La Martre between lighthouse and beach
Accommodation in La Martre
La Martre combines the history of a lighthouse sector with beach visits and walks in coastal forests. When choosing a vacation rental for your stay, you can balance cultural history, time at the beach, and outdoor activities. Trout fishing and camping add to the possible activities.
Lighthouse and heritage
The La Martre Lighthouse sector was established in 1876 and comprises four buildings: the lighthouse, the keeper’s house, a shed, and the foghorn building. The lighthouse itself has been in operation since 1906 and offers guided tours inside. Visitors learn about the region’s maritime history. The dates mark two distinct milestones: the establishment of the sector in 1876 and the start of the lighthouse’s operation in 1906.
On January 28, 2026, the lighthouse was designated a heritage lighthouse for its historic, architectural, and community values. It is also known as the Sainte-Marthe-de-Gaspé Lighthouse. There is also a shop at the lighthouse featuring exclusively regional crafts. In this way, the building’s history is complemented by guided tours inside and a selection of regional handicrafts.
Archaeological history
Archaeological excavations in La Martre offer a different perspective on the past: they uncovered Paleo-Indian remains dating back 8,000 to 10,000 years. This time span extends far beyond the history of the lighthouse sector established in 1876. The two topics represent different historical periods associated with La Martre.
Beach, coastal forest, and activities
Possible activities in La Martre include trout fishing, beach visits, camping, and hikes in the coastal forests. The options offer a variety of experiences: a beach visit and a walk through coastal forests provide different ways to enjoy nature, while trout fishing adds another activity. Camping is also an option for visitors.
A federated ATV trail and a federated snowmobile trail are listed as accessible at the lighthouse. If you plan to include one of these trails in your itinerary, it is recommended that you check its current availability in advance. These motorized trails offer an alternative to hiking on foot.
For orientation within the municipality: on Highway 132, between Cap-au-Renard and La Martre, you’ll find the Chute du Voile de la Mariée waterfall.
Plan your stay around your interests
When choosing a vacation rental, it helps to first decide what you’d like to focus on: Should your trip center more on lighthouse history and a guided tour inside, or would you prefer to set aside more time for beach visits and walks in the coastal forests? Trout fishing and camping are additional options. If people in your travel group have different interests, you can consider these as different ideas for your stay.
Discover more destinations: Mont-Saint-Pierre, Rivière-La-Madeleine, Gros-Morne, Sainte-Anne-Des-Monts, Cap-Chat.
View the broader travel guide: La Haute-Gaspésie.
