With the exception of a few villages, the population is spread out along the coast. The inland landscape is mountainous, and most of it (80%) is covered by a softwood-dominated forest.

Wildlife-related activities

The Gaspé peninsula is well known as an international salmon fishing destination and for its high density of moose. It also has hunting potential for black bear, white-tailed deer, small game and fur-bearing mammals, and fishing potential for brook trout and rainbow smelt.

Other species such as the Gaspésie population of woodland caribou and the 288 bird species on the Îles-de-la-Madeleine are the focus of non-hunting activities. The importance of wildlife resources for the population in the region is reflected in its values and traditions. Annually, three million days are devoted to wildlife-related activities, generating revenues of $36 million and supporting 400 jobs.

Energy

The Gaspé peninsula is a pioneer in energy development. Most activities centre on wind energy and oil and gas exploration, two new fields in Québec.

The region has some of the best wind potential in Québec, which is expected to lead to the development of a wind energy industry able to compete at the national and international levels. The construction of wind farms using components manufactured on the Gaspé peninsula is a first step towards the achievement of this objective.

Mining

A single mine is currently operating in the region, on the Îles-de-la-Madeleine. It is Québec’s only underground salt mine, and produces 1.5 million metric tonnes of salt each year. In addition to various quarries and sand and gravel pits, the region has numerous mineral traces and strong potential for architectural stone, industrial minerals and construction materials.

Forestry

The current crisis in the forestry industry has led regional players to come together to begin a reconstruction process based on the numerous possibilities for forest resource development. The situation has encouraged the industry to renew its practices and develop new market niches. Several new projects are under way. The diversification process will also involve the processing of new resources–one example is the use of forest biomass to generate electricity.

Cottage development, recreation and tourism

Both the Gaspé peninsula and the Îles-de-la-Madeleine are increasingly prized as tourist destinations.

Four national parks, the mountain peaks in the Chic-Chocs, a well-structured network of snowmobile and ATV trails, hiking trails, crystal-clear salmon rivers, spectacular dune formations, and a range of hunting, fishing and nature observation activities, in addition to snow- and wind-sports, are the main tourism activities practised on public land.

The most recent allocations of land for cottage construction show increased interest from cottagers from outside the region.

Future prospects

In the Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine region, natural resources are at the heart of economic and social development. Besides the important revenues generated by the traditional sectors of forestry, mining and wildlife, the region has chosen, under the ACCORD program, to give priority to recreation and tourism and wind energy as its niches of excellence. Some non-timber forest products, such as blueberries and ground hemlock, also offer attractive development possibilities.