Gaspé, Berceau du Canada

Gaspé, Québec

Type: Museum/Gallery
Address: Birthplace of Canada, Québec 198, Gaspé, QC, Canada
Get directions
Hours: 9:30 am to 5 pm, 7 days a week, From June 2nd to October 31st.
Phone: 418 368 9423

Discover reconstituted buildings, exhibits and evocative landscapes and meet our passionate guides. Chose your type of visit by wandering autonomously, participating in a group tour or with our web application!

The Birthplace of Canada is a non-profit organization (NPO) dedicated to preserving and sharing Gaspé’s historical heritage in an inclusive way.

Amenities

Educational Institution
Family-Friendly
Food and Beverages
Guided Tour
Parking
Pet-Friendly
Washrooms
Wheelchair Access

Fun Facts

Jacques Cartier is credited with naming Canada—but it was actually a misunderstanding!

When Cartier explored the St. Lawrence River in 1535, he met Indigenous locals (likely the St. Lawrence Iroquoians) who referred to their settlement as “kanata”—meaning “village” or “settlement” in their language. Cartier mistakenly thought they were referring to the entire region, and he began using the name “Canada” on his maps. Over time, the name stuck and eventually came to represent the entire country!

Bonus fact: Cartier also tried (and failed) to establish a permanent French colony in Canada, but his voyages paved the way for future French exploration and settlement!