Best trails in Forillon National Park
Forillon National Park is located in Quebec's Gaspésie region. It was created in 1970 (making it Quebec's first national park) to protect the Notre-Dame Mountains. It covers an area of 244.8km2, including a marine strip of 4.4km2. The landscape features coastlines along the Atlantic Ocean, cliffs, salt marshes, beaches, dunes, forests and part of the Quebec Appalachians, home to over 225 species of birds and numerous mammals such as the black bear and beaver.
Top trails
- (1256)•Moderate•5.2 mi•Est. 2.5–3 hrNice trail along the coast. Be sure to take the trail and not the gravel road to get to the lighthouse. Beautiful views along the water, flowery path, trail with spectacular views. Very busy with families taking the full path. There is a small picnic area downhill that is much emptier than the lighthouse roost. Don't forget your binoculars to observe seals and whales.
- (1172)•Moderate•4.9 mi•Est. 3–3.5 hrThe hike to the summit of Mont Saint-Alban is demanding in the climb from the beginning to the observatory, but afterwards very pleasant even for the climb back, except for a short section which is like a mountain bike trail. The landscapes are worth it and it's fun to be at the top and then to touch the water of the sea. The trail is super well maintained, and it is one of the most beautiful views of Gaspé. This is a fairly popular trail so expect to pass several people along the way....
- (694)•Moderate•2.4 mi•Est. 1.5–2 hrThe Cap Bon Ami hike is a beautiful, very well maintained hike. The views from the observation deck are simply incredible. It's a tough climb, 280m of steady ascent to the summit. It's worth the 360 degree view from the observation tower. Luckily there are stairs and a rope for the steeper climbs. On the way back, check out the beach and enjoy great views of the lookout tower. At low tide it is possible to walk along the rocky beach to the large waterfall.
- (405)•Moderate•9.9 mi•Est. 4.5–5 hrAs you hike along the trail, look for bears and moose, which can often be spotted in the area. The trail features breathtaking cliffs that provide clear views over the water, where you might glimpse a Minke whale swimming along the shore. The landscape is a beautiful mix of forested hills and open meadows. As you make your way to the lookout point at the edge of the cliff, take the opportunity to pause for a picnic and enjoy the stunning vistas.
- (376)•Moderate•0.8 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrThe Sentier de la Chute trail takes you through beautiful forested landscapes to the impressive Chute waterfall. The trail is well-maintained and relatively short, making it an easy way to experience the area’s natural beauty. Along the way, you'll enjoy views of the lush forest and the stunning cascade, which is particularly impressive in spring and after heavy rains. Whether you're looking for a quick scenic hike or a chance to admire the falls up close, Sentier de la Chute offers a...
- (269)•Moderate•5.2 mi•Est. 2.5–3 hrThis is a very well-maintained trail, offering stunning ocean views throughout. Almost always exposed to daylight, occasionally under a few trees, and the ground is well tapped. The trail is family-friendly and can be done in the presence of young children. The views are breathtaking. If you're at the right time of year, many whales and seals can be seen. The Les Graves trail along the bike path can be muddy at times, but even more picturesque. Make sure you go all the way to the end of the...
- (203)•Easy•2.8 mi•Est. 1–1.5 hrLa Taïga is a trail that will allow you to observe the beauty of Baie de Penouille. The trail begins at the official parking lot of Forillon National Park. Then, you must walk on the dirt road for 0.8 kilometers to access the Taïga trail. At kilometer 1.2, there is a fork in the trail to allow you to observe the bay more closely. During the winter season, the snow can make the walk difficult, so you can use your snowshoes.
- (114)•Moderate•0.6 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrThe red chair at the foot of the falls makes for a beautiful view. Though moderately challenging due to numerous stairs, several benches along the way offer rest stops. The waterfalls at the end, while lovely, may feel underwhelming given the effort. Expect clear trail directions and moderate foot traffic. The trail is short and mostly easy, with a few steep sections. Trail adjustments cause minor confusion, and some areas can be closed off. The forested path is lush with maple trees,...
- (52)•Hard•9.2 mi•Est. 5.5–6 hrGet your binoculars ready for a trip to Cap-Bon-Ami! This spot is a wildlife hotspot. The cliffs are nesting grounds for huge colonies of seabirds, like Black-legged Kittiwakes and cormorants, so it can get pretty lively. The trail itself winds up through the woods where you might see a porcupine shuffling around. The whole area is part of the Appalachian mountain chain, and these cliffs mark the very end of it. It’s a powerful place where the mountains truly meet the sea.