Is planning a tasty Gaspe Peninsula Road Trip on your Quebec travel bucket list?
Read our comprehensive 7 Day Gaspe Peninsula Road Trip Itinerary to help plan the perfect week-long gastronomic tour of Quebec Maritime.
Ranked as one of the most scenic road trips in Canada, the region boasts craft breweries, wineries, distilleries, chocolate boutiques, cheese farms, quaint cafes, and impressive fine dining restaurants serving fresh seafood caught straight out of the St Lawrence River!
Gaspe Peninsula Road Trip Driving Route
The Gaspé Peninsula is located in eastern Quebec, Canada’s French-speaking province.
The peninsula extends east-northeastward for 240 km from the Matapédia River into the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Since the closest international airport is Quebec City we recommend starting and ending your Gaspe road trip in the province’s historic capital.
If you have time we recommend dedicating at least 3 days in the capital to explore the famous walled city’s cobblestone streets, delicious restaurants and snapping a selfie at the jaw-dropping Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, considered the world’s most photographed hotel.
We recommend giving yourself 6 nights and 7 days to comfortably drive the Gaspe Peninsula loop along Route 132. From Quebec City you’ll drive north east to explore the regions of Bas-Saint-Laurent and Gaspésie. You’ll make stops in quaint Maritime towns like Kamouraska. Rimouski, Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, Percé, Chandler, and Carleton.
Beyond fantastic food and drink you’ll want to make stops at Forillon National Park, Percé Rock and Bonaventure Island, Cap-des-Rosiers Lighthouse National Historic Site, and follow in the footsteps of Jacques Cartier at Chaleur Bay. And of course be on the lookout for whales as you skip along the St Lawrence River!
Gaspe Peninsula Culinary History
There are many unique communities that over the years have helped impact the culinary heritage of Quebec’s maritime region.
The first settlers arrived in the 17th century from France learning new food techniques from the First Nations such as making maple syrup and smoking meat and fish.
When Britain took over New France in the 18th century that changed the Quebec culinary scene with the introduction of British staples like potatoes that created new beloved recipes.
As trade relations with the US improved, American cuisine became part of Quebec’s food culture by introducing foods such as ketchup and baked beans.
Modern Quebec Maritime cuisine showcases local artisanal products thanks to a playful culinary movement that supports local artisans and chefs in their innovations on the plate.
Thanks to the Gaspe Peninsula’s unique location perched over the Gulf of St Lawrence, the region is most renowned for its fresh seafood, though you’ll find plenty of tasty treats on land like maple syrup, cheese and the ubiquitous poutine.
Tourism Quebec Maritime recently launched Quebec By The Sea, a helpful resource that helps traveling foodies taste the regions must-try sips and nibbles.
On a Gaspe Peninsula Road Trip you can expect to feast on local lobster, snow crab, surf clams, forest mushrooms, cloudberries and labrador tea.
To distinguish the two regions, the cuisine of the Bas-Saint-Laurent region is marked mainly by the French cuisine of New France, by that of the Scots, the Irish and New England.
Gaspesians have mastered the art of smoking salmon. In fact, there are several specialized smokehouses in the region. Its cuisine in contrast is of its Loyalist, Acadian, Jersey, British and French roots.
Food Lovers Gaspe Peninsula Road Trip Itinerary
The best time of year to visit Bas-Saint-Laurent and Gaspésie is from May to October.
The high season in Quebec Maritime is during the summer when beaches get packed with tan fans and hotels sell out. Since prices are highest this time of year we suggest planning a trip during shoulder season in the late Spring or early Autumn.
Visiting during shoulder season has its own allure with the maple season tapped in March, fishing season starting at Easter, snow crab and lobster for Mother’s Day, and early Fall offering bountiful Harvest Markets.
Fun culinary festivals that you may want to plan your Gaspe Peninsula Road Trip around include the Kamouraska Forest Mushroom Festival, Vieux Rivière-du-Loup Beer Festival, Festival La Virée Trad, and Ribfest.
The following list of food & drink businesses appear in the order that they were visited. Starting in Quebec City we drove in a loop formation clockwise, returning on our final day back to Kamouraska.
Côté Est Restaurant
76 Ave Morel, 418-308-0739
After enjoying a 3 night stay at the historic Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City I hopped in a car with my friend Sarah to begin an unforgettable Gaspe Peninsula Road Trip.
We enjoyed a scenic 2 hour drive along the south side of the St Lawerence River with our first stop being the charming town of Kamouraska in the region of Bas-Saint-Laurent.
We headed straight to Côté Est, a must-visit location for culinary tourists that is housed inside a historic church.
Owners Perle Morency and Kim Côté first launched the popular culinary hub in Kamouraska in 2012. The duo’s goals were to showcase the seasonal bounty of the region via unique Quebecois dishes like Guinea Fowl stuffed with foraged mushrooms, Seal Loin with St. Lawrence seaweed chimichurri, and Island Scallop Ceviche.
Year round visitors can sit down for a cozy meal at the bistro or peruse the Gourmet Market and Wine Shop. In the summer months grab a seat on the sun-soaked Cantina patio.
Culinary adventures are also available in the summer, including a fun MycoMigrateur experience (an all-day outdoor mushroom adventure) and Table 50 (a 5-course gourmet feast).
Domaine Vallier Robert
145 Rue du Vieux-Moulin, 418-899-2825
We hopped back in the car and drove inland to the quaint town of Auclair to enjoy a uniquely Quebecois sipping experience.
Domaine Vallier Robert (formerly known as Domaine Acer), is famous in Quebec for producing maple sap wines.
The business began in 1992 when Vallier Robert developed a unique process that would ferment maple sap into white wine, sparkling wine and aperitifs that age well in barrels.
The organic maple grove offers guided tours, cellar-cocktail packages, tutored tastings, retail shop, marked trail, picnic area as well as sips and snacks on an al fresco terrace.
Domaine Vallier Robert’s myriad of entrepreneurial products are a maple lovers dream so we suggest sampling them all to find a favourite.
Prémices d’Avril is fresh and surprising for white wine lovers, Mousse des Bois offers the perfect pop and fizz, Val Ambré is an ideal sweet accompaniment to dessert, and Charles-Aimé Robert is aged in oak barrels for 8 years making it a must-try for sophisticated Scotch fans.
The boutique also sells a variety of maple syrups (light golden, amber, dark, very dark) as well as gifts for your kitchen cupboard like Maple Jelly, Maple Butter, and Maple Sugar.
Avec Les Vins
96 Rue Saint-Germain Ouest, 418-730-9474
After hitting the bliss point of our maple sugar high we hopped back in the car and drove back to the bucolic St Lawrence to spend the night in Rimouski.
Avec les Vins is Rimouski’s most celebrated natural wine bar and the perfect social hub to swirl and sip fine wine before a night out on the town.
The intimate and sophisticated interior is the perfect perch to people watch while enjoying a tasting of natural and organic wines.
La Brigade 225 Restaurant
225 Boulevard René-Lepage Est, 418-721-5000
After sipping yourself silly skip over to La Brigade 225, the signature restaurant located inside the Rimouski Hotel.
The restaurant’s contemporary interior pairs perfectly with the dining rooms pretty views overlooking Rimouski Bay.
La Brigade 225 Restaurant became an instant hit with locals who have a penchant for noshing on meat and seafood grilled on a charcoal barbecue.
Highlights from the locally sourced menu include Foie Gras Torchon with rhubarb compote, Cheese Fritters with apple bacon compote, Half Split Broiled Lobster with mornay sauce, and a wide selection of quality beef steak cuts that can be paired with housemade sauces like chimichurri, roasted peppercorn sauce, bordelaise and lemon garlic butter.
Chapeau Moustache
129 Rue Saint-Germain Ouest, 418-730-7862
The following morning we woke up to the world at Chapeau Moustache, one of Rimouski’s trendiest coffee shops.
Founder Evan Couture is a passionate entrepreneur who is also a carpenter, graphic designer, and coffee roaster. He was a former shareholder at one of Rimouski’s most popular restaurants, Le Crêpe Chignon so has plenty of hospitality experience.
It was at the back of the restaurant where Evan first made his dream a reality, roasting beans to produce a uniquely “Quebec Maritime” cafe experience.
The evergreen hue washed cafe interior feels as though you’re stepping into a boreal forest. Wake up to the world by ordering a frothy cappuccino paired with a plethora of pastries like scones, date squares, muffins, and cookies.
Boulangerie Le Farinographe
110-1 Rue Saint-Germain Ouest, 418-725-5297
Le Farinographe is ranked as one of the best bakeries in Rimouski.
The boulangerie is a local foodie favourite famous for baking high-quality breads and Viennese pastries prepared with local and organic flours. You’ll also find eye-popping tartlets and gourmet sandwiches made with natural sourdoughs and crusty baguettes.
The impressive bread offerings are so creative it’s hard to chose just one loaf. You’ll find drool-worthy breads like Elizabeth Blue Baguettine, Squash and Turmeric, Blueberries and Chocolate, Fougasse with Chorizo Olives and Cheddar, plus Apple and Cranberry Brioche.
If you’ve got a sweet tooth pop by in the morning to munch through flaky Alsacian “Ropfkueche” Brioche, Raspberry Turnovers, Chocolatine and Almond Croissants.
At lunch we recommend the Lentil Pate Sandwich served on Kalamata Olive Bread, Ham Croissant or Leek Quiche.
Cantine Sante-Flavie
After filling up on coffee and carbs we enjoyed a short 30 minute drive to Ste-Flavie where we stopped to experience our first authentic Quebecois casse-croûtes.
Seasonal summer no-frills eateries are called casse-croûtes, which translates to “snacks or light meal” in French. They’re popular throughout the province and can appear as humble diners, roadside poutine shops or burger stands.
The kitschy, old–school fast-food eateries are a beloved part of Quebec’s culinary scene. While casse-croûtes are close relatives to roadside chip trucks or lobster shacks, they are a distinctly Québécois phenomenon, each with a similar menu inspired by 1950s and sixties Americana, peppered with each owner’s unique culinary creations.
Cantine Sainte-Flavie is the perfect spot for seafood lovers to stop for lunch on a Gaspe Peninsula Road Trip. The petite cantine is most famous for its local seafood offerings with must-try bites being the stuffed lobster roll, lobster club sandwich and shrimp topped poutine.
Distillerie Cap-Chat
16 Rue Notre Dame E, 418-786-0202
After wiping the poutine gravy and whisper of melted cheese curd off our chins we drove 1.5 hours to Cap-Chat.
Distillerie Cap-Chat is a must-visit for spirit fans planning a Gaspe Peninsula Road Trip.
The distillery produces sophisticated premium gins from locally grown botanicals like lilac, balsam fir and wild rose. The vodka is particularly unique, made with pure spring water from the foothills of the nearby Chic-Choc Mountains. Visitors can also sample a memorable Maple Brandy and sweet fruit liqueurs.
All of the spirits are sold at an onsite retail boutique. Small groups can also book a distillation package that includes a VIP tasting session and mini distillation workshop.
Dare to Taste at Exploramer
1 Rue du Quai, 418-763-2500
A short drive away is the scenic town of Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, which plays home to a unique maritime museum, Exploramer.
The science museum is focussed on educating visitors about the marine environment of the St. Lawrence River and is fittingly located on the town’s wharf.
If offers an aquarium with touch pools as well as exhibitions, sea excursions, a fish-harvesting activity and the Smarter Seafood certification program.
We suggest booking the Dare To Taste Activity, a guided tasting that allows you to discover responsible seafood options offered by the St. Lawrence and taste five marine species promoted by the Smarter Seafood program.
Couleur Chocolat
36 2e Rue O, 418-763-7535
After sampling local seafood enjoy a sweet treat at nearby Courleur Chocolat.
Sainte-Anne-des-Monts’ beloved chocolate shop has been delighting local sweet treat fans for over 15 years.
Owner and chocolatier Carl Pelletier teases visitors with local flavours in his exquisite chocolate bars created with many ingredients that are sourced in Gaspe like a signature Nori Seaweed Bar. He also makes spreads, caramels, marshmallow, ganache bites, barks, and magic cocoa spheres.
In the summer on a hot day pop by to enjoy a cone topped with creamy artisanal ice cream. Available from May to September, pair the soft serve flavour of the moment with flavoured dips like Yuzu, Raspberry or Grand Cru Extra Noir.
Boutique Gourmande Plein Ma Valise
90 Bd Ste Anne O, 418-763-3321
After a long day on the road we decided to prepare a picnic dinner to enjoy at our accommodation that night.
We popped by Boutique Gourmande Plein Ma Valise, which hilariously translates to “Gourmet Fill My Suitcase.”
The speciality gourmet shop sells local Quebec cheese, artisanal charcuterie, sandwiches, salads, soups and fine wine. As the shops name implies, it’s the perfect spot for those on a Gaspe Peninsula Road Trip to pack a picnic.
After the friendly staff wrapped up a picnic basket for us we checked in at Panora, a clutch of contemporarty seaside lodges that overlook the St. Lawrence River.
Built with a unique and modern design, the lodges can accommodate up to 4 people in 2 closed rooms with queen-sized beds. Each lodge offers all the amenities you need to enjoy a comfortable stay: private hot tub, private deck, large double shower, high-quality bedding and towels, Oneka body products, living room area, full kitchen, Nespresso machine and large windows overlooking the water that will take your breath away.
Brûlerie Mont-Café
2 Ave de la Chapelle, 418-967-2523
After checking out of our lovely lodge we drove 10 minutes east to enjoy a quick coffee fix at Brûlerie Mont-Cafe in tiny Cape-au-Renard.
The petite town is home to just 75 inhabitants and 35 houses along Route 132. Owner Antoine Desrosiers bought the small building and adjacent land in 2018 to install a coffee counter open every summer, from Saint-Jean-Baptiste to Labor Day.
All summer long the small coffee counter and its al fresco terrace welcome locals and visitors looking to get their caffeine fix.
The micro-roasting concept is located in a trailer that contains a small 5-kg roaster. “My vision is to offer a world tour of coffees, with a range of 12 organic coffees,” said Antoine. “I have a preference for African beans, which are more delicate and fruity, but I offer drinks, as well as packages of blends, single-origin coffees, oak-aged coffee, and cold brew.”
Atkins & Frères
1 Rue du Chanoine Richard, 418-797-5059
After a short 30 minute drive east we stopped at Atkins & Frères to learn about the history of fishing in the Quebec Maritime region.
The family-run business has been in business since 1988, located in scenic Saint-Maxime-du-Mont-Louis.
This artisan smokehouse is the best place to buy smoked fish and seafood in Gaspe and is a must-stop during a culinary tour of the region.
Enjoy samples of fresh Atlantic Halibut, Smoked Mackerel, Smoked Salmon, Fish Rillettes, Nordic shrimps, Snow Crab, Madeleine Island lobsters and addictive Maple Syrup Salmon Bites.
Bistro-Bar Le Brise Bise
135 Rue de la Reine, 418-368-1456
We drove into the charming town of Gaspe just before the dinner hour so our first stop was Happy Hour for a thirst-quenching sipper.
Since 1986 Bistro-Bar Le Brise Bise has been delighting locals and travers in Gaspe with its charming views, succulent seafood and live music.
The double decker restaurant features both a bistro-bar and restaurant that boast two patios overlooking Rue de la Reine and the Bay of Gaspe.
The boast-worthy craft beer list is a great way to start the evening, giving visiting hop heads an opportunity to slug and sip through some of Quebec’s finest craft ales and lagers like Pit Caribou, Cap-Gaspe, Sheltered From The Storm, and RJ Brewers.
The kitchen serves up classic pub fare with a Quebecois twist as many dishes showcase local seasonal ingredients like Lobster Arancini, Shrimp Poutine, Smoked Salmon Club Sandwich, and signature Gaspe Bouillabaisse prepared with scallops, shrimp, cod and salmon.
Bistro-Bar Le Brise Bise is the towns most popular live music venue. Check out the schedule for live band performances to enjoy late night entertainment in Gaspe.
Restaurant Le SeaFlower
113 Rue de la Reine, 418-580-1459
After enjoying sips and nibbles at Bistro-Bar Le Brise Bise we skipped over to nearby Le SeaFlower, a Prohibition-inspired cocktail bar.
Owner and sommelier Florian Monchy-Olivet launched The SeaFlower Restaurant in 2023.
Located at the entrance to Rue de la Reine, the cozy bar serves up tapas, craft cocktails and fine wines in an art deco-style reminiscent of the 1920s. The dining room features 40 seats, a balcony on the bay side, and terrace on the sidewalk.
Other than fast food joints and convenience stores in Gaspe, Restaurant Le SeaFlower is the only kitchen in town operating late night from 9-11pm.
We suggest hopping up at the bar and sipping a cocktail while noshing on a local Quebecois cheese board, plump meatballs, and whatever seafood dish tickles your fancy.
Pit Caribou Pub
155 QC-132, 418-782-1444
The following morning we drove an hour to the town of Percé to enjoy a cruise of Parc national de l’Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé with local operator Les Bateliers de Percé.
The boat tour makes a stop at Bonaventure Island where you can enjoy a hike to discover majestic Percé Rock up close and the largest northern gannet colony in North America! This is a must-do on any Gaspe Peninsula Road Trip Itinerary!
Once back on the mainland we wobbled with our shaky sea legs to Pit Caribou Pub for a craft beer break.
With unobstructed views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Percé’s Pub Pit Caribou is the perfect setting to try a selection of beers brewed locally in L’Anse-à-Beaufils.
In addition to its wide variety of craft beer, the lively pub also has a menu offering locally sourced and inspired snacks like smoked fish and artisanal charcuterie & cheese boards.
This was one of the most memorable meals of our trip! Highly recommend the lobster salad topped poutine and snow crab fritters dipped in a spicy aioli.
Buvette Therese
162 QC-132, 418-782-2036
Buvette Thérèse, a restaurant-bar serving local Gaspé products, opened on Route 132 in the heart of Percé in the summer of 2021.
Four young hospitality entrepreneurs native to Gaspésie (Danny Gasse, Samuel Parisé, Shaddy Beaudin and Billy Bastien) launched the concept with a goal of serving quality products sourced from the sea and mountains along the Gaspe Peninsula.
“We have a picker who works full time to pluck sea buckthorn, juniper berries, and chanterelles when the season comes,” said Billy Bastien.
He also adds that Buvette Thérèse is not just a restaurant or bar, but rather as a place in between, where visitors can have brunch, an early evening aperitif or decadent dinner.
We visited Buvette Thérèse for a pre-dinner sip and nibble, sitting up at the bar while a friendly mixologist shook up craft cocktails. The perfect accompaniment was a coupe glass filled with crudités and fresh shrimp.
La Maison du Pêcheur
157 Rte 132 O, 418-782-5331.
If you’ve got just one night in Percé make your dinner reservations at La Maison du Pêcheur “The Fisherman’s House.”
The famous seafood restaurant is located just a stone’s throw from the wharf. If you’re visiting in the summer on a sunny day make sure to book a reservation on the patio.
In a friendly maritime atmosphere guests can enjoy an exceptional selection of fresh seafood, quality meats and succulent maple wood-fired pizzas.
If you’re keen to enjoy a local feast snatched from the sea we suggest ordering signature dishes like Atlantic Fish Accras, Cod Tongues with Sea Urchin Butter, Labrador Tea Grilled Octopus, and The Trident featuring lobster in Noroi orange liqueur, maple sugar grilled salmon and pan seared scallops with whisky, raisins, and walnuts served with lobster risotto.
Restaurant La Maison Mathilde
85 Route 132 O, 1-800-463-9700
No Gaspe Road Trip is complete without a lazy weekend brunch featuring all of your favourite breakfast dishes.
The best brunch restaurant in Percé is La Maison Mathilde. Located in a charming old family home wrapped in lush gardens, Restaurant La Maison Mathilde boasts a magnificent terrace that allows you to enjoy the breeze and the breathtaking view of the Atlantic.
Steeped in Gaspé flavours, this little gem of a restaurant offers refined cuisine, inspired by local products. The brunch menu features classic dishes like Eggs Benedict, Maple Pancakes, and Yogurt Parfait.
We suggest ordering the classic Quebecois breakfast featuring 2 eggs, roasted potatoes, bacon, sausage, cretons, maple baked beans, toast and fresh fruit.
Ferme Bourdages Traditions
255 Av. du Viaduc, 418-534-2700
After a lazy breakfast with a postcard-perfect view we drove 2 hours west to Saint-Siméon-de-Bonaventure.
We paid a stop to sip at Ferme Bourdages Traditions, which specializes in strawberry growing, strawberry wine and other unique strawberry products like tarts, pâtés, jams and coulis.
Since 1821, the Bourdages family has been established on the heritage lands of Saint-Siméon. Visitors can enjoy a guided tour of the fields, vat room and cellar, cafe small farm and interpretation site. During the summer local families love picking strawberries to take home and chop over breakfast cereal bowls and late night ice cream sundaes.
In the early 2000s, the company embarked on a new culinary adventure, transforming its sweet strawberries into wine! As a lover of fresh strawberries myself, I was excited to see how the sweet perfume of the bright red summer berry tasted once fermented.
You can swirl, sniff and sip 3 alcoholic offerings: Julia a semi-dry rose strawberry wine, Alexis digestif aperitif served over ice and Le François, a digestive aperitif fortified with cognac.
Distillerie des Marigots
300 Bd Perron E, 418-388-2008
After a quick lunch we drove just 1 minute down the road to the towns distillery with a jaw-dropping view.
The Distillerie des Marigots is perched on top of a cliff in Caplan, on an incredible site on the edge of the Bay of Chaleurs. Housed in a solid wood building with modern architecture and large windows, it allows visitors to see both the production activities and the sea all at once.
The master distiller finds inspiration for the design of his spirits in the scenic Gaspe landscape, taking care to highlight the exceptional quality of local ingredients. He highlights the aromas offered by the environment then lets the seaside atmosphere influence the final product, which are prepared in small batches.
Visitors can pop by the retail shop, enjoy a guided tour and taste the distilleries fine spirits.
The distillery’s signature Récif Gin features 14 indigenous and locally grown herbs. The Charme series of gin fruit liqueurs flavoured with local rhubarb and strawberry were a personal favourite.
Le Naufrageur
586 Bd Perron, 418-364-5440
Drive 45 minutes west to continue your Gaspe Peninsula Road Trip sipping experience at a microbrewery in Carleton.
Le Naufrageur is a nautical themed microbrewery, a pleasant refuge for fishing enthusiasts with a penchant for fine ales and lagers.
The popular pub features a pretty patio and booming fireplace, an ideal spot in Carleton to enjoy happy hour drinks while chatting with locals.
The microbrewery produces a parade of unique craft beers from light lagers to hoppy IPAs, bitter stouts and fruit forward brews like Fuzzed Sweet Peach Sour, Strawberry Fields Berliner Weisse, and Santa Imperial Berliner White Raspberry.
Umi Yama Restaurant
725 Bd Perron, 418-364-3885
When embarking on a Gaspe Peninsula Road Trip you’ll find the majority of restaurants serving French, Quebecois and American-inspired cuisine due to it’s location just north of New England.
When we discovered that you can feast on fresh local seafood via a Japanese menu we beelined it to Umi Yama Restaurant in Carleton.
The name Umi Yama translates from Japanese to “between sea and mountain.” Offering a pretty terrace with a view of Chaleur Bay, the Japanese fusion restaurant delights with its unique lounge and modern design constructed from recycled materials.
Enjoy a taste of Japan in rural Quebec Maritime by feasting on soy sauce and wasabi dipped morsels like gyoza dumplings, maki rolls, and selection of seafood tartares.
We highly recommend ordering one of the burgers, which swap classic sesame seed buns for crispy fried rice that are stuffed with avocado and seafood like smoked salmon, tuna tartare, and maple turbot.
La Captive
140 Bd Saint-Benoit O, 418-631-1343
In the morning we drove 2 hours northwest to Amqui to discover another popular craft brewery on the Gaspe Peninsula.
The microbrewery originally took root in La Vallée de la Matapédia in the heart of a historic building that once housed the city’s headquarters, including the police station, its prison and fire station.
La Captive offers a varied menu (food, beer, wine, spirits), an exhibition space and a performance hall where you can catch performances by emerging artists on the Quebec music and comedy club scene. The kitchen closes at 8:30 pm when the space transforms into an adults-only bar.
Bufton Bistro
200 QC-132, 418-775-2222
After enjoying a craft beer tasting in Amqui we drove 1 hour west to the gorgeous Reford Gardens in Grand-Métis.
Reford Gardens is a must-visit for horticulture lovers on a Gaspe Peninsula Road Trip. Ranked as one of the largest gardens in North America, it boasts over 3000 species of plants including the famous Himalayan blue poppy, which can be explored on foot throughout a dozen gardens.
Reford Gardens is an excellent road trip stop for hungry foodies as it boasts two award-winning culinary concepts: the upscale Estevan Lodge and more casual Le Bufton Bistro.
Chef Frédérick Boucher employs a seasonal farm-to-fork menu model at both restaurants. Book a fine dining multi-course menu at Villa Estevan Lodge or enjoy a more casual elegance at Le Bufton.
The cafe-bistro is located at the main entrance of Reford Gardens, serving up gourmet sandwiches, salads and pastires that pair perfectly with locally produced beers and wines.
Le Garde Manger
3250 Route 132 O, 418-750-5915
After a 1 hour drive back to Rimouski we had officially completed the Gaspe Peninsula driving loop!
We stopped into Refuge du Vieux Loup de Mer, one of the regions most magical accommodations. The spacious property features a parade of heritage cottages and cabins that have been broken down, transported and then put back together like a puzzle. The cottages scream “back woods Canadiana” with cozy interiors that make you want to cuddle up with a blanket and read a book all day.
Refuge du Vieux Loup de Mer boasts one of the best gourmet boutiques on the Gaspe Peninsula, a must-stop for those on the drive back to Quebec City.
The boutique is simply called, Le Garde Manger, offering chef prepared takeout dishes, a selection of Québec wines, local beers and culinary treats perfect for taking home as gifts like cheese, pate, canned seafood and boxes of chocolate.
Fromagerie Les Basques
69 QC-132, 418-851-2189
Thirty minutes west fromage fans will find happiness at Fromagerie Les Basques.
The third generation cheese factory is located in Trois-Pistoles and processes an astounding 4.2 million litres of milk each year!
On a Gaspe Peninsula Road Trip it’s the perfect place to purchase a bag of Quebecois cheese curds, the perfect dairy-lovers snack. Beyond curds the cheese factory produces quality Maplewood Smoked Cheddar, Raclette, Our Lady Of The Snows surface ripened cheese, Swiss Beer and signature Saint-Paulin-des Basques.
For those with a sweet tooth you can also pop by the dairy bar to enjoy homemade ice cream scoops and soft serve cones.
Auberge Comme au Premier Jour
224 Bd Bégin, 418-852-1377
We finished the day be driving one hour south to Saint-Pacôme where we suppered and slept at a charming 9-room inn Auberge Comme au Premier Jour.
Located in a former church, the building dates back to 1868, lovingly restored while preserving its heritage character.
The restaurant’s award-winning menu by Jean Santerre and Doris Parent helped put the region on the culinary map in Quebec Maritime as it was one of the first to celebrate the art of locally sourced ingredients.
The menu celebrates the kitchen’s love for local producers by sharing each ingredients provenance like mushrooms from Meanders of Rivière Ouelle, Sheep’s cheese from Mouton Blanc de La Pocatière, and Grain-fed chicken from St-Onésime.
Guests can chose to eat in the bright white dining room or al fresco terrace surrounded by lush gardens.
Highlights from the summer dinner menu include Smoked Eel Mousse with bannock bread, Vegetable Terrine with Gaspe beluga lentils and maple pumpkin seeds, and the chef’s signature Lamb Leg from l’Agnellerie de Kamouraska.
Fée Gourmande
98 Av. Morel, 418-492-3030
Five minutes down the street you’ll find a chocolate lovers paradise at Fée Gourmande.
The artisanal chocolate factory produces fine chocolates, caramels, ice creams, sorbets, nougats, marshmallows, spreads and desserts. Guests can also enjoy a 1-hour guided tour to discover the facilities and techniques used to make chocolate.
If you’re hungry on the spot stock up on chocolate brownies, salted caramel tartlets, mini pancakes, gelatos and sorbets.
There’s also plenty of options for take-home gifting like jars of chocolate hazelnut spread and caramel, hot chocolate, sleeves filled with chocolate coated almonds, and boxes of ganache filled truffles.
Vignoble Amouraska
568 Rang St Charles O, 418-863-4496
Drive 25 minutes in the direction of Quebec City and you’ll find a winery that is a pucker-worthy pitstop for berry lovers.
Vignoble Amouraska fashions itself as a microbrewery-style vineyard. The agro-industrial bistro boasts a sunny terrace, the perfect space to enjoy a tasting of local berry wines, which can be accompanied by cheese plates, cold cuts, smoked fish and other snacks.
A plethora of fruits are grown on the wineries 1 hectare farm. You’ll find wines flavoured with blackcurrant, aronia, rhubarb, raspberry, cherry, plum, and pear.
Tête d’allumette
265 route 132 ouest, 418-493-2222
15 minutes away we stopped for a visit to the last craft brewery on our epic Gaspe Peninsula Road Trip!
Nestled on one of the most beautiful stretches of Route 132, Tête d’Allumette has preserved the atmosphere of the old houses of yesteryear in the development of its tasting room, boutique and brewery by integrating soft woods, eye-catching colours, and bright light that opens up onto the river.
This microbrewery is distinguished by its unique wood-fired brewing process, which produces truly unique craft brews. During our visit we spotted barley wine fermented with local pear, smoked barley with river peat, a Leipzig-style Gose with samphire and cucumber, and the very Quebecois Tête dans le Sieau flavoured with maple syrup.
Poissonnerie Lauzier
57 Av. Morel, 418-492-7988
For our last meal of the trip we drove back into the idyllic town of Kamouraska’s to feast at the beloved seafood restaurant Poissonnerie Lauzier.
Skip inside and you’ll find counters overflowing with fresh, smoked and marinated fish and shellfish. The local fishmonger and artisanal smokehouse has been operating in town for over 30 years.
Grab a seat in the friendly dining room and wag your finger down a menu that boasts some of the regions best succulent seafood.
Seafood lovers hold your hearts you’ll find drool-worthy menu items like Lobster Bisque, Clam Chowder, Nordic Shrimp Salad, Smoked Trout Panini, classic Lobster Rolls, and signature Smokehouse Poutine topped with smoked trout and Lauzier sauce made from cream and lobster stock.
Fromagerie Le Mouton Blanc
176 QC-230 La Pocatière, 1-418-856-6627
The last stop on our Gaspe Peninsula Road Trip was the ideal finale for casein queens.
Fromagerie Le Mouton Blanc was founded in 2004 following the joint efforts of a passionate cheese-loving couple: Rachel the shepherdess and Pascal-André the cheesemaker.
Pascal-André meticulously makes raw milk cheeses in a cheese factory located at the foot of a small mountain called Monadnock. The musty maturing cellars are built underground in an effort to reduce energy costs and keep a sustainable footprint.
Fromagerie Le Mouton Blanc produces exceptional raw sheep’s and cow’s milk cheeses. Tomme du Kamouraska is the farms signature fromage, and the first cheese they created. The Vlimeux is a semi-firm cheese with a bright orange exterior and at first bite has an explosive smoky aroma. “Tellicherry” Pepper Tomme was crowned the winner of best flavoured cheese at the 2013 Caesus competition, delightfully dotted with spicy peppercorns.
