Witness one of the natural wonders of the Americas — the colossal Percé Rock piercing the Gulf at dawn — then cross to Bonaventure Island, home to one of the world's most accessible Northern Gannet colonies: 110,000 birds in a riotous, awe-inspiring spectacle.
What to expect
Depart by small boat in the golden light of morning, circling the 88-metre-high limestone arch of Percé Rock as the rising sun turns it amber and rose. Cross the short channel to Bonaventure Island, a National Park, and hike through boreal forest to emerge behind 110,000 nesting Northern Gannets — the sound and smell alone are unforgettable. Your park naturalist explains the colony's breeding biology as gannets dive-bomb the sea around you at 100 km/h. Return to Percé village for a lunch of freshly caught Gulf lobster at a waterfront bistro.
Good to know
All-aboard times permitting — Percé is a port-of-call for some itineraries but is also reachable overland from Gaspé (approx. 75 km). Gannets are present June–September; peak activity July–August. Book the boat directly; island entry included in most boat packages.