Forillon National Park   

Contact Information:
Forillon National Park
122 Gaspé Boulevard
Gaspé, Quebec
Canada G4X 1A9
418-368-5505

Size: 244 sq. km. 

Location: Forillon National Park is located at the eastern tip of the Gaspé Peninsula, accessible via Highway 132. 

Description: Forillon takes in a narrow, mountainous peninsula that extends into the Gulf of St. Lawrence and marks the eastern end of the Appalachian mountain chain. Even though forest covers 95% of the park's land area, Forillon is noted for the diversity of its plant life, which can be partially attributed to the presence of 10 separate ecosystems. The park's 696 plant species include botanical communities such as the arctic-alpine flora of the cliffs, the plants of the salt marsh, and the vegetation of the dunes. More than 225 nesting and visiting species of land birds have been observed in the park, as well as grey seals and harbor seals, porpoises and dolphins, 7 species of whales, and several species of land mammals. The peninsula's prominent feature is the lighthouse at Pointe-au-Pere National Historic Site, which rises 30 meters above the St. Lawrence, guiding navigators past the formidable headland.

Places to Stay: Of the park's 360+ campsites, half remain available for campers without prior reservations. Unreserved campsites are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. From mid-July through mid-August, campgrounds often fill up by morning. To reserve a campsite contact the park reservation line toll-free at 1-877-737-3783 or visit their web site. 

The towns and villages near the park offer a variety of accommodations, including motels, hotels, inns, cottages, cabins, and B&Bs, as well as private campgrounds. For more information on lodging, contact the Office du Tourisme et des Congrès de Gaspé, 27 York Boulevard East Gaspé, Quebec G4X 2K9; Phone: (418) 368-8525. E-mail: info@tourismegaspe.org

Operating Hours: Forillon National Park is open year round, but the park's services are offered mostly between June and October. In the winter, the park is open for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, dogsledding and camping.

History: Established in 1970.

See other Canadian National Parks
See other Quebec National Parks