Matane: Riverfront and Maritime Heritage
Accommodation in Matane
The city offers several different ways to explore these themes. The Promenade des Capitaines and the Circuit patrimonial take you through the city’s history; Parc des Îles combines green space with a cycling route along the river. There is also a woodland trail and maritime excursions departing from Matane.
Maritime Heritage Along the River
The Promenade des Capitaines runs through downtown Matane along the Matane River and offers a glimpse into maritime history. The stories of the best-known captains form the central theme of the route. The Phare-Musée maritime de Matane dates back to 1907. The former keeper’s house is home to the tourist information office and the maritime museum Lire la mer. The promenade focuses on the captains, while the keeper’s house is home to the museum and tourist information office—two different ways to explore the maritime theme.
Halte maritime et gourmande offers a view of the coastal landscape and a welcoming place to enjoy local products. It was introduced anew in 2026; its facilities may continue to evolve. Check what is currently on offer before visiting.
Green Space and Cycling Trail
Parc des Îles is a green space in downtown Matane that is open year-round and directly connected to the Salmon River. Circonflexe operates a lending station there, where anyone can borrow equipment. As this public lending service may change, it’s best to check what is currently available before your visit.
The William-Price cycling trail runs for 1.8 km along the river through Parc des ĂŽles. Together with the promenade, it showcases two different sides of the riverfront: the promenade offers a glimpse into maritime history, while the cycling trail runs through the park. When planning your visit, you can choose between a historic city experience and a cycling route through green space.
City History on Foot
The Circuit patrimonial de Matane is 3.15 km long, includes 17 points of interest, and is best explored on foot. In the city center, it offers insights into history, architecture, local features, and anecdotes. Its first section runs along Avenue Saint-Jérôme, where you can see the oldest buildings. The route thus connects individual buildings with a broader view of the city’s history.
The Presbytère de Saint-Jérôme-de-Matane adds another perspective on the architecture: the rectory features Second Empire influences, was built in 1887, and expanded around 1916. The construction and expansion dates provide two points of reference in its development. The building thus offers a different focus from the Circuit patrimonial, which brings together several points of interest and local stories.
Woodland Trail and Maritime Excursions
The Sentiers du Bon-Pasteur offer an approximately 4 km woodland trail that is open year-round and connects Parc Jane-McCallum with Parc MĂ©lanie-Joncas. It differs from the Circuit patrimonial both in its woodland setting and in connecting two parks. The two trails therefore offer different experiences: city history and points of interest on the one hand, and a route through the woods on the other.
Maritime adventures departing from Matane include observing marine mammals, including whales and seals. Fishing trips target striped bass, mackerel, cod, and groundfish. The excursions appeal to different interests: maritime adventures focus on observing animals at sea, while fishing trips target the fish groups listed above.
Discover more destinations: Baie-Des-Sables, Sainte-Félicité, Les Méchins, Sainte-Paule, Saint-Ulric.
Return to the main travel overview: Matane.
