Exploramer is a science museum on the wharf at 1 rue du Quai in Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, devoted to the marine life of the St. Lawrence estuary and gulf. It is the best family stop on the north coast of the peninsula, and it makes a sensible half day on the way to or from Gaspésie National Park. The museum has exhibitions and an aquarium with touch pools, where children can handle some of the animals that live in the cold water offshore, and a café area and a gift shop with sea-themed souvenirs, local crafts, food products and reference books. Beyond the building there are activities that put you on or beside the water. A sea excursion aboard the research boat takes visitors out to see a plankton laboratory at sea, watch crab and whelk traps being hauled up and join in the collection of scientific data. Guided low-tide walks in waders go to a fish trap on the shore to look at the plants and animals of the shoreline, and a guided tasting called Dare to Taste lets you try several local marine species. A day camp for children aged 6 to 11 runs in summer, in French only. Staff serve visitors in English and translated material is available. Exploramer is seasonal, open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from early June to mid October. The museum and aquarium take about two hours, and the excursions are extra.
What to do
Start with the aquarium and the touch pools, which are the part children remember, then read the exhibitions on the gulf, its currents and the fishing that depends on them. If you have the time, book the sea excursion, because seeing a trap hauled up from the bottom turns a museum visit into a morning on the water.
The low-tide walk in waders suits curious families and anyone who likes rock pools, and the tasting is a good way to meet local seafood without ordering a full meal. Book the extras ahead in July and August, because places are limited.
Seasons and planning
This is a summer attraction, so it is one for June to mid October. The excursions depend on weather and tide, so keep a flexible hour and check the day before. The museum is on the wharf, so expect wind, and bring a layer even in July. Online ticketing is available, and the site accepts the Companion Leisure Card. There is an electric vehicle charging point and parking at the building.
Fitting it in
Sainte-Anne-des-Monts is the gateway town to Gaspésie National Park, about 40 km up route 299, so a common plan is to give the morning to Exploramer and the afternoon to a short walk in the mountains, or to see the museum on a day when cloud sits on the high trails. The town has hotels within walking distance of the wharf, which makes it a good place to spend a night between Matane and Forillon.
If you are driving the whole loop, it is the strongest family stop between the Jardins de Métis and Gaspé. Allow two hours for the museum and aquarium, and half a day if you add an excursion.
What to expect
The experience
A marine science museum and aquarium with touch pools, plus optional sea excursions, low-tide walks and a guided tasting.
Best time
Early June to mid October, daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; book the excursions ahead in July and August.
How long
About two hours for the museum and aquarium, longer with an excursion.
Tips
Buy tickets online, book extras early and bring a windproof layer for the wharf.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families who want a hands-on look at the life of the gulf on the north coast.
- Families
- The touch pools, the aquarium and the sea excursion keep children engaged for hours.
- Couples
- The sea excursion and the guided tasting make a relaxed morning on the water.
- Pair with
- Gaspésie National Park, the Matane salmon observation centre and a night in Sainte-Anne-des-Monts.
- Time needed
- Two hours, or half a day with an excursion.
Good questions
Where is Exploramer?+
On the wharf at 1 rue du Quai in Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, on the north coast of the peninsula.
What is there to see?+
Exhibitions on the St. Lawrence marine environment and an aquarium with touch pools, with a café area and a gift shop.
What are the extras?+
A sea excursion aboard the research boat, guided low-tide walks in waders and a guided tasting of local marine species.
When is it open?+
Daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from early June to mid October. Dates are set each year, so confirm before you go.
Is it in English?+
Staff can serve visitors in English and translated material is available. The children's day camp is in French only.
