News from Mitis to Côte-de-Gaspé

From La Mitis to Côte-de-Gaspé, including Matanie and Haute-Gaspésie, here are some new summer attractions that are definitely worth a stop for a local vacation along the northern coast of the Gaspé Peninsula.

On the edge of La Mitis, a stop is essential at the magnificent Reford Gardens, which this year celebrate the ^100th anniversary of Frank Kingdon-Ward's introduction of the blue poppy, the Gardens' emblem, to the Western horticultural world. While the poppy is no longer in bloom, the Gravity Field art installation should be, with its magnificent suspended sunflowers swirling in the air. A real favorite! Note that the popular Blue Stick Forest is back.

In Matane, the La Petite Crevette canteen is in its third season. Located near the brand new building housing the public market near the Matane River, it's perfect for a delicious lobster or shrimp roll. The same is true in Cap-Chat, where the Les Flots Gourmands canteen has just opened. A stop is also a must in Petite-Vallée, where the legendary Théâtre de la Vieille Forge has magnificently risen from the ashes.

At Exploramer, I was fascinated by the new Refuges exhibition, which introduces visitors to the mysterious world of sponges and corals. Launched last year, the permanent exhibition , Moi, le Saint-Laurent, allows visitors to encounter species of crustaceans, fish, mollusks, and many others through the voice of the river.

Rivière-au-Renard, the fishing capital

Having already stopped there a few times, it was frankly a nice surprise to discover that the Rivière-au-Renard site, inaugurated last fall, is changing the face of this village known as the "sea fishing capital of Quebec."

The new development includes a beach, a pedestrian promenade that recounts the rich maritime history, and an observation tower. Just as Exploramer seems to me to be an essential stop to better understand the St. Lawrence River before embarking on a tour of the Gaspé Peninsula, the new immersive activity Cap au large will in turn allow us to better grasp the magnitude of the working conditions surrounding deep-sea fishing. Through a short immersive film, we are transported into the reality of a harsh profession where know-how is passed down from generation to generation. In this former Robin building, moving seats, the effect of wind and drizzle contribute to making us feel this reality, as witnessed by local fishermen. Truly a very beautiful activity!

Practical notebook

Reford Gardens

The International Garden Festival, themed Frontiers , runs from June 21 to October 5, 2025. Several events (workshops, conferences, exhibitions, performances, etc.) are worth watching in August, including "Les saumons de la Mitis" by Christine Beaulieu and several literary teas with Nathalie Plaat, Marie-Ève Cotton, and Mélikah Abdelmoumen. Open at 8:30 a.m., $25 adult admission.

www.jardinsdemetis.com

Riotel Matane

Not new, but still perfect for a night by the sea and to break up the road! We booked a room with a sea view. Hearty breakfast and swimming pool. www.riotel.com/fr/hotels/matane

Old Forge Theater in Petite-Vallée

Check out the program. Otherwise, stop by Alfred - Guinguette et Café, which is located on the ground floor and offers some delicious seafood dishes.

https://theatredelavieilleforge.com

https://www.facebook.com/alfredguinguette

Fox River - Cape to the Sea

Experience every 30 minutes, fishing raincoat provided. $18 for adults, free admission for children 14 and under with the purchase of a ticket.

https://gaspepurplaisir.ca/cap-au-large-experience-4d/

The Petit Café de l'Anse currently replaces the Griffon Cultural Center, which was ravaged by fire last year. Erika and Karl-Olivier have worked tirelessly to beautifully transform this former Forillon National Park reception center into a very pleasant space. Delicious snacks, meals, and coffees. A short program of shows. 344 Renard Boulevard East. https://www.facebook.com/culturegriffon