Scenic and iconic, Quebec’s Route 132, aka Navigator’s Route, cradles the St. Lawrence River coast along the province’s Gaspé Peninsula. The longest highway in the province features over 1,600km of stunning vistas, cultural treasures, quaint villages, and captivating experiences that promise to inspire your imagination, satiate your wanderlust, and remind you that the journey is just as valuable as the destination.

LOVELY VILLAGES ALONG THE COAST

Stop in L’Islet and gaze upon the Église Notre-Dame-de-Bonsecours. Built in 1768, it is one of the ten oldest churches in the province. Further east, Saint-Jean Port-Joli is considered to be one of Quebec’s most charming villages. Nicknamed “La Capitale de la Sculpture”, it’s famed for its master woodcarvers, century-old houses, cozy bistros and bakeries. Climb the Belvedere du Domaine de Gaspé observation tower for expansive views of the Chaudiere-Appalaches region. Kamouraska is known for its stunning sunsets, colourful stone houses and restored historic buildings. Artistic to its core, you’ll find yourself spending a leisurely afternoon meandering between craft markets and artisan boutiques. Located along the Route des Saveurs (Flavour Trail), a stop at any of the villages’ boulangeries and fromageries for locally made culinary delights is a must.

Stretch your legs and take in Grande-Vallée’s breathtaking cliffside views before heading to Gaspé, the historic landing site where Jacques Cartier claimed the land for France in 1534. If you have the time and feel adventurous, follow Route 132 along the Gaspésie’s southern coast, and stop in Carleton-sur-Mer. It provides a laid-back experience against a picturesque setting of sandy beaches, clear waters, and the majestic Mont Saint-Joseph, offering panoramic views of the bay.

NATURAL ICONS

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Percé’s lovely village vibe and extensive trail network reward visitors with spectacular coastal and mountain views. Percé Rock, a massive limestone monolith rising out of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, is one of Canada’s most iconic natural landmarks. Boat tours provide a unique opportunity to see it up close, and include a trip around Bonaventure Island, home to one of North America’s largest Northern Gannet colonies. Disembark and hike the island’s Sentier des Colonies Trail, leading you to the heart of the gannet colony itself.

Forillon National Park combines remarkable rugged beauty and striking sea views. Hike the peaceful Pointe-aux-Épinettes trail, set up a picnic and take in striking rock formations, or explore village ruins - remnants of a fishing village when Forillon, Quebec’s first national park, was created in 1970. Pro tip: Keep an eye out for Eastern moose. They’re “big-horned”, giving some males larger-than-typical antlers.

Located in the St. Lawrence Estuary southwest of Rimouski, Parc National du Bic offers maritime breezes and pristine forest air. Within this coastal marine park, 25 km of adventure-filled trails await, including Les Murailles, an intermediate 8 km hike that culminates at the picturesque Pic Champlain lookout, 346 metres above sea level. Along the water, and on rocky outcrops, make sure to spot the park’s large population of both harbour and grey seals sunbathing in what some locals call their very own ‘beach club’.

LIGHTHOUSES AND MARITIME LORE

Route 132 boasts one of the highest and oldest concentrations of lighthouses in Canada. More than 40 dot the coast, 18 of which are open to tourism activities. Climb the 128 steps inside the Pointe-au-Pere Lighthouse, a National Historic Site of Canada. It stands adjacent to the Empress of Ireland Museum, which commemorates the 1914 sinking of the ocean liner. Nearby, the Onondaga is the first submarine open to the public in Canada. Built in 1858, the 34-metre-high Cap-des-Rosiers Lighthouse, just east of Rimouski, proudly stands along the dramatic coastal cliffs of the Gaspésie. Another National Historic Site of Canada, it is the tallest lighthouse in the country. The Pointe-a-la-Renommee Lighthouse near Gaspé is often called the most-travelled lighthouse on earth, not only because of its architecture, but its rich, historic importance. In 1904, North America’s first maritime radio station was installed here by Guglielmo Marconi, the fabled radio pioneer. Explore the site’s immersive museum to learn more about the lighthouse, its keepers and operators of the radiotelegraphy station.

Brandy Pot lighthouse-turned-inn is located off the coast of Rivière-du-Loup. Built in 1862, visitors can book a tour of the lighthouse or opt for an overnight package that includes meals. Meanwhile, further up the coast, the Ile Verte Lighthouse, built in 1809, is the oldest on the St. Lawrence. Cruise to the island, hike or cycle around its incredible terrain, visit the museum and learn more about this heritage lighthouse, and extend your visit by spending a night in one of the lightkeepers’ houses.

For a full list of lighthouses in the Gaspésie, explore Quebec’s Lighthouse Trail, which spans over 2,000 km.