Bic National Park

A Quebec Provincial National Park (Sepaq, 1984) On The St Lawrence Estuary, With Islands Full Of Grey And Harbour Seals, Sea Birds And Tidal Flats, And Trails To Cap A L'Orignal, Pic Champlain And The Anse A L'Orignal. Not A Parks Canada National Park. · Bic, Quebec

Bic National Park is a Quebec provincial park run by Sepaq, created in 1984. It is not a Parks Canada national park, so a Parks Canada pass does not apply here. It sits on the south shore of the St Lawrence estuary about 20 km west of Rimouski, and it is one of the most scenic coastal stops between Quebec City and the Gaspe. The shoreline is a mix of rocky islands, small coves, tidal flats and rounded hills that drop to the water. Grey and harbour seals rest on the rocks at low tide, and sea birds nest on the islands. It suits walkers, photographers, cyclists and families who like a moderate hike with a payoff, and it makes a good half-day break on a Gaspe road trip (Perce is a separate row, much further east). Expect an entry fee, so confirm the current rate. The weather is the catch: fog, wind and cold are common even in July, so bring layers. Allow three to five hours, or a full day with a boat trip.

Coastal park on the south shore of the St Lawrence about 20 km west of Rimouski, with rocky islands, coves, seal colonies and hilly trails above the estuary, Bic, Quebec, Canada

The park is open year round for day use, but services change with the season. The visitor centre, boat trips, kayak outings and the main campground run mostly from late spring to early autumn, with the busiest weeks in July and August. In winter the park is quieter and used for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, with fewer services and shorter days. Sepaq sets the exact opening dates and daily hours each year, so check the Sepaq listing for Bic before you drive out. Boat and kayak operators keep their own schedules and cancel in rough weather or fog. Tide times matter most for seals: low tide is when they are on the rocks, so plan your visit around it.

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