A little hike across Penouille's Taïga trail is way out of the ordinary!
Roger St-Laurent
Hiking
Whether you’re looking to go hiking for 30 minutes or 4 hours, Forillon has a trail that’s right for you! All park hiking trails will enable you to appreciate the beauty and natural wealth of this protected area. In addition, several trails are a part of the International Appalachian Trail (IAT).
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Forillon trails on Google earth (.kmz)
Forillon trails for portable GPS (.gpx)
Easy hiking trails
Prélude-à-Forillon
Length: 0.6 km (loop)
Duration: 30 mins.
Elevation gain: 2 m
Trailhead: interpretation centre, North Area
GPS coordinates: 48.838220, -64.214105
This Universal Access trail (boardwalk) provides an excellent preview of everything the park has to offer and boasts stunning views of the sea and mountains. Multisensory interpretation modules are available on site.
La Taïga
Length: 3 km (round trip)
Duration: 1 - 1.5 hrs.
Elevation gain: 1 m
Trailhead: at 1 km from Penouille parking lot
GPS coordinates: 48.852859, -64.422258
The Penouille sand spit supports a taiga whose presence at such low latitudes is quite unusual. A taiga is a fragile habitat that is sensitive to trampling – thank you for staying on the trail. The park sought to offer visitors the opportunity of discovering this lichen-carpeted forest while also ensuring that it is properly protected. To limit deforestation as much as possible, a trail was laid out using the existing clearings. In addition, it goes around an area that is home to an endangered species of fern (i.e., the daisy-leaf moonwort) and ends up at a blind for watching numerous marsh birds quite unobtrusively! (Bring your own binoculars)
Les Parages
Length: 3 km (loop)
Duration: 1 - 2 hrs.
Elevation gain: 90 m
Trailhead: near the Grande-Grave fishing harbour
GPS coordinates: 48.792136, -64.225033
As you walk through the historic landscape, you’ll also enjoy a panoramic view out over Gaspé Bay. This trail will take you through fields lying between old homes and barns, including the Dolbel-Roberts house (which features exhibits). Along the way, be sure to stop in and visit the historic buildings associated with the Hyman Store and L'Anse Blanchette.
Du Banc
Length: 4 km (round trip)
Duration: 1 - 2 hrs.
Elevation gain: 6 m
Trailhead: Cap-des-Rosiers parking lot
GPS coordinates: 48.847005, -64.212345
By foot or bike, venture along the seashore on Du Banc trail and take in the magnificent Forillon cliffs and the Cap-des-Rosiers lighthouse. Along the trail, take a break at the Carricks Shipwreck Monument erected in the memory of the some one hundred passengers who drowned off Cap-des-Rosiers, in 1847.
Moderate hiking trails
La Chute
Length: 1 km (loop)
Duration: 30 - 45 mins.
Elevation gain: 40 m
Trailhead: La Chute parking lot, on Route 132 (Halfway between North and South Area)
GPS coordinates: 48.843311, -64.265718
This trail, though short, does have some steep stairs. You’ll love the quiet of the woodlands as you wind your way through a maple grove and a cedar grove at the bottom of a little valley until reaching a lovely 17-metre-high waterfall.
Mont-Saint-Alban
South Area trailhead: Petit-Gaspé beach
Length: Loop: 7.2 km - Tower and back: 5.4 km
Duration: Loop: 2.5 - 3.5 hrs. - Tower and back: 2.5 hrs.
Elevation gain: 275 m
GPS coordinates: 48.805352, -64.245022
North Area trailhead: Cap-Bon-Ami
Length: Loop: 7.8 km - Tower and back: 3.6 km
Duration: Loop: 3 - 4 hrs. - Tower and back: 2 hrs.
Elevation gain: 245 m
GPS coordinates: 48.809237, -64.221268
Although the first kilometres make for fairly steep going, you’ll be wowed by the stunning vistas to be had at different points along this boreal forest trail. Once you’ve reached the observation tower, at 283 m in altitude, you’ll be swept up by the exceptional beauty of the sea and cliffs below. The gentler of the two climb routes begins at the Petit-Gaspé beach.
Les Graves (entire trail)
Length: 15.2 km (round trip)
Duration: 4 - 5 hrs.
Elevation gain: 95 m
Trailhead: Grande-Grave
GPS coordinates: 48.792134, -64.225039
Les Graves (last leg of trail)
Length: 8 km (round trip)
Duration: 2 - 3 hrs.
Elevation gain: 80 m
Trailhead: L'Anse-aux-Amérindiens
GPS coordinates: 48.769164, -64.193430
The gravel trail is also open to bikes
The Les Graves trail crosses through woods and overgrown fields overlooking coves and the sea. Maybe you’ll be lucky and see some marine mammals, bears or porcupines. At Cap-Gaspé, approach the base of the lighthouse located atop a 95-metre-high cliff. Today, this solar-powered light is fully automated. Follow the trail down to the bottom of the cliff until reaching Land’s End! Take in the scene and breathe in the salt air – then take a snap for posterity.
La Vallée
Length: 9.2 km (round trip), 8.6 km (loop with the Le Portage trail)
Duration: 2 - 3 hrs.
Elevation gain: 25 m
Trailhead: L’Anse-au-Griffon
GPS coordinates: 48.929675, -64.322516
Amble along L'Anse-au-Griffon River amid a pretty forest. Keep your eyes peeled for wild animals. The trail boasts two picnic areas (including one with a shelter). Trail also open to bikes and horses
Le Portage
Length: 20 km (round trip)
Duration: 5 - 6 hrs.
Elevation gain: 155 m
Trailhead: near the operational centre
GPS coordinates: 48.859341, -64.381710
Trailhead: L’Anse-au-Griffon
GPS coordinates: 48.929804, -64.322506
This trail traverses the park from north (L’Anse-au-Griffon) to south (operational centre). Along the southern leg, it crosses through a forest and over a number of waterways. Along the northern leg, it crosses through overgrown fields. A wide trail, “Le Portage” often offers good opportunities for viewing bears and small game. Trail also open to bikes and horses.
Difficult hiking trails
Les Crêtes
Length: 35.4 km (round trip) including access legs
Duration: 12 - 14 hrs.
Elevation gain: 405 m
Trailhead: near the operational centre or Petit-Gaspé Beach
GPS coordinates, near the operational centre: 48.866826, -64.379945
GPS coordinates, Petit-Gaspé Beach: 48.805352, -64.245022
Enjoy a long mountain hike offering breathtaking panoramic views out over L'Anse-au-Griffon valley, the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Gaspé Bay. Backcountry campsites and a lean-to shelter are located along the way.
Les Lacs
Length: 36.6 km (round trip)
Duration: 13 - 15 hrs.
Elevation gain: 450 m
Trailhead: near the operational centre or Route 197 (Rivière-au-Renard)
GPS coordinates, from Rivière-au-Renard: 48.959245, -64.466084
GPS coordinates, from Le Portage Trail: 48.866831, -64.380000
This long mountain hike will take you past a string of small lakes that are well suited for observing boreal forest wildlife. It also offers fantastic views out over the Morris River valley. Backcountry campsites and a lean-to shelter are located along the way.