122 Gaspe Blvd, Gaspe, QC G4X-6A3
Phone: 418-368-5505 or 418-368-6050
Fax: 418-368-6837
Open All Year
Overview. Forillon National Park is located at the end of a peninsula jutting into the Gulf of St. Lawrence. At the tip of Cap Gaspe, on the park's easternmost point, fires were lit on twin towers of rock to warn ships of danger. But the threat of foundering on the peninsula's rocky promontories has never stopped local fishermen from mining the rich cod banks. From Micmac and Iroquois to European settlers to present-day residents, human beings have taken advantage of this area's resources, both on land and sea. Today the 92-square-mile (240 square km) "Jewel of the Gaspe," which encompasses both picturesque seashore and rugged interior, testifies to the park's motto: "The harmony of man, land, and sea."What to see and do. The park is open year-round, but the two visitor centers are closed between early September and mid-June. Located at Penouille on the southern shore and west of L'Anse-au-Griffon on the northern shore, these centers offer visitors extensive information about the park's services, including camping facilities, hiking trails, and naturalist programs. During the summer they are open variable hours. At Penouille, stretches of beach encourage sunning and swimming. Continuing your drive around the peninsula, you pass the campground at Petit Gaspe. Scuba diving is popular off the coast, while others enjoy exploring the trails stemming from the trailhead. You'll find other campgrounds at des-Rosiers and Cap-Bon-Ami, which features the sheerest seaside cliffs in the park. Several historic sites enrich your understanding of how human residents have adapted to and taken advantage of the natural surroundings. At Cap-des-Rosiers, there is an 1858 lighthouse. Listed as a historic monument, it's closed during winter, but summer visitors may visit both the structure and the interpretive center (also closed winters). At nearby L'Anse-au-Griffon, tour the Manoir Le Boutillier. Between June and October this site explores the Gaspe cod-fishing heritage through a series of exhibits and presentations in the auditorium. Though seeing the park from your car is possible, some say the best way to appreciate the diversity of Forillon's offerings is on foot. Visitors may hike for as little as 30 minutes or as long as six hours along the shore or through the interior. Forests, peat bogs, and myriad streams greet adventurous trekkers, who have the best chance of spotting Forillon's black bears, moose, and beaver. Running almost the length of the park, Les Cretes and Les Lac offer the longest journey and primitive campsites along the way. A rewarding short hike takes you to Cap Gaspe. Seashore pools harbor interesting marine life, and sometimes you glimpse whales from the lighthouse. During the summer, watch for cormorants, gannets, and other seasonal seabirds. Winter at Forillon brings snowshoeing, winter camping, and cross-country skiing on groomed trails. Other popular activities include bicycling, fishing, and taking scenic cruises. Offering excellent chances to see whales from May through October and the magnificent shoreline from the water, these excursions depart from most small seaside villages.
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Beach |
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Bicycle Trails |
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Bird Watching |
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Cross-country Skiing |
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Fishing |
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Guided Tours |
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Hiking/Nature Trails |
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Historic Sites |
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Horse Trails |
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Museum/Exhibits |
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Picnic Sites |
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Programs/Talks |
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Swimming |
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Visitor Center |
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Wildlife Viewing |
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