PARC NATIONAL DE L’ÎLE-BONAVENTURE-ET-DU-ROCHER-PERCÉ
DISCOVERY GUIDE
WELCOME TO THE PARK
The Northern Gannet colony on Île Bonaventure is by far the most accessible in the world. You can get up close to observe them on board a boat or on a hike!
Its rich natural, historical and geological heritage is what really sets apart the Parc national de l’Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé.
Shaped by the sea and the weather at the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula, the park includes Île Bonaventure with its famous gannet colony, the majestic Percé Rock, emblem of Québec tourism, and a section on terra firma in the heart of Percé.
The island’s unique flora and fauna – nesting area for over 110,000 Northern Gannets – make it a must-see destination! It is also home to a rich architectural heritage, buildings that stand as the last witnesses of the cod-fishing industry of centuries past.
THE NORTHERN GANNET, THE PARK’S EMBLEMATIC ANIMAL With a life expectancy of 20 years, the Northern Gannets return here in late March every year to lay their eggs in the same nest from the year before. Each mated pair raises only one chick. The adult wingspan can reach 1.8 m (6 ft). An excellent glider and skilled fisher, the gannet can detect fish from about thirty metres in the air and reach 100 kph in a dive.
BASTIENTHE NORTHERN GANNET
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Québec’s national parks offer a one-of-a-kind experience. Explore this exceptional world of nature with the Annual Québec National Parks Card, featuring:
Unlimited access to ALL national parks for 12 full months
Many exclusive benefits, including a free night of camping
Details at sepaq.com/parkscard
ANNUAL QUÉBEC NATIONAL PARKS CARD
Find out more at sepaq.com/ilebonaventure
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MUST-DOS
A
C
B
D
E F
LE RELAIS DES FOUS Located right beside the Northern Gannet colony, a beautiful patio offering fast food service allows you to enjoy a meal and a local beer (Pit Caribou) while taking in a unique sight.
THE NORTHERN GANNET COLONY The sight of 200,000 birds nesting on Bonaventure Island—including the 110,000 individuals that make up the most accessible Northern Gannet colony in the world—will be the highlight of your visit. On site, a park naturalist will be available to answer your questions.
RESTO DES MARGAULXHoused in the former warehouse of the LeBoutillier company on Île Bonaventure, the park’s restaurant is a great place to recharge your batteries or pick up a picnic lunch. On the menu: soups (including fish soup, the best in the Percé area), salads, a wide selection of sandwiches, desserts, hot and cold beverages, and local beers. The menu will be reduced during the 2020 season
LE CHAFAUD DISCOVERY CENTRE Located in the Chafaud building, the Discovery Centre is the starting point for planning your visit to the park’s natural areas. Meet with a park warden-naturalist and view the two exhibits — one on the park’s history, fauna, flora and geology, the other on the story of the French in Percé’s fishing industry during the 16th and 17th centuries. The discovery center may not be accessible during the 2020 season
EVENING ACTIVITIESEvery day, La Saline performance hall invites audiences of all ages to its Discovery Evenings. Conducted by our team of park warden-naturalists, these fun and informative presentations cover topics related to science and history. Not offered during the 2020 season
PIRATE DUVAL’S TREASURE HUNTHave fun participating in our treasure hunt on Île Bonaventure! Go at your own pace and – who knows? – you might find the treasure hidden by Pirate Duval! The first section is on the Colonies trail and the second on the chemin du Roy trail.
SentierLes Mousses
SentierLes Colonies
SentierLe Paget
SentierLe chemin du Roy
3,3
2,3
3,4
1,8
1,2
0,9
0,6
0,1
Le Petit FourLe Mur Noir Le Grand Four
Pointeà Margaulx
La Craque
Trou desGuillemots
Corniche auxGoélands
Pointe LazyBeach
Le RécifPointe Wall
PointePeter-John-Duval
Pointe Paget
The Ram
The Ewe
Le Cimetière
Pointe à Butler
50
100
AnseMcInnes
Anse duBilbo
AnseChatouilleuse
Baie desMarigots
Anse à Brochet
Anse à Butler
La Pinnerie
Bull's Cove
Anse àDuval
Service areaÎle-Bonaventure Sector
Secteur historique Charles-Robin
Maisondes pêcheurs
MaisonBettinger
MaisonKittie Bruneau
MaisonBrochet
Maison Duval
Relais des fous
MaisonLe Boutillier
Resto des Margaulx
Maison Paget
MaisonWall
3,3 km to getto the wharf
to Percé Île-BonaventureSectorCAUTION
ITS JUST TOO DANGEROUS!Walking alongside Percé Rockand Mont Joli is extremelydangerous. Several tons of debrisfall from the rock and Mont Jolievery year, during every season.
NO DOGSALLOWED
0 200 400 600m
L'information fournie sur cette carte peut changer sans préavis.En cas de disparité, l'information sur le terrain doit prévaloir en tout temps.
La NeigèreRegistration centre
La SalinePerformance hall
La CantineAdministration
Le ChafaudDiscovery andVisitors Centre
HistoricCharles-Robin
Sector
Quai de Percé
132
Rue del'Église Rue du Quai
Rue du Mont-Joli
0 25 50 75 100m
Cette carte intègre de l’information géographique de source gouvernementale.Pour des besoins de représentation, certaines données ont subi destransformations et des adaptations qui ont pu modifier la donnée originale.Données originales utilisées AnnéesBanque de données Sépaq Cartes topographiquesà l'échelle de 1/20 000 2001Équidistance des courbes de niveau : 10 mètresSource des données utiliséesMinistère de l’Énergie et des Ressources naturelles© Gouvernement du Québec
2020
Registration centre /Information
Boutique Nature shop
Picnic area
Nature interpretation
Cruise
Historical building
Boat launch
Rocher-PercéSector
132
La NeigèreRegistration centre 0 500 1 000
m
Download viaAvenza Maps
Road network
Trail
National park boundaryLength of trail sections
Marine sector
Km
Toilet
Wharf
Migratory bird refuge
Hiking
Performance hall
Food services
Lookout
Parking lot
Telephone
$
$
Scree area
E: easy I: intermediate D: difficult4
A
B
C
C
D
E
F
DISCOVER OUR TRAILS ON ÎLE BONAVENTURE* DISTANCE AND DURATION
ROUND TRIP DIFFICULTY ELEV.
CHANGE (M)
Les Mousses – This narrow, unobtrusive trail winds through moss- and lichen-covered slopes before reaching the cliffs, offering magnificent views of the sea and the edge of the continent stretching in the distance. 7 km 2.5 hr X I 120
Les Colonies – This trail is the easiest and most direct route to the famous gannet colony. 5.6 km 1.5 hr X I 135
Le Paget – Follow the same forest trail as the Pagets used in the olden days! Follow in the footsteps of this family of islanders to learn more about their history while enjoying the natural environment. 7.4 km 2 hr X I 90
Le chemin du Roy – Simply breathtaking! This trail leads alternately through forests and meadows with com-pletely restored ancestral homes, always surrounded by magnificent landscapes. 9.4 km 3 hr X I 75
Hiking Self-guided Family experience
* Departs from the service area in the Île-Bonaventure sector.
The park entry fee is NOT included in the price of boat trips to the island, which are provided by private companies.
Before leaving for the island, stop in at La Neigère, our visitor building on Rue du Quai, to pay your park entry fees and plan your visit!
SentierLes Mousses
SentierLes Colonies
SentierLe Paget
SentierLe chemin du Roy
3,3
2,3
3,4
1,8
1,2
0,9
0,6
0,1
Le Petit FourLe Mur Noir Le Grand Four
Pointeà Margaulx
La Craque
Trou desGuillemots
Corniche auxGoélands
Pointe LazyBeach
Le RécifPointe Wall
PointePeter-John-Duval
Pointe Paget
The Ram
The Ewe
Le Cimetière
Pointe à Butler
50
100
AnseMcInnes
Anse duBilbo
AnseChatouilleuse
Baie desMarigots
Anse à Brochet
Anse à Butler
La Pinnerie
Bull's Cove
Anse àDuval
Service areaÎle-Bonaventure Sector
Secteur historique Charles-Robin
Maisondes pêcheurs
MaisonBettinger
MaisonKittie Bruneau
MaisonBrochet
Maison Duval
Relais des fous
MaisonLe Boutillier
Resto des Margaulx
Maison Paget
MaisonWall
3,3 km to getto the wharf
to Percé Île-BonaventureSectorCAUTION
ITS JUST TOO DANGEROUS!Walking alongside Percé Rockand Mont Joli is extremelydangerous. Several tons of debrisfall from the rock and Mont Jolievery year, during every season.
NO DOGSALLOWED
0 200 400 600m
L'information fournie sur cette carte peut changer sans préavis.En cas de disparité, l'information sur le terrain doit prévaloir en tout temps.
La NeigèreRegistration centre
La SalinePerformance hall
La CantineAdministration
Le ChafaudDiscovery andVisitors Centre
HistoricCharles-Robin
Sector
Quai de Percé
132
Rue del'Église Rue du Quai
Rue du Mont-Joli
0 25 50 75 100m
Cette carte intègre de l’information géographique de source gouvernementale.Pour des besoins de représentation, certaines données ont subi destransformations et des adaptations qui ont pu modifier la donnée originale.Données originales utilisées AnnéesBanque de données Sépaq Cartes topographiquesà l'échelle de 1/20 000 2001Équidistance des courbes de niveau : 10 mètresSource des données utiliséesMinistère de l’Énergie et des Ressources naturelles© Gouvernement du Québec
2020
Registration centre /Information
Boutique Nature shop
Picnic area
Nature interpretation
Cruise
Historical building
Boat launch
Rocher-PercéSector
132
La NeigèreRegistration centre 0 500 1 000
m
Download viaAvenza Maps
Road network
Trail
National park boundaryLength of trail sections
Marine sector
Km
Toilet
Wharf
Migratory bird refuge
Hiking
Performance hall
Food services
Lookout
Parking lot
Telephone
$
$
Scree area
5
Privateer Duval attacked enemy ships to defend both his country and his King. His privateer ship «Vulture» captured ship after ship, spreading terror off the shores of France. At some point, Duval became weary of his navigator life, so he settled down on Bonaventure Island. He died a few years later, leaving behind him numerous descendants.Gossips tell that Privateer Duval would have brought a treasure with him and that it would be hidden somewhere on Bonaventure Island.Let’s get going and search out for Duval’s treasure! All along the way, you will have to solve few riddles. With chance, they will lead you to Duval’s treasure, and who knows, maybe a much more beautiful treasure is awaiting you up there!
The Rallyof Privateer
Duval
- Answers all the questions below, getting clues from the service area and all along the Colony Trail.
- Have fun and discover a gorgeous island!
The arriving Area Remember two instructions given to you upon arrival on the island.
Name two employees of the park.
On Bonaventure Island, there are (number) walking trails. Name each one…
The Maison LeBoutillier )only renchF in offered are walks guided he(T ?naturalist
a with walks guided daily two the of names the are What
Give " morue la de route la Sur " circuit historic the of part are that places different two of name the .
Instructions
The “Colony Trail” map) the on color
different a by represented one (Each Percé? in are formations rock different many How
WHO AM I? I’m a remain, or an impression left a very long time ago by plants and animals.L - O - S - I - F - S
True or False: The rocky cliffs on the mainland that once were attached to Percé Rock are called the Two Brothers…
(Map of geology)5-minutes walk from the start of the Colony Trail
The “Colony Trail” (Discovering signs along the way)
The answers are revealed at the colony. Find the secret code to access the treasure.
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Camping Baie de Percé1 844 782-5102www.geoparcdeperce.com/camping
Géoparc de Percé418 782-5112 | geoparcdeperce.com
PercéUNESCOGlobal Geopark
United NationsEducational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization
EXPLORE, HAVE FUN, LEARN and be amazed!
Privateer Duval attacked enemy ships to defend both his country and his King. His privateer ship «Vulture» captured ship after ship, spreading terror off the shores of France. At some point, Duval became weary of his navigator life, so he settled down on Bonaventure Island. He died a few years later, leaving behind him numerous descendants.Gossips tell that Privateer Duval would have brought a treasure with him and that it would be hidden somewhere on Bonaventure Island.Let’s get going and search out for Duval’s treasure! All along the way, you will have to solve few riddles. With chance, they will lead you to Duval’s treasure, and who knows, maybe a much more beautiful treasure is awaiting you up there!
The Rallyof Privateer
Duval
- Answers all the questions below, getting clues from the service area and all along the Colony Trail.
- Have fun and discover a gorgeous island!
The arriving Area Remember two instructions given to you upon arrival on the island.
Name two employees of the park.
On Bonaventure Island, there are (number) walking trails. Name each one…
The Maison LeBoutillier )only renchF in offered are walks guided he(T ?naturalist
a with walks guided daily two the of names the are What
Give " morue la de route la Sur " circuit historic the of part are that places different two of name the .
Instructions
The “Colony Trail” map) the on color
different a by represented one (Each Percé? in are formations rock different many How
WHO AM I? I’m a remain, or an impression left a very long time ago by plants and animals.L - O - S - I - F - S
True or False: The rocky cliffs on the mainland that once were attached to Percé Rock are called the Two Brothers…
(Map of geology)5-minutes walk from the start of the Colony Trail
The “Colony Trail” (Discovering signs along the way)
The answers are revealed at the colony. Find the secret code to access the treasure.
Ottawa
Natashquan
Percé
Tadoussac
Sherbrooke
Mont-Tremblant
Chibougamau
Sept-Îles
Port-Menier
Matane
Rimouski
Gaspé
Rouyn-Noranda
Val-d’Or
Trois-Rivières
Montréal
Québec
Gulf ofSt.Lawrence
UNITED STATES
NEW BRUNSWICK
LABRADOR
ONTARIO
QUÉBEC
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
NOVA SCOTIA
St.Lawrence River
Saguenay
Mont-Laurier
La TuqueRivière-du-Loup
MIGUASHA
LAC-TÉMISCOUATAGRANDS-JARDINS
GASPÉSIE
PARC MARIN DU SAGUENAY–SAINT-LAURENT
HAUTES-GORGES-DE-LA-RIVIÈRE-MALBAIE
FJORD-DU-SAGUENAY
ANTICOSTI
ÎLE-BONAVENTURE-ET-DU-ROCHER-PERCÉ
AIGUEBELLE
BIC
MONTS-VALINPOINTE-TAILLON
FRONTENAC
MONT-SAINT-BRUNO
YAMASKA
MONT-ORFORD
MONT-MÉGANTIC
JACQUES-CARTIER
MONT-TREMBLANT
OKA
PLAISANCE
PINGUALUIT
KUURURJUAQ
ÎLES-DE-BOUCHERVILLE
OPÉMICAN
THE LARGEST NATURE ANDOUTDOOR NETWORK IN QUÉBEC
Sépaq has the privilege of developing territories of incredible richness. Among them, 24 national parks stand out as unique. These are protected areas that belong to all Quebecers and that provide lasting memories for visitors who proudly
make such exceptional destinations their own.
Discover all our destinations at sepaq.com
PARCS NATIONAUX | RÉSERVES FAUNIQUES | ÉTABLISSEMENTS TOURISTIQUES | SÉPAQ ANTICOSTI
QUÉBEC NATIONAL PARKS DAYSeptember 12, 2020
NATIONAL PARKS | WILDLIFE RESERVES | TOURIST ESTABLISHMENTS | SÉPAQ ANTICOSTI
FREE ADMISSION
SÉPAQ WINTER DAY JANUARY 30, 2021
FREE ADMISSION
FREE* reusable bag with an in-store
purchase of $75 or more. The reusable bag is made
of natural wood fibre, a biodegradable and recyclable material.
*Value of $7.99. Eligible on all purchases of $75 or more after applicable rebates, discounts, and promotions and before applicable taxes. Exclusions: wood and convenience store products.Valid until December 31, 2020. Limited quantities available.
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DISCOVERY TIME
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L’EXUBÉRANCE DE LA NATURE This hike on the Colonies trail paints a portrait of the island’s geology and its historical landscapes, as well as the typical flora and fauna of this island environment. The hike ends at the gannet colony.
Not offered during the 2020 season
DANS LES PAS DES INSULAIRES Follow in the footsteps of the islanders on the chemin du Roy trail, guided by a park warden-naturalist. Visit the restored homes of past residents of Île Bonaventure, learn their history and take in the gorgeous island landscapes and tranquil island spirit along the way.
Not offered during the 2020 season
THE NORTHERN GANNET COLONY See the largest Northern Gannet colony in North America! It’s a breathtaking experience. Park warden-naturalists will be there to satisfy your curiosity: you’ve got 1001 questions, they’ve got 1001 answers.
DES PLUMES PAR MILLIERS Learn all about the magnificent Northern Gannet and observe its social and mating behaviours at the colony itself.
Activity not offered for the 2020 season
GUIDED NATURE HIKES
WILDLIFE WATCHING
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RICH ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE The park has the largest collection of built heritage in the Sépaq network, with 25 wooden buildings. Witnesses to history, these buildings in the Charles-Robin and Île-Bonaventure sectors are representative of the lives of the region’s pioneers. The restoration and conservation of these buildings remain an enormously important part of the park’s mission.
OVER 200 000 SEABIRDSThe Parc national de l’Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé is home to the largest migratory bird sanctuary in North America. With more than 200,000 breeding birds of 11 different species, these colonies are sensitive to disturbances caused by boats in the waters of the park. To protect the birds, the park does important work – preparing documents, raising awareness and monitoring boating activities – to encourage boaters and kayakers to adopt good practices.
To find out more about the park’s seabirds, visit the gannet colony on Île Bonaventure and talk to the park warden-naturalists!
PROTECTED MARINE ZONES The marine area is made up of two zones with a wide variety of landscapes and organisms that are part of the park’s conservation mission: a 100-metre strip of sea around Île Bonaventure and the intertidal zone (between the highest and lowest tides) around Percé Rock. A plan is being developed to protect these unique marine habitats. It will include an indicator of the health of the marine zone, enabling the park to manage access to the dive site based on the condition of sensitive areas.
CONSERVE FOR TOMORROW
Discover the park’s colourful seabed in the video Soyons éco-plongeurs! on the Sépaq’s YouTube channel!
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IN THE WILD, YOUR SAFETY IS YOUR RESPONSABILITY Sépaq’s mission is to ensure the widest possible access to Québec’s most beautiful natural treasures. Sépaq is committed to the safety of its visitors and urges you to play it safe!
Preparing yourself adequately is the first step in the safe and enjoyable practice of your favourite activities. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY and risk management is an integral part of your experience.
Before leaving for an excursion, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED to practice your chosen activity AND RESPECT YOUR PHYSICAL LIMITS. Your outing should leave you with nothing but pleasant memories. We invite you to consult our safety guides for Sépaq activities, available at sepaq.com/security. You will also find a list of organizations that can help you plan your activities safely.
sepaq.com/security
Photo : Steve Deschênes, Parc national des Grands-Jardins
BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME
• Plan on going with at least one other person.• Check the weather report.• Pack water and food, even if the activity is only for a few hours.• See that you have appropriate clothing and footwear for anticipated weather conditions.• Let somebody know the exact location of your destination and the time you plan to return home.
ONCE YOU ARE ON SITE
• Do not rely on your cellphone.• Check how much time it will take to complete your activity.• Obey signs and notices, including bans on open fires.
WHEN YOU GET BACK• Once you have completed your activity, make sure that you report to our staff anything
wrong or any damage or problems you encountered.
CHECKLIST
Legal Deposit: 2019 Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec
SÛRETÉ DU QUÉBEC: 310-4141 (general number)) /*4141 (for cellphones)*Where cellphone networks are available. The costs and expenses incurredin conducting search and rescue operations are the responsibility of thewbeneficiary. You can obtain protection against these risks from an insurer.
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY: 911 Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier
4456, ch. du Lac-Supérieur Lac-Supérieur (Québec) J0T 1P0Information: 418-848-3169 Réservation: 1 [email protected] sepaq.com/jacquescartier
Photos: Parc national des Grands-Jardins, Steve Deschênes : Dominic Boudreault, Mathieu Dupuis, Agathe Girard-Tremblay, Jean-Pierre Huard, Steve Deschênes, Lise Génois, Caroline Langevin, Paul Binet – Dreamstime
PLAY IT SAFE
NE PAS ENVVOYER CETTE PARTIEAUX GRAPHISTES
REMINDERS
During your visit to a national park, you must always carry your entry fee receipt or your annual entry card.
Remember that animals are in their natural habitat and that you are a visitor. To ensure both your safety and theirs, feeding them is prohibited; otherwise they may lose their natural fear of human beings and become aggressive.
To preserve our natural riches, you are not allowed to remove any natural elements (animals, plants, dead wood, rocks, etc.). Please also keep to established hiking trails to avoid trampling flora.
Legal Deposit: 2020 Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec
SÛRETÉ DU QUÉBEC: 310-4141 (general number) /*4141 (for cellphones)* Where cellphone networks are available. The costs and expenses incurredin conducting search and rescue operations are the responsibility of thebenefi ciary. You can obtain protection against these risks from an insurer.
Parc nationalde l’Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé
4, rue du Quai, C.P. 310, Percé (Québec) G0C 2L0 Information: 418-782-2240 Reservation: 1-800-665-6527 Email: [email protected] sepaq.com/ilebonaventure
Photos: Mathieu Dupuis, Steven Melanson, Pascal Lévesque
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY: 911
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La vraieHistoire
museesgaspesiens.com
“Hey, they say it’s a meteoritethat put the hole in the rock.”
To find out what’s real,visit the 5 Gaspesian museums.Add meaning to your trip.