Quebec's Gaspésie Region Has An Emerald River With A Hidden Waterfall You Can Hike To
It's really that colour.
People standing in front of the Rivière Émeraude ("Emerald River") waterfall in Percé, Quebec.
The emerald river and waterfall hidden in the woods of Percé's eponymous Parc de la Rivière Émeraude is an easy hike for anyone travelling through eastern Quebec. The shallow stream at the tip of Quebec's Gaspésie region gets its enchanting deep green hue from the rocks at its bottom, according to the regional tourism website.
The spot where the river trickles over a low outcrop into a wide natural pool is a popular summer destination for photo-seekers.
While, in the past, swimming at the unsupervised site was tolerated, beginning in 2022, officials began outright discouraging park-goers from taking a dip.
To get to the site, visitors have to trek 800 metres through the park on what the tourism site describes as a "rather rough path." They then have to climb 100 steps to reach the waterfall and basin. The site is not wheelchair accessible.
Admission to the park was $10 for everyone age 13 and older in 2022. It was free for children 12 and under. Families of up to seven people in the same vehicle could get into the park for the discounted price of $30.
The 2023 admission fee schedule isn't out yet (MTL Blog has reached out to Tourisme Percé), but the municipal tourism site says the park is open year-round from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Prospective visitors are encouraged to check the Tourisme Percé website for updates.
Get all the details below.
Emerald River & Waterfall in Gaspésie
Price:
- 2023 prices TBD
- 2022 prices were as follows:
- $10 for everyone age 13 and older,
- free for children 12 and under,
- and $30 for families of up to seven people in the same vehicle.
Why You Have To Go: To gaze upon this hidden gem natural wonder.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your trip.
