Where can I buy fresh shrimp in Matane?

The best place to buy fresh Matane shrimp is directly at the local fish market near the port, where fishing boats unload their daily catches. Several seafood shops along Route 132 also sell freshly cooked shrimp ready to eat.

When is shrimp season in Matane?

Shrimp fishing in Matane typically runs from April through June, with peak season in May. During this time, you'll find the freshest catches at markets and restaurants throughout the Gaspé Peninsula.

Why You Should Try Fresh Matane Shrimp This Summer

Q: What makes Matane shrimp special?

Matane shrimp, also known as Nordic shrimp or crevettes de Matane, are prized for their sweet, delicate flavor and firm texture. Caught in the cold waters of the St. Lawrence River, they're smaller than typical shrimp but pack incredible taste that locals and chefs across Quebec cherish.

This post covers everything needed to know about Matane shrimp — where to find them, why they taste different from imported varieties, and the best ways to cook them while they're in season. For anyone planning a trip through the Gaspésie this summer, this local delicacy belongs on the itinerary.

What makes Matane shrimp special compared to other varieties?

Matane shrimp come from the cold waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. They're smaller than tiger shrimp — sweeter too. The local catch (processed right at Les Crevettes de Matane) stays firm after cooking. Imported shrimp often turn mushy.

The season runs roughly May through August. That short window means you're eating shrimp that were swimming days ago — not frozen for months.

Where can you buy fresh Matane shrimp in the region?

The best spots are right at the source. Head to the processing plant on Rue du Port in Matane — there's a small boutique with shrimp caught that morning. You'll also find them at Marché Casgrain in Sainte-Anne-des-Monts and at the seasonal stands along Route 132.

Here's the thing: grocery chains in Quebec City and Montreal do stock Matane shrimp, but check the label. "Product of Canada" doesn't always mean from the Gaspésie. Look specifically for "Crevettes de Matane" or "Matane shrimp" on the packaging.

Where to Buy	Best For	Price Range (per lb)
Les Crevettes de Matane (plant)	Freshest catch, direct from boats	$18–$24
Marché Casgrain	Convenience, other local products	$20–$26
IGA Matane	Quick pickup, consistent stock	$22–$28

What's the best way to cook fresh Matane shrimp?

Don't overcomplicate it. These shrimp taste like the ocean — let that shine. A quick two-minute boil in salted water works. Or toss them on the grill for ninety seconds per side.

Worth noting: Matane shrimp cook faster than larger varieties. Walk away for five minutes and you'll have rubber. Watch them — they turn pink and curl slightly when done.

For a true Gaspésien experience, serve them cold with lemon and homemade mayonnaise. Some locals (the ones who've been eating these for decades) prefer them straight off the boat — no cooking at all. That's not for everyone, admittedly.

The catch? Fresh Matane shrimp don't keep long. Buy them the day you plan to eat them — two days max if refrigerated. Freeze only if necessary, and do it immediately.

Want to learn more about sustainable fishing practices in the region? Fisheries and Oceans Canada publishes detailed catch data for the northern shrimp stock. And if you're planning a full culinary road trip, Tourisme Gaspésie maps out the best seafood stops from Matane to Percé.