Bay of Gaspé

Gaspé Bay cuts into the eastern end of the Gaspé Peninsula, receiving the waters of the Dartmouth and York rivers. Its sheltered harbour drew fishing parties from the St. Lawrence as well as ships from across the Atlantic. In July 1534 Jacques Cartier and his two ships sought shelter from a storm here while Donnacona and his people from Stadacona were fishing for mackerel.

Cartier raised a wooden cross bearing the arms of King Francis I, an act that offended Donnacona, who challenged the French. The chief's canoe was seized and he was brought aboard their ship; when Cartier sailed for France, he took Donnacona's sons Taignoagny and Domagaya with him. They returned as guides on his next voyage up the St. Lawrence.