Every destination has its must-see attractions, and Forillon National Park, located at the eastern tip of the Gaspé Peninsula, is no exception. It’s hard to miss the cliffs of Cap Bon-Ami, the breathtaking views from the Mont-Saint-Alban observation tower and the sense of accomplishment that comes over you when you reach the Cap-Gaspé Lighthouse at Land’s End. Those who visit this unique park frequently can attest to this fact: you’ll never tire of observing the natural beauty of Forillon’s landscapes, which change with every season!

In addition to these must-see spots, however, there are other equally magical and less well-known attractions in the park—and these hidden gems deserve to be discovered so you can further soak up the park’s spectacular beauty. Here, then, are five things to discover in Forillon to see the park from different perspectives!

L’Anse-au-Griffon Valley

Located on the north side of the Gaspé Peninsula, at the end of the Le Portage trail, the L’Anse-au-Griffon Valley inspires tranquility. Just a few metres from the parking lot, you’ll find a splendid view of the Anse-au-Griffon River as it winds its way through the mountains as far as the eye can see.

Other nearby points of interest:

• Trailhead for the La Vallée trail, a 9.2-km (5.7-mi.) loop suitable for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing
• Trailhead for the Le Portage trail, a 20-km (12.4-mi.) round-trip route also suitable for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing

La Chute trail

Nestled at the end of the Appalachian Mountains, the 17-metre (55.5-foot) waterfall along this trail is worth seeing. The trailhead is at the La Chute parking lot on Montée Laurencelle (Route 132), near Cap-des-Rosiers. Make sure you’re wearing good walking shoes as you’ll hike for about 15 minutes to the foot of the falls, which cascade down an impressive moss-covered rockface. Once you get there, take the time to pause and enjoy the view before hiking back up through woodlands full of cedars, maples and yellow birches to complete this 1-km (0.6-mi.) loop.

Other nearby points of interest:

• Trailhead for the Le Pic-bois trail, a 4.6-km (2.9-mi.) round-trip route suitable for hiking or biking
• Visitor Information and Discovery Centre, where you’ll find a permanent exhibition, a boutique and the Café DesRosiers (a few minutes away by car)
• Beach at Cap-des-Rosiers (a few minutes away by car)

Les Crêtes lookout

Located 1.5 km (0.9-mi.) from the parking lot for the Les Crêtes trail, west of Montée Laurencelle (Route 132) and near the South Area entrance, this lookout offers a breathtaking view of Gaspé Bay. Some even compare the view to the one from the Mont-Saint-Alban observation tower! In any case, this is an opportunity to take in another panoramic view without having to hike very far. Keep in mind, however, that you’ll still need good walking shoes since such an impressive view doesn’t come without some effort!

Other nearby points of interest:

• Trailhead for the La Chute trail, a 1-km (0.6 mi.) loop that includes stairs (a few minutes away by car)
• South Area entrance (a few minutes away by car)

Prélude-à-Forillon trail

Located behind the Visitor Information and Discovery Centre, this short 0.5-km (0.3-mi.) loop is perfect for those in a hurry to relax! This is because the accessible boardwalk that makes up this trail means you can wear your beach sandals and also because you’ll reach a breathtaking view of the cliffs of Cap Bon-Ami and the tip of Forillon in less than 10 minutes. In other words, this path will give you the opportunity to glimpse the immensity of the peninsula’s landscapes with very little effort!

Other nearby points of interest:

• Visitor Information and Discovery Centre, where you’ll find a permanent exhibition, a boutique and the Café DesRosiers
• Beach at Cap-des-Rosiers
• Irish Memorial, erected in memory of the victims of the shipwreck of the Carricks (within walking distance)

Du Banc trail

Running along the beach between the Visitor Information and Discovery Centre and the Cap-des-Rosiers Lighthouse, this 4-km (2.5-mi.) round-trip trail is the perfect compromise between the calm of the forest and the dynamism of the coast. Whether you’re exploring it on foot or by bike, this wide and flat trail has everything to awaken your senses: the sound of the waves and birdsong, sea breezes wafting through the trees and the scent of wildflowers, along with an observation tower from which you can contemplate the horizon, a freshwater marsh and the cliffs of Forillon! In short, the Du Banc trail is sure to please those in search of contemplation!

Other nearby points of interest:

• Irish Memorial, erected in memory of the victims of the shipwreck of the Carricks
• Visitor Information and Discovery Centre, where you’ll find a permanent exhibition, a boutique and the Café DesRosiers
• Trailhead for the Prélude-à-Forillon trail, a 0.5-km (0.3-mi.) loop to be explored on foot or in a wheelchair

Were you already familiar with any of these hidden gems? A host of discoveries await you along the hiking trails in Forillon National Park! Start planning your visit now!