Les Graves Trail
A stunning coastal trail in Forillon National Park, featuring dramatic waterfalls, mountain-sea vistas, and whale-watching opportunities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant temps
Les Graves Trail
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning coastal trail in Forillon National Park, featuring dramatic waterfalls, mountain-sea vistas, and whale-watching opportunities.
"The Les Graves Trail offers breathtaking waterfalls and dramatic coastal views, a must-do in Forillon!"
👟 Sturdy Hiking Shoes Needed
The trail has inclines and stairs; proper footwear is essential for safety and comfort.
🦟 Bug Spray is a Must
Mosquitoes can be bothersome, especially on warm days. Pack repellent to enjoy the hike.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Spectacular Waterfalls
Trail loop
Witness breathtaking waterfalls cascading down cliffs. The loop offers views of both the lower and upper falls.
Cap-Gaspé & Land's End
End of the trail
Reach the dramatic meeting point of Appalachian Mountains and the sea. Keep an eye out for whales!
Coastal Views & Wildlife
Along the trail
Enjoy stunning vistas of Gaspé Bay and the chance to spot local wildlife, including whales.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Conditions & Footwear
Insect Repellent is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Hiking Shoes Needed
The trail has inclines and stairs; proper footwear is essential for safety and comfort.
🦟 Bug Spray is a Must
Mosquitoes can be bothersome, especially on warm days. Pack repellent to enjoy the hike.
📸 Capture the Falls
The waterfalls are spectacular, but debris can sometimes obstruct lower angles.
🥾 Consider the Loop
The loop trail offers varied scenery and easier ascent with stairs on the return.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Hiking Shoes Needed
The trail has inclines and stairs; proper footwear is essential for safety and comfort.
🦟 Bug Spray is a Must
Mosquitoes can be bothersome, especially on warm days. Pack repellent to enjoy the hike.
📸 Capture the Falls
The waterfalls are spectacular, but debris can sometimes obstruct lower angles.
🥾 Consider the Loop
The loop trail offers varied scenery and easier ascent with stairs on the return.
🐳 Whale Watching Potential
Keep an eye on Gaspé Bay; you might spot whales from the trail's end.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the spectacular waterfalls and dramatic coastal views at the end of the Les Graves Trail. The chance to spot whales adds a unique thrill. However, some find the inclines and stairs on the loop more challenging than expected, and insect repellent is a must.
"Location & Parking: easy to find and plenty of free parking.
Accessibility: it’s not accessible by wheelchair, but the trails are easy to walk on and are not long far to get to the water fall.
Insects: there are some mosquitoes in the area, but if you use big spray or cover up they’re not a problem.
Worthwhile? Absolutely! The falls are beautiful and you can get right up close to them."
Derek Vanstone
"The hike is not in particular really long but parts of it are on an incline. Make sure to wear proper hiking shoes and taking it easy at the steep parts.
I had initially decided to turn around after seeing the first waterfall since one of my parents has pain in one knee. However, we changed our mind and completed the loop; it was worth sticking to the loop because for the parts leading back up had steps, which made it easier to walk back up the incline."
Kartiki Sharma
"A very short loop trail, about 1 km. The trail descends to the bottom of the falls and climbs back, the elevation gain is under 50 m. The waterfalls were spectacular."
Patrick Xu
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Les Graves Trail is located within Forillon National Park on the Gaspé Peninsula. The park is accessible by car, with the trail itself being easy to find. There is ample free parking available at the trailhead.
Public transport options directly to Forillon National Park and the Les Graves Trail are limited. It is best accessed by private vehicle, making it a popular stop for road trips along the Gaspé Peninsula.
The drive from Montreal to Forillon National Park is approximately 11 hours, making it a significant road trip destination.
Yes, there is a large compost restroom located in the parking lot near the Les Graves Trail, offering convenient facilities for visitors.
The Les Graves Trail is dog-friendly, allowing you to bring your canine companions along for the hike.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Les Graves Trail is located within Forillon National Park, which requires an entrance fee. You'll need a Parks Canada Discovery Pass or a daily pass to access the park and its trails.
Forillon National Park is generally open year-round, but specific facilities and trail access may vary by season. It's always best to check the official Parks Canada website for the most up-to-date hours and information before your visit.
Tickets or passes for Forillon National Park can typically be purchased online in advance through the Parks Canada website, which is recommended during peak season to avoid queues.
No, the Les Graves Trail is not accessible by wheelchair. The terrain includes inclines and stairs, making it unsuitable for wheelchair users.
The Les Graves Trail is a short loop, approximately 1 to 1.3 kilometers in length, making it a manageable hike for most visitors.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Les Graves Trail is considered an intermediate hike. While short, it features a steep decline and a return climb with stairs, which can be challenging for some.
You'll see spectacular waterfalls, dramatic coastal views where the mountains meet the sea at Cap-Gaspé, and have opportunities for wildlife spotting, including whales.
Yes, the trail offers stunning viewpoints of Gaspé Bay and the rugged coastline. The end of the trail at Cap-Gaspé provides particularly dramatic vistas.
It's recommended to wear sturdy hiking shoes due to the inclines and stairs. Consider bringing bug spray and dressing in layers as weather can change.
While short, the steep sections and stairs might be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues. However, families with older children can enjoy the beautiful scenery.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The base of the waterfalls offers a great perspective, though debris can sometimes be an issue. The dramatic coastal scenery at Cap-Gaspé and views of Gaspé Bay are also prime photo opportunities.
Late afternoon often provides beautiful golden hour light for coastal shots. However, morning light can be excellent for capturing the waterfalls without harsh shadows.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal views and waterfalls. A polarizing filter can help manage reflections on the water and enhance sky colors.
Debris at the base of the falls can sometimes hinder clear shots from certain angles. Also, be mindful of the weather, as fog or rain can impact visibility and light conditions.
Drone usage is subject to Parks Canada regulations. It's essential to check their official website for current rules and restrictions regarding drone operation within national parks before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Ensure everyone has comfortable, sturdy footwear and plenty of water. Bug spray is also a must, as mosquitoes can be present.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
Be sure to carry your phone for photos and in case of any minor issues. Informing someone of your hiking plans is always a good practice. The trail's moderate difficulty means you can enjoy the physical aspect without extreme exertion, leaving you with energy to explore other parts of Forillon National Park.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Les Graves Trail
As you continue, the trail leads to Cap-Gaspé and the 'Land's End' of the peninsula, where the Appalachian Mountains dramatically meet the sea. This section offers breathtaking panoramic views of Gaspé Bay and the surrounding coastline. It's also a prime spot for wildlife observation, with visitors reporting sightings of whales in the bay.
Be prepared for potential environmental factors. Mosquitoes can be present, especially during warmer months, so carrying insect repellent is advised.
Wildlife and Coastal Wonders
Beyond marine life, the coastal landscape itself is a major draw. The point where the mountains plunge into the sea at Cap-Gaspé is a geologically significant and visually striking feature. The rugged cliffs and the vast expanse of the ocean create a dramatic backdrop for photos and contemplation.
For those interested in nature, the trail is also a chance to observe the unique flora and fauna adapted to this coastal environment. While not a primary focus for most visitors, the diverse ecosystem adds another layer of appreciation for this beautiful part of Quebec.
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