By the women of Marblehead!”
The land on the north side of the bay is very bold, and considerably varied. The Shickshock Mountains, running through the centre of the peninsula, attain a height of nearly 4,000 feet. The southern shore is much lower, with occasional elevations. The outlying parts of Chaleur Bay and much of the coast may be seen to advantage by taking a steamer from Montreal or Quebec down the St. Lawrence and into the bay. The boats of the Gaspé Steamship Co. run from Montreal to Gaspé and Port Daniel, calling at Matane and many other parts of the south shore of Gaspé Peninsula. The boats of the Quebec Steamship Co. also run from Montreal to Gaspé and other parts of the Maritime Provinces.
A very good plan is to go from Campbellton to Gaspé by the Canada of the Campbellton and Gaspé Steamship Co. The boat puts in at many of the places along the north shore of Chaleur Bay, and affords an excellent opportunity for viewing the coast scenery. If preferred, the return journey may be made over the line of the Quebec Oriental Railway from Gaspé, its present terminus, calling at Douglastown, Barachois and Cape Cove, etc.; or it may be varied by taking the steamship from Gaspé to Grand River, to see the eastern Gaspesian coast by daylight, and making the remainder of the western journey by train from Grand River. The railway touches the towns and villages along the coast, connects with a ferry for Campbellton, and terminates at Matapedia. On the return trip a stop-off may be made at the principal places along the line. This trip may be reversed and changed as may be found most convenient.
Presuming it has been decided to go all the way to Gaspé by steamship, and to return by way of Grand River and the railway to Campbellton, a description of the country traversed now follows:
Leaving Campbellton at about 11 a.m. and putting in at Dalhousie on the south shore, the steamship calls at Carleton, New Richmond, Bonaventure, New Carlisle, Port Daniel, Grand River, and Percé, etc., arriving at Gaspé the next morning at 9 o’clock.
The Bay of Gaspé is both long and wide, being about twenty miles in length, with a width of five miles or more in its widest part. Rather more than half-way in a small peninsula makes out from the sandy beach to the south, and another from the northern shore. These afford admirable protection for the upper water or harbor, where there is room for a great fleet to ride at anchor. The view from the water approach to the town is delightful.
“The mountains of Gaspé are fair to behold,
With their fleckings of shadow and gleamings of gold.”
Several rivers empty into the bay and harbor, there are noble hills around, and behind the town the high mountains rise. A goodly fleet of whalers and fishing schooners leaves from this port, and the smaller craft with the numerous boats, etc., add greatly to the pleasant view that meets the eye on entering the port. No better spot could be selected for enjoying yachting, boating and fishing; while the cool air and splendid scenery leave nothing lacking for the enjoyment of those who come here. There are many visitors in the summer, and the life is a pleasant and social one.