The Matamajaw Fishing Heritage Site, at 53 C rue Saint-Jacques Sud in Causapscal, is a museum and historic site dedicated to sport fishing in Québec, with a focus on Atlantic salmon fishing in the Matapédia valley. It sits on the inland route that many visitors use to enter the peninsula from the south-west, and it gives that drive a destination. The story begins in 1873, when a Scottish businessman, Lord Mount Stephen, acquired land along the Matapedia and Causapscal rivers and turned it into a private fishing estate. In the early twentieth century businessmen from New York bought the land and founded the Matamajaw Salmon Club, which operated as a private, exclusive club for more than sixty years. A visit combines a permanent exhibition on the history of sport fishing, in the setting of the old club, with a walk to the salmon pool, where visitors can see Atlantic salmon in their natural habitat. Guided visits are available, and the site has a shop, a meeting room, WiFi, a picnic area and an electric vehicle charging station. Service is available in English and translated material is offered. A fee applies, with a reduced rate for older children and free entry for young children. The site is seasonal, open daily in the summer from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., then on fewer days into early October.
What to do
Begin with the exhibition, which tells the story of the estate and the club and of sport fishing in Québec, then walk to the pool. Seeing the fish in the river is the high point, and the guides can explain how salmon return from the sea, how the river is managed and why anglers still travel from far away to fish it. Even if you never pick up a rod, the site is a fine place to understand why the Gaspé rivers matter.
Seasons and planning
The season runs from late May to early October, with daily opening in summer and a reduced week after the start of September, so check the days if you travel in early autumn. The salmon are easiest to see in the weeks when the fish are in the pool, which varies with the water, so ask on arrival. The site is not large, and a visit fits into a couple of hours, which is why it works as a break on a long day of driving.
Fitting it in
Causapscal is on route 132 in the Matapédia valley, the main entry from the south-west, roughly an hour and a half inland from the Jardins de Métis. It is a natural stop for those who drive in through New Brunswick or from Rimouski via the valley, and it pairs well with the Matane salmon centre for a salmon-themed route.
If you are staying in the area, the town has places to eat, and the riverside setting is pleasant for a walk. It suits anglers, history fans and anyone who likes a story with a human face, and it is quieter than the headline coast.
Bring a hat and polarised sunglasses, which make it easier to spot fish in the pool, and ask the guides about the river's stories as you walk.
What to expect
The experience
A museum in the old salmon club on the Matapedia River, with a permanent exhibition on sport fishing and a walk to the salmon pool.
Best time
Late May to early October; summer has daily hours, and the fish are easiest to see when they are in the pool.
How long
About two hours.
Tips
Check the days open if you travel after the start of September and ask the guides where the fish are holding.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anglers and history fans who enter the peninsula through the Matapédia valley.
- Families
- Seeing live salmon in the pool is a good moment for older children.
- Couples
- A quiet riverside stop with a story behind it.
- Pair with
- The Matane salmon observation centre, the Jardins de Métis and a night in Matane.
- Time needed
- Two hours.
Good questions
What is the Matamajaw site?+
A museum and historic site about Atlantic salmon sport fishing, in the former buildings of a private salmon club on the Matapedia and Causapscal rivers.
Where is it?+
At 53 C rue Saint-Jacques Sud in Causapscal, in the Matapédia valley.
Can I see live salmon?+
Yes, the visit includes a walk to the salmon pool to see Atlantic salmon in their natural habitat.
When is it open?+
Daily in summer, then on fewer days until early October. Dates are set each year, so confirm before you go.
Is it in English?+
Service is available in English and translated material is offered.
