Sea cliffs and seabird colony at Bonaventure Island

Bonaventure Island

Quebec · Canada

Habitat
CoastalForest
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-September

Entrance Fee

C$9 adults (park), boat fare additional

Hours

June to October; boat departures 9 AM - 4 PM

About This Location

Bonaventure Island in the Gulf of St. Lawrence hosts one of the world's largest and most accessible Northern Gannet colonies, with over 110,000 birds nesting on the island's dramatic sea cliffs. The sight and sound of this massive colony is one of Canada's greatest natural wonders.

Reached by boat from the town of Percé, the island also supports nesting Atlantic Puffins, Razorbills, Black-legged Kittiwakes, and Common Murres. A trail from the dock crosses through boreal forest before emerging at the cliff-top gannet colony viewpoint.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

4/16/2026Dans ma cour, Sainte-Thérèse-de Gaspé1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Common Grackle

194/22/2026

Fox Sparrow

54/22/2026

European Starling

34/22/2026

American Robin

44/22/2026

Red-breasted Nuthatch

24/22/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

154/22/2026

American Tree Sparrow

14/22/2026

American Goldfinch

74/22/2026

Song Sparrow

34/22/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

24/22/2026

Ring-billed Gull

14/22/2026

White-throated Sparrow

14/22/2026

Northern Cardinal

44/22/2026

House Sparrow

24/22/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

14/22/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

24/22/2026

American Crow

24/22/2026

Rock Pigeon

24/22/2026

Purple Finch

44/22/2026

Chipping Sparrow

14/22/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Take the boat tour around the island before landing to see the full scale of the gannet colony from the water

  2. 2

    The trail to the colony is about 3 km — allow 2-3 hours for the round trip plus viewing time

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Bonaventure Island for birding?
The best months to visit Bonaventure Island for birding are June-September. The best seasons are Summer.
What birds can I see at Bonaventure Island?
Notable species at Bonaventure Island include Northern Gannet, Atlantic Puffin, Razorbill, Black-legged Kittiwake, Common Murre. The area supports coastal, forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Bonaventure Island?
Birding at Bonaventure Island is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Bonaventure Island?
The entrance fee at Bonaventure Island is C$9 adults (park), boat fare additional. Hours: June to October; boat departures 9 AM - 4 PM.
What amenities are available at Bonaventure Island?
Bonaventure Island offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Guided Tours.