Lessons learned on Gaspe Peninsula Trip
We spent a few weeks in Quebec this summer and had a marvelous time! I thank those who contributed their experiences in past years because they helped shape my planning. A few observations while it's fresh in my mind:
Reservations really aren't needed in Quebec with a couple of exceptions.
- Glad I had booked ahead for the Jean-Baptiste Day weekend (June 24 is Quebec's National Holiday, and Camping Transit in Quebec City was packed with family groups enjoying the sunny weather.
- Glad I had booked ahead Des Rosiers campground with electric hookups in Forillon National Park on Canada Day Weekend. Gorgeous park and excellent camping.
Many campgrounds face the sea, so that you can park and wake up with a view, even with full hookups, found in numerous small towns. Rocky beaches for strolling or evening campfires by the water. Restrooms and laundry rooms, spotless.
Prices about half that of something similar in Maine ($30 or so for view sites) with the bonus of a huge discount if paying with the USD vs CA$ this year. Credit cards almost always accepted.
The Gaspesie is visitor friendly. Every small town had a pull-off with picnic tables, parking, some even with RV dumps and great sea views. Every medium sized town had a visitor center marked well ahead as you approached with a big blue question mark. Staff unfailingly gracious, communicated despite our lack of French language skills, and provided a wealth of information.
The scenery was great. Lighthouses, waterfalls, mountains, cliffs, numerous villages, all with church steeples - something to see around every bend. Wonderful sunsets along the west side. Some hills had steep grades - 12, 14% - but roads are well-maintained. Lots of hiking trails everywhere.
Fuel including diesel very easy to find. IGA grocery stores were similar to upscale US chains with plenty of variety. Fresh seafood sold in shops all along the coast.
Temperatures pleasant - shirtsleeves, jeans, sometimes cool enough for a sweatshirt but not cold or uncomfortable. We had our share of rainy days, alternating with sparkling, clear sunshine days.
Government formalities entering and leaving CA were about as easy and fast as it gets.
I'd be glad to answer any questions - just send a private message.
Reservations really aren't needed in Quebec with a couple of exceptions.
- Glad I had booked ahead for the Jean-Baptiste Day weekend (June 24 is Quebec's National Holiday, and Camping Transit in Quebec City was packed with family groups enjoying the sunny weather.
- Glad I had booked ahead Des Rosiers campground with electric hookups in Forillon National Park on Canada Day Weekend. Gorgeous park and excellent camping.
Many campgrounds face the sea, so that you can park and wake up with a view, even with full hookups, found in numerous small towns. Rocky beaches for strolling or evening campfires by the water. Restrooms and laundry rooms, spotless.
Prices about half that of something similar in Maine ($30 or so for view sites) with the bonus of a huge discount if paying with the USD vs CA$ this year. Credit cards almost always accepted.
The Gaspesie is visitor friendly. Every small town had a pull-off with picnic tables, parking, some even with RV dumps and great sea views. Every medium sized town had a visitor center marked well ahead as you approached with a big blue question mark. Staff unfailingly gracious, communicated despite our lack of French language skills, and provided a wealth of information.
The scenery was great. Lighthouses, waterfalls, mountains, cliffs, numerous villages, all with church steeples - something to see around every bend. Wonderful sunsets along the west side. Some hills had steep grades - 12, 14% - but roads are well-maintained. Lots of hiking trails everywhere.
Fuel including diesel very easy to find. IGA grocery stores were similar to upscale US chains with plenty of variety. Fresh seafood sold in shops all along the coast.
Temperatures pleasant - shirtsleeves, jeans, sometimes cool enough for a sweatshirt but not cold or uncomfortable. We had our share of rainy days, alternating with sparkling, clear sunshine days.
Government formalities entering and leaving CA were about as easy and fast as it gets.
I'd be glad to answer any questions - just send a private message.
