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Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé National Park facts for kids

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Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé National Park
IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
Percé (village).JPG
Percé Rock and village
Location Percé, Le Rocher-Percé Regional County Municipality, Quebec, Canada

Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé National Park is a special nature park in Quebec, Canada. Its name means "Bonaventure Island and Percé Rock National Park" in French. This park is famous for its incredible bird colonies and the giant, unique rock formation called Percé Rock. It's a fantastic place to explore nature and see thousands of seabirds!

Discover Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé National Park

This amazing park was created in 1985 to protect the beautiful natural areas around Bonaventure Island and Percé Rock. It's located right at the very tip of the Gaspé Peninsula, close to the charming village of Percé, Quebec. The park covers about 5.8 square kilometers, which is mostly water and the island itself. Only a small part of the park is on the mainland.

What Can You Do There?

If you visit the park, you'll find lots of exciting things to do! From May to October, you can take boat tours that go around the island and Percé Rock. You can also visit Bonaventure Island, which has five different hiking trails to explore.

Park rangers and naturalists are often available to lead guided walks. They can teach you all about the birds, the ancient fossils found there, and the interesting geology of the area. It's a great way to learn more about this unique place.

Meet the Birds and Marine Life

The park's main visitor center is located on the mainland in Percé. It's in a beautifully restored building called Le Chafaud. Inside, you can see exhibits that teach you about the park's huge bird colonies, the marine animals that live in the waters, the local ecosystem, and the history of the area.

One of the biggest attractions is the sheer number of birds! There are about 250,000 birds living in the park, especially on Bonaventure Island. It's one of the largest and most accessible bird sanctuaries in the world. You can see many different kinds of seabirds, including the famous Northern Gannets.

The Famous Percé Rock

Percé Rock is a truly iconic landmark. It's a massive rock formation that rises out of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, just off the coast. The rock is known for its distinctive arch, which was carved out by the ocean over thousands of years. It's a stunning sight and a symbol of Quebec's natural beauty.

Explore More Online

  • Parc national de l'île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé - Official park website in English
  • Parc national de l'île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé - Information from Tourism Gaspésie
  • Additional tour information
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