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Percé is a coastal village near the eastern end of the Gaspé Peninsula, sitting below a ring of green hills and facing one of Canada's best-known natural landmarks. Percé Rock, a huge limestone block with a natural arch pierced through its seaward end, rises just offshore. For centuries the village was a center of the cod fishery run by merchants from the island of Jersey.
Boat tours circle the rock and continue to Bonaventure Island, where a large colony of northern gannets nests on the cliffs and trails lead across the island to the birds. Back on land, the trails of Mont Sainte-Anne and Mont Blanc climb above the village for views of the bay, and Percé's geopark includes a glass-floored lookout. The Charles Robin sector and Le Chafaud recall the fishing merchants, while the Cap-Blanc Lighthouse, the Historic General Store and the Old Factory add more local heritage.
Percé suits nature lovers, photographers and road trippers circling the Gaspé. Summer is busy, and many businesses close after early fall. Low tide sometimes allows a walk out toward the rock, but tide tables and posted guidance should always be checked first.
WiserMap travel guidePercé Quebec Percé Rock and Bonaventure Island GannetsVisit Percé on Quebec's Gaspé Peninsula: Percé Rock, Bonaventure Island gannets, forest trails, a historic general store and fresh seafood by the wharf.Read the guide
A huge limestone block about 430 metres long rising from the sea, with a natural arch at one end, the symbol of the Gaspé Peninsula. At low tide you can walk to its base from Mont-Joli beach. Check tide times carefully, and stay away from the cliffs because of falling rocks.
A small white lighthouse on a headland south of the village at Cap-Blanc, with views back toward Percé Rock and the cliffs. It is a short drive or a longer walk from town along the coast. Park on the roadside and walk up carefully, staying off private land.
An island off Percé that is home to one of the largest northern gannet colonies in the world, with over 100,000 birds nesting on the cliffs. Boats from the wharf circle Percé Rock and drop you off for trails to the colony. Plan at least half a day and bring a wind jacket.
A UNESCO Global Geopark covering the rocks, cliffs and fossils around Percé, with an interactive interpretation centre in town explaining 500 million years of geology. Trails, a zipline and a suspended platform are part of the park. Start at the centre to plan your visit.
An art and history museum in a large 19th-century fish-processing warehouse built by the Charles Robin company on the Percé waterfront. Exhibitions change each season and often feature regional artists. It is right on the main street, so pop in between boat trips.
A suspended glass-floored platform on the cliffs of Mont Sainte-Anne, about 200 metres above the sea, with a dramatic view over Percé Rock, the village and Bonaventure Island. A shuttle runs up from the geopark centre in season. Go on a clear day for the best view.
A rocky headland just north of the village with a lookout over Percé Rock and the bay, reached by a short road or a path. It is named for its pinkish rock lit by the morning sun. Come at sunrise, when the light on the rock and the sea is most beautiful.
A roadside lookout on Route 132 just before entering Percé from the north, where Percé Rock suddenly appears with Bonaventure Island behind it. There is a parking area and panels. It is one of the most photographed views in Quebec, so expect other drivers stopping.
A hiking trail in the hills above Percé leading to a small cave and a waterfall in the forest, part of the network of trails on Mont Sainte-Anne. It can be combined with longer routes to the summit. Trails are steep in parts, so wear good shoes and carry water.
The red rock mountain rising behind Percé village, about 340 metres high, with a trail from the church leading to lookouts over the rock, the town and the sea. It takes about three hours return. Go in clear weather, as fog often hides the view on summer mornings.
A general store in L'Anse-à-Beaufils preserved as it was in the 1920s, with original shelves and products, and guides in period costume explaining life in a fishing village. It is a few kilometres south of Percé. Allow about 45 minutes for a guided visit.
A former fish processing plant on the wharf at L'Anse-à-Beaufils turned into a cultural venue with a cafe, art exhibitions and summer concerts by Quebec musicians. It is a lively evening spot near Percé. Check the concert schedule and book shows ahead in July and August.
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