Canada, Wonders of Perce Rock

Canada, Wonders of Perce Rock

Geographically speaking, the Perce Rock sits in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, a little off the tip of Gaspe Peninsula. It lies within the territory of Quebec, Canada. Its measurements are exceptional: 1420 ft. in length; 296 ft in width; and 289 ft. at its peak. Observers will notice a huge arch (50 ft high) at the tip of the Perce Rock as it touches the sea. This arch is responsible for the island’s name, and is one of the largest, most spectacular rock arches in the world.

Ageless stories in the rock

Without a doubt, the Perce Rock gives the fishing village of Perce Town its quaint, romantic charm. Aside from the ambiance, though, what draws the more geologically inclined traveler is the rich mineral formation found on the Perce Rock. It is home to millions of marine fossils including tetracoralla, brachiopods, triolobites, and ostracods, all from the Devonian Period. Archeologists and enthusiasts visit the site often to study its structure.

The arch that once was

The pierced rock used to have two arches until one of the outer arches collapsed in June 17, 1845. Despite the loss of one arch, the Perce Rock is still tagged one of the valued seven wonders of Canada.

Setting foot on the rock

Perce Rock’s visitors can visit the limestone rock formation itself during a specific time of the day. For four hours during low tide, a huge split is revealed providing foothold for visitors who want to set foot on the much talked about Perce Rock. It’s ill-advised for individuals to visit the rock on their own, as it juts dangerously onto deeper levels of the sea. Guided boat tours are available from the nearby fishing villages of Perce Town.

The best time to visit the Perce Rock is in the summer when the weather is perfectly clear, and the waters are calm. Some people might want to beat the peak season to save money, but they’ll miss out on seeing the Perce Rock at its finest.

Accommodations

Small hotels and inns line the nearby islands of Perce Town and Bonaventure Island. The Perce Rock itself is unpopulated, as it is made out of pure limestone. Summer travelers prefer the charm and rustic feel or Perce Town’s fishing village. It’s also nearer the rock, so the boat tours are bound to be cheaper from that home base.