Circumnavigate the colossal Percé Rock — one of the world's largest natural arches — then set foot on Bonaventure Island to stand among 110,000 nesting northern gannets in one of the most extraordinary wildlife spectacles on the planet.
What to expect
Set out on a sleek catamaran from Percé Wharf, hugging the geological wonder of Percé Rock — 433 metres long, rising 88 metres from the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Land on Bonaventure Island, a national park, and hike forest trails to the eastern cliff colony where tens of thousands of gannets nest in thundering, snow-white chaos. The return crossing skirts underwater viewing windows revealing starfish, jellyfish, and sea urchins in crystal-clear Gulf waters. Percé village's colourful heritage architecture makes a perfect finale.
Good to know
Percé is a port call on Gaspésie itineraries. Book boat + island landing package directly on the bateliersdeperce.com site; Bonaventure Island is only accessible May–October. Wear sturdy walking shoes for the island trails. Allow 4–5 hours total.