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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Barred Owl

16/18/2026

American Woodcock

16/18/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/18/2026

Common Nighthawk

16/18/2026

Common Grackle

36/18/2026

Blue Jay

16/18/2026

American Crow

26/18/2026

Ring-billed Gull

36/18/2026

Tree Swallow

16/18/2026

Northern Cardinal

16/18/2026

American Robin

16/18/2026

Mallard

16/18/2026

Song Sparrow

16/18/2026

American Redstart

16/18/2026

Rock Pigeon

26/18/2026

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

16/18/2026

Common Goldeneye

16/18/2026

Green-winged Teal

26/18/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

16/18/2026

Mourning Dove

26/18/2026

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.