Pets: Leashed pets are allowed.

Fees: A nominal entrance fee is charged.


Forillon National Park
Address: 122 Gaspe Blvd
Gaspe, QC G4X-6A3
Phone: 418-368-5505 or 418-368-6050
Fax: 418-368-6837

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.


La Mauricie National Park
Address: 794 5th St PO Box 758
Shawinigan, QC G9N 6V9
Phone: 819-536-2638
Fax: 819-536-3661

Overview. Long since scoured by glaciers, the Laurentian Mountains now roll gently beneath a carpet of evergreen and hardwood forests. Located north of Trois-Rivieres and bounded on the east by the St. Maurice River, this national park encompasses 200 square miles (550 square km) of scattered lakes, myriad streams, and low valleys. Occasionally sheer rock faces break the tree cover. They are stark reminders of the glaciers' ability to shape the landscape. Because water is the main highway in La Mauricie, this park is a favored destination for canoeing enthusiasts.

What to see and do. Two visitor centers offer an excellent introduction to the park's opportunities with their selection of pamphlets and maps of hiking and canoe routes. Located at St. Jean-les-Piles and St. Mathieu, the centers are open daily from mid-May until mid-October. Check with wardens for a schedule of guided nature walks. While at the centers, register for backcountry camping if you plan to canoe or hike overnight. Three developed campgrounds offer sites with amenities, while canoe camps are also available. Reservations for the developed sites are recommended and can be made by calling 819-533-7272 (nonrefundable fee charged).

Avid canoers ply five well-marked routes through the park. Ranging from 8.5 to 52.5 miles long (14-84 km), these routes appeal to novices and experienced adventurers alike. Fishing is allowed as long as you possess a national park license. Whether hiking or canoeing through the park's interior, keep an eye out for resident moose and beaver. Silent canoers often hear the doleful cry of the common loon. During winter, cross-country skiers enjoy groomed and backcountry trails. Along some ski trails, you find several winter shelters, while Riviere a la-Peche offers winter tent sites.

Leashed pets are permitted but not on beaches or trails or in boats and public buildings.


Fort Chambly National Historic Site
Address: 2 Richelieu St Hwy 10, Exit 22
Chambly, QC J3L 2B9
Phone: 450-658-1585
Fax: 450-658-7216

Overview. This historic stone fort, originally constructed by the French in 1709, marks a significant chapter in the history of Nouvelle-France (1665-1760). After being occupied by the British in 1760, the fort was transformed into an impressive military complex. A 1983 restoration returned the Vauban-style structure to its 1750 look. Exhibits include the French garrison's daily life, the Seigneurie de Chambly's population, and the archaeological excavations in the vicinity.
Fees: A nominal entrance fee is charged.
Hours: Open 10 AM to 5 PM Wednesday to Sunday October to May. Open 7 days a week 10 AM to 6 PM June to September.


Fort Lennox National Historic Site
Address: One 61st Ave
St-Paul-Ile-Aux-Noix, QC J0J 1G0
Phone: 450-291-5700 or 800-463-6769
Fax: 450-291-4389

Overview. The only access to this early 19th-century British fortification is by ferry – it's on an island outside the village and is surrounded by a moat. Once there, visitors can take guided tours through the fortress, walk along the ramparts or picnic on the grounds. Most of the stone buildings are restored to their original condition from the early 1820s; these include the large barracks, a gunpowder magazine, a guard house, officers' quarters and two storehouses. On July and August weekends, enjoy special activities and reenactments.


Gatineau Park
Address: c/o National Capital Commission 161 Laurier Ave W Ottawa, Ontario K1P 6J6
Gatineau, QC J8P 6H9
Phone: 819-827-2020 or 800-465-1867
Fax: 819-827-5438

Overview.0 This famous park, located in the Province of Quebec across the river from Ottawa, Ontario, offers a large wilderness area and unlimited possibilities for recreational activity only a few minutes from Canada's seat of national government. Forested hills and valleys, numerous lakes, and the gardens at the restored MacKenzie King Estate are all part of this outdoor wonderland. Stop at the Visitors Center at 33 Scott Road in Chelsea, Ontario, where you'll find brochures, trail maps, and a large relief map of the park.
The park contains beautiful Lac Philippe with its large beach that accommodates over 1,000 people. Beaches can be found at Lake Meech and Lake La Peche as well. Lifeguards are on duty from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during summer. Swimming is not allowed at other times. Restrooms are on site. At lakes Philippe and La Peche, you can rent row boats, peddle boats, kayaks and canoes -- there is even a canoe campsite. Motorized boats are not allowed on the lakes.
The park offers three campgrounds (including the canoe campsite): 5 campsites--2 group and 3 for single tents, a nature interpretive center, naturalist programs, and 80 miles of hiking trails. Mountain biking, roadway cycling, bird watching, fishing, and picnicking are all popular activities. In winter, the park becomes a spectacular location for downhill and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Handicapped-accessible facilities are available.
Pets:0 No pets are allowed in campgrounds. Leashed dogs are allowed on hiking trails.
Reservations, restrictions and fees:0 Reservations may be made at 819-456-3016 (voice) or 819-827-1210 (fax). A fee is charged for each reservation made. A nominal entrance fee is charged. An alcohol ban is strictly enforced. The park is administered by the National Capital Commission.


Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve
Address: 1 303, rue de la Digue PO Box 1180
Havre-Saint-Pierre, QC G0G 1P0
Phone: 418-538-3331 or 418-538-3285
Fax: 418-538-3595

Overview. Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve comprises a unique group of islands located at the mouth of the St. Lawrence River. Altogether 40 limestone islands, accessible only by water, will provide spectacular views and landscapes as you investigate the park's tremendous array of flora and fauna.

The island shorelines are coated with white sand and totem-pole-like rocks formed by glacial movement thousands of years ago. Plant life is abundant and there are 452 rare species of alpine and arctic flora. Puffins inhabit three of the islands and can be seen from May to August, and of course whales can be frequently seen in the waters of the St. Lawrence.

What to see and do. You can camp on six of the islands of the archipelago but you need to obtain a permit before you head out. You will need to take a special water taxi out if you plan to stay on the islands. Call Taxi des Iles at 418-538-3161 to make reservations. If you just want to take a tour of Mingan Archipelago, you can choose from a number of tour companies based in Havre-Saint-Pierre. Most tours are priced at about $22. Call the park at 418-538-3331 for information about tour boats to Mingan Archipelago.


Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park
Address: 3415 Grand Bay Blvd S
La Baie, QC G7B 1G3
Phone: 418-544-7388 or 800-561-1616
Fax: 418-697-1550

Overview. Situated at the confluence of the St. Lawrence estuary and the Saguenay River, this park features an extraordinary diversity of marine life that lies beneath the water's surface. When the cold sea water of the St. Lawrence meets the highly oxygenated river water, the two systems churn together to create six different ecosystems. Most importantly, the mix of oxygen and cold supports enormous quantities of plankton and krill. Whales migrate from thousands of miles away to feast on these tiny creatures.
For years, industry along the shoreline polluted the waters so heavily that the one resident species, the St. Lawrence beluga whale, became endangered after its food supply was contaminated. But today the joint efforts of government and industry strive to preserve the whale's habitat. Visitors to this park enjoy exploring mysteries of the deep and watching whales amidst the scenic backdrop provided by the Saguenay fjord's steep cliff shoreline walls.
What to see and do. Take advantage of the extensive visitor facilities designed to maximize your enjoyment of this park's unusual offerings. Spend a few hours at Cap-de-Bon-Desir, which is open from mid-June until mid-October with variable hours. After watching a presentation at the interpretation center, join one of the guided shoreline walks. Be sure to bring binoculars so that you may closely observe the several species of whale. Minke, finback, beluga, and blue whales all frequent these rich feeding grounds. Blues are a special sight – they're the largest animals to have lived on earth. Diving naturalists conduct talks and programs that introduce the underwater wonders of Saguenay. Other exhibits feature the region's maritime history.
At Pointe-Noire, be sure to hike along the scenic trail located close by. Along the way, use your binoculars to spot whales offshore or view the Saguenay cliff walls up close. Participate in one of several naturalist-led activities that give you hands-on experience with the park's resources. This center is open daily from mid-June until early September, when the hours are reduced to weekends only until mid-October. Both visitor centers feature observation decks. Handicapped-access is available.
Fee: A fee is charged at the Cap-de-Bon-Desir Interpretation and Observation Centre.


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