Must-sees and hidden gems: what to see and do in Sainte-Anne-des-Monts?
1. Explore Gaspésie National Park
This is the region’s natural crown jewel. Just a 30-minute drive from downtown Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, Gaspésie National Park unfolds in bold mountain scenery, dense forests, and peaceful lakes. Here the crisp air feels almost electric, and moose sometimes graze within sight of the trails, best watched quietly from a distance without disturbing them. The hikes are outstanding, especially the route up Mount Jacques-Cartier, where you may even spot the last caribou of the Gaspé Peninsula. A must for anyone who loves wide-open spaces.
2. Explore the Sépaq Discovery and Visitor Services Center
Before heading onto the trails or setting foot in the tundra, make a stop at the Sépaq visitor center at the park entrance. You’ll get a great introduction to the impressive biodiversity of the Chic-Chocs, with interactive displays, scale models, and expert advice. Wildlife and plant lovers will find answers to all their questions, while younger visitors can have fun learning to identify animal tracks. It’s the perfect preview before immersing yourself in the backcountry.
3. Go hiking in the Chic-Chocs Mountains
The name alone hints at adventure. The Chic-Chocs Mountains, ancient highlands with rugged, sometimes jagged peaks, offer some of the most beautiful trekking in Quebec. In summer, you walk along ridgelines through alpine tundra, breathing in the resin-rich scent of conifers. In winter, the route is best explored on snowshoes or Nordic skis, wrapped in soft silence. Follow a local guide to discover hidden corners far from the usual routes, where snow-covered landscapes feel simply magical.
4. Try backcountry skiing in the Chic-Chocs Wildlife Reserve
For ski lovers, this is one of the Gaspé Peninsula’s best-kept secrets. Just 30 minutes from Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, the Chic-Chocs Wildlife Reserve is a winter paradise for backcountry skiing. No chairlifts, no crowds, just wild slopes, generous vertical drops, and powder that lingers. Going with a certified guide is strongly recommended, both for safety and for finding the best terrain. Get ready for an unforgettable day, set to the sound of snow crunching beneath your skis.
5. Enjoy seafood by the river
The scent of seaweed, the salty air, the cries of gulls: here the sea is everywhere, and you can taste it on your plate. Take time to enjoy a meal by the St. Lawrence at one of the small local seafood restaurants, such as Le Malbord. Lobster, snow crab and northern shrimp, everything is fresh and prepared on site. In summer, the waterfront terrace is pure joy. In winter, the sight of ice drifting slowly past is striking.
6. Sea kayak along the St. Lawrence
Seen from the water, Sainte-Anne-des-Monts takes on a whole new dimension. Launching from the shore, you paddle the coastline where the St. Lawrence grows wide enough to feel like an inland sea. A local guide points out seabirds and, with luck, seals or a distant whale spout, always observed from a respectful distance and without disturbing them. It's a quiet, physical way to read the shoreline and the light that shifts by the hour.
7. Stroll along the coastal boardwalk
Simple, yet essential. This walk follows the edge of the river and offers spectacular views of the St. Lawrence, which looks here like an inland sea. In the morning, golden light dances on the water. At dusk, the sky flares pink and orange. Benches, lookout points, and a few works of art line the path. It’s a peaceful spot, popular with locals who come to breathe, read, or simply watch the tides.
8. Watch the sunset from the wharf
A short walk brings you to the old wharf of Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, a simple yet deeply evocative place. The smell of wet wood, the lap of water against the rocks, and the cries of gulls give the place a maritime atmosphere that feels completely authentic. At golden hour, fishermen return to the harbor as the sun slips slowly behind the horizon. It’s the perfect place to end the day with a camera, a travel journal, or simply your eyes wide open.
9. Visit the church of Sainte-Anne-des-Monts
Tucked into the heart of the village, this century-old church surprises visitors with its architectural details and peaceful interior. Religious paintings, colorful stained glass, and carved wood reflect the region’s rich spiritual past. Step inside and you’ll find a quiet refuge, perhaps accompanied by the soft sound of an organ. It’s also a good excuse to chat with locals, who often have plenty to share about the history of the place.
10. Sleep in a chalet at the foot of the mountains
To fully experience the Gaspé Peninsula, nothing beats a night surrounded by nature. A few miles from Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, small wooden chalets tucked into the forest or set beside a lake offer the perfect refuge. Campfire, soft light, starry sky: some places, such as the accommodations at Gîte du Mont-Albert, combine comfort with seclusion. In the morning, you wake to deep quiet, with only the distant call of blue jays as your alarm.
Stop in Sainte-Anne-des-Monts on a tailor-made trip to Canada
With Evaneos, you’ll connect directly with a local, English-speaking agent based in Canada. Passionate about their region, this expert knows the country inside and out, from the Gaspé Peninsula to British Columbia. They’ll help you design a fully tailor-made itinerary, at your pace, shaped around your interests and far from the beaten path.
Want to pause in Sainte-Anne-des-Monts to listen to the breath of the St. Lawrence and explore the trails of Gaspésie National Park? Your local agent will know how to get you there at the right time, to the right places, in the spirit of a truly authentic trip.
