ocean7
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 p.1 #7 · Gannets on Bonaventure Island | |
I was there three weeks ago so I'll give you my two cents 
1. It's not 1 1/2h to get to the Gannets but 45 minutes from the little harbor on the island. I was also told that it was a steep walk but it's nothing like the Alps. Just go at your own pace and you'll be fine. I have seen people of all ages there, including very young children and people with trolleys! That being said I am not sure a 500mm will be needed, you can photograph Gannets as close as 10ft, I went there with my 400mm f/5.6 and I could get some OK shots (see below why no good shots).
2. No! Sorry for Chris Dodds and Arthur Morris but I think a $1500 workshop on Bonaventure is way overpriced (and that doesn't include the boat trip or lunch). The boat costs about $40 return.
3. Of course. The birds will be leaving the island from mid september I was told. Right now there are a lot of Gannet chicks around and they are almost ready for their first trip.
A few extra considerations if I may :
* Bring water. If it's sunny it can be very hot in the woods on the island, sun blasting and no wind.
* Be ready for a nasty smell. Let's face it : Gannets stink There were also a lot of flies when I was there.
* Bring your lunch if possible. The SEPAQ who holds the park offers and few snacks to purchase at the Gannet spot but it's only chips, chocolate bars and they'll sell you a Snickers for $15. There is a small restaurant in Percé by the pier called La Boite A Lunch, they make good lunch packs for people who go spend the day on Bonaventure.
* Take the first boat to avoid the crowd and benefit from the best light. The company Les Bateliers de Percé takes the SEPAQ staff to the island at 8h45 in the morning. You cannot get earlier than that, unless you spend the night on Bonaventure but that is strictly forbidden. I know some who do this though...
* If possible see if you can go on an overcast day. When I was there the sun was blasting real hard and the wind was coming the opposite direction of the sun so the Gannets were landing towards me, but with the sun in their back. Not good for good shots
Feel free to PM me if you have more questions.
Enjoy your trip, Gaspésie is one of the nicest areas in Québec.
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, now if you were living in Charlottetown PEI, we might have a deal. I remember reading that an airline made more on one passenger flying from Australia to the US, than from an entire aircraft flying from Boston to NYC. Probably not true, but you get the idea!
