Discover this tour
From Gaspésie National Park to the Reford Gardens, the “Above the clouds, the sun shines” tour of Gaspésie takes you through breathtaking landscapes, perfect for escape and serenity. Here’s a glimpse of what awaits you on this inspiring pilgrimage.
DAY 1 ǀ FRIDAY JULY 4, 2025 | MONTRÉAL – LAC-AU-SAUMON (657 km)
At 7:45 a.m., you’ll depart from Montréal towards Gaspésie, with a short stop in the Québec City area. You’ll stop for lunch (at your own expense) in La Pocatière before continuing to Lac-au-Saumon, in the Matapédia Valley. You’ll have dinner and spend the night in a home belonging to Famille Myriam Beth’léhem in Lac-au-Saumon.
DAY 2 ǀ SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2025 | LAC-AU-SAUMON – CARLETON (142 km)
Enjoy breakfast, activities, and lunch in Lac-au-Saumon before heading to Miguasha to visit Miguasha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park’s fossilized fish and plants provide a glimpse into an ecosystem that existed 378 million years ago. After your visit, you’ll settle in for the night at Motel La Tradition (CITQ: 009170), near Carleton.
DAY 3 | SUNDAY, JULY 6, 2025 | CARLETON
Today, you’ll visit the Mont-Saint-Joseph Oratory. Mountains have always inspired reflection, serenity and contemplation, and pilgrimages to this mountain date back to the early days of French colonization. The Breton-inspired chapel, built from stones found on site, is enriched by several works by well-known artists. After the visit, you’ll return to Motel La Tradition (CITQ: 009170) for the night.
DAY 4 ǀ MONDAY, JULY 7, 2025 | CARLETON – PERCÉ – GASPÉ (262 km)
Travel to Percé, where you’ll get a close-up view of Percé Rock, a multicoloured limestone formation that was formed at the bottom of the sea 375 million years ago! In the afternoon, you can take a boat cruise to Bonaventure Island (optional activity at your expense), where you’re likely to see whales and seals. The island is home to North America’s largest colony of Northern Gannets! You’ll then head to Gaspé in the late afternoon for dinner at your leisure at a Gaspé restaurant and an overnight stay with the Missionary Sisters of Christ the King, in a house overlooking the Gaspé Bay.
DAY 5 ǀ TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2025 | GASPÉ
In the morning, you’ll visit the Notre-Dame-des-Douleurs shrine. Located in Pointe-Navarre, near Gaspé, this Marian shrine has been a place of worship and pilgrimage since 1940. Outside, you’ll find the stations of Mary’s Way of Sorrows, a series of bronze bas-reliefs and a marble statue of Saint Michael the Archangel. Inside, the church features remarkable artwork, including the main crucifix and a statue of Saint Joseph the Worker by sculptor Médard Bourgault, as well as the Stations of the Cross by French ceramicist Rose-Anne Mona. The tomb of the shrine’s founder, Father Jean-Marie Watier, is accessible 24/7. In the afternoon, you’ll explore Forillon National Park (box lunch provided). Located at the eastern tip of the Gaspé Peninsula, Forillon is a place of exceptional beauty. A network of hiking trails stretching over 70 km allows hikers to discover breathtaking landscapes of sea and mountains. Dinner at your leisure at a restaurant and overnight stay in the house of the Missionary Sisters of Christ the King.
DAY 6 ǀ WEDNESDAY JULY 9, 2025 | GASPÉ – CAP-CHAT (216 km)
In the morning, you’ll drive along the scenic Haute-Gaspésie coastline, making a few panoramic stops along the way. You’ll take an adapted bus ride up Mont Saint-Pierre and have the option to try tandem hang-gliding with an instructor (at your expense, reservation required). This site is considered the hang-gliding capital of Eastern Canada. Dinner at your leisure at a restaurant and overnight stay in a home belonging to Famille Myriam Beth’léhem in Cap-Chat.
DAY 7 ǀ THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2025 | CAP-CHAT
Today is dedicated to the mountain challenge at Gaspésie National Park with your group (other activities planned for those unable to take part in the mountain challenge). Covering 802.2 km², this park is located in the heart of the Gaspé Peninsula. It is home to some 30 mammal species, including woodland caribou, moose and white-tailed deer. More than 130 km of trails criss-cross the park, offering panoramic views of the Chic-Chocs Mountains and the McGerrigle Massif, which boasts 25 of Quebec’s 40 highest peaks, including Mont Jacques-Cartier at 1,268 m. In the evening, you’ll share a moment of reflection and prayer with community members before enjoying dinner at your leisure at a local restaurant and another night at the Famille Myriam Beth’léhem home in Cap-Chat.
DAY 8 ǀ FRIDAY, JULY 11, 2025 | CAP-CHAT – CACOUNA (269 km)
After breakfast, you’ll depart for the Reford Gardens. These world-renowned horticultural gardens are an exceptional work of living art. You’ll enjoy lunch at your leisure on-site while admiring some 3,000 varieties of native and exotic plants, including the blue poppy that has made the gardens internationally famous. The site is also a major tourist attraction on the Gaspé Peninsula. Following your visit, you’ll travel to Le Cénacle de Cacouna, where you’ll stay overnight in a peaceful, silent setting. Those who wish may take time for prayer.
DAY 9 ǀ SATURDAY, JULY 12, 2025 | CACOUNA – MONTRÉAL
For those who choose to participate, the day will begin with a Eucharistic celebration or a time for personal reflection. A visit of Le Cénacle will be arranged if possible. After lunch, you’ll head back to Montréal, with an expected arrival in the late afternoon or early evening.