Blue Gulf of St Lawrence waters prove a striking contrast to the green forests, bright fields and rock cliffs of Gaspe Peninsula. An outdoor enthusiast's playground, the fun lasts year-round, as does the scenery. A thumb of land carved out on the north by the St Lawrence River where it empties into the gulf, any trip to the peninsula includes a quiet interlude with seascapes and salt breezes.

A tour of this region takes visitors from the valley to the mountains, from Bay of Chaleur to Land's End and Upper Gaspe. Starting from the north, linked by ferry to the mainland, Montreal and Quebec City, there are rivers teeming with salmon, hiking to be done in the Parc de la Gaspesie and views to go around. Hang-glide from the heights of Mont St Pierre, snap some wide-angle photos from panoramic viewpoints and stop for sea birds, seals and whales at Forillon National Park. The Appalachian Trail ends here, so if you're after a bit of bragging rights to trekking time on this long-distance route, take a day or two to wander. Don't miss peninsular landmark, limestone Rocher Perce, or a brush with fossil facts at Parc de Miguasha.

Stop for some beach time in Carleton, get a bit of history at the British Heritage Village in New Richmond, or hunt local art work for something to remind you of your Gaspe Peninsula trip.

Gaspe Peninsula is 348 miles northeast of Montreal and 211 miles from Quebec City.