Forillon National Park is a narrow, mountainous peninsula that extends into the Gulf of St. Lawrence and marks the eastern end of the Appalachian mountain chain.
Its majestic landscapes cover a 244 km2 area that is carved out of the sea, cliffs and mountains, giving it a real "end of the world" feel.
The presence of ten different rock formations, colonies of seabirds and enigmatic arctic-alpine plants give this park its unique character.
CAP-BON-AMI
While you are in the area, you simply must visit Cap Bon-Ami, where a lookout and a hiking trail leading down to the beach offer spectacular views of the sea and the rugged cliffs.
Why not make the most of your beautiful surroundings by bringing a picnic lunch and exploring one of the hiking trails? You may be lucky enough to spot some of the wildlife common to the area, such as cormorants, seals, beaver, porcupine and black bear.
Open daily from early June to early October.
GRANDE-GRAVE
Distance (round-trip): 3 km loop
Time (round-trip): 1-2 hours
Level: Moderate
Elevation gain: 90 m
The "Une tournée dans les Parages" trail, a 3-kilometre loop, will take you back in time to the 19th century, when Grand-Grave was a thriving fishing village where cod was dried and salted for export to Europe.
Step into the warm atmosphere of yesteryear with a visit to Grande-Grave’s carefully restored authentic houses and buildings, the last standing reminders of the fishing villages once common along the Gaspé coastline. Costumed interpreters will be on hand to answer your questions and bring the period to life (at Maison Blanchette, L'Anse-Blanchette, early June to early September from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.).
Open daily from early June to early October (some buildings are only open from the end of June to early September).
FORILLON NATIONAL PARKSeason: The park is open year-round, but the period during which services are available varies according to sector. Visitors centres:
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CAP GASPÉSIE
Cap Gaspé is a headland located at the eastern extremity of the Gaspé Peninsula. On its eastern side, the high cliffs plunge into the sea, and on top of the cape stands a red and white lighthouse dating from 1873. Today, the Cap Gaspé , lighthouse is operated by solar power and is part of Forillon National Park.
LES GRAVES (LAST PART OF THE TRAIL)
Distance (round-trip) : 8 km
Time (round-trip) : 2-3 hours
Level: Intermediate
Elevation gain: 80 m
You can take this trail from Anse-aux-Américains, crossing through woods and overgrown fields to the Cap Gaspé lighthouse perched on the cliff. The final section of the trail leads across the cliff to the famous "Land's End", where you can look out over the ocean and breathe in the fresh, invigorating sea air.
SEA KAYAK AT SUNSET
The ultimate guided excursion for observing the wildlife of Forillon National Park, including many species of seabirds, grey seals, harbour seals and more.
During this three-hour sea kayaking tour with your biologist/guide you will glide among the sandstone cliffs and small rocky islands at a leisurely pace that will allow you to enjoy nature and admire the spectacular sunset over Gaspé Bay.
The price includes a single or double kayak, paddle, nylon spray skirt, life vest, wetsuit (spring and fall) and a waterproof bag.
Early May to early October.
Festivals calendar
Festival Musique du Bout du Monde
Dates: early August
Festival Musique du Bout du Monde is a unique family-oriented music festival that is a celebration of world music and a cultural exchange between Gaspesian culture and other world cultures. The event also features street performers and free activities and workshops for the whole family. The famous sunrise concert is not to be missed.