Explore the oldest cave in Quebec with your family! It is home to a wide variety of formations, including the longest stalactite in the province, stalagmites, and calcite flows. Discover 9,000 year old bones, some of which are currently fossilizing. Your guide will accompany you for 1 hour and 30 minutes in the heart of the Karst-de-Saint-Elzéar. A unique underground journey, both cool and fascinating, which will be a highlight of your Gaspé Coast vacation!
Allow 3.5 hours for this activity, including the driving time.
Located in the heart of the Saint-Elzéar Karst biodiversity reserve, this cave is the oldest and contains the largest cavern discovered to date in Quebec. It features 9,000 year old bones as well as the longest stalactite in the province. 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
- Departures from Cime Aventure
Period Departures Additional departures 15 juin au 18 juillet 10:00 a.m 12h, 14h Upon request 19 juillet au 19 août 8:00 a.m, 10:00 a.m, 12:00 p.m, 14:00 p.m Guaranteed every day 20 août au 19 septembre 10:00 a.m 12:00 p.m, 14:00 p.m Upon request 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
Dog
Please note that pets, including service animals, are not permitted inside the cave. This exceptional restriction is based on two strict criteria.
Safety (Technical Impossibility) : Access to the cave is via a 14-meter curved ladder requiring a harness system. This setup is impossible and highly dangerous for an animal.
Ecological Protection : The cave is a closed and protected ecosystem used for scientific research. Introducing an animal (fur, urine, waste) would cause irreversible biological contamination to this fragile environment.
If you still choose to travel with your pet, another member of your party must remain with them on the outdoor trail during your tour.
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.
Fee per person
