Best fall hikes in Gaspésie
Matane, Percé & Carleton-sur-Mer
Pack your hiking boots, your camera, and your favorite coat: the Gaspé Peninsula’s most beautiful panoramic views await you.
When the forests of the Gaspé Peninsula turn red, orange, and gold, the region transforms into a true natural spectacle. Starting in mid-September, the mountains, valleys, and coastline offer breathtaking views that attract outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, and nature lovers from all over Quebec and beyond.
Renowned for its spectacular coastal landscapes, iconic peaks, and vast wilderness areas, the Gaspé Peninsula is a premier destination for admiring fall colors. From the trails of Forillon National Park to the panoramic views of the Chic-Chocs, the vantage points overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and the flamboyant forests blanketing the mountains, every hike becomes a memorable experience.
Fall is also the ideal season to discover the region in a whole new light. Temperatures are pleasant, the trails are less crowded, and the viewpoints offer exceptional opportunities to observe nature in all its splendor. Whether you’re looking for a short, accessible walk or a challenging mountain hike, the Gaspé trails let you fully enjoy Quebec’s most beautiful fall landscapes.
Whether you’re planning a weekend in the Gaspé Peninsula, a hiking trip, or a fall getaway by the sea, this time of year promises unforgettable moments. Here are five must-do hikes to admire the fall colors of the Gaspé Peninsula and discover why so many travelers consider this region one of Canada’s most beautiful nature destinations.
The 5 Most Beautiful Hikes
Mont Saint-Joseph, Carleton-sur-Mer
Overlooking Chaleur Bay, Mont Saint-Joseph offers one of the most beautiful views in all of the Gaspé Peninsula. At the summit, more than 550 meters above sea level, a spectacular panorama awaits you, with breathtaking views of Carleton-sur-Mer, the sea, and the surrounding mountains. In the fall, the colorful forests that blanket the valleys create a postcard-perfect landscape.
Mont Ernest-Laforce, Gaspésie National Park
Although less well-known than some of the park’s other peaks, Mont Ernest-Laforce offers one of the best rewards for the effort in the region. From its lookout, you can admire the Sainte-Anne River valley and the Chic-Choc Mountains, which gradually take on autumn colors as the season arrives. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the tranquility of nature while capturing stunning photos.
Mont Jacques-Cartier, Gaspésie National Park
It’s impossible to talk about hiking in the Gaspé Peninsula without mentioning the legendary Mont Jacques-Cartier. As Quebec’s second-highest peak, it offers breathtaking scenery that takes on a whole new dimension when fall colors paint the surrounding valleys. The trail passes through the habitat of the famous mountain caribou, a unique experience in Quebec.
Mont Sainte-Anne, Percé
Perched above Percé, Mont Sainte-Anne offers an exceptional view of the famous Rocher Percé, Bonaventure Island, and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. When the trees take on their fall colors, the contrast between the colorful forest and the blue sea creates an absolutely spectacular scene.
Le Mont Saint-Alban, Parc national Forillon
Located at the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula, the Mont Saint-Alban trail is a must-see for admiring the fall colors. After a climb through the forest, hikers reach an observation tower offering one of the region’s most beautiful panoramic views. On one side, the boreal forest unfolds in a mosaic of fall colors. On the other, steep cliffs plunge into the Gulf of St. Lawrence, creating a spectacular contrast between the sea and the mountainous landscapes. On a clear day, you can even catch a glimpse of Cape Gaspé and the vast Gaspé coastline.