Bonaventure Island and Percé Rock National Park is the sight that turns a pretty coast into a wildlife trip. The park describes the island as home to the world's most accessible northern gannet colony, and the trails lead from the landing straight toward the birds. Four trails, called Des Mousses, des Colonies, du Roy and Paget, add up to about 15 km and cross meadows, fields and coniferous forest on the way to the bird sanctuary. Park naturalists run activities at the colony, and there is a discovery centre at Le Chafaud with talks and a shop. You reach the island by boat from Percé. Two operators run the crossing, Les Bateliers de Percé and Les Croisières Julien Cloutier, and the crossing is not included in the park fee, which was $10.30 for visitors aged 18 and over in 2026 with children under 18 free. Boat tickets are sold only at the kiosks in Percé, while the park fee can be bought online through Sépaq. The cruise that passes Percé Rock on the way is part of the appeal. The park was open from 31 May to 12 October 2026, so nothing runs in November.
What to do
Walk the Colonies trail for the quickest route to the gannets, which one visitor guide puts at about 6.6 km round trip and an hour and a half, or the Chemin du Roy for a longer walk of about 9.4 km. The park says a visit takes about three and a half hours, and the same guide recommends at least three hours on the island.
Wear walking shoes, bring water, a hat and a windproof layer, and carry binoculars. A restaurant and a fast-food stop are on the island, but a picnic area is there too.
Seasons and planning
The 2026 season ran daily from 31 May to 12 October, with hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in early June and from 20 September, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from 14 June to 19 September. Since the park closes at 5 p.
m. in high season, take a morning boat so you have time on the trails and a safe margin for the return. The crossing is short, and the cruise that passes Percé Rock takes longer than a straight crossing. Boats run on a timetable that changes with the month, with more departures in July and August, so check the operator.
Fitting it in
The island is a half day at least, and with the rock and the village it fills a day. Staying in Percé the night before lets you catch an early boat. Bring the park fee receipt and the boat ticket, since you buy them in two places. The ticket kiosks are in Percé, so pay attention to the order of the day: park fee online, boat ticket on the quay.
What to expect
The experience
A boat crossing from the Percé wharf to Bonaventure Island, then self-guided walks on four trails to the gannet colony.
Best time
Mid-morning departures between June and mid-September, when hours run to 5 p.m.; the island is closed in November.
How long
The park says about three and a half hours on the island, plus the crossing.
Tips
Buy the park fee online, buy the boat ticket at a Percé kiosk, and take a morning boat so you are not rushed.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Bird lovers and photographers who want to be close to a large seabird colony without a long expedition.
- Families
- The crossing is short and the Colonies trail is the most direct walk, though children must stay on the trails.
- Couples
- Take a morning boat, walk to the colony, then have lunch back in Percé.
- Pair with
- Percé Rock from the boat, the Percé geopark and a night in Percé.
- Time needed
- A half day at least; a full day if you walk the longer trails.
Good questions
When is Bonaventure Island open?+
The 2026 season ran from 31 May to 12 October, so the island park is closed in November. Check the park's calendar for the 2027 opening dates once they are published.
How do I get to the island?+
By boat from the Percé wharf. Two operators, Les Bateliers de Percé and Les Croisières Julien Cloutier, run the crossing, and tickets are sold at kiosks in Percé.
What does it cost?+
The park fee in 2026 was $10.30 including taxes for visitors aged 18 and over, with children under 18 free. The boat crossing is a separate ticket.
How long should I allow?+
The park says about three and a half hours on the island. Add the crossing and the time to buy tickets.
Where are the gannets?+
Along the trail system, with the Colonies trail the most direct route. Park naturalists run activities at the colony in season.
