Percé, Québec

The discovery of these parts of Canada, inhabited at one time by Micmac Indians, by French explorers made Percé a stop-off point between Québec City and France. In the 17th century Percé developed into a bustling port with hundreds of boats anchored in the summer season. During the English campaign against Québec, the small village was burned down by the English. Afterwards, Percé was forgotten for almost half a century. Following the Treaty of Versailles, reconstruction began; by 1777 Percé addedl 400 seasonal fishermen to its year-round population of 300. In 1781 Charles Robin founded a fishing business that prospered rapidly and generated new interest in Percé.Today this charming fishing village is as a prime holiday spot, thanks to its gargantuan limestone rock which rears up from the sea just a stone’s throw off the coast. The Roche Percé”measures 1,545 feet in length and 288 feet in height and stands as a protector against wind and ocean forces. It originally featured two holes. One of them disappeared when a part of the rock crumbled in 1845, giving way to its present shape. The rock is considered one of Canada’s most celebrated natural phenomena; it presents an almost surreal sight at dawn.Little remains of the original buildings of the 17th-century fishing village due to the long, harsh winter weather. Charles Robin's house survived and serves as a guest house. Now the village features a number of craft shops, art galleries, and a pleasantly relaxed atmosphere endearing to visitors. Outside of town visit isolated lighthouses and enjoy a drive through bucolic countryside dotted with small farms and pastures.Bonaventure Island, renowned as a bird sanctuary, is two miles from the mainland. The high cliffs of the 1.6-square-mile island teem with bird colonies, including the world’s largest and most accessible colony of gannets. Other species include puffins, cormorants, kittiwakes and razorbills who come here to nest in this preservation area. Walking trails lead around the island for a closer look at this fascinating bird sanctuary. Pier Information The ship will be anchored off Percé and guests will be taken ashore via the ship’s tenders. The jetty is within close walking distance to the village. There are a limited number of taxis available for trips farther afield. Shopping Several small souvenir shops and art galleries offer a nice selection of local handicrafts and artwork. Hand-knit sweaters and woolen items may also be of interest. The local currency is the Canadian dollar. Cuisine Several rustic eateries throughout the village offer fresh seafood and typical hearty fare. If you are looking for a first-class restaurant try the Auberge du Gargantua, about a mile west of town. Other Sites Visitors can take local boat trips around Bonaventure Island. Stroll through this charming village and along its seaside boardwalk. Gaspésian LighthousesOnly two of the many lighthouses scattered along the coast of the Gaspé peninsula are still in use today. One of them stands at Cap d’Espoir some eight miles from Percé. It was built of wood in 1874; the present structure dates from 1939. It is 48 feet high and is open for visitors. The second lighthouse is located at Cap Blanc. It was also installed in 1874 and rebuilt in 1959.