This old general store not far from the St. Lawrence closed its doors over twenty years ago and has kept its stock of antique merchandise intact. Visitors to this veritable museum housing more than sixty years of history can explore the old store and an apartment modeled on an old-time Québec home. You can also learn the story of the sinking of the Longfellow just offshore in 1902.

Duration: 30 to 40 minutes.
Schedule: June 24 to September 11, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Admission: Adults, $7; students, $3; free for accompanied children 12 and under.

Treat yourself to a night in one of three guest rooms. Outside the store, a magnificent beach, a terrace and swings invite visitors to relax while contemplating the St. Lawrence.

Claude Picher Exhibit

The Galerie d’art de Matane is an exhibition centre for contemporary art focusing on new works, diverse of techniques, and creative perspectives on today’s world. Come explore the collection La Couleur de la Gaspésie (colours of Gaspésie) by renowned painter Claude Picher. Of over one hundred canvases he created, more than a quarter are on permanent exhibition in the Salle Claude-Picher Tembec. The gallery gift shop features items with images of the works.

Summer hours: Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Free admission.

This 1906 lighthouse offers a splendid view of the town and the sea. From the top of this cylindrical tower (more than 20-metres high), observe the maritime traffic, the windmill park and the Chic-Chocs Mountains. You will also see the equipment of a modern vessel wheelhouse: radar, radio transmitter, vessel tracking system, weather station, etc. Please note that the Tourist Welcome Bureau of the Matane region is located in the guard house.

Duration: 1 hour.
Schedule: July to mid-August. Guided tours, Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Off-season by appointment.
Admission: $4.00/adult, $2.00/children. Group rates.

The first part of the tour offers a stroll along Avenue Saint-Jérôme to admire the old buildings, completing the loop with the Promenade des Capitaines (the “Captains’ Walk") which presents the maritime history of Matane. The second part leads to buildings and landscapes that are definitely worth the trip. A guidebook is available at the tourist office

The reconstituted Matane trading post, the first trading post on the south shore of the Saint Lawrence, lets visitors learn about the events that occurred in the Matane River area from the beginning of the 17th century until today. Visitors will discover the importance of the fur trade between aboriginal peoples and Europeans, in addition to the history of trapping in the Matane region. You’ll be able to touch samples of beautiful furs from the area and hear stories about the old trappers. Lectures, conferences, exhibitions and interpretation on site.

Duration: One hour.
Schedule: Early July to mid-August. Guided tours Monday through noon Friday, 10 a.m. to noon, and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Off-season by appointment.
Admission: Adults, $4; children, $2. Group rates available.

Relive the atmosphere found at the beginning of the 20th century in a typical country house of the Matane region. You will hear the fascinating story of the six Bouffard-Durette weddings, a world record listed in the Guinness Book.

Duration: 1 hour.
Schedule: Mid-June to mid-September, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: $6.00/adult, $2.00/children, special rates for groups.

This historical and genealogical society is a nonprofit organization that collects, processes, stores and disseminates the history of Matane and environs. It has a large library of wedding directories, parish monographs, photographs and genealogical records that go far back in time, letting visitors with roots here trace back their family tree with the help of volunteers. It also houses the Collection Levasseur-Desjardins, which includes the furnishings from the former home of a wealthy Matane family. This summer, the Société invites you to visit the Levasseur-Desjardins dining room and its magnificent furniture.

Duration: About one hour.
Schedule: Open all year. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. By appointment any other time of the week.
Admission: Visits are free. Genealogical research for non-members is $5 per person.

The heart of cultural life in Matane celebrates twenty years of summer entertainment! Located on the shores of the St. Lawrence, Le Barachois art centre has been at the forefront supporting established and emerging performers and local talent. A wide variety of shows are presented throughout the summer season.

Schedule: June 15 to September 15. Programming is available at various locations around town.

Admission: Tickets are on sale at the box office at Vidéo Gaieté (video club), Monday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Billetterie du club Vidéo Gaieté | 289, rue Saint-Pierre, Matane | 418 566-0011

This craft workshop offers a panoply of original products developed and manufactured by professional craftsmen: decorative and utilitarian ceramics, costume jewellery and santons (hand-painted clay figurines). This studio workshop is a must for those seeking a 100% Gaspésien souvenir.

Schedule: From mid-June to late September, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. Off-season, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Free admission.

A place where you get familiarized with the weaving loom. Artisan in action. Heritage works of traditional arts (weaving, knits, sewing, embroidery, painting, milled wood, etc.) made in Matanie by more than twenty artisans.

Schedule: Open all year, Monday through Saturday. Closed Saturday and Sunday in the off-season.
Free admission.

Art gallery exhibiting the works of artist Claude Robillard. Paintings on canvas, ostrich and emu eggs, shells, candles, crab shells, tree fungus, etc. Crafts created by Jovette Bélanger such as ducks, nativity scenes, greeting cards, dolls, wreaths, decorative frames, floral arrangements and various souvenirs. Antique enthusiasts will enjoy the collection of ceramics, art objects and antique furniture.

Schedule: July 1 to September 1, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed Mondays. Off-season by appointment only, depending on availability.
Free admission.

ESPACE F is a centre for the production and exhibition of artistic works in photography, video and the new media. The gallery’s programming reflects the diversity of current approaches in these modes of expression.

Schedule: Daily, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Free admission.

This street exhibit features the work of the young artists in the photography program at the Cégep of Matane. This exhibit lets visitors discover the creativity and diversity of the work of young photographers. The artworks in this open-air gallery are changed three times a year. It is always free and open to the public, at the corner of Rue Saint-Pierre and Rue Bon-Pasteur.  

Located in the heart of the village, near the St. Lawrence and Rivière Blanche, this creative space invites visitors to discover impressionist and sometimes whimsical figurative works. Cards and crafts available.

Schedule: June 15 to September 15, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily. Evenings and off-season by appointment.
Free admission. 

Jenny McNeil creates acrylic paintings that are mainly abstract and figurative, drawing on the beauty of the landscape in Gaspésie. The artist invites you to discover works inspired by the sea and the region’s flowers, houses and villages.

Schedule: June 25 to October 15, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday by appointment. Limited hours during the off-season; appointment required.
Free admission. 

The church of St. Ulrich is a real jewel of neoclassical style in the Matane region. Its architectural richness that is unrivalled in eastern Québec, featuring several notable heritage elements such as detailed woodwork, arches, alcoves and a Casavant organ dating from 1916. See the four paintings of the Stations of the Cross by Québec artist Simone Hudon, two of which highlight life in Saint-Ulric in 1939. The church also features stained glass windows by Auguste Labouret. The church of Saint-Ulric was consecrated by Archbishop Bertrand Blanchet. Make a date with history, art and the sacred.

Schedule: July and August, noon to 5 p.m. every day.
Admission: Free guided tour.

There are seven churches that form an integral part of the Matane community and skyline. Head out to discover the area’s rich religious heritage and a notable collection of religious artworks: sculptures, stained glass windows and paintings of the Stations of the Cross of remarkable artistic value.

Check the website for the mass schedule or for more information.

This shop brings together the creations of the artists and artisans from the Matane area. It’s the perfect place to pick up souvenirs of your holiday. Located in the Matane lighthouse, the shop offers quality products such as jewellery and outerwear made by local artisans. You'll also find traditional crafts products such as blankets, tablecloths, placemats, knitted goods, body care products, decorative hand-painted wood items, regional specialty products, etc.

Whether you’re an antiques enthusiast or simply curious, you’ll discover a host of gift ideas at this unique shop, including jewellery, antiques and handmade soaps. You’ll also find a wide variety of teas and a vast range of tea accessories such as teapots, cups, infusers and strainers.

Jewellery artist Kathleen Bouffard invites visitor to her shop featuring unique items made with Swarovski crystal. Taking inspiration from her travels and training abroad, she uses a wide variety of precious and semi-precious stones in her work. Treat yourself or someone you love to a piece of custom jewellery for a prom, wedding, birthday or just to please yourself! Schedule: From June to late October, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Off-season by appointment only.