Baie-des-Chaleurs or Chaleur Bay boasts a surprising diversity of vegetation and wildlife; stunning unspoiled ocean, mountain and river landscapes; a unique cultural heritage and, true to its name, the warmest water in Gaspésie! The region has retained a rich and diverse culture: you will find that every village has its own particular accent, local festival and cultural traditions. History and nature lovers won't want to miss Miguasha fossil site, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 in recognition of its wealth of well-preserved fossils and their importance in understanding a page from the story of evolution. Visitors of all ages will enjoy discovering the fascinating world of fossils and palaeontology. A visit of the site takes about an hour and a half. The Bonaventure River begins at Bonaventure Lake in the Appalachian mountain chain and flows over a distance of 126 kilometres before emptying into Baie-des-Chaleurs. It is considered to be one of the clearest and most pristine rivers in the world. Canoeing down the crystal-clear Bonaventure River is a unique opportunity to discover the nature and wildlife of Gaspésie in a stunning natural setting. This activity is accessible for the whole family (aged 4 and over), for beginners and experts alike. All necessary equipment is provided. Different types of excursions are possible, lasting from 2 hours to 2 days. Carleton-sur-Mer is one of few places in Québec where you can swim comfortably in the ocean, without getting too cold! The warm ocean currents that enter the bay from the Gulf of St. Lawrence result in some of the warmest saltwater on the Atlantic coast north of the state of Virginia. There are several beaches in the area, depending what you are looking for. The most popular of these is the municipal beach, right in the heart of Carleton-sur-mer. Its warm water, easy access, bathroom facilities and soft sand make it a favourite destination for locals and visitors alike.