Visit the St-Elzéar Cave A Must-Do Family Activity in Gaspésie
Go 15 Meters Underground
Uncover 300,000 Years of History

Located in the heart of the Karst-de-Saint-Elzéar Biodiversity Reserve, this is the oldest cave and contains the largest chamber discovered to date in Quebec. It houses bones over 9000 years old, as well as the province’s longest stalactite. In addition to giving you access to the cave, whose walls were sculpted by water approximately 300000 years ago, the visit will also teach you how caves are formed and which animals left their mark in the different chambers. This unique experience will feed your curiosity and fuel your discussions for the rest of your vacations!

Detailed Activity Program

From June 15th to September 19th: Guaranteed Departures : 8:00AM at Cime Aventure 

From July 18th to August 19th: Guaranteed Departures: 8:00, 10:00, 12:00 and 14:00 at Cime Aventure 

• Arrival at Cime Aventure and pre-departure briefing;
• 40-minute drive in your own vehicle, half of which is on a dust road;
• Meet with you at the parking lot;
• Guided a 15 to 20-minute hike with interpretation of the karstic phenomena present along the way;
• Safety equipment and briefing;
• Secure descent, one by one, down a 14-meter ladder;
• Visit of the cave, the bear chamber (salle des ours), and the wolverine pit (puit des carcajous) during 45-50 minutes;
• Ascent back up the ladder;
• Hike back ;
• Drive back towards Cime Aventure (stopping there is not mandatory).

Includes

• Guide English and French speakers
• Harness
• Helmet with headlamp
• Gloves

Necessary Equipment 

• Warm clothing : It is always 4°C (39°F) in the cave, and the humidity level is high. You must wear long pants, a warm sweater, a coat or windbreaker, and a toque or hood. You will stay in these rather cool conditions for about 45 minutes. 
• Hiking boots or athletic shoes and warm socks. Sandals are forbidden.