Family vacations are precious moments. Timeless moments where we grow, where we create happy memories that stay engraved for life, in the hearts of both young and old. You are in the right place! In Matanie, play with the river, swim in the rivers, marvel during adventures in the heart of the forest, and delight in the sweetness offered by the locals.
Seaside experience
Matanie is where the river widens and where the lands of the Côte-Nord give way to an endless horizon. For access to the beaches, we have developed signs indicating public access to the seaside. From Route 132 or the streets of coastal villages, look for our white and blue signs representing small waves, and you'll know there is parking nearby and access to the beach. It has never been this easy to dip your toes in the water.
Studio du RuisseauAlong your walks along the coast, from Baie-des-Sables to Les Méchins, go shell picking, observe the seals basking in the sun, and collect sunsets with extraordinary colors. You may even have the chance to gather mermaid tears, these pretty little pieces of glass polished by the sea.
Saying "water" means "boat"! You can observe several boats at the Matane marina, but most importantly, you can board a Viking ship, "the Knorr," which is docked next to the Yacht Club building. Playing inside is the most beautiful tribute you can pay to the one who built it: Captain Delphis Bélanger.
All this has made you want to set sail with your family? Cross the Cap-des-Pilotes bridge to reach the boarding dock of Destination Haute-Mer located next to the Matanie Public Market. Your experienced captains will make you experience magical nautical adventures. Whether it's fishing for striped bass, mackerel, cod, and other fish, or observing marine mammals and birds, you will share wonder and marine freshness!
Inland on the rivers, towards the mountains, forest, and lakes
Between the Chic-Chocs mountains and the Matane River, the Matane Wildlife Reserve is the playground of abundant wildlife. Treat your family to a fishing trip and introduce your young ones to one of the many lakes in the reserve where you can tease brook trout or lake trout. Not a fishing fan? A multitude of outdoor activities is available to the whole family, both at the foot and summit of the mountains: paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, canyoning, biking, and hiking for all levels.
Returning to Matane, make a stop at Carrefour Nature where a pedagogical park of free games encourages children ages 4 to 8 to explore playful installations. Then cross the René-Lavoie footbridge, which spans the river, and reach the Matane River Campground for a short stroll. Enjoy the coolness, even in the height of summer, thanks to the wetlands teeming with incredible biodiversity.
Not far from there are the Jardins de Doris, a must-visit for all family members. Explore the fairy tale-themed cottages and of course, admire the landscaping and enjoy nature in the heart of the city. Don't miss the opportunity to have a picnic near the giant chessboard!
A trail (also suitable for strollers and bikes) connects the Jardins de Doris sector to Parc des Îles, located in the heart of Matane. Enjoy the river's warmer water compared to the sea at the beach monitored by lifeguards. You can also rent watercraft, bike around the islands on an asphalted trail, cool off under water games, and make use of sports facilities.
In Sainte-Félicité, discover the Pisciculture J, where you can fish for trout without a permit in a pond maintained by a local family. All the equipment is provided. Fishing has never been this easy!
Looking for a refreshing local drink? Café Boulangerie Toujours Dimanche offers delicious treats including Italian soda and colorful fruity smoothies. Discover the favorites of La Miss Café: the Green Dragon smoothie, the Lovely Strawberry crepe, and for parents, the iced frappuccino. Lastly, enjoy classic soft-serve ice creams at Café La Caisse, the dairy bar Le Phare Glacé, and at the Cantine Le Mini where delicious topping options are available.
Don't get discouraged by rain!
For activities sheltered from the rain, visit the Matane Lighthouse dating back to 1907. Whether self-guided or accompanied by a guide, you can climb up the 57 steps to the top where you can enjoy one of the region's most beautiful views. Don't forget to go down to the basement to discover an interactive exhibition that virtually takes you to the heart of the Chic-Chocs mountains in the middle of winter (even if it's 25°C outside!).
Then say hello to the passing salmon at the Salmon Run Observation Center. These salmon migrate up the Matane River to spawn in the upstream pools. Two glass basins allow us to admire them before they continue their journey.
At the Joseph-Rouleau Cultural Complex, explore the exhibitions offered by the Espaces F Artists' Center, then head to the library. From there, enjoy a pleasant view of the Matane River estuary. Puzzles and coloring activities are available for everyone.
Have a lively day at Chez Elmo with board games and challenge yourself (or not!) with escape games offering different difficulty levels. You don't have to interrupt the game for dinner, as you can indulge in their delicious Korean corn dogs available on their menu.
Events calendar for all tastes
In Matanie, we know how to throw big parties! Enhance your vacation by joining the local population at one of our many events: music shows, downtown entertainment, sports and recreational events, and more. Follow our regularly updated online calendar or inquire with our team at the Tourist Information Bureau to know everything about our program.
In Matanie, family fun and discoveries await. Unplug from your daily routine and have an unforgettable stay in the Matane region, near the gates of Gaspésie. To not miss anything, visit our website tourismematane.com, order our brochure for free, or download our interactive map on the Ondago app.