Gros-Cap and area

Travel responsibly and sustainably


Gros-Cap and area

The township of Gros-Cap is known for its dramatic red sandstone cliffs. Several different operators run boat and Zodiac tours in this sector so that visitors can get a good look at the effects of the sea's relentless pounding on the cliffs and, at the same time, observe the many sea birds to be found in this area. A kayak tour is a wonderful way to visit this site. Many sea birds breed on these cliffs. Two sites are particularly interesting for bird watchers: la Pointe de l'Échouerie and Parc de Gros-Cap. L'Échouerie is a green space maintained by the municipality. From the top of the cliffs, you have an excellent view of the sea and the sea birds. Parc de Gros-Cap is only accessible in summer to people staying at the on-site campground or at the youth hostel. In winter, the site is unoccupied and therefore accessible to all.

Quality of site

January-February: Good
March-April: Fair
May-June: Very good
July-August: Very good
September-October: Fair
November-December: Good

Access to bird watching site

Observation from a path which runs along the cliffs or from the water or during a kayak or Zodiac excursion. We suggest that you bring a telescope if you are observing from the cliffs, and we recommend that you stay well away from the edge of the cliff, as erosion is a considerable danger in this area.

Interesting ornithological features

The area around the Parc de Gros-Cap has a variety of interesting bird life all year round. In summer, you will see Belted Kingfishers (Ceryle alcyon), Bank Swallows (Riparia riparia), Black Guillemots (Cepphus grylle), Common Terns (Sterna hirundo), Bonaparte's Gulls (Larus Philadelphia), Greater Yellowlegs (Tringa melanoleuca), Semipalmated Plovers (Charadrius semipalmatus) and Whimbrels (Numenius phaeopus). In winter, from the top of the cliffs, you can still enjoy watching Black Guillemots (Cepphus grylle), Common Eiders (Somateria mollissima), Oldsquaw (Clangula hyemalis), Dovekie (Alle alle) and Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula). Just next to this site, at la Pointe de l'Échouerie, the same species are present.

How to get there

For both of these sites, take Chemin de Gros-Cap. The Pointe de l'Échouerie is located in the curve just beside the Pêcheries Gros-Cap fish plant and La Factrie. There is a parking area and several trails. The Parc de Gros-Cap can be reached via the Chemin du Camping. This is a small peninsula, and we suggest that you tour all around it.

Cultural landscape Circuit- In French
This site is part of a circuit that proposes a cultural journey through no less than 12 iconic landscapes chosen for their photogenic qualities as well as their heritage value. Interpretation modules and downloadable stories.
On this site, you can rely to the story of Nicolas Landry: August Gale: the storm of the century.

 

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