Visit to the Beautiful Gaspe

Here's one person's account of a visit to the beautiful Gaspe. Reading through the letters you'll see they loved what they saw. As Jean says, "If anyone has been thinking of going to Gaspe Penisula, do not hesitate!!! The Folks are wonderful, the food is excellant, and the scenery, is out of this world! Go For it!!!"

Thanks Jean and Doug (from Maine)!

Be sure to check out the pictures at the bottom.

Hi Andy, (0ct. 11, 2000)
In May of this year, we communicated a few times with regard to our
prospective visit to the Gaspe Penisula. At first I thought we were going
via motorcycles, but that did not happend, instead we took our 5th wheel
camper. As it turned out, it was the better choice, weatherwise :)
Just wanted to let you know we did indeed make the trip up there. As I had
said before, we were somewhat apprehensive about the visit due to our
language barrier. Even as we were nearing the border... we discussed it,
decided ... What the heck! If it's awful, we'll head for another area.
But we wanted you to know, even though there was a bit of a problem
communicating. There certainly was not a barrier. EVERYONE with whom we
came in contact, tried very hard to figure out just what it was that we
wanted. One way or another, we seemed to convey what ever!!!! They were
all Wonderful. We had a great time, laughed often, pointed often, and even
drew a few pictures!!! Most knew a little English, we knew even less
French... but we managed one way or another. We were absolutely delighted
that we had made the trip, and would highly recommend it to anyone. All the
horror stories we had heard regarding the Quebecians (sp) not helping, is
just so much bunk!!!! They worked very hard trying to communicate, some
said they enjoyed the chance to practice their English.
Traveling from NH, we drove across Maine, then up Route 1 to Madawaska,
crossing over into Edmundston New Bruinswick for a bit, then on into and
across Quebec. to the Fleuve St. Laurent where we camped the first night
(after stopping to visit the lovely village of Cabano). At
Riviere-du-Loupe. Must tell you as we traveled along, the views just became
better and better!!! It is incredibly Beautiful. The St. Laurent on one
side, and those breathtaking mountains on the right, with little villages
nestled in the valleys. We camped at Riviere Matane, didn't stay but the
one night as it was raining. WE wanted to kayak on the riviere, but was not
sure if it was ok for us novices. Unfortunately, that is where the language
became a problem, as we had no way to inquire. From here we followed your
suggestion Andy, and headed for Parc De La Conservation, De La Gaspesie. At
first we camped at Mont Albert, stayed there 2 nights. Enjoyed the video of
the Moose at the information center. Awesome. While it was a breathtaking
vista everywhere it was mostly for the enjoyment of hiking. Which we could
not do, thus we packed up, and headed for Lac Cascapedia a few miles down
the road. NOW, for us ... just what we were looking for! Here we enjoyed
the Lac, used our kayaks daily, picniced on the lac, saw a moose, while
kayaking, who by the way was the biggest we have ever seen! He was
magnificent! Browsing in the Lac. His rack must have been an easy 6 or 7
feet across! Absolutely Awesome! We didn't bother him a bit! Would look
up at us on occasion, then continue to browse. Stood in water about up to
his knees, would stick his head part way under, blow some bubbles, munch on
some greenery under there, perfectly comfortable. The worst of that
sight.... it was the only time I had NOT taken my camera with me...
aaaaaaaaaaaaargh!!!! We stayed at Lac Cascapedia for 5 days.
Incidently, the trip in there is worth the drive, whether you stay or not!
Hauling our 5th wheeler, our truck was working pretty hard. Fortunately, we
had driven up there prior to taking the camper so we knew what to expect...
sort of. As this was the first time we had taken this camper any distance.
Although it was a slooooow trip up the mountain, we made it just fine! The
Rangers there were great, the washrooms were wonderfully clean, and had a
delightful wood stove there to ward off the night's chill while showering.
What a luxury! That's the first time we had come across that delight.
We also visited the village of Sainte-Anne-des-Monts. Even found a natural
food store there, where we had lots of fun, trying to find out if they had
some bread! After drawing a picture, she took me to the freezer, and sure
enough the most wonderful breads were hiding there !!!! Those Gals were
Great and Lots of Fun!!! Thanks Girls!
Also back tracked a little to visit Cap-Chat, wanted to see the windmill
farm, which was interesting to see. Our guide, worked very hard to make us
understand what she had said to all the French speaking tourist. She did a
fine job!!! We also enjoyed the Tea Room that is in conjunction with the
windmill farm, but across the street. Lovely Gardens, a lighthouse, and the
tea room with many delightful munchies! As well as a most obliging hostess.
Everyone was sooo Friendly.
Reluctantly, it was time to move on, still the beautiful Sea and Mountains
as we traveled along... tried to camp at Forillion Park, but unfortunately
it is a very popular site, and because we didn't have reservations, there
were only non-electric sites available. Thus we were given a list of
campgrounds that were in the vacinity. WE found one with a view of the bay,
and stayed there two days. We thought about going kayaking, but the sea was
pretty rough, and we had not yet kayaked on the ocean. The better part of
valor advised us it probably wasn't a great idea. We did visit Forillion
Park, for a day. Enjoying the Museum, sights and docks. As we were driving
up the hill from the docks, Darned if we didn't see A HUGE whale and either
young whales, or dolphines frolicking out on the Bay. We watched them for a
long time. Amazing. He had to be a big one, as he was huge from where we
were, so far away!!! Possibly a Right Whale? Incredible.
WE also visited Gaspe and Perce, camping right in the center of town.
Which was fun, to be able to just walk to the waterfront. Although this is
very heavily commercialized, many many tourist, it was a lovely area just
the same. :) We went on a boat tour around the island to see the Garnets,
and of course Perce Rock. WE also walked out there, just 'cause we could!
Having seen all there was that we wanted to see, we moved on, our next stop
was Bonaventure Campground for a night. By now the landscape had flattened
out somewhat, but was still lovely in its own right. As we were headed home
at this point, we crossed back into NB at Campbellton. Followed the coast a
bit further, then cut down through NB back to Maine and home.
As I said before, If anyone has been thinking of going to Gaspe Penisula.
Do not hesitate!!! The Folks are wonderful, the food is excellant, and the
scenery, is out of this world! Go For it!!!
Well Andy, you said you wanted to hear about our trip! So here you are!
Did we have a good time....YOU BET WE DID! Will we go back? YOU BET!
Thanks for your encouragement,
Jean and Doug

Hi Andy,
We would be honored to have you include my description of our trip on your
website. Hmmm if I had known, I should have described our morning excursion
out on Cascapedia. One morning, we awoke early 6:00 it was a beautiful
quiet morn, not cold, oh about 65 F. with no wind. We walked down to the
lac and seeing as it was mirror calm, decided can't stand it gotta go for a
"yak"! As we went out on the water, the fog began to lift, it was pretty
misty out there, could hear a loon, but couldn't see him. So we paddled on.
Sooo Quiet. Birds were singing, just the dip dip of our paddles. As we
meandered, the fog lifted totally, now we were seeing one huge vista of
reflections. Took lots of photos... as we continued further, Doug said,
look over there, what we saw was absolutely unbelieveable!!!! It was a
HORIZONTAL RAINBOW! (Have the photos to prove it!) That shore just glowed
golden, and the colors spread out from there along the edge of the water.
The whole area was aglow. Incredibly awesome!
Is there any wonder why we enjoyed our visit????
Yes I'm sure you do appreciate your mountains. They are pretty Wonderful!
I can just amagine what a motorcycle ride would be like there... Ya HOOOO!
:) You've got it all!
Catch ya later. If you are interested in seeing a photo or two, let me
know. I think I can figure out how to send them as an attachment! :)
Jean & Doug

Hi Andy,
You know that isn't easy!!! choosing only 3 or 4 :) Guess what I'll do is
send you some, then YOU can pick out some ! Our favorite area was Lac
Cascapedia, so you'll see a few of them including the Horizontal Rainbow!
It was Awesome! Have fun with them!
#8 Kayaking Lac Cascapedia 6:00 AM
#9 Our Horizontal Rainbow 6:00 AM
#14 Cathedral Sainte-Anne-des-Monts
#4498_014 Mont Albert
#4498_024 Cap Chat Sunset
#4498_022 Pearly-ever-Lasting. Not a common wild Flower! (I Think)
#9396_014 Pierce Rock, Huge!!!!
#9396 015 Rugged Island of the Garnets
#9396 016 Pierce Rock Boat Tour
Sorry to have so many :) Still have a few more!!! but will send in another
note. Have fun!
Jean

Hi again,
Just a couple more... :)

#9396 020 Gannets
#          22   Garnet Cliffs, wear a hat :)
#          24   Canada Horse - Colt Beautiful found at Shigawake Country Fair
#          26   Spirited Canada Horse at Shigawake Fair. Incredible.
When we stopped to stretch our legs at this fair, we were pleasantly
surprised to hear English!!!! The ticket taker said they are bilingual
there, which we were happy to hear:) Nice afternoon!
#9396 10 Doug at Forillion Pac manning the boat winch
            11 A 2 hour Kayak Tour from Forillion Pac. Many new beginners
in this group, they had a great trip. Saw and paddled with some whales and
maybe dolphins. We unfortunately did not go with them... but saw them
returning, paddleing with the whales as well. Wonderful to see, until a
motorized whale tour came barging in the middle of them. :( No Respect!
No photos of the whales, to far away. :( Fun to watch though!
Ok Andy, that's it. Guess that ought to hold you for awhile!
OOPS! Was just a tad bit more than 4 wasn't it. Hee Hee!
Jean