Carleton-sur-Mer

Cradled between the gentle foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and the lapping waters of Chaleur Bay, Carleton-sur-Mer basks on the Gaspé Peninsula’s southern coast. This vibrant city, one of the area’s most captivating communities, enjoys a privileged setting where mountains meet the sea, lending breathtaking vistas at every turn. Fishermen’s boats bob in the compact harbour, colourful houses dot the shoreline, and the salty breeze mingles with the scent of spruce from dense forests close by.

Carleton-sur-Mer’s charm runs deeper than its coastal beauty. The town resonates with a lively cultural scene—a proud French Acadian spirit infuses daily life, from the friendly summer markets on rue de la Gare to evenings spent at the Quai des arts cultural centre. The Carleton Lighthouse, perched picturesquely by the bay, invites visitors to linger and take in panoramic views, while the protected dunes of Parc régional, just outside town, offer extraordinary birdwatching, paddling, and sandy stretches for lazy afternoons. Outdoor enthusiasts find hiking trails that skirt Mount Saint-Joseph, where a chapel-topped summit rewards trekkers with sweeping scenery over the Baie-des-Chaleurs.

Food lovers delight in local seafood paired with maple delicacies at bistros along the waterfront, and every July, the Festival La Virée bathe the town in music, artisanal crafts and traditional Québec cuisine. With its blend of maritime history, community warmth, and the dramatic landscapes of land and sea, Carleton-sur-Mer is a place where each day brings new discoveries, whether you linger in a café or set off to explore the peninsula’s wilder corners.