Bonaventure Island Gannet Colony
Home to the world's largest Northern Gannet colony, Bonaventure Island offers breathtaking wildlife encounters and stunning coastal hikes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Gannet breeding season
Bonaventure Island Gannet Colony
Best Time
Gannet breeding season
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Home to the world's largest Northern Gannet colony, Bonaventure Island offers breathtaking wildlife encounters and stunning coastal hikes.
"Witnessing tens of thousands of Northern Gannets is a truly spectacular and unforgettable natural phenomenon!"
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Hiking shoes are best for uneven trails. Good sandals might work, but prioritize grip and stability.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Stay hydrated and fueled for your hike. There's a canteen at the top, but bringing your own is wise.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Northern Gannet Colony
Bonaventure Island
Witness tens of thousands of Northern Gannets nesting and soaring. A truly spectacular natural phenomenon!
Island Hiking Trails
Bonaventure Island
Explore lush forest paths leading to breathtaking viewpoints of the gannet colony and dramatic cliffs.
Boat Tour Around the Island
Departing from Percé
Enjoy scenic views of Percé Rock and spot seals from the water before landing on Bonaventure Island.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Boat Ride & Trail Choice
Timing is Everything
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Hiking shoes are best for uneven trails. Good sandals might work, but prioritize grip and stability.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Stay hydrated and fueled for your hike. There's a canteen at the top, but bringing your own is wise.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Easily purchase park entry and boat passes online to save time and avoid queues.
👃 Follow the Scent!
The distinct smell of bird droppings is your sign you're getting close to the amazing gannet colony!
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Hiking shoes are best for uneven trails. Good sandals might work, but prioritize grip and stability.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Stay hydrated and fueled for your hike. There's a canteen at the top, but bringing your own is wise.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Easily purchase park entry and boat passes online to save time and avoid queues.
👃 Follow the Scent!
The distinct smell of bird droppings is your sign you're getting close to the amazing gannet colony!
➡️ Choose Your Trail Wisely
'Les Colonies' is shorter and family-friendly. 'Les Mousses' is longer. Consider your group's fitness.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about the awe-inspiring spectacle of the Northern Gannet colony, calling it a must-visit for nature lovers. The boat trip and scenic island hikes are also highly praised. Some note the trails can be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues, and the cost can be a factor for some.
"After taking the boat to the island, follow the guide’s introduction, then turn left up the hill. Soon you’ll see two trail signs: Les Mousses (3.6 km, ~75 min) and Les Colonies (3.4 km, ~1 hr). If you’re with children, I recommend Les Colonies. The trail is not stroller-friendly — it has uneven terrain and several uphill sections. While the official sign suggests 1 hour, with kids it can easily take 1.5 hours. The hike to the colony is the harder part; the return is mostly downhill and much easier.
The trail offers fresh air and a calm forest atmosphere, though the surface is average with some rough patches. A fun tip: if you suddenly notice the strong smell of bird droppings, you’re almost there! At the end, you’ll be greeted by tens of thousands of northern gannets — a truly spectacular sight.
Practical tips: Wear hiking shoes rather than regular sneakers for better grip and stability, and make sure to bring enough water, especially on sunny days."
Kevin Lee
"Buying tickets for the island was super easy, no wait time. Bought the park entry online and it was super easy. The boat cruise was awesome and the hike to the colony was great. I took the easy and shortest hike, which was Les Colonies. A few nice views along the way but worth the finale...the colony of gannets. What a spectacle! I recommend walking/running shoes but its doable with good sandals if need be. Bring water and snacks, you will need your carbs and hydration."
Martine
"There are four trails to get here from the pier, we took the shortest one, it was about 7 km round trip with elevation gain slightly over 100 m. The trail was pretty flat and it was an easy walk. We spent quite some time here watching the birds. It had a small snack shop, washrooms and a picnic area."
Patrick Xu
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access to Bonaventure Island is primarily by boat from the wharf in Percé village. The boat ride itself offers scenic views of Percé Rock and the coastline.
Yes, there are parking facilities available in Percé village near the wharf where you can leave your vehicle before boarding the boat.
The boat ride is a scenic journey, often taking about an hour, circling the island and offering views of the dramatic cliffs and distant seabirds. You might also spot seals.
No, the only way to access Bonaventure Island is by taking a designated boat tour from Percé.
Percé is accessible by car. The nearest major airports are in Gaspé (YGP) or Bonaventure (ZBF), followed by a drive. Public transport options are limited.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There's a fee for the boat pass (around $45) and a separate park entry fee (around $10) per person. Booking online can be easier.
It's highly recommended to buy tickets in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot on the boat and avoid long waits.
The park entry fee grants you access to the island's trails and the opportunity to observe the gannet colony up close.
Information on discounts for seniors, students, or families is usually available on the official park website or at the ticket booth.
Operating hours vary seasonally. Boat tours typically run from late May to early October. Check the official park website for the most current schedule.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The island has several trails, including 'Les Colonies' (shorter, family-friendly) and 'Les Mousses' (longer). Trails can be uneven with some uphill sections.
Generally, no. The trails are uneven and have uphill sections, making them unsuitable for strollers. 'Les Colonies' might be manageable for some, but it's not guaranteed.
The hike to the colony can take about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the trail chosen and your pace. The return trip is often easier.
The main attraction is the massive Northern Gannet colony. You might also spot seals during the boat ride around the island.
Yes, there are washrooms, a small snack shop with drinks and snacks, and picnic areas available at the top of the island near the colony.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Early mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the birds. Late afternoon can also provide beautiful golden hour light.
While you can get close, a telephoto lens (e.g., 200mm or more) will help you capture detailed shots of the gannets without disturbing them.
Generally, photography is allowed, but always be respectful of the wildlife and maintain a safe distance. Avoid using flash, as it can disturb the birds.
The cliff edges overlooking the gannet colony offer dramatic perspectives. The boat tour also provides unique angles of the island and its birdlife.
Use a wider-angle lens to include the dramatic cliff faces and the vastness of the colony. Including a person in the frame can also help convey scale.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Early morning light offers the best conditions for both wildlife and landscape shots. Be patient, respectful, and ready to capture the dynamic behavior of the colony. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Majestic Northern Gannet
+1The gannets are highly protective of their nests, and their head-shaking displays are a fascinating part of their territorial behavior. Visitors can observe this natural spectacle from designated viewpoints, allowing for close-up encounters without disturbing the birds. The sheer density of the colony creates a unique sensory experience, including the characteristic scent that signals your proximity.
Conservation efforts are crucial for maintaining this vital breeding ground. Visitors are reminded to stay on marked trails and respect the wildlife's space to ensure the continued success of the Northern Gannet population on Bonaventure Island.
Navigating the Island Trails
For those looking for a longer hike, 'Les Mousses' trail is about 3.6 km and takes around 75 minutes. This trail offers a different perspective of the island's interior. It's important to note that most trails are not stroller-friendly due to uneven terrain and inclines. Wearing appropriate hiking shoes is highly advised for better grip and stability on the paths.
The return journey from the colony is often predominantly downhill, making it a more relaxed walk back to the pier. Along the way, you'll experience the fresh air of the forest and can enjoy the calm atmosphere before rejoining your boat tour.
The Percé Rock and Coastal Views
As the boat circles Bonaventure Island, you'll be treated to dramatic cliff faces rising from the crystal-clear waters. This is also an excellent opportunity to spot marine life, with seals often seen lounging on the rocks or swimming nearby. The perspective from the water allows you to grasp the scale of the island and its importance as a seabird sanctuary.
This boat trip is not just a means of transport but an integral part of the Bonaventure Island experience, offering a comprehensive appreciation of the natural wonders of the region, from the famous rock to the island's wild shores.
Social
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