Our Stories: Pointe Verte
Backed by dense forests, visitors standing on the shores of the Gaspé Peninsula look out at marshes, estuaries and stunning views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. There is no shortage of natural wonders to see and explore in the Gaspé. In fact, in 2011 National Geographic magazine named the region one of the top worldwide tourism destinations.
Located on the south shore of the St. Lawrence, the peninsula is a continuation of the Appalachian mountain range and is known for its unique natural diversity, haunting landscape and dense forest.
The Gaspé Peninsula coastal habitat covers 1,065 square kilometres and forms a coastal plain that is considered a biodiversity hotspot. Its shore is dotted with wetlands and towards the interior the mountainous terrain is blanketed with mixed boreal forest.
Influenced by the proximity of the Gulf of St Lawrence, this natural area supports diverse flora and fauna, including some 200 species of migratory birds and a dozen threatened species.
Located halfway between the towns of Gaspé and Percé is Point St. Peter, which includes a smaller point known as Pointe Verte.
Pointe Verte is dominated by white spruce but also contains balsam fir and paper birch and provides habitat for many woodland birds, such as warblers and thrushes. Moose, red fox and white-tailed deer also live here. In addition to terrestrial wildlife, many wetland species use the wooded areas to feed, hibernate and lay eggs.
The 30-hectare (74-acre) point is home to one of the few remaining intact riverbank forests in the region and forms a crucial link between the coastal habitats at the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula and the continental Appalachians.
In 2013, TD Forests worked with NCC to help protect Pointe Verte.