The Gaspe Coast is nestled between the Gulf of St. Lawrence on the north, and the Bay of Chaleurs on the south side. It is the most easterly part of the Appalachian Mountains of Quebec which extend through the Eastern Townships and down into the United States. Because of the mountainous nature of the central part of the peninsula, most people settled and still live near the shore.
It is known as the birthplace of Canada because according to our history, in 1534, the French explorer Jacques Cartier landed on the Gaspe Coast to take shelter from a storm out at sea. The King of France had wanted him to find gold and a passageway from France to Asia. Instead, he discovered Canada!
Many historians believe that the Basque fishermen and whalers had been travelling to our shores years before his arrival. And the Norse Vikings were probably here about five hundred years before Cartier. The Mi'kmaq (Mi'gmaq) people were already living on the Coast when the first Europeans arrived.
Since those early days, the Gaspe Coast's story has been filled with the adventures of seafaring travellers, merchant ships, warships, and pirates. It tells the tales of the ships filled to the brim with codfish and the rich and famous who came for the sport of Atlantic salmon fishing. It is about the log drives on the rivers, shipbuilders, farmers, shipwrecks and so much more.
It also tells the story of the courageous people who found their way to the Coast for one reason or another. And how their determination to build a life here, despite the many challenges and hardships that they faced, created the people who are now known as Gaspesians.
Some of the most interesting things to know about the Gaspe Coast can be found in its Stories, Legends and Folklore.
It is known as the birthplace of Canada because according to our history, in 1534, the French explorer Jacques Cartier landed on the Gaspe Coast to take shelter from a storm out at sea. The King of France had wanted him to find gold and a passageway from France to Asia. Instead, he discovered Canada!
Many historians believe that the Basque fishermen and whalers had been travelling to our shores years before his arrival. And the Norse Vikings were probably here about five hundred years before Cartier. The Mi'kmaq (Mi'gmaq) people were already living on the Coast when the first Europeans arrived.
Since those early days, the Gaspe Coast's story has been filled with the adventures of seafaring travellers, merchant ships, warships, and pirates. It tells the tales of the ships filled to the brim with codfish and the rich and famous who came for the sport of Atlantic salmon fishing. It is about the log drives on the rivers, shipbuilders, farmers, shipwrecks and so much more.
It also tells the story of the courageous people who found their way to the Coast for one reason or another. And how their determination to build a life here, despite the many challenges and hardships that they faced, created the people who are now known as Gaspesians.
Some of the most interesting things to know about the Gaspe Coast can be found in its Stories, Legends and Folklore.
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