On the north shore of Chaleur Bay, Miguasha is a small Gaspésian hamlet known for its red cliffs and its fossil site inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Away from the main tourist routes, the village is home to one of the world's most important paleontological sites, a witness to an era 360 million years old.

Why visit Miguasha

Miguasha condenses within a few kilometres a rare concentration of attractions: a scientifically significant site of international standing, a well-preserved coastline, and a natural environment ideal for hiking and observation. The village is part of the municipality of Nouvelle, in the Avignon regional county, and remains understated despite the renown of its park. It's a stop for travellers who appreciate heritage-rich sites without crowds, in a peaceful maritime setting.

History and etymology

The name Miguasha comes from the Micmac word megoasag, which means "rock" or "red cliff", referring to the characteristic hue of the rocky walls lining the shore. The place name appears as early as the beginning of the 18th century on old maps, in various spellings, attesting to a long human and cartographic presence in the region.

In the middle of the 19th century, residents of the area noticed unusual fossilized impressions in the cliffs. These discoveries gradually attracted the attention of scientists and revealed a remarkable deposit, rich in fish and plants from the Upper Devonian period. This geological significance led to the creation of the Miguasha conservation park in 1985, followed by its inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1999. While Miguasha is now known far beyond Gaspésie, its scientific recognition is rooted in the careful observation of the territory by its inhabitants.

What to see and do

Miguasha National Park

Miguasha National Park and its fossil museum form the heart of the visit. The museum retraces an essential chapter in the history of life on Earth through fossil-bearing cliffs classified by UNESCO, with fossils dating back over 360 million years. The exhibits are family-friendly and well-documented, with trails allowing you to observe geological layers from the shoreline.

Outdoor activities

Just minutes away, the Nouvelle River ZEC is renowned for sea trout and salmon fishing, as well as for its landscapes conducive to observation. For a more active experience, GP Canoë Aventure offers river descents in a preserved environment. The ÈST eco-cabins provide local accommodation to extend your stay in a natural setting.

Practical information

• The national park is open mainly from late spring to mid-October. The winter low season does not allow visits to the museum and trails.
• Park entrance tickets are managed by SÉPAQ (moderate pricing, free for young children).
• Plan for 2 to 3 hours to visit the museum and walk the site trails.
• The site is partially accessible to people with reduced mobility (museum, certain trails).

When to go

The most pleasant time to discover Miguasha extends from June to mid-October, with summer temperatures between 15 and 25 °C.

Summer (July – August)

High season, long days, stable weather. The ideal time to enjoy the Chaleur Bay coast and combine a park visit with water activities.

Autumn (September – mid-October)

A quieter period, marked by changing forest colours and discreet visitor numbers, with still pleasant conditions for seaside walks.

Nearby

Carleton-sur-Mer, to the west, is one of the premier destinations on Chaleur Bay: beaches, barachois, water sports. The Mont-Saint-Joseph regional park offers hiking trails with panoramic views over the bay. The Aquamer centre, in Carleton-sur-Mer, invites a wellness pause inspired by the sea. In Saint-Omer, the Indian Bay artisanal smokehouse perpetuates ancestral methods of salmon preservation. Further east, Forillon National Park extends exploration of the Gaspésian peninsula, while Bic National Park, heading back towards the Lower Saint Lawrence region, offers another face of Quebec's coastline.

How to get there

Access to Miguasha is via Route 132, which runs along Chaleur Bay. The village is clearly signposted, just beside the conservation park.

• From Carleton-sur-Mer: approximately 30 minutes' drive west.
• From Gaspé: approximately 3 hours 30 minutes via Route 132.
• From Quebec City: approximately 7 to 8 hours by car via Route 132 or Autoroute 20 then 132.
• From Montreal: allow 9 to 10 hours of driving, or a flight to Bonaventure followed by car rental.

The car remains the most practical mode of transport for exploring Gaspésie and combining Miguasha with other stops on the peninsula. To plan a full itinerary, consult our Canada travel guide.

Frequently asked questions

Prepare your trip

Miguasha fits naturally into a Gaspésie itinerary or a broader trip around the Saint Lawrence. Discover our tailor-made itineraries in our Canada travel guide to combine UNESCO sites, national parks and coastal villages.