Forillon National Park is the headline of the far end of the Gaspé Peninsula, about 770 km from Québec City at the northeast tip. It has two entrances, a South Area off Grande-Grève boulevard in Gaspé and a North Area off Cap-des-Rosiers boulevard, with beaches, lookouts, hiking trails, picnic areas, a playground, a gift shop and an EV charging station. Seals can be watched from shore, and Tourisme Gaspésie says six species of whale can be seen, with interpretive cruises from Grande-Grave in season. Cap-Bon-Ami, with its sea cliffs, is the best-known spot, and the trails lead to Les Graves and the Cap Gaspé lighthouse. Parks Canada's page for the fall and winter says the operating season ended on 15 October, but that the park remains accessible all year round. In practice that means the trails and infrastructure are not maintained, and the gates at the north and south areas close after the first snow. The toll booths and the visitor centre shop closed on 12 October, the general store ended on 12 October and the whale-watching cruise ran to 23 October.
What to do
In season, walk the coastal trails to Cap-Bon-Ami and the cliffs, watch for seals from the shore, book the whale cruise from Grande-Grave, and take a picnic to one of the beaches. A fee applies in season, with passes and reservations for campsites and some activities, and the Parks Canada app offers navigation and self-guided tours. Dogs must be on a leash.
Seasons and planning
The 2026 season ran from 29 May to 12 October for most campgrounds and the toll booths, with the whale cruise to 23 October. From mid-October to late May the park is not in operation, and in winter the roads can be closed after the first snow. The page gives no winter hours.
If you go now, treat it as a self-reliant visit: carry water, check the snow and the gates, and do not expect washrooms, shops or rescue. Some winter activities are offered through the Centre Culturel Le Griffon, and trails that are not maintained are used at your own risk.
Fitting it in
The South Area entrance is on the edge of Gaspé town, which is the usual base, and the park is also reached by Orléans Express buses and the regional RÉGÎM service. The nearest airport is Michel-Pouliot Gaspé Airport, 43 km from the South Area entrance. Give it a full day in season and combine it with the Cap-des-Rosiers lighthouse in the North Area. For a first visit, plan for summer or early autumn, when everything is open.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided national park with coastal trails, beaches and lookouts, plus whale cruises and a lighthouse trail in season.
Best time
June to early October when services run; from mid-October to late May the park is open but not maintained.
How long
A full day in season for the coast and a cruise; a few hours for a walk in the off-season.
Tips
Check for snow and closed gates after mid-October, carry water and layers, and keep dogs on a leash.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Hikers, wildlife watchers and anyone who wants the dramatic end of the peninsula.
- Families
- Beaches, a playground, picnic areas and short trails make it easy in season.
- Couples
- A cliff walk at Cap-Bon-Ami and a seaside picnic, followed by an evening in Gaspé.
- Pair with
- The Cap-des-Rosiers lighthouse, the Musée de la Gaspésie and a night in Gaspé.
- Time needed
- A full day in season.
Good questions
Is Forillon open in November?+
The park stays accessible all year, but Parks Canada says the operating season ended on 15 October and trails and infrastructure are not maintained. The gates in the north and south areas close after the first snow.
What can I see at Forillon?+
Cliffs, beaches, seals from shore and, in season, six species of whale from cruises. Trails lead to Cap-Bon-Ami, Les Graves and the Cap Gaspé lighthouse.
How do I get there?+
Drive Highway 132 east. Orléans Express buses and the RÉGÎM regional transit also serve the park, and Gaspé airport is 43 km from the South Area entrance.
Is there a fee?+
A fee applies in season, and the park sells passes and takes reservations for campsites and some activities. Amounts were not published on the pages read, so check the fees page before you go.
Where do I stay?+
Most visitors base themselves in Gaspé town, where two of the hotels in this guide are open all year. The park's campgrounds ran to 12 October.
