Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé National Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé National Park |
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IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
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Percé Rock and village
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| Location | Percé, Le Rocher-Percé Regional County Municipality, Quebec, Canada |
Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé National Park (in French: Parc national de l'île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé) is a special park in Quebec, Canada. It is managed by SEPAQ, which looks after Quebec's parks.
This amazing park is located at the very end of the Gaspé Peninsula, right next to the village of Percé, Quebec. It was created in 1985 to protect two very important natural places: Bonaventure Island and the famous Percé Rock. The park covers about 5.8 square kilometers (2.2 square miles). Most of this area is water and islands, with only a small part on the mainland.
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This park is famous for its huge groups of migratory birds. These birds come here to nest and raise their young. It is one of the biggest bird sanctuaries in the world!
Bonaventure Island is home to about 250,000 birds. The most famous residents are the Northern Gannets. These large, white seabirds with yellow heads gather in massive colonies. It's an incredible sight to see so many birds in one place!
Besides gannets, you can also spot other seabirds like Common Murres, Razorbills, and Black-legged Kittiwakes. The island's cliffs provide safe nesting spots for these birds.
Percé Rock: A Natural Wonder
Just off the coast, you'll see the impressive Percé Rock. This huge limestone rock formation looks like a giant ship. It has a natural archway carved by the ocean over thousands of years. Percé Rock is a symbol of the Gaspé region and a popular spot for photos.
Exploring the Park and Its Nature
You can visit the park from May to October. Boat tours are available to take you around Percé Rock and to Bonaventure Island. Once on the island, there are five hiking trails to explore. These trails offer amazing views of the bird colonies and the ocean.
Guided Tours and Learning
Park rangers and naturalists are available to guide you. They offer special walks and tours focused on birds, fossils, and the park's geology. You can learn about how the land was formed and the different types of rocks found here.
The main visitor center is located on the mainland in Percé. It's in a restored building called Le Chafaud. Inside, you'll find exhibits that teach you about the park's birds, marine life, and its unique ecosystem. You can also learn about the history of the area.
This park is a fantastic place to learn about nature and see incredible wildlife up close!
