
Forillon National Park
Where the Appalachian Mountains meet the sea, Forillon National Park offers dramatic cliffs, abundant wildlife, and stunning coastal hikes.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos, fewer crowds

Forillon National Park
Best Time
Best light for photos, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Where the Appalachian Mountains meet the sea, Forillon National Park offers dramatic cliffs, abundant wildlife, and stunning coastal hikes.
"This park is the creme-de-la-creme, offering spectacular views and unforgettable wildlife encounters."

🥾 Wear sturdy hiking boots
Trails can be rugged. Good footwear is essential for exploring Forillon's diverse terrain.
🐳 Whale watching is a must!
Keep an eye out for whales and seals from the shore or on a boat tour.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Cap Gaspé & Land's End
Southern tip of the park
Hike to the dramatic end of the Appalachian Mountains meeting the sea. Incredible coastal views and whale sightings are common.

Les Graves Trail
Gaspé Bay
An accessible trail offering stunning views of the bay, potential wildlife encounters, and a chance to see whales.

Cap-Bon-Ami
Near Mont-Saint-Alban
Spectacular cliffside views and a trailhead for Mont-Saint-Alban. A prime spot for birdwatching and photography.

Penouille
Sandy spit
Perfect for SUPing, swimming, and enjoying the beach. A unique geological feature offering a different perspective of the park.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan for More Than a Day
Embrace the Outdoors
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Wear sturdy hiking boots
Trails can be rugged. Good footwear is essential for exploring Forillon's diverse terrain.
🐳 Whale watching is a must!
Keep an eye out for whales and seals from the shore or on a boat tour.
📸 Photographers' paradise
Spectacular coastal views and unique geological formations offer endless photo opportunities.
🛌 Book accommodation early
Summer is peak season; lodging and campsites fill up fast.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear sturdy hiking boots
Trails can be rugged. Good footwear is essential for exploring Forillon's diverse terrain.
🐳 Whale watching is a must!
Keep an eye out for whales and seals from the shore or on a boat tour.
📸 Photographers' paradise
Spectacular coastal views and unique geological formations offer endless photo opportunities.
🛌 Book accommodation early
Summer is peak season; lodging and campsites fill up fast.
🚗 Consider a quadricycle
A fun and unique way to explore the park's scenic routes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Forillon National Park for its breathtaking natural beauty, diverse hiking trails, and abundant wildlife, including whale sightings. The park offers a true escape into nature with spectacular coastal scenery and well-maintained facilities. Some find accommodations scarce and expensive during peak summer, and the ocean water is quite cold for swimming.
"Great place for hiking, enjoying nature, kayaking and outdoor activities. It offers a lot of trails, some harder than others and it's not for one day trip to cover it all, 3 days would be my minimum. A lot of tourists at summer and hard to find accommodations, but it's definitely worth the visit, a lot of great spots for photographers."
Leonid Chukhovsky
"Great hikes, swimming (bring a wet suit), fishing, seal & whale watching, beautiful star gazing. We saw a 16+ m long beached (Fin?) whale "
Eric von Graevenitz
"Woke to the sight of two bull moose grazing in the flower covered pasture. Later spotted two seals just outside the harbour. Then traveled to the whale watching area at the end of the southern road. Spotted a Canadian Coastguard vessel towing a fishing vessel back to port. At first could hear the sounds of whales expelling air from their blow holes, then spotted large whales breaching, tail slapping , and fin slapping as they headed back toward open water. Later walked along the rocky beach where the mountains meet the water. Saw large numbers of sea birds nesting. Climbed up the cliff back to the parking area. Great facilities, campgrounds with enclosed wood stove heated dining areas, washrooms with heated showers! Great visitor centre with knowledgeable friendly staff."
Rob Cornelsen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Forillon National Park is located at the eastern tip of the Gaspé Peninsula in Quebec. The most common way to reach it is by car, following Route 132. If coming from Quebec City, it's a scenic drive of about 7-8 hours. Public transport options are limited, so a car is highly recommended for exploring the park and surrounding areas.
Public transport to Forillon National Park is very limited. While there are bus services to towns like Gaspé, getting directly into the park and around its various attractions without a car can be challenging. Renting a car or using a private vehicle is the most practical option.
The primary route is Route 132, which circles the Gaspé Peninsula. This scenic highway offers breathtaking views as you approach the park. Many visitors enjoy stopping in towns like Rimouski or Gaspé along the way.
While there isn't a comprehensive shuttle system within the park, some areas might have limited local transport options during peak season. It's best to check with the park's visitor center upon arrival for the most current information on any available services.
Cycling is a popular way to explore the Gaspé Peninsula, and Route 132 is often used by cyclists. However, the distances can be significant, and it requires good physical condition and preparation. The park itself has roads suitable for cycling, like the one to Penouille.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, an entrance fee is required for Forillon National Park. You can purchase a daily pass or an annual Parks Canada Discovery Pass, which grants access to all national parks in Canada. It's advisable to check the official Parks Canada website for current fees and to book in advance, especially during peak season.
Forillon National Park is generally open year-round, but services and access to certain areas may be limited outside of the main visitor season (typically June to October). The visitor centre has specific operating hours, which vary by season. Always check the Parks Canada website for the most up-to-date information.
You can typically purchase entrance permits at the park's visitor centres or designated entry points. However, to guarantee entry and avoid potential queues, especially during the busy summer months, it's recommended to buy your pass online in advance through the Parks Canada website.
Parks Canada offers various passes, including the Discovery Pass, which can be more economical for frequent visitors. Discounts may be available for seniors, youth, and families. Check the Parks Canada website for details on pricing and eligibility for different passes.
The entrance fee grants you access to the park's trails, beaches, viewpoints, and visitor centres. It covers the cost of maintaining the park's infrastructure and natural environment. Activities like camping or guided tours may have separate fees.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Forillon offers a range of trails, from easy walks to challenging climbs. Popular choices include the Les Graves trail for coastal views and wildlife, the hike to Cap Gaspé and Land's End for dramatic scenery, and the Mont-Saint-Alban trail for panoramic vistas.
Yes, whale watching is a major attraction! You can often spot whales and seals from the shore, particularly from Cap Gaspé or along the Les Graves trail. Boat tours are also available from nearby towns for a closer look.
Besides whales and seals, keep an eye out for moose, various seabirds nesting on the cliffs, and other terrestrial animals. Early mornings and late evenings are often the best times for wildlife viewing.
Yes, you can swim at designated areas like Penouille beach. Be aware that the water is Atlantic Ocean cold, so a wetsuit is recommended for a more comfortable experience.
Forillon offers several campgrounds with various amenities, including sites for tents and RVs. Some campgrounds have heated washrooms and showers. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during the summer season.
📸 📸 Photography
Cap-Bon-Ami offers stunning cliffside views, while the hike to Cap Gaspé and Land's End provides dramatic coastal panoramas. The Les Graves trail is also excellent for capturing marine life and the meeting of mountains and sea.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for landscape photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Sunrise and sunset can be particularly spectacular over the ocean.
Drone usage in national parks is subject to strict regulations. You must obtain a permit and adhere to specific rules regarding flight paths, altitudes, and proximity to wildlife and sensitive areas. Check the Parks Canada website for the latest drone policies.
Absolutely! Cap-Bon-Ami and the viewpoints along the Cap Gaspé trail are iconic. The 'red chair' spots scattered throughout the park also offer unique photo opportunities with breathtaking backdrops.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens is useful for wildlife spotting and photography. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions and long exposures, especially during sunrise or sunset.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
🚶♀️ Active Adventurers
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In-depth insights and expert knowledge






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit