Peninsula in autumn?

  Although the whole route of the Gaspé Peninsula is filled with breathtaking views, if you don’t have the time to cover the whole trip, here are some of the best scenic portions:

  • L'Anse-Pleureuse - Murdochville - Gaspé (Route 198)
  • Baie-des-Chaleurs Coastal Route
  • Haute-Gaspésie Coastal Route

• What type of gear should I carry with me for traveling through the Gaspé Peninsula in fall?

  Weather changes in a span of minutes during the fall season in the Gaspé Peninsula, so you need to pack for every scenario, from a warm, sunny afternoon to chilly, cold temperatures. Carry everything from lightweight cotton wear to thick fleece cardigans. A flashlight and offline maps are also recommended, as the interior and parts of the coastline have few remote areas.