Site attractions

Horatio Le Boutillier House 

Built around 1850, the residence was purchased by the Ville de Gaspé in 2011 and moved to Pointe O’Hara in 2012 for preservation. 

It is used to interpret the history of its residents, the free port period and the consulates. Formerly a consular office, it was above all the home of the Le Boutillier family for over 100 years. 

William Wakeham Monument 

In 1880, Dr. William Wakeham bought a house in Gaspé while working as a fisheries inspector in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Labrador. He died in the residence that bears his name. 

The statue of Roger Langevin (2014) commemorates his role in Canada’s seizure of the Arctic territory on August 17, 1897. 

The naval base 

This building represents the Robin, Jones and Whitman Ltd warehouse requisitioned in 1940 by National Defence. The warehouse served as a temporary naval base for the Canadian navy until 1941. 

Using a scale model, military artefacts and video clips, this interpretation building presents Gaspé’s military history and key events, particularly during the Second World War. 

The playground 

The playground invites you to a giant-scale naval battle. The 1942 Battle of the St. Lawrence, with the ships and submarines involved, is the backdrop for this oversized family game. 

Gespeg Tia’M 

Installed at Pointe O’Hara in September 2014, Jean-Robert Drouillard’s work evokes his great-grandfather’s shipwreck at Cap-des-Rosiers. 

It also pays tribute to Gaspé’s Francophone, Anglophone and Aboriginal heritage. 

Commemorative plaque to Félix O’Hara 

In 1765, Félix O’Hara became the first landowner at Pointe O’Hara under British rule. 

Upon his arrival in Gaspé, he erected a wharf, built residences, cultivated his land, opened a store and a tavern, and contributed directly to the birth of the village of Gaspé. 

A former outfitter for the British army, Félix O’Hara also represented the government in Gaspé. 

The historic site is named in his honor to commemorate the importance of this builder to the region. 

Jacques Cartier Cross Monument 

This granite monolith was a gift to Gaspé from the Government of Canada during the celebrations marking the 400th anniversary of Jacques Cartier’s arrival in 1934. 

The monument was first installed on rue de la Reine, then moved in 1979 to a site near Christ-Roi Cathedral. In 2012, the monument was installed on the Pointe O’Hara site. 

This monument commemorates the gesture made by French explorer Jacques Cartier when he took possession of the territory that would become New France. 

Mi’gmac longhouse 

This longhouse symbolizes the presence of the First Nations and their occupation of the territory several centuries before the arrival of Europeans. 

The Mi’gmac, like many Algonquin families, built longhouses to hold meetings, welcome strangers and celebrate ceremonies. 

Hydrobase Jacques de Lesseps 

Ce bâtiment représente de l’ancienne scierie de Joseph Shaw. En 1926, elle est achetée par la Compagnie aérienne franco-canadienne (CAFC), puis transformée en hydrobase pour abriter les hydravions de Jacques de Lesseps. 

On y présente l’histoire de l’aviation et des transports à Gaspé, ainsi que les photos prises du ciel par Jacques de Lesseps et la CAFC en 1926 et 1927. Une maquette de l’hydravion utilisé pour effectuer ses vols orne le plafond. 

Magasin Collas et Slous 

Ce bâtiment représente le magasin construit par les frères Collas avec John Slous en 1865.  

Le bâtiment d’interprétation Collas and Slous propose une installation rappelant les étalages des magasins généraux du début du 19e siècle. On y retrouve l’histoire des magasins généraux de Gaspé. 

Baker Tavern 

This building is a representation of the first tavern built by John Baker in 1903, destroyed by fire in 1927. In addition to recalling the atmosphere of taverns of the time, the Taverne Baker interpretive building deals with the history of taverns in Gaspé. It also tells the story of whaling in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. 

Refreshment break: Taverne Baker is the place to take a break and enjoy a refreshing drink on the terrace or inside. A fine selection of beers and products from Gaspesian micro-distilleries is on the menu! 

Davis Warehouse 

This building was inspired by the Davis family warehouse, which operated from 1925 to 1966 on the Davis wharf at Pointe O’Hara. It was used to store all kinds of goods in transit. 

The interpretive building tells the story of O’Hara Point’s trades and includes a recreation of a blacksmith’s shop with its tools. It also presents the maritime trade and navigation of recent centuries. 

Boutique and reception 

This building was inspired by J. Napoléon Gérard Jr.’s photo store, which stood on O’Hara Point between 1933 and 1939. J. Napoléon Gérard Jr. sold photographs and stationery. 
The boutique serves as a reception area and as a place to obtain information on interpretation activities offered on the site. It also features products from local artisans and “Gaspé” and “Gaspésie” promotional products. 

The semaphore 

This small building symbolizes the semaphore built on the village quayside in 1869. 

This rudimentary system of visual communication operated by means of a light installed high up. The light was used to guide ships as they docked at the wharves. 

Ferry balloon 

This unusual installation was used from around 1850 to 1864, by residents wishing to cross the York River between Pointe O’Hara and Gaspé Harbour.  In those days, few residents owned a boat to cross to the other side. 

By raising the balloon to the top of the mast, the passenger would signal his wish to cross to the operator of the rowboat docked on the other bank.