One Of North America's Greatest Wildlife Adventures Is Found On A Remote Canadian Island

Across North America, national, state, and provincial parks display some of the most epic landscapes anywhere in the world. But second to the thrill of amazing natural wonders is the bonus of potentially witnessing some of North America's most famous wildlife in their natural habitats. The United States has several national parks with some of the country's best wildlife viewing. From iconic American bison to fearsome grizzly bears, all the way to distinctive species like American alligators and mountain goats, American national (and some state) parks are excellent destinations for aspiring wildlife photographers of all stripes. 

But wildlife-viewing experiences certainly don't end once you cross the northern border. Canada, with its vast stretches of untamed wilderness and rugged, majestic landscape is also a superb destination for year-round wilderness treks through the wild side of North America. Oddly enough, one of Canada's most memorable wildlife adventures is not in its pristine arctic wilderness or immense taiga forests, but rather a relatively small island off the coast of Quebec. Though it may not look like much on a map, Canada's Bonaventure Island (and its accompanying park and wildlife sanctuaries) is an excellent spot for witnessing the North Atlantic's complex ecosystem in action, while experiencing a true wildlife adventure no traveler will ever forget.

Quebec is better known for its distinctive francophone culture and Old-World European style than for eco-tourism. After all, Montreal may be Canada's best spot for a romantic couples vacation, while Quebec City is the closest you can come to visiting Europe without leaving North America. But Quebec is also Canada's largest province by area, much of it consisting of rugged wilderness. Along Quebec's gorgeous Atlantic coastline, Bonaventure Island provides a scenic haven for sea birds, marine mammals, and other native species, while also highlighting the sublime natural beauty of Atlantic Canada. 

Bonaventure Island is the home to the largest migratory bird sanctuary in North America, and specifically a sizable population of northern gannets. Growing almost as large as the mighty albatross, and featuring striking coloration, northern gannets are truly a sight to behold. Bonaventure Island's colony of northern gannets numbers as many as 110,000. Not only is this one of the largest populations in the world, but it's also one of the most accessible to tourists. Alongside the island's massive northern gannet colony, birdwatchers can also witness more than 200 other species of amazing sea birds, including razorbills, cormorants, and black-legged kittiwakes. 

Bonaventure Island visitors also have a good chance of seeing adorable grey seals and mighty fin and humpback whales surfacing in the surrounding waters. Even without such incredible wildlife, Bonaventure Island itself is an unforgettable geological masterpiece. The island's magnificent seaside cliffs and limestone rock monoliths are some of the best in North America. And just offshore sits the breathtaking Percé Rock and its natural rock arch. Measuring 50 feet high and 60 feet wide, Percé Rock is one of the world's largest natural arches and a one-of-a-kind highlight of the island's sublime seaside views.

With such gorgeous geography, amazing wildlife, and excellent amenities, Bonaventure Island is undoubtedly one of the world's top hidden gem islands to add to your travel bucket list. Today, Bonaventure Island, Percé Rock, and surrounding coastal areas are part of Quebec's Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé National Park, one of the province's most worthwhile parks. The island and surrounding park are located in the Gulf of St. Lawrence off the coast of Quebec's Gaspé Peninsula, about 10 hours north of Montreal and a few miles away from the charming seaside town of Percé.

Access to the park costs about $7 in American dollars for adults 18 years and older (children get in for free). Do note that only a limited number of visitors are admitted to the park each day, so it's a good idea to book your tickets well in advance. You also have the option of experiencing the island on a sightseeing cruise via the Les Croisières Julien Cloutier and Les Bateliers de Percé cruise lines (separate reservations required). Hiking fans can find four excellent trails on the island, ranging from moderate scenic excursions to more challenging miles-long treks. And if you're a fan of diving, you even have the option of exploring the underwater portion of the island thanks to the Club Nautique de Percé snorkeling and scuba diving outfitter. All in all, Bonaventure Island is Canada's true underrated gem on the sea, the air, and the land.