Is the Percé to Gaspé Drive Worth the Distance? A 3-Day Solo Journey Along Québec’s Quiet Coast

 I left Montréal on a Saturday morning with no real agenda—just a map, a few hotel bookings, and an expandable backpack filled with essentials.

 The plan: drive to Percé and Gaspé over three days, covering more than 2,000 km roundtrip.

 It sounds ambitious, but with limited time and a clear sky, it became one of the calmest trips I’ve taken.

Iconic Rocher Percé limestone arch rising from the sea under a bright blue sky in Gaspé Peninsula

🚗 Day 1: Montréal → Rimouski

The first leg was uneventful in the best way. I crossed briefly into New Brunswick for lunch, then continued to Rimouski, where I stayed the night.

 Dinner was at a local spot—Restaurant Normandin—nothing fancy, just warm, familiar food and a quiet end to a long drive.


🌊 Day 2: Rimouski → Percé

Day two took me to Percé, a town built around the sea and shaped by the wind.

 I checked into Hôtel la Normandie, a place I’d happily return to. Ask for a room with a sea-facing balcony—the view is worth it.

Dinner was a short walk away at La Maison du Pêcheur, a busy seafood restaurant near the harbor. Even in late June, we had to wait for a table. It was worth it.

Afterward, I took a walk down to the waterfront. Rocher Percé looked surreal against the blue sky, like it had grown straight out of the sea. The next morning, I took a boat ride for a closer look, and even added a stop at Île Bonaventure, known for its sea bird colonies and simple coastal trails.


🐋 Day 3: Percé → Gaspé → Forillon

The last day brought me to Gaspé, where I entered Forillon National Park for a pre-booked whale-watching cruise.

 The ocean was calm, the wind cold. I didn’t see any whales, but I wasn’t disappointed. Being out on the water, with cliffs on one side and sky on the other, was enough.


🎒 What I Carried

I kept things simple. My expandable backpack held everything—layers, water, a small camera, and a backup charger. It stayed dry, kept its shape, and never felt like too much.

 Sometimes, that’s the difference between a good trip and a tiring one.

Sunny day in Percé village with distant houses and Hotel La Normandie nestled against green hills

🛏️ Final Notes

- Stay: Hôtel la Normandie (Percé), basic motel in Rimouski

- Eat: La Maison du Pêcheur, Restaurant Normandin

- Do: Walk, don’t rush. Watch the water. Bring layers.

This wasn't a bucket-list trip. It was a pause. A slow reset by the ocean.

 And yes—the distance was absolutely worth it.


👉 Click here for my extend backpack


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