If you’re planning a trip in Gaspésie, there’s no doubt that you have to stop in Gaspé. Known as the best place in Québec to observe whales, Gaspé is a must-visit for wildlife and outdoors lovers. Featuring Forillon National Park, there are all kinds of activities to please everyone.

From whale watching to SUP and canyoning, there’s no chance you’ll get bored there. Forillon National Park was one of our favourites spots on our road trip. The wildlife there is truly impressive and unforgettable. So if you’re wondering what Gapsé and Forillon National Park reserve, check this article and you’ll find our top activities to do with useful information about these.

Best things to do in Gaspé

Kayak or SUP in Bay of Gaspé

Best things to do in Forillon National Park

Whale watching cruise

The only partner cruise company with Forillon national park is Croisières Baie de Gaspé. This place is the best one in Québec to see whales, but also seals, dolphins and more. At the extreme East coast, you can’t ask for a better spot.

Located at Grande-Grave in the South area, the company offers two different ships. One of them has 47 passengers capacity (Narval III) and the other one has 12 (Rocher Le Vieux). This last one provides a more adventurous experience since it can go faster. Both of these boats have the same price range.

We chose Narval III and were not deceived. Since it wasn’t the high season when we did our tour, the boat wasn’t full. There were about 20 people and it was perfect. We had so much space to go around the boat depending where the whale or dolphins were. We had the chance to follow a teenage humpback whale which was pretty amazing. We also got lucky and saw Atlantic white sided dolphins.

Before the end of the cruise, the boat goes all the way to the land’s end. Then, you can see the tip of the land from an angle you can’t see otherwise. The other viewpoint of the tip is on the land at the Mont-Saint-Alban lookout. On your way there, there’s a lot of chance you’ll see seals on the beach. Overall, we strongly suggest you do this whale watching cruise since you’ll surely make beautiful memories.

Good to know – Whale watching cruise

• It’s recommended to book your places in advance on their website especially during high season.
• You have to be at the ticket office at least 30 minutes before the boarding time.
• You will be given rain coats (included in the price) and you can rent binoculars if you want (extra $).
• Put on warm clothes. Even if the weather is nice, the wind can be pretty intense. You’ll be happy to be in warm clothes (hat, two layers, raincoat, etc.)
• The cruise lasts about 2h30.

Hiking Mont-Saint-Alban

One of our favorite hikes on our road trip! Mont-Saint-Alban located in Cap-Bon-Ami (South area) offers a breathtaking viewpoint. With a 360° tower lookout, you can see the tip of land’s end and the ocean. You can even see Rocher Percé and Bonaventure Island!

From Cap-Bon-Ami, you can either hike a loop or go straight to the tower and come back. The loop trail is 7,8 km and lasts about 3 to 4 hours. If you go to the tower and come back, it’s about 3,6 km and takes 1h30 to 2 hours. The elevation gain is 245 meters so it’s considered a moderate hike. Honestly, the first ascension is relatively hard, but after this you’ll have many viewpoints along the trail. And of course, the final viewpoint is worth it all.

It’s also possible to hike Mont-Saint-Alban from Petit-Gaspé beach and from Grande-Grave. You can find all the information you need here.

Picnicking at Cap-Bon-Ami

After hiking Mont-Saint-Alban, what’s better than picnicking at Cap-Bon-Ami to continue to enjoy the amazing view. At the Cap-Bon-Ami parking, there are picnic tables, restrooms and drinkable water. Everything you need for a perfect lunch after a hike! You can enjoy your meal, the view and the sun.

L’Anse-Aux-Amérindiens beach

If you’re looking for a quiet spot to relax after a hike, this is the place. Bonus; you’ll probably share the beach with seals! We had such a great time at the beach, always looking for seals. They didn’t come to the beach, but they were pretty close to us in the ocean. We also saw a whale so you obviously can’t be bored at l’Anse-aux-Amérindiens.

It’s also possible to picnic there since there are tables and a toilet. We had our dinner ther and it was magical; the viewpoint on the ocean and the sunset was memorable! We strongly recommend you to do the same. You also might have a surprise of wild animals in the park.

Sea kayaking

If you’re looking for more adventure, you can do sea kayaking at Grande-Grave. This activity should be exciting since you have good chances to see whales, dolphins and seals. If you go along the beach you have more chances to see seals. Always remember to wear a life jacket since the ocean is unpredictable and wear warm clothes. The wind is always strong on the Gaspesian coast.

Observe wild animals

Of course, you can observe wild marine animals if you plan on doing the whale cruise, but even if you stay on land, there’s a lot of chance you see other wild animals. After our stop at L’Anse-Aux-Amérindiens beach, we ate our dinner at the viewpoint where there are picnic tables. It was truly magical with the view of the ocean and the sunset. Then, when we left to go to our campsite, we saw a family of moose. It was a mom with her two babies and they were so cute. So beside whales, dolphins and seals, you can observe many other wild animals!

Where to eat in Gaspé

Bistro-Bar Le Brise Bise

Here, you can find fresh seafood, ribs, steaks and a variety of Gaspesian beers. There are also cocktails and wine for those who don’t like beer. Located in the town center, this restaurant is truly popular. It also offers a take out menu which you can order online.

Café des Artistes

This restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. With many choices, Café des Artistes sure knows how to please everyone. Its picturesque decorations make it also a Gaspesian essential

TÉTÛ Taverne Gaspésienne

This restaurant also offers 3 different menus for brunch, lunch and dinner. With a pub vibe, you can enjoy local products and revisited classics while enjoying a beer or a drink. TÉTÛ also offers a take out menu which you can order online.

In the end, Forillon National Park is a real Gaspesian treasure. It offers all you would dream about a road trip in Gaspésie : hikes, amazing viewpoints on the ocean, many wild animals and more. You definitely have to stop at this park, you won’t regret it!

Planning a road trip in Gaspésie?

If you want more information and find more Gaspesian gems, make sure to check our full our article. You’ll find there the perfect itinerary for a road trip in Gaspésie including top things to do, where to stay, where to eat and many more!

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