Bonaventure Island

Quebec · Canada

ModerateOfficial Site

Habitat

CoastalForest

Best Seasons

Summer

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

Northern Gannet Atlantic Puffin Razorbill Black-legged Kittiwake Common Murre

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligula

3/4/2026Bassin sud Pont Marchand1 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

3/4/2026Chemin du Fleuve, Saint-Romuald1 observed

Barrow's Goldeneye

Bucephala islandica

3/4/2026NOYAN_Ch du Bord-de-l'Eau S1 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

3/4/20263355 rue Lambert-Closse, Ste-Foy1 observed

European Robin

Erithacus rubecula

3/4/2026poste d'observation Rougegorge familier, Montréal (2026)1 observed

European Robin

Erithacus rubecula

3/4/2026poste d'observation Rougegorge familier, Montréal (2026)1 observed

Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligula

3/4/2026Bassin sud Pont Marchand1 observed

European Robin

Erithacus rubecula

3/4/2026poste d'observation Rougegorge familier, Montréal (2026)1 observed

European Robin

Erithacus rubecula

3/4/2026poste d'observation Rougegorge familier, Montréal (2026)1 observed

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Melanerpes carolinus

3/4/2026RN de Pointe-Yamachiche1 observed

European Robin

Erithacus rubecula

3/4/2026poste d'observation Rougegorge familier, Montréal (2026)1 observed

Wood Duck

Aix sponsa

3/4/2026Parc de la Montagne-des-Roches1 observed

Wood Duck

Aix sponsa

3/4/2026Parc de la Montagne-des-Roches1 observed

European Robin

Erithacus rubecula

3/4/2026poste d'observation Rougegorge familier, Montréal (2026)1 observed

Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligula

3/4/2026Bassin sud Pont Marchand1 observed

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Melanerpes carolinus

3/4/202691 chemin des Tilleuls, Rigaud, Quebec, CA1 observed

Fox Sparrow

Passerella iliaca

3/4/2026Cimetière de Laval/Mt. Pleasant1 observed

Willow Ptarmigan

Lagopus lagopus

3/4/2026Site minier East Sullivan7 observed

White-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta carolinensis

3/4/2026Belvédère beauregard1 observed

Carolina Wren

Thryothorus ludovicianus

3/4/2026Mes mangeoires / rue des Cypres,Victoriaville2 observed

Recent Observations

Mourning Dove

1451 rue du Corsaire, Lévis

3/4/2026

2 birds

American Crow

1451 rue du Corsaire, Lévis

3/4/2026

2 birds

Hairy Woodpecker

1451 rue du Corsaire, Lévis

3/4/2026

1 birds

Black-capped Chickadee

1451 rue du Corsaire, Lévis

3/4/2026

6 birds

Northern Cardinal

1451 rue du Corsaire, Lévis

3/4/2026

2 birds

American Goldfinch

1451 rue du Corsaire, Lévis

3/4/2026

2 birds

Downy Woodpecker

1451 rue du Corsaire, Lévis

3/4/2026

1 birds

Great Black-backed Gull

Boule Rock

3/4/2026

8 birds

Black-legged Kittiwake

Boule Rock

3/4/2026

60 birds

Red Crossbill

61 Ch de Val-des-Bois, Val-d'Or CA-QC 48.14592, -77.74984

3/4/2026

1 birds

Evening Grosbeak

40, Chemin de l'Infini, Saint-Basile

3/4/2026

3 birds

Pine Grosbeak

40, Chemin de l'Infini, Saint-Basile

3/4/2026

2 birds

Common Merganser

Berge Léonard-Éthier

3/4/2026

1 birds

Rock Pigeon

Berge Léonard-Éthier

3/4/2026

25 birds

Canada Goose

Berge Léonard-Éthier

3/4/2026

3 birds

Mallard

Berge Léonard-Éthier

3/4/2026

24 birds

European Starling

TC Ross-Ellis

3/4/2026

18 birds

House Sparrow

TC Ross-Ellis

3/4/2026

8 birds

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Maison

3/4/2026

1 birds

American Herring Gull

Berge de la Brise

3/4/2026

2 birds

Birding Tips

1
Take the boat tour around the island before landing to see the full scale of the gannet colony from the water
2
The trail to the colony is about 3 km — allow 2-3 hours for the round trip plus viewing time

Amenities

Parking

Restrooms

Trails

Guided Tours

Nearby Attractions

Percé Rock
Gaspésie National Park

Birding Guides

Bird Identification Tips: How to ID Birds Like a Pro

11 min read

Best Birding Apps for 2026

7 min read

Best Binoculars for Birding in 2026

12 min read

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.