Exploring the Spectacular Gaspé Peninsula
About the Trip
August 20-31, 2027 | 12 Days
This 12-day itinerary offers a clear and rewarding way to experience Québec’s cities, coastline and cultural traditions. Begin in Montréal, then follow the St. Lawrence River through small towns and into the Gaspé Peninsula, where coastal drives, historic fishing sites and time at Percé Rock give a strong sense of place. A whale watching cruise and a visit to Forillon National Park add time outdoors, with opportunities to see wildlife and take in the landscape. In Québec City, explore the historic centre on a guided tour, with time to continue at your own pace. Local experiences along the way, including a sugar shack meal and a hands-on copper workshop, bring added depth to this fascinating journey.
Activity Level: Moderate
If you’re somewhat active and have a zest for adventure, then this is the trip level for you. These trips may involve more activities or longer touring days with a full schedule. Excursions will include walking and standing for extended periods, walking tours on uneven surfaces or trails, more actively inclined itineraries and may include coach, boat and rail travel.
Member Exclusive Benefits
We reward all our CAA Members on our Extraordinary Explorations® tours.
- Plaza Premium Lounge pass†
- 50 CAA Dollars®^
- 25% savings on CAA Travel Insurance◊
Extraordinary Experience
CAA has curated an exceptional experience unique to your tour. Details of this experience are listed below:
Albert Gilles Copper Art Studio Visit
Spend time learning the traditional craft of copper repoussé in an immersive hands-on workshop. With guidance, create your own piece using time-honoured techniques and simple tools. Afterwards, sit down for a relaxed tea service with a classic canelé cake to round out the visit.
Package Includes:
- Airfare from Toronto or Winnipeg to Montréal and return from Québec City to Toronto or Winnipeg
- 2-night stay in first-class accommodation in Montréal
- 1-night stay in moderate-class accommodation in Rivière-Du-Loup
- 1-night stay in first-class accommodation in Pointe-à-la-Croix
- 2-night stay in moderate-class accommodation in Percé
- 1-night stay in first-class accommodation in Gaspé
- 1-night stay in first-class accommodation in Matane
- 3-night stay in first-class accommodation in Québec City
- 11 breakfast, 2 lunches and 6 dinners
- Land transportation via first-class motorcoach
- Sightseeing and entrance fees as per itinerary
- Professional English-speaking tour director throughout
- Local English-speaking guide
- Destination transfers
Exploring the Spectacular Gaspé Peninsula
Coastal drives, historic sites, whale watching and hands-on experiences shape this 12-day journey through Montréal and the Gaspé region of Québec.
Day 1
Montréal – Depart from Toronto or Winnipeg and fly to Montréal. On arrival, meet your tour director and transfer to your hotel for a two-night stay. (D)
Day 2
Montréal – Join a guided tour of Montréal, including the French Quarter, Old Montréal, Mount Royal and the Olympic Site. Visit Notre-Dame Basilica, then explore Jean-Talon Market at your own pace and enjoy lunch from local vendors. (B)
Day 3
Rivière-du-Loup – Travel along the St. Lawrence River. Stop for a traditional Québécois lunch at a sugar shack before continuing to Rivière-du-Loup. (B/L)
Day 4
Pointe-à-la-Croix – Visit Parc des Chutes to see its 33-metre waterfall, then continue along the Bas-Saint-Laurent coastline into the Gaspésie region, with photo stops along the way. Arrive in Pointe-à-la-Croix in the evening. (B/D)
Day 5
Percé – Follow Route 132 along the breathtaking Gaspé Peninsula. Visit the Banc-de-Pêche-de-Paspébiac Historic Site to learn about the region’s cod fishing history. Continue to Percé for views of Percé Rock. (B/L)
Day 6
Percé – Visit Bonaventure Island and Percé Rock National Park. Take a boat to the island (weather permitting) and explore its trails and wildlife viewpoints. Enjoy a lobster dinner this evening. (B/D)
Day 7
Gaspé – Travel to Gaspé and set out on a whale watching cruise from Forillon National Park. Watch for whales, dolphins and porpoises with commentary from your guide. Evening at leisure. (B/D)
Day 8
Matane – Spend time in Forillon National Park, known for its cliffs, coastline and wildlife. Visit Grande-Grave, a preserved fishing village, before continuing to Matane. (B/D)
Day 9
Québec City –Travel to Québec City with a stop at Les Jardins de Métis (Reford Gardens), a National Historic Site of Canada. (B)
Day 10
Québec City – Take a guided tour of Québec City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the Old City, Place Royale and the Citadel. Afternoon at leisure. (B)
Day 11
Québec City – Visit Montmorency Falls, then continue to the Albert Gilles Copper Art Studio & Museum. Take part in a hands-on workshop and enjoy tea and a canelé. Return to Québec City for a farewell dinner. (B/D)
Day 12
Transfer to Québec City airport for your return flight home. (B)
B - Breakfast | L - Lunch | D - Dinner
Terms & Conditions
*All CAA Member prices are per person, based on double occupancy, in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated and are subject to change without prior notice until final payment is paid. All prices are correct at press time and apply to new bookings only, based on availability at time of booking. To receive CAA Member-exclusive benefits, there must be one valid CAA Member travelling per booking. Non-members booking Extraordinary Explorations will not receive Member-exclusive benefits.
†Plaza Premium Lounge is based on one voucher per person and applies to departures from Canadian airports where applicable. Subject to availability
^CAA Dollars awarded per adult Member. To earn and redeem CAA Dollars, you must be a current CAA Member in good standing (CAA Membership dues paid in full by membership expiry date). CAA Dollars will be credited at time of departure. For more information on CAA Dollars, please visit www.caasco.com/caadollars.
◊ CAA Travel Insurance, an Orion Travel Insurance product, is underwritten by Echelon Insurance. Twenty-five percent (25%) Member savings is made up of a ten percent (10%) Member savings as well as a promotional fifteen percent (15%) savings when you purchase an Extraordinary Explorations tour through CAA Travel, applies to CAA South Central Ontario and CAA Manitoba Members in good standing (CAA Membership dues paid in full by membership expiry date). This promotional offer is valid until December 31, 2027. Ten percent (10%) Member savings applies to Members in good standing of all other CAA clubs. Savings apply to the total premium excluding applicable taxes. Minimum premium applies. Visitors to Canada Insurance is limited to promotional savings. Certain exclusions, limitations and restrictions apply. Subject to change without notice. A Medical Questionnaire may be required to purchase travel insurance.
Extraordinary Explorations vacations are organized and booked by CAA Travel (South Central Ontario) Inc. and CAA Manitoba (“CAA Travel”) on behalf of CAA Club Group (o/a CAA South Central Ontario and CAA Manitoba). In the event of an increase in any of the cost factors, CAA Travel reserves the right to increase the price whereby the provisions of the Travel Industry Act shall prevail. Deposit is non-refundable at the time of booking. Final payment is due 120 days before departure. CAA Extraordinary Explorations packages are 100% non-refundable at final payment. CAA Travel service fee for cancellation prior to final payment varies by program. For full payment terms and conditions, please ask your CAA Travel Consultant. CAA Travel reserves the right to cancel or re-schedule any tour departure in accordance with operating requirements (minimum number of participants) or circumstances beyond its control. Additional fees for checked luggage or other incidentals may be incurred and vary according to itinerary and airline. Air schedules with some tours are not available at press time and may include several connections or forced overnight at passenger’s expense. CAA Travel strongly recommends the purchase of trip cancellation and emergency travel and emergency medical insurance at the time of booking.
Please note: Participants must be able to embark and disembark cruise ships and coaches without assistance as well as have a good level of mobility for walking tours in destinations where stairs and traditional cobblestone streets can be challenging. International transportation vehicles and facilities may not meet accessibility standards.
Flight
IncludedTour Itinerary
Day 1
Montréal
Depart from Toronto or Winnipeg and fly to Montréal. On arrival, meet your tour director and transfer to your hotel for a two-night stay. (D)
Day 2
Montréal
Set out on a guided tour of Montréal, taking in the financial and shopping districts, the charming French Quarter, historic Old Montréal, picturesque Mount Royal and the exterior of the iconic 1976 Olympic Site. Visit the impressive Notre-Dame Basilica before heading to the lively Jean-Talon Market, where you can explore at your own pace and enjoy lunch from one of the local vendors. (B)
Day 3
Rivière-du-Loup
Travel along the St. Lawrence River, passing a mix of towns and countryside. Stop for a traditional Québécois lunch at an authentic sugar shack, then continue to Rivière-du-Loup for an overnight stay. (B/L)
Day 4
Pointe-à-la-Croix
Start the day at Parc des Chutes, known for its 33-metre waterfall viewed from a nearby footbridge. Continue along the beautiful Bas-Saint-Laurent coastline into the Gaspésie region, with time for photo stops along the way to capture the stunning landscapes. Arrive in Pointe-à-la-Croix in the evening. (B/D)
Day 5
Percé
Today’s journey follows Route 132 along the Gaspé Peninsula, with breathtaking views of the coastline throughout the drive. Visit the Banc-de-Pêche-de-Paspébiac Historic Site, where interpreters share the story of the region’s cod fishing past and you can explore the preserved historic buildings. Continue to Percé, ending the day with views of the iconic Percé Rock. (B/L)
Day 6
Percé
Head to Bonaventure Island and Percé Rock National Park, located at the eastern tip of the Gaspé Peninsula. This remarkable protected area is known for its cliffs, coastal scenery and large colony of Northern Gannets. Take a boat to the island (weather permitting), then spend time exploring the trails and viewpoints. This evening, enjoy a lobster dinner featuring local flavours. (B/D)
Day 7
Gaspé
Continue to Gaspé along the scenic Route 132, renowned as one of Québec’s most beautiful coastal drives. From Forillon National Park, you’ll set out on a whale watching cruise with an onboard interpreter to enhance the experience with insightful commentary as you watch for species such as Blue, Humpback and Fin whales, along with dolphins and porpoises. After the cruise, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure in this historic and picturesque seaside city. (B/D)
Day 8
Matane
Spend time exploring the natural beauty of Forillon National Park, where boreal forests and dramatic limestone cliffs meet the sea. The name “Gaspé” derives from the Indigenous word gaspeg, meaning “where the land ends”. Look for wildlife such whales (sometimes visible right from the shore), seals, black bears, moose, foxes and thriving seabird colonies. Visit the Grande-Grave heritage site, a preserved fishing village that reflects life in the 19th century. Continue to Matane for the night. (B/D)
Day 9
Québec City
Travel through the Lower St. Lawrence region to Québec City, stopping to visit Les Jardins de Métis (Reford Gardens), a National Historic Site of Canada. Stroll through a series of garden spaces featuring thousands of plant varieties, including the renowned Himalayan blue poppy. Continue to Québec City. (B)
Day 10
Québec City
Join a guided tour of Québec City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its historic charm. Enjoy exploring the Old City, Lower Town, Place Royale, the Citadel and the ornate city gates of Upper Town. The afternoon is free to explore on your own. (B)
Day 11
Québec City
Visit Montmorency Falls, where an impressive 83-metre cascade drops over cliffs within a beautiful provincial park. Continue along the Côte-de-Beaupré to Château-Richer for a visit to the Albert Gilles Copper Art Studio & Museum. Learn about this long-standing craft tradition and create your own piece in a hands-on workshop. After, enjoy tea and a canelé cake before returning to Québec City. This evening, celebrating your journey with a farewell dinner. (B/D)
Day 12
Transfer to Québec City airport for your return flight to Toronto or Winnipeg. (B)
B - Breakfast | L - Lunch | D - Dinner