Gaspe Peninsula

[Bruce Olive]

Just returning from a 4 week exploration of the Gaspe Peninsula and Forillon National Park. Whales, moose and snow geese in vast numbers. Now in Quebec City, reluctantly returning to civilization. In our experience, most folks in this area are not refusing to speak English. They simply do not speak English. Our poor French worked well enough-men around the world can always find the word for bier! Cold, beautiful leaves, and wonderful people. This area and the Maritimes are our favorite places on earth. Back to NC in a week.

[AlanKilian]

We're planning on getting up there from MA next year.

Probably for 3 weeks or so.

Can you post some photos, campground information and interesting sites?

[Bruce Olive]

Favorite campgrounds anticlockwise: Camping de Carlton Sur Mer, Cote Surprise (Perce)Forillon National Park stay at both Cap Petite Gaspe (South) and Cap des Rosiers, North Campgrounds, Parc et Mer Campround Monts-Luis at St Maxime du Monts Louis, Parc Nationale Gaspesie, Bic National Park in Rimouski only interior sites including Rioux or Tombolo campgrounds but no dogs allowed. Avoid any private campground that has “Nature” in its name. In our experience. Plus, we were in off-season. Strawberries are best we have ever tasted. Great local smoked fish and fish pies.
Bon voyage!!

[parmm]

Originally Posted by Bruce Olive

Now in Quebec City, reluctantly returning to civilization. In our experience, most folks in this area are not refusing to speak English. They simply do not speak English. Our poor French worked well enough-men around the world can always find the word for bier!

Last time I was up there, I found out how to get them to speak English. I used my horrible German on them. And I mean horrible! Just enough to get by when we were in West Berlin.

[theresa p]

LOL...Bruce----you made my day with a laugh. Thanks!


Loved your line "avoid all parks with nature in the name".

Excellent advice unless one prefers to camp "au naturel".




The Gaspe is a beautiful area and in our experience, driving it

counterclockwise provides the best scenic views.



As to attempting to speak French, it is, of course, thoroughly appreciated

by the locals.....but you will likely find that they will immediately reply in their best English. And you'll think " is my French that bad that they identified me right off as an Anglophone?"....but no, it is that they don't get the opportunity to practice their English very often, so do it whenever the chance presents itself.