Riotel Matane is a hotel in Matane, the port town on the south shore of the St. Lawrence where the Gaspé loop road begins for many travellers. Matane is known for its salmon run, its shrimp and the ferry crossing to the north shore, and it is the first sizeable town after Rimouski on the road around the peninsula. A hotel here makes a sensible first or last night on a loop, especially if you arrive late or leave early, and it keeps you close to the Matane salmon observation centre mentioned in the guides. Room types, dining, facilities, parking, WiFi and breakfast are details we do not list, so check them when you book, and confirm the season for any pool or restaurant. Prices are highest in July and August and the long weekends, and lower in the shoulder seasons. French is the everyday language, and English is usually understood in the hotel.
Location and getting around
Matane is about an hour and a half beyond Rimouski and roughly four hours from Quebec City by road, so it makes a natural stopping point if you drive the peninsula clockwise. From here, the road along the north coast passes Cap-Chat and Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, and Gaspésie National Park lies inland from the latter. Gaspé town is a long day's drive further east. A car is essential, and you should plan fuel and meals, since services thin out on the coast road.
The rooms and the feel
Expect a hotel-style stay with a straightforward, practical character rather than a boutique feel. We do not list room features, views or on-site facilities here, so check them when you book, and ask about quiet rooms and family arrangements. If you are travelling in summer, ask about the ferry or the river view, and if you are arriving late, check the reception hours and whether a meal can be arranged.
Who it suits and what to know: choose Riotel Matane if you want a dependable stop at the start or end of the peninsula loop, if you are interested in the salmon run in season, or if you need a proper town with shops and restaurants. It is less suited to travellers who want a remote seaside retreat.
July and August are the busiest, and the salmon observation centre keeps seasonal hours, so check dates if that is part of your plan. Ask about cancellation terms, since a long drive can be affected by weather, and compare midweek nights with weekends if your dates are flexible. In winter, confirm which services are open before you plan the next day.
Why stay here
- ✓Matane town location
- ✓Hotel rooms
- ✓Start of the Gaspé loop
- ✓Near the salmon observation centre
- ✓Dining (check when you book)
- ✓Parking (check when you book)
- ✓WiFi (check when you book)
- ✓Breakfast (check when you book)
Good questions
Where is Riotel Matane?+
In Matane, the port town on the south shore of the St. Lawrence, where many travellers start the Gaspé Peninsula loop.
Is it a good stop at the start of the loop?+
Matane is about an hour and a half beyond Rimouski, so it suits a first or last night. Check driving times when you book.
Is the salmon observation centre nearby?+
Matane has a salmon observation centre that keeps seasonal hours. Check the distance and dates when you plan.
