Gaspé

River and sea run together in the broad waters of the Lower St. Lawrence. Though fields first cleared by French farmers 250 years ago still ripen in rolling strips of green between historic towns and villages, a number of these settlements also have Anglophone roots, some dating to the close of the Seven Years’ War.

The cod banks of the Gaspé coast were crowded waters on the fringe of an unknown land.

In the flash of cannon and musket fire the waters of the Restigouche River were made a blazing stage for a fateful battle.

The tide of war had turned in Britain’s favour in the summer of 1760. French forces, beaten at Quebec City, desperately awaited reinforcements. All hope lay with a small convoy of supply ships, now waylaid in the Restigouche basin.