Forillon National Park lies at the northeastern tip of the Gaspé Peninsula in Quebec, Canada. The waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Gaspé Bay meet near its shores, creating a landscape of towering cliffs, beaches, coniferous forests and rolling hills. The park is popular with hikers, nature lovers and visitors hoping to see whales.
The park covers approximately 244.8 km², or 24,480 hectares, including a small protected marine area. Established in 1970, Forillon became the first national park in Quebec within Canada's national parks system.
Coastal scenery
Forillon is known for the dramatic contrast between land and sea. High cliffs rise above the water, while coastal trails offer views across the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Other areas feature pebble beaches, sandy shores, dunes, wetlands, forests and small bodies of water.
Cap-Gaspé lies at the eastern end of the park. Trails leading towards the cape pass through woodland and open coastal terrain. The area offers memorable views of the sea, rocky shores and seabirds.
Wildlife and whales
The forests are home to white-tailed deer, black bears, foxes and other mammals. Coastal cliffs and waters support numerous bird species, including seabirds. The Gulf of St. Lawrence is also known for whales. Depending on the season and conditions, visitors may spot a whale's blow, back or tail from shore or during a boat excursion. Sightings are never guaranteed.
Visitors should keep a safe distance from wildlife and never feed animals. Food must be stored carefully so that it does not attract wildlife to campsites or picnic areas.
Hiking trails
One of the best-known routes is the Les Graves Trail, which follows the coast towards Cap-Gaspé. The walk offers views of the gulf, rocky shorelines and seabirds. A lighthouse stands near the end of the route. The Cap-Bon-Ami area is famous for its cliffs and small coves, while the Penouille sand spit features a distinctive coastal landscape.
Before setting out, check trail conditions, weather forecasts and route difficulty. Some sections are rocky or uneven, so sturdy, comfortable footwear is recommended.
Indigenous and fishing heritage
Forillon is part of the ancestral territory of the Mi’gmaq people, who lived in the region long before European settlement. The coast, forests and marine resources were central to their lives and culture. Later, fishing and farming communities developed along the peninsula. The creation of the park in 1970 led to the relocation of many residents, a difficult chapter that remains part of local history.
The Grande-Grave heritage area preserves buildings connected with traditional fishing and coastal family life. Exhibitions and restored structures help visitors understand how people lived on the peninsula before the park was established.
Activities and visiting
Visitors can hike, join boat excursions, kayak at sea, watch birds, fish in permitted areas and camp. The range of activities and services depends on the season, and popular campsites should be booked in advance when possible.
The park is located in the Gaspé region, and the town of Gaspé is a convenient base for reaching its different areas. A car makes it easier to travel between trailheads, beaches and heritage sites. The warmer months generally offer the widest choice of services and excursions, while spring and autumn can bring unpredictable weather. Some facilities close outside the main season.
Forillon combines dramatic coastal scenery, diverse wildlife and the cultural history of Quebec's maritime communities, making it a memorable destination in eastern Canada.
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