The Gaspésie is home to stunning landscapes, picturesque villages and places of outstanding beauty. But did you know that the Gaspé Peninsula is also known for its lighthouses, which bear witness to the region's maritime past and still fascinate visitors today? These guardians of the sea offer spectacular views of the cliffs and the St. Lawrence. Read on to learn more about the Gaspésie lighthouses.
Carleton Lighthouse
The Carleton Lighthouse is a must see when visiting this area. Located on Pointe Tracadigache in Carleton-sur-Mer, it is a great place to watch sunsets and take part in cultural events in the summer. The building is a replica of a wooden lighthouse built here in 1911. Originally demolished in 1970, it was rebuilt in the mid-1980s by the local community. You can climb to the top of the tower to see the beacon up close and enjoy a 360-degree view of the landmark. Inside the lighthouse, interpretive panels tell the story of the area's maritime history and its importance to local industry. Visiting this lighthouse is an ideal activity for families and anyone interested in local history (admission free).
Pointe Duthie Lighthouse
A former shipyard located near the town of New Richmond, Duthie Point Monument features a wooden lighthouse built on the edge of the point that is a replica of the original lighthouse that began operating in 1903. The tower is open to the public, you can also discover the old airport and visit the displays of period goods, from handmade household appliances and home furnishings to farm machinery. Get in touch with nature as you explore the vast forest trails on this 33-hectare (82-acre) site.
Pointe Bonaventure Lighthouse
Built in 1902, Pointe Bonaventure Lighthouse is a former navigational aid station in Chaleur Bay, Bonaventure. In 2005, it was moved to the mouth of the Bonaventure River to make it more accessible to the public. The lighthouse is now located near a campsite, picnic areas and a short boardwalk that leads to the end of the waterfront. The building is usually open to the public, so be sure to go upstairs to enjoy the view.
Cap d'Espoir Lighthouse
The Cap-d'Espoir lighthouse is located at the end of the Route du Phare, south of the village of Percé, in the former commune of Cap-d'Espoir. The origin of this toponym is uncertain. In the 17th century it received its nameCape of Hope("Cape of Hope") and afterCape of Despair("Cape of Despair"), possibly reflecting the experience of sailing in the area. The name could also come fromCape of Despairwhat does it sound likeCape of Hopein French. Once a sign of hope and despair for surfers, this site is now a peaceful place to relax and recharge your batteries. You can even rent a lighthouse keeper's house for a week all year round.
Cap-Gaspé Lighthouse
Perched atop the cliff, the Cap-Gaspé Lighthouse offers stunning views of Gaspé Bay and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. To get there, park at the L'Anse-aux-Amérindiens car park in Forillon National Park, then follow the Les Graves trail for 4km (2.5 miles) to the "Land's End" at the end of Forillon. Here you will find the lighthouse, the third built on this site (in 1950) to guide sailors sailing out of Forillon. During your tour, be sure to check out the interpretive panels located in the shed and outside the lighthouse that tell the history of the lighthouse. Also, keep your eyes on the water and with a bit of luck, you might spot a whale! Use your visit to explore the park's hiking trails or enjoy a picnic while admiring the surrounding scenery.
Cap-des-Rosiers Lighthouse
Visit Gaspé to admire Canada's tallest lighthouse! This majestic white tower, 34 meters (112 feet) high, was built between 1853 and 1858 to prevent shipwrecks that frequently occurred in the area. Several interpretive panels will tell you more about this site. You can also take a 45-minute guided tour for a small fee. Climb the 122 steps to the top of the tower and admire the impressive Fresnel lens up close. You will be amazed by the fascinating history of this place and the spectacular view of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. If you prefer to stay at ground level, you can also take a virtual tour. Don't miss the chance to visit this iconic lighthouse!
Pointe-a-la-Fame Lighthouse
The Pointe-à-la-Renommée Lighthouse is located in an area first named Pointe-à-la-Faim (Famine Point) after the shipwreck survivors spent a harsh winter there. The English then called it Point of Fame, which was eventually translated back into French as Pointe-à-la-Renommée (meaning Point of Fame). The lighthouse is reputed to be the most visited lighthouse in the world! Built in 1907, it was dismantled and moved to Quebec City in 1977, only to return to its original location 20 years later thanks to the efforts of a group of dedicated residents. Visit the exhibits at the lighthouse to learn more about this fascinating history, as well as the first marine wireless station in North America (installed here by Marconi). At night, don't miss the dazzling digital sound and light show projected directly from the lighthouse!
Cap-de-la-Madeleine Lighthouse
Cap-de-la-Madeleine Lighthouse, located at the mouth of the Madeleine River near the village of Sainte-Madeleine-de-la-Rivière-Madeleine, has guarded the waters of the St.Lawrence for over a century. Learn more about this lighthouse on a visit to the lighthouse and adjacent museum, which features hundreds of artifacts and period items related to the area's history. At the lighthouse keeper's house, discover a gift shop selling local handicrafts and enjoy a cup of coffee or something to eat on the patio while admiring the view of the St. Lawrence.
Marten's lantern
On route 132, La Martre Lighthouse is not to be missed: it is located between the estuary of St. Lawrence and the Rocks, this bright red tower appears suddenly around a bend in the road near La Martre, a picturesque village of about 250 inhabitants. Built in 1876, it is one of the few wooden lighthouses still surviving the wave of modernization in the early 20th century. Take a guided tour to learn about the history of the site and how the lighting system works with the impressive Fresnel lens, a masterpiece of optical engineering. You can also climb to the top of the tower for a great view of the sea. At the end of your tour, don't miss the chance to handle a miniature version of a foghorn, an experience that will immerse you in the soundscape of the old lighthouses.
Cap-Chat Lighthouse
Relax and rejuvenate surrounded by nature with a visit to the Cap-Chat Lighthouse in Cap-Chat. In the spring and fall, retreats and wellness workshops are offered, allowing visitors to stay in the lighthouse keeper's house and experience life in harmony with the tide under the light of the tower, which has recently begun to shine again. Outside of these periods, the lighthouse keeper's house can be rented for a few nights, offering an authentic experience in a charming setting. You can also take a walk along the coastline to admire the surrounding scenery - be sure to follow the path to the lookout for a stunning view. A complete change of pace and scenery awaits you here!
Matane Lighthouse
Built in 1907, Matane Lighthouse is the most urban lighthouse in St. Lawrence. Inside the lighthouse keeper's house, you will find the tourist information office for the area, as well as a museum that houses a vast collection of photographs, models, tools and other items related to La Matanie's maritime history. Take a guided tour of the lighthouse and climb the 57 steps to the top of the tower. From there you can admire the immensity of the mouth of Ag. Lawrence, as well as the town of Matane and the surrounding area.
Gaspésie is a fascinating area to explore, with beautiful lighthouses to mark your progress on the peninsula. Whether you're a maritime history buff, a photography enthusiast, or just looking for beautiful scenery, you'll love the Gaspésie Lighthouses! So what are you waiting for? Take a tour of the Gaspé Peninsula and let yourself be enchanted by these timeless places.