Forillon National Park, Quebec

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canada, forillon, Forillon National Park, gaspe, National Park, photo, quebec, quebec city, travel

Forillon National Park is located right on the tip of the Gaspe Peninsula. A seven hour drive from Quebec City, the last three hugging the sparsely inhabited coastline. Although constantly having to reduce speed to 50 KM at each outpost you pass is a pain- it just allows more time to view the spectacular Gulf of St. Lawrence.

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Forillon has a shaky past. The Federal Government pulled some underhanded tricks back in 1970 to expropriate thousands of acres to create the National Park. Today it seems it was worth it: the park is beautiful.

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So awhile ago we picked up a tripod for the camera and a remote. The remote only works if you are standing 5 feet away, which negates any usefulness. But the tripod, when you remember to use it, allows both of us to be in the same picture.

It is hard to run on soft sand and get in position in only 10 seconds.

getting set up for the shot.

Perfecto

We set up at the National Park campground for two nights.  Flush Toilets, showers, power. Like a 5 star resort to us.

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The next morning we ventured out to walk to Lands End. The road comes within 4km of the end of the peninsula, the rest is on foot. We were told Bears and Moose are possible on the trail.

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If you have bikes, you could cover the trail much faster than on foot….. but you may risk riding right into a bear…. Just saying.

The views were breathtaking. We were watching for whales! (We saw two later in the day)

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We decided to stop here and take a rest… for obvious reasons.

Momma Bear was very interested what we were doing, we were standing a safe distance away, making lots of noise so that she would clear the path so we could continue.

The baby bears are so small they are hard to see, but she had two cubs right in front of her.

After a few minutes, the bears disappeared into the trees and we proceeded very cautiously, continuing to make lots of noise so they knew we were coming.

Next wildlife sighting was a North American Porcupine. We saw probably a dozen Porcupine’s. So many that deciding on which photos to share was a challenge. We only saw one Porcupine up a tree, so he wins the fame of appearing online.

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These guys were totally harmless (if you kept your distance), and very sedentary creatures. If you got too close, the quills on their backs would stand up on end. They were happy to allow you to view them from 8 feet away.

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Views from the trail

Final hill up to the Lighthouse

We made it. Lands End.

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Traditionally lighthouses had keepers who worked 24 hours a day, ensuring the flame was lit, reflectors were clean etc. During Foggy weather, a cannon was fired every few minutes so the sailors could position themselves based on the sound. In 1972 Solar Panels and lights were installed, and an automatic visibility system that would activate speakers during foggy weather. Gone were the keepers who kept sailors safe for over a hundred years.

 

Older Fog Cannon, and the newer solar powered speakers in the background.

We saw two Whales! and a seal

We found some Rhubarb on the way back.

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And another bear on the way back. This guy was alone and smaller. Maybe a 1 year old on his own now?

The next day the weather had improved somewhat, we were able to see the Sun, and it made Cap Bon Ami Beach that much more spectacular.

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The Gaspe Peninsula and Forillon National Park are spectacular. You will not be disappointed if you choose to visit. And local fresh Crab, Lobster, Scallops and Shrimp are plentiful at roadside fish stands.

This is our last post covering Quebec, before we cross into New Brunswick. We were a little unsure what Quebec was all about. Most people know of Montreal and the History of Quebec City. The sad part is most people probably only see those two cities. Venture further afield, off the beaten path. Quebec is a beautiful province.

I see my path, but I don’t know where it leads. Not knowing where I’m going is what
inspires me to travel it. – Rosalia de Castro