The Gespeg Mi'gmaq Interpretation Site stands at 783 boulevard de Pointe-Navarre in Gaspé, on a headland in Gaspé Bay. It tells the history and culture of the Mi'gmaq nation, whose territory includes the whole of the Gaspé Peninsula, and it does so from the point of view of the people who have lived here for thousands of years rather than the people who arrived in ships. An interpretation centre explains Mi'gmaq history and culture, and a reconstruction of a traditional seventeenth-century village shows how families lived. Guided visits are led by interpreters, and workshops let visitors make traditional objects such as dream catchers, medicine wheels, baskets, and bracelets and necklaces made with porcupine quills. A gift shop sells local products. The site is run by the Gespeg community and the Mi'gmaq spelling of Gaspé, Gespeg, is its own name for the place. Service is available in English and translated material is offered. The site is seasonal, open from mid June to mid October, Tuesday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and it has sometimes opened for a few days around the holidays, so ask. A visit takes about ninety minutes. A fee applies. The site is described as entirely or partly accessible, accepts the Companion Leisure Card, and has a picnic area, WiFi and pet access.
What to do
Begin with the guided visit, because the interpreters connect the exhibits with the landscape you can see from the headland, then walk the reconstructed village to see the dwellings and the tools. If you have time, book a workshop. Making an object by hand gives the history a physical meaning, and the staff are happy to talk about the meaning of each design. Take the shop seriously too, since buying from a Mi'gmaq craft shop keeps the money in the community.
Seasons and planning
The site keeps summer and early autumn hours, with Tuesday to Saturday as the open days, so the Sunday and Monday visitor will find it closed. Check the opening dates for the year you travel, and book workshops ahead in July and August. Wear weatherproof clothing, because the reconstructed village is outdoors and the headland is exposed to the wind off the bay.
Fitting it in
Pointe-Navarre is on the edge of Gaspé town, so it is a short drive from the hotels, the museum and the Birthplace of Canada village. A good history day in town runs from the Gespeg site in the morning, which gives the oldest layer of the story, through the Musée de la Gaspésie at lunchtime and the Birthplace of Canada village in the afternoon. Together they cover the Mi'gmaq, the French and the nineteenth-century settlers. Allow ninety minutes for the visit, and more if you take a workshop.
Practical details
The site is described as entirely or partly accessible and accepts the Companion Leisure Card. There is parking, a picnic area and WiFi, and the site is pet-friendly, so ask about the rules inside the interpretation centre. Plan a little extra time if you want to browse the shop, where crafts and local products are on sale, and let the staff know in advance if you would like a workshop, because places depend on the number of visitors on the day.
It is a sight that rewards visitors who ask questions, and the staff welcome them.
What to expect
The experience
A guided visit to an interpretation centre and a reconstructed seventeenth-century Mi'gmaq village, with craft workshops and a shop.
Best time
Mid June to mid October, Tuesday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; book workshops ahead in high summer.
How long
About ninety minutes, longer with a workshop.
Tips
Take the guided visit, ask the interpreters questions and dress for wind on the headland.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Visitors who want the oldest chapter of Gaspé history, told by the Mi'gmaq community.
- Families
- The reconstructed village and the craft workshops give children something to do with their hands.
- Couples
- A thoughtful morning on the bay, followed by lunch in Gaspé town.
- Pair with
- The Musée de la Gaspésie, the Birthplace of Canada village and a night in Gaspé.
- Time needed
- Ninety minutes.
Good questions
What is Gespeg?+
It is the Mi'gmaq name for the Gaspé area. The site is a Mi'gmaq interpretation centre with a reconstructed seventeenth-century village.
Where is it?+
At 783 boulevard de Pointe-Navarre in Gaspé, on a headland in Gaspé Bay.
When is it open?+
From mid June to mid October, Tuesday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dates are set each year, so confirm before you go.
Can I make something?+
Yes. Workshops let visitors make objects such as dream catchers, medicine wheels, baskets and porcupine-quill jewellery.
Is it in English?+
Service is available in English and translated material is offered.
