Tourist companies in the Gaspésie record traffic increases from 15 to 20% while the disinterest of many Quebecers for destinations in the United States seems to benefit the traders of the peninsula.
“We see increased traffic. Since school release and Saint-Jean-Baptiste, I would say that we have about a 15% increase in attendance. People are clear and tell us: “We decided not to go to the United States this year” “, reports Louis Legault, owner-operator of the Gaspé campsite.
Gratuity at the Forillon National Park, following an electoral promise by Mark Carney, has attracted several visitors, according to him. “I drive 98% occupancy rate practically, not to say 100%. And it’s a very nice clientele, ”he says.
Photo provided by Louis Legault
The mayor of Gaspé, Daniel Côté, also noticed that the Boycottage phenomenon of the United States “seems to have an impact”. He is delighted with the economic windfall that this represents.
“What I see, what I hear is many Quebec visitors, New Brunswick and then Ontario. This is what I see on the ground. I can’t wait to see the final statistics, ”he says.
Not like in 2020
The number of tourists, although higher in recent years, would not be comparable to the gigantic wave which swept during the pandemic, according to some stakeholders.
“It’s a great summer. We have an increase compared to last summer, then it is fine. The world is in a good mood. There are people everywhere. It started earlier, perhaps a three weeks earlier, in June, “said Simon Poirier, owner of the restaurant-bar bise, without being able to quantify the increase.
The Bistro-Bar Le Brise-Bise, in Gaspé, Monday August 4, 2025
Photo provided by Simon Poirier
The problems of incivility and illegal campsite on the beaches of the peninsula, particularly in Gaspé, which had done the headlines in 2020, also seem to be of the past.
“The overflows, we have practically not seen. There was a little bit at the start of the tourist season with us, but we tightened the screw with the regulations we have, ”notes the mayor on the side.
Good deals
Percé, the bell sound is similar.
“It is not like in the time of the pandemic where the border was closed and where there was a monster crowd. It was hard to control, ”said Mayor Daniel Leboeuf.
This does not prevent merchants, hoteliers, restaurateurs and camping owners from doing very good deals.
According to Mr. Leboeuf, they recorded an average increase of 15 to 20% of their traffic, compared to 2024.
“Are they Quebecers who wanted to take advantage of Quebec rather than go to Old Orchard or Ogunquit?” Asks Mr. Leboeuf.
The weather, which has been very pleasant in the past few weeks, may also have pushed visitors to extend their stay, he said.
The Gaspésie came at the top of the most coveted Quebec regions for the construction holidays, in a recent survey on behalf of the Ministry of Tourism.
The majority (60%) of respondents said that the current situation with the United States has influenced their travel intentions.
What they said
“The Gaspésie, we still find ourselves to be a coastal region. I think we are a really ideal option to come and spend time on the beach edge and enjoy nature. This is our corner of paradise. ” -Simon Poirier, owner of the restaurant-bar bise-bise in Gaspé
“It’s interesting. These are capital that come from outside the region, which are used to roll the economy and our shops and which pay the salary of several employees in the tourism industry, especially in our OBNL. ” – Daniel Côté, mayor of Gaspé
“Everyone manages to stay anyway. There are good housing capacities. I think we are able to take it and we are happy to take it. ” – Daniel Leboeuf, mayor of Percé, about the increase in tourism
“It’s been full for about a fortnight. It’s better than last year. This is very good news for us. ” – Lise Allain, co -owner of the Gaspé Baie campsite