Riviere-Au-Renard: Fishing History by the Sea

Riviere-Au-Renard tells the story of fishing through more than just its harbour: a former general store, historic warehouses and an interpretive centre also bring the region’s lumber and fishing history to life. There are also paths along the bay, an observation tower with views of the sea and harbour, and opportunities for watersports and outdoor activities. You can shape your stay around coastal scenery, local history and active pursuits.

Bay, Beach and Views

The Promenade du Banc is a 500-metre-long path along the bay of Rivière-au-Renard and its beach. Its manageable length makes it an easy way to include a waterside stroll in your stay. Separately, a 3.1-kilometre bike path follows the shore. If you prefer to take in the scenery from above, the observation tower offers panoramic views of the village, harbour and sea. The walking path, bike path and viewpoint provide different perspectives on the area; the stated distances can help you plan them into your day.

Fishing and Local History

The Moulin des Plourde now serves as an interpretive centre about the region’s sawmilling and shingle-making industries. It is located at the mouth of the Rivière au Renard in the Rivière-au-Renard sector of the city of Gaspé. Maritime fishing has also shaped local history: the maritime fishing capital project includes coastal revitalization that helps curb erosion and provides information about both modern and historic fishing. It presents this history in the heart of one of Québec’s most important fishing harbours.

The Magasin Kennedy offers another perspective on the history of commerce. It was built between 1898 and 1900 as a general store for fish merchants Charles and Xavier Kennedy and stands in the town centre at the intersection of Rue de l’Église and Rue du Banc. The wooden building has a rectangular floor plan, a gabled roof and display windows. Its design is typical of stores from the late 19th century through the first decades of the 20th century, and is related to the American vernacular style; the building was restored using traditional materials.

The Église Saint-Martin de Rivière-au-Renard was built from 1953 to 1955 to replace an older place of worship. Its clean, modern architecture represents the parish churches built during this period. In the town centre, the church sits on rising ground above the village; the cemetery, rectory and former convent are next to it. Nearby is also the Chafaud des Robin, close to the Banc of Rivière-au-Renard. It was built around 1875 for the Robin company to store salted and dried cod. Its curved, slender roof sections are characteristic of a building type used by fishing companies in the Gaspésie in the 19th century, of which few examples remain.

The Entrepôt Hyman was also built to store salted and dried cod: it was constructed around 1917 for the Hyman company and is located near the harbour of Rivière-au-Renard, which has a strongly industrial character. Its straight roof sections and side additions reflect an architectural style typical of fishing companies in the Gaspésie from the 19th century through the first half of the 20th century. Few examples of this building type remain.

Hiking, Watersports and Discoveries

The Forillon section of the International Appalachian Trail begins in Rivière-au-Renard and ends at Cap-Gaspé, the landward endpoint of the Appalachian chain. If you’re interested in a longer hike, you can take the stated starting and ending points into account when planning your trip. For other outdoor activities, Cap Aventure offers certified guides and equipment rentals. The Club nautique Forillon is dedicated to recreational sailing and boating, and welcomes watersports enthusiasts to a new building in town.

Cap au large puts fishing in the spotlight with an immersive 4D experience about deep-sea fishing, a guided tour of the village and activities for the whole family. For a delicious addition to your trip, Microbrasserie Au Frontibus produces Belgian abbey beers and English-style beers in the heart of Rivière-au-Renard. When choosing your vacation rental in Riviere-Au-Renard, consider whether coastal paths, fishing history, outdoor experiences or local beer culture will be the focus of your trip.

Discover More Places

You can also explore Murdochville, Cloridorme, Grande-Vallée and Gaspé.

For the broader travel overview: La Côte-De-Gaspé.