Bonaventure Island National Park Percé
Home to one of the world's largest Northern Gannet colonies and iconic Percé Rock, Bonaventure Island offers a wild, natural spectacle.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Beat the crowds and heat
Bonaventure Island National Park Percé
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Home to one of the world's largest Northern Gannet colonies and iconic Percé Rock, Bonaventure Island offers a wild, natural spectacle.
"It felt like stepping into a nature documentary – truly awe-inspiring!"
🎟️ Book Boat & Park Pass Online
Secure your boat tour and island park pass in advance to avoid disappointment and long queues.
💧 Pack Plenty of Water & Snacks
Island amenities are pricey; bring your own water and lunch for a comfortable hike.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Northern Gannet Colony
Bonaventure Island
Witness over 100,000 northern gannets in their natural habitat – a truly awe-inspiring spectacle.
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Percé Rock
Percé Bay
Marvel at this iconic, massive rock formation resembling a ship sailing the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Island Hiking Trails
Bonaventure Island
Explore scenic trails like 'Sentier le chemin du Roy' offering stunning ocean views and wildlife sightings.
Wildlife Sightings
Bonaventure Island & surrounding waters
Spot seals at Bull's Cove and observe various seabirds like razorbills and murres.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Boat & Island Pass Early
Prepare for a Hike & Pack Smart
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Boat & Park Pass Online
Secure your boat tour and island park pass in advance to avoid disappointment and long queues.
💧 Pack Plenty of Water & Snacks
Island amenities are pricey; bring your own water and lunch for a comfortable hike.
🥾 Wear Comfortable Hiking Shoes
Trails are well-maintained but require good footwear for at least a 2-hour walk.
☀️ Prepare for Sun Exposure
Many trails are open with limited shade; wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Boat & Park Pass Online
Secure your boat tour and island park pass in advance to avoid disappointment and long queues.
💧 Pack Plenty of Water & Snacks
Island amenities are pricey; bring your own water and lunch for a comfortable hike.
🥾 Wear Comfortable Hiking Shoes
Trails are well-maintained but require good footwear for at least a 2-hour walk.
☀️ Prepare for Sun Exposure
Many trails are open with limited shade; wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
📸 Capture the Gannets
The bird colony is a photographer's dream – bring your best camera gear!
🚗 Parking Fees
Be aware of daily parking fees near the boat tour departure points.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Bonaventure Island for its spectacular Northern Gannet colony, describing it as a 'National Geographic experience.' The scenic hikes and views of Percé Rock are also major draws. However, some find the boat tours and island amenities to be expensive, and advise packing ample provisions.
"To go to the island, we took a boat tour which was offered by les croisiere julien cloutier. $54/per adult, $25/per child. No reservation needed.
It was an hour boat ride to the island and we got to see the Percé Rock from a pretty close distance.
The boat went around the island to show the bird colony then we arrived at the island harber.
I recommend purchasing the day pass online before your arrival to avoid waiting in line and max capacity. (Children free, adults $8.57)
Prepare to walk for at least two hours. The shortest trails are 2 hrs total(there and back). Most of the time the trails are wide open and lack shade. Bring a lot of water!!! Also bring a packed lunch as food and water on the island are very expensive.
We really enjoyed the walk. We took the longest trail around the island, Sentier le chemin du Roy (3 hr easy-moderate walk) . Less busy and beautiful ocean views. We saw multiple seals at Bull's Cove. We went counter-clockwise around the island, you will start the trail in the sun but end it in the shade, this is the better choice as temperatures will rise later into the day.(you will have to go up stairs though)
The bird colony was impressive!!(And smelly) It was a real National Geographic experience.
I recommend going earlier in the morning. We caught a 9:00 am boat and 2:30 pm return boat.
The parking lot is $12.50/ day."
Tomo
"Very nice hike, not too hard, not too long. You got the chance to see wildlife as well which is pretty unique. Well see the Fou the bassan colony and some harbor seal it was pretty nice. The view is very nice too. I highly recommend this if you are passing by. There is some historic information about the former people who lived there back in the days."
Simon Thiboutôt
"A beautiful island filled with great trails and great scenery. If you go with young children there is one path recommended you take. The gift shop has strollers and carriers you can borrow but they are limited. Definitely recommend trying to get a stroller."
Tim Naft
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access to Bonaventure Island is exclusively by boat tour from the village of Percé. Several companies offer these tours, with Les Croisières Julien Cloutier being a popular choice. The boat ride itself offers great views of Percé Rock.
No, Bonaventure Island is a protected national park and can only be reached by boat. You'll need to take a ferry from the mainland village of Percé.
Percé Rock is best viewed from the water during your boat trip to Bonaventure Island, offering unique perspectives. You can also see it from the shore in Percé, especially at low tide.
While Percé is a popular tourist destination, direct public transport can be limited. Many visitors drive to the Gaspé Peninsula. If coming from Quebec City, consider bus services to larger towns in Gaspésie and then local transport or car rental.
There are paid parking lots available in the village of Percé, which can fill up quickly during peak season. Factor in parking costs when planning your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There's a fee for the boat tour and a separate entrance fee for the national park on Bonaventure Island. Adults typically pay around $8.57 for the park pass, with children often free. Boat tours have separate pricing.
Yes, it's highly recommended to book your boat tour and park pass online in advance, especially during summer, to secure your spot and avoid long wait times.
The park trails on Bonaventure Island typically close around 3 PM in August, so plan your boat departure and return accordingly to allow ample time for hiking.
Children often have free entry to the park, but it's best to check the official park website or inquire with boat tour operators for specific pricing for all age groups.
While possible, purchasing tickets on the day is not recommended due to potential sell-outs and long queues, especially during peak tourist season. Booking online is the safest option.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The 'Sentier le chemin du Roy' is a popular choice for its beautiful ocean views and less crowded path. The 'Les Colonies' trail offers direct access to the bird colony. Choose trails based on your fitness level and desired experience.
The shortest trails take approximately two hours round trip. For a more comprehensive experience, consider longer trails like 'Sentier le chemin du Roy,' which can take around three hours.
The island is famous for its large colony of Northern Gannets. You can also spot other seabirds like razorbills and murres, as well as harbor seals, particularly at Bull's Cove.
Yes, clean restrooms are available along the trails on Bonaventure Island, which is a well-maintained park.
While some paths are wide, the terrain can be uneven. The park offers a limited number of strollers and carriers for rent, which can be very helpful for families with young children.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Food and water options on Bonaventure Island are very limited and expensive. It's strongly advised to bring your own packed lunch and plenty of water.
The village of Percé offers a variety of dining options, from casual seafood shacks to restaurants with ocean views. Enjoy fresh local seafood, ice cream, and more.
Yes, picnicking is a great option. Bring your own food and enjoy it at designated spots while taking in the beautiful scenery.
Generally, no. The prices are significantly higher than on the mainland, and the selection is limited. Packing your own is the most economical and practical choice.
Seafood is king in Gaspésie! Expect delicious lobster, scallops, mussels, and fish. Local Quebecois specialties are also widely available.
📸 📸 Photography
The Northern Gannet colony is a prime subject, offering incredible close-ups and wide shots of thousands of birds. Percé Rock from the boat and scenic coastal views from the trails are also must-captures.
A telephoto lens is excellent for capturing the bird colony. A wide-angle lens is great for the dramatic landscapes and Percé Rock. Consider a sturdy tripod for stable shots.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide softer light, ideal for landscape photography. However, the sheer activity of the bird colony makes it a great subject throughout the day.
Generally, photography is allowed and encouraged. However, always be respectful of wildlife and maintain a safe distance. Avoid using flash photography directly at nesting birds.
The boat tours offer the best vantage points for photographing Percé Rock. Try to capture it from different angles as the boat circles the island.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Choose shorter, well-marked trails like 'Les Colonies' to keep little legs from getting too tired. Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as food options are scarce and expensive. The sheer scale of the bird colony is often a highlight that captivates children's imaginations, making it a memorable educational experience.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
Consider taking the longer trails like 'Sentier le chemin du Roy' for a more immersive hike and to potentially find quieter spots. The boat tours also offer a social aspect, allowing for brief interactions with other travelers. Remember to inform someone of your hiking plans and carry sufficient water and supplies.
📸 Photographers
Don't forget your wide-angle lens for the dramatic coastal landscapes and the iconic Percé Rock, especially when viewed from the boat. Early morning and late afternoon light can enhance the scenic beauty. Be prepared for varying weather conditions and protect your gear accordingly.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Majestic Northern Gannets
Visitors can observe the gannets from designated viewing areas along the trails. The air is filled with their calls, and the sight of thousands of birds in constant motion is truly unforgettable. It's important to maintain a respectful distance to avoid disturbing the nesting birds. The smell can be strong due to the high concentration of birds, but it's an integral part of the authentic experience.
To get the most out of your gannet viewing, consider visiting during the nesting season, which typically runs from spring through late summer. Early morning visits can offer calmer conditions and potentially more active bird behavior before the peak crowds arrive.
Exploring Percé Rock: A Geological Icon
The best way to appreciate Percé Rock's grandeur is from the water. Boat tours to Bonaventure Island provide excellent opportunities to get close to the rock and witness its impressive scale and the natural archway. At low tide, it's even possible to walk out towards the rock from the mainland, though climbing it is prohibited due to its protected status.
Beyond its visual appeal, Percé Rock holds historical significance and is a key part of the region's identity. Its presence draws visitors from around the globe, making it a must-see attraction for anyone exploring the Gaspé Peninsula.
Hiking and Heritage on Bonaventure Island
These trails not only showcase the island's natural beauty but also hint at its past. The island was once inhabited, and remnants of its history can be discovered along the paths. The park provides historical information, adding a layer of cultural context to the natural exploration.
Remember to wear comfortable shoes, as the trails involve walking for at least two hours. Be prepared for sections with sun exposure and bring plenty of water and snacks, as amenities on the island are limited and costly.
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