Think you know Quebec because you have been to Montreal and Quebec City? The truth is, there is so much more to Quebec than French language and European architecture. “La belle Provence” also has one of the most spectacular road trip journeys in Canada - the Gaspé Peninsula.
Route 132 takes you through 1,300 kilometres of rugged coastlines and quaint villages. It is also Quebec’s longest highway, connecting Montreal and Quebec City and extending into the picturesque Gaspé Peninsula.
So what will you see and experience on this French Canadian road trip? Learn all about route 132 and the best places to stop for photos, food, and more.
Starting your Route 132 Journey
Route 132 is split into two sections along the Gaspé Peninsula:
- Northern Shore (Rivière-du-Loup to Sainte-Anne-des-Monts): Known for its scenic views of the St. Lawrence River.
- Southern Shore (Percé to Matapédia): Famous for its dramatic cliffs, quaint villages, and proximity to key attractions.
While most people start their Route 132 journey just east of Quebec City, you will find it well worth your time to enjoy the province’s capital, a historic walled city that has become emblematic of the Quebecois identity. You’ll also find plenty of great food and historical attractions where you can learn about French settlement in North America.
Known as Canada's only highway that crosses the Arctic Circle, the Dempster Highway is a bucket-list destination for road trippers.
Quebec City is also a great place to land if you are flying in and pick up a rental car, and an even better place to take a break if you have made the long drive up from elsewhere in Canada.
Just 45 minutes east of Quebec City is Berthier-Sur-Mer, where you can catch a glimpse of where the St. Lawrence River starts to widen. Consider stopping by these towns on your way to the Gaspé Peninsula for some pretty scenery and exploration:
Exploring the Northern Shore: Rivière-du-Loup
Rivière-du-Loup is a town on the Gaspé Peninsula with terrific scenery and endless outdoor activities. Located on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River, Rivière-du-Loup boasts endless waterfront, gorgeous sunsets, and plenty of delicious artisanal gourmet food.
Downtown Rivière-du-Loup is full of Quebecois provincial charm, with bustling cafe and restaurant patios during the summer months. Go birdwatching or hiking in Kiskotuk Coastal Park, or spend a night on a small island in the river.
Along the Icefields Parkway, travelers can marvel at iconic landmarks like the Athabasca Glacier and Peyto Lake.
See Wildlife in Parc Bic
Keep driving an hour or so east on Route 132 and you will find Parc Bic. Teeming with seals, birds, rocky beaches, and coves. Parc Bic is a favourite for nature lovers. Go kayaking, bike, hike, or simply take in the amazing views.
Learn History at Pointe-au-Père
Pointe-au-Père is an area of the city of Rimouski, and home to the famous Pointe-au-Père lighthouse - the second tallest in Eastern Canada. The 33 metres tall lighthouse is designated a National Historic Site of Canada, and has a unique design with eight concrete buttresses.
While at the lighthouse, you can visit two museums of maritime history: the Empress of Ireland Museum and the HMCS Onondaga. The Empress of Ireland tells the tragedy of the ocean liner of the same name, which collided with another vessel in 1914 as a result of foggy conditions. 1,012 people died in the accident.
The HMCS Onondaga is a decommissioned navy submarine that was active during the cold war. It was used to patrol the Atlantic for Soviet vessels and later patrolled fishing fleets.
Known for its colourful autumn foliage, the Cabot Trail is a favorite destination for leaf peepers and photographers.
Cap-Chat
Continue driving along the Peninsula and you’ll reach Cap-Chat, where you can find Projet Eole, a vertical axis wind turbine. The largest of its kind in the world, tourists can visit this structure and see how the turbine operated.
You can also climb the base of the turbine for views - if you’re brave, make your way up 19 ladders to the upper balcony.
Parc National de la Gaspésie
Gaspésie National Park is located near Sainte-Anne-Des-Monts, which you’ll encounter as you continue the drive along 132. The park is over 800 square kilometres of rugged mountains, valleys, and thick forests.
The park is also called home to many different types of wildlife, such as moose, black bears,, and caribou.
Canada’s ultimate road trips, like the Icefields Parkway and the Cabot Trail, offer breathtaking landscapes that leave travelers in awe.
Attractions in Gaspésie National Park
- Mont Jacques-Cartier: 1,268 meter high mountain with the second-highest peak in Quebec. Hikers can head to the summit for views of the surrounding landscape.
- Mont Albert: mountain with a 17.4 kilometre hike for seasoned nature enthusiasts. Expect dramatic mountain views.
- Lac aux Américains: Glacial lake surrounded by cliffs. Trail is an easy hike that is great for families.
Forillon National Park
Sea cliffs, marine animals, and autumn splendour are just a few things you will find in Forillon. This park is at the tip of the peninsula, and is the perfect reward for those who have made the long journey east.
Go whale watching, explore the park’s many trails, try kayaking or even snorkelling. You can also visit a heritage site complete with a general store, typical fisherman’s house, and WWII fortifications.
The park is also a great place to camp - there are various camping sites where you can pitch a tent and relax in a spectacular natural setting.
Town of Percé
Continue around the peninsula on route 132 and you will reach the town of Percé and Percé Rock - one of the province’s most notable landmarks. The rock is a gigantic limestone formation in the sea. Beer lovers can also enjoy local craft beers in breweries like Pit Caribou.
Take a boat tour to experience Percé Rock and Bonaventure Island, which is home to a large colony of northern gannets.
Enjoy the Scenic Drive Back
If you have extra time, drive the southern side of the peninsula and see incredible sights like Chaleur Bay and towns like Carleton-Sur-Mer. The entire region is filled with Gaspesian villages and towns that will give you a sense of the area’s fishing heritage and Acadian culture.
Don't forget to taste the region's Iocal cuisine, including:
- Seafood: The peninsula is famous for fresh lobster, crab, and scallops.
- Poutine and Tourtière: Classic Quebec dishes can be found in most restaurants. Don't miss poutine, a delicious mess of fries smothered in local cheese curds and gravy.
- Microbreweries: Stop at breweries like Pit Caribou in Percé to enjoy local craft beers.
Tips for Driving Route 132
The best time to visit the Gaspé Peninsula is summer and fall. The summer will bring you the best weather and full access to amenities and attractions, while fall trips deliver full autumn leaf splendour with cooler weather and thinner crowds.
Most tourists take 5-7 days to complete this spectacular road trip and to have time to explore towns and parks.
The highway itself is well-maintained, but it is important to note that sections near cliffs are narrow and winding. Keep an eye out for wildlife, and be mindful of animal habitats that the route intersects.
Accommodations are plentiful and you’ll find a great mix of camping sites, boutique hotels, rentals, and inns. Book in advance whenever possible.
Final Thoughts
Route 132 is a fabulous road trip that will show you a side of Quebec you may have never experienced. Bring your binoculars for animal sightings and a great pair of hiking or walking shoes, because you will surely spend time in the area’s local parks.
Quebec is not often thought of for its coastal beauty, but a trip to the Gaspé Peninsula will quickly teach you about the province’s rich maritime culture. This road trip will also reward you with delicious seafood, jaw-dropping views, and the cultural charm that is so unique to Quebec’s historic roots.
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