The mission of Parc national de l'Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé is to protect a migratory bird sanctuary, as well as a geologically and historically-rich segment of Québec. --Information courtesy of the Société des établissements de plein air du Québec (Sépaq)
Sculpted by time, the sea, and the wind, at the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula, the park is renowned for its rich historical heritage, surprising geological past and its remarkable flora and unusual fauna, including its famous colony of Northern Gannet.
The natural amphitheatre of the park is geologically rich and ancient: five geological formations, all within a 2-kilometre stretch of coastline, two of them in the heart of the park. Percé Rock towers above you -- a limestone giant from the Devonian period (over 400 million years ago), that harbors some one hundred fossil species. Neighboring Bonaventure Island, an island of conglomerate from the Carboniferous period (over 310 million years ago), lies just a bit further offshore.
Bonaventure Island and Percé Rock National Park is home to the largest migratory bird refuge in North America. Its colony of 110,000 northern gannets is by far the most accessible in the world and the second largest in size. The island also offers four hiking trails and a historic heritage trail that reflects Bonaventure Island's prosperous past.
At Percé Rock, take advantage of the low tide to participate in an activity focused on beach organisms or talk geology with a park warden and naturalist. This cathedral of limestone that rose from the Equator contains tons of fossils.