7 fun things to do in Forillon National Park of Canada

At the end of the Gaspé Peninsula, the Appalachian Mountains plunge dramatically into the sea. Here you’ll find Forillon National Park of Canada, the first Canadian federal national park established in Quebec. From oceanside hiking to beaches, waterfalls, and an amazing history, there are plenty of fascinating things to do in Forillon National Park. Here are seven of our favourites.

We’ve explored Forillon National Park twice, both times as part of media tours hosted by Quebec Maritime. Have questions about planning your own visit? Join our Facebook community!

Forillon National Park of Canada is part of our Gaspé Peninsula road trip >

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Hike the Les Graves trail and see the end of the world

Take a hike to the end of the Les Graves trail in Forillon National Park of Canada, and you’ll find the end of the world!

Well, technically it’s not actually the end of the world. But that’s the literal translation for the name of the lookout at the end of the trail, which in French is known as le Bout du monde.

To reach it, you have a few options, and they all start at the trailhead at L’Anse-aux-Amérindiens. You can take the multi-purpose trail, which is wide, gravel-lined, and well-cleared. This offers an intermediate hike or fat bike experience with some moderate hills. You can also challenge yourself further by tackling the numerous side trails that weave up and down the hillsides.

The trail traces the seaside along Gaspé Bay, where you’re likely to spot some whales along the way. You may also see some wildlife. On our most recent hike, we spotted a bear cub having a snack a few feet from the trail.

At the end of the point you’ll find the Cap-Gaspé Lighthouse. There, you can descend another half-kilometre down the cliffside. At the bottom, the view of the end of the peninsula from the lookout is incredible. It will make you forget all the work it took to get this far!

This is a comfortable half-day hike out and back along the multi-use trail. Depending on your pace, it takes two to four hours in total to complete.

Go underground into the Fort-Péninsule World War II battery

Below ground within the boundaries of Forillon National Park lies Fort-Péninsule. This is the only fully preserved shore battery in Quebec that is open to the public. Through a series of panels, you’ll learn why the fort was built to defend the Gaspé Peninsula in the 1940s during World War II. Some of the original rifles are still in place, and you can walk right up to them and view them up close. If you’re interested in military history, this site is not to be missed.

Sleep in an oTENTik to stay close to all the things to do in Forillon National Park

Forillon National Park offers several types of camping accommodations, from traditional campsites to ready-to-camp structures. If you opt to camp in an oTENTik, you can stay overnight in a structure that’s half tent, half cabin. Each one has built-in bunks that sleep up to six, a table and chairs, and an outdoor fire pit. Roast hot dogs and marshmallows over a campfire while you camp in a comfortable setting.

The oTENTiks at Des-Rosiers campground are a great spot for families with younger children. Nearby, you’ll find a playground with a fabulous view of the peninsula’s cliffs and the Gulf of St. Lawrence from the long pebbled beach.

Looking for a nearby hotel instead? We recommend Auberge sous les arbres in Gaspé.

Hike to a forest waterfall

Just off the main road through the park, la Chute is a beautiful 17-metre waterfall tucked into the forest. The trail is relatively short at less than a kilometre. It can be slippery if it’s rained recently, and the walk down is less challenging than the uphill hike back. We’re certain you’ll agree this magical place is worth the effort!

Visit a general store from the 1800s

Located in the Grande-Grave section of the park, Hyman & Sons General Store is a treasure that has been preserved since the 1860s. Visitors can explore the store during the summer months. Learn how company stores were operated by fish merchants of the period.

If you have kids with you, be sure to pick up the Parks Canada Xplorers booklet. You’ll find some activities inside that will help you unlock some of the store’s deepest secrets! Once your junior explorers have completed the activities, take the booklet to a welcome centre to receive a collectible souvenir.

Swim at one of the park’s beaches

Most of the beaches at Forillon National Park are pebble-lined and exposed to the ocean. You’ll find them wonderful for walks and sightseeing but too chilly for swimming most of the year. If you’d like to take a dip, head to Penouille Beach instead. It lines a sheltered bay, which helps warm the water and make swimming much more enjoyable. This is a very popular spot for families during the summer months, so it’s wise to arrive early to secure a prime location.

See Canada’s tallest lighthouse

At a height of 34.1 metres, Cap-des-Rosiers Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse you’ll find anywhere in Canada. You’ll find it just outside the northern boundary of Forillon National Park on Quebec’s Gaspé Peninsula.

Use Cap-des-Rosiers Lighthouse as a starting point for a lighthouse tour as you make your way westward along the south shore of the St. Lawrence River. Click here to explore a 5-day Gaspé Peninsula road trip itinerary that includes Forillon National Park.

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