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Forillon National Park occupies the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula, where the Appalachian Mountains run out into the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Limestone cliffs, forested hills, pebble coves and the sheltered waters of Gaspé Bay make up the park, which was created in 1970 on land that had long been home to fishing families whose story is now part of its interpretation.
Hiking trails reach the dramatic headland of Cap Gaspé and its lighthouse, while the Mont-Saint-Alban observation tower gives a sweeping view over sea and forest. At Cap Bon-Ami, cliffs plunge into the water and seals are often seen below. The Grande-Grave heritage site preserves buildings from the cod-fishing era, and Fort Peninsula shows the remains of a Second World War coastal battery. On the bay side, La Penouille is a sandy spit with taiga vegetation and calm water. Whale-watching cruises and sea kayaking trips leave from the park in summer.
Forillon suits active travelers who want a mix of hiking, history and wildlife without long drives between sights. Nearby Cap-des-Rosiers and L'Anse-au-Griffon offer lodging and seafood. The short Prélude à Forillon walk and La Chute trail are good options for families. Summer is the main season, with cool, changeable weather.
WiserMap travel guideForillon National Park Quebec Whale Cruises and LighthousesExplore Forillon National Park in Quebec: Cap Gaspé lighthouse, Penouille, Grande-Grave heritage houses, Mont-Saint-Alban views, whale cruises, food and where t...Read the guide
A sandy spit reaching into Gaspé Bay in the park's south sector, with calm, relatively warm water and a short trail through rare coastal taiga to the beach. A small shuttle runs in summer. It is the park's best swimming spot and a quiet place to watch seabirds.
The remains of a Second World War coastal battery built to protect Gaspé Bay from German submarines, with gun emplacements and tunnels along a short trail. Panels explain the Battle of the St. Lawrence. It is quick to visit and pairs well with Grande-Grave nearby.
A restored fishing village from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with the Hyman and Sons general store, period houses and drying grounds once used for salt cod. Costumed staff explain daily life in summer. Allow about an hour and stop in the old store.
A heritage house in L'Anse-au-Griffon, just north of the park, built in the 1840s for John Le Boutillier, a Jersey merchant in the cod fishing trade. Guided visits in summer explain the merchant system that ruled Gaspé fishing villages. The cafe serves light meals in season.
A small heritage site on the north coast where the restored house and buildings of the Blanchette fishing family show how a Gaspé fishing family lived in the early 20th century. Staff in period dress lead visits in summer. It sits on a sheltered cove near Cap Gaspé.
A white lighthouse on the cliffs near Land's End, the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula where the Appalachian Mountains meet the sea. It is reached on the Les Graves trail. From the cliffs you can often spot seals, seabirds and whales in summer, so bring binoculars.
A coastal trail of about 8 km one way from Grande-Grave to Land's End at Cap Gaspé, passing pebble beaches, coves and meadows with sea views most of the way. A shuttle can shorten it in season. It is mostly easy, and the last climb to the lighthouse is the steepest part.
A wooden observation tower at the top of Mont Saint-Alban, reached on a loop trail of about 7 km from Petit-Gaspé or Cap Bon-Ami. The view takes in Gaspé Bay, the cliffs of the north coast and the Gulf. Allow about three hours for the loop and bring water.
A short, easy trail through a mixed forest of maple and birch to a pretty waterfall in the park's north sector, suitable for families. It takes under an hour return. In autumn the trees turn bright colours, making it one of the best short walks in the park.
A headland in the north sector with lookouts over limestone cliffs dropping straight into the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Stairs lead down to a pebble beach, and a picnic area sits by the road. Look for seals, seabirds and passing whales from the lookout platforms.
Boat tours leaving from Grande-Grave in summer head out around Cap Gaspé to see humpback, minke and fin whales, plus seals and seabird colonies under the cliffs. Sea kayak tours also explore the shoreline. Book a day ahead, dress warmly and bring motion sickness remedies.
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Photo: Andrea Schaffer from Sydney, Australia, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Andrea Schaffer from Sydney, Australia, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Andrea Schaffer from Sydney, Australia, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
