Visit to the Gaspé Peninsula - July 11, 2018

Her Excellency began a three-day regional visit in the Gaspé Peninsula in Quebec on July 11, 2018.

Upon arrival in Percé, Her Excellency went to the Percé Geopark.

Her Excellency met several local tourism entrepreneurs and investors who were involved in creating this new tourist attraction as members of the Coopérative de solidarité du Géoparc de Percé.

At the Percé Geopark, Her Excellency took part in the unveiling of the UNESCO Global Geopark certificate. It is the first UNESCO Global Geopark in Quebec, the third in Canada and the fifth in North America. This designation recognizes sites with an exceptionnel geological heritage of international value.

During the unveiling, the Governor General delivered brief remarks. She mentioned how much she always enjoys coming back to the Gaspé Peninsula.

The exceptional geological heritage of Percé Geopark looks very different under the nighttime veil.

Flashlight in hand, Her Excellency joined local residents and tourists on the hike.

In the evening, Her Excellency participated in the kick-off of the first summer night hike of Percé Geopark. The film "The Legend of the Creation of the Micmac People" was projected on the facade of the Tektonik pavilion of the Geopark just before the walk.

The Tektonik interactive exhibition is a multimedia experience that combines geology, history and new technologies.

Afterwards, Her Excellency visited the Tektonik interactive exhibition.

During the hike, kids roasted marshmallows on a camp fire.