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

Green Heron

Butorides virescens

8/16/2026965 Route 132, Percé CA-QC 48.61772, -64.295561 observed

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

8/16/2026Bridgeville1 observed

American Pipit

Anthus rubescens

8/13/2026Grande Mare, Bridgeville, Barachois, Québec, CA1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Goldfinch

88/24/2026

Song Sparrow

38/24/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

48/24/2026

Rock Pigeon

18/24/2026

White-throated Sparrow

28/24/2026

Red-breasted Nuthatch

38/24/2026

Canada Warbler

18/24/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

68/24/2026

Northern Gannet

28/24/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

58/24/2026

Common Loon

28/24/2026

Common Yellowthroat

28/24/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

68/24/2026

Least Flycatcher

18/24/2026

Golden-crowned Kinglet

38/24/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

18/24/2026

Black-and-white Warbler

38/24/2026

Black-throated Green Warbler

28/24/2026

Gray Catbird

28/24/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

18/24/2026

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.