Forillon National Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Forillon National Park |
|
|---|---|
| Parc national Forillon | |
|
IUCN Category II (National Park)
|
|
Cap Bon-Ami at sunset
|
|
 Forillon National Park
Location in Canada
Forillon National Park
Location in Quebec
|
|
| Location | Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine, La Côte-de-Gaspé Regional County Municipality, Quebec, Canada |
| Nearest city | Gaspé, Quebec |
| Area | 244 km2 (94 sq mi) |
| Established | 8 June 1970 |
| Visitors | 164,130 (in 2022–23) |
| Governing body | Parks Canada |
Forillon National Park is a beautiful natural area in Quebec, Canada. It's one of 42 national parks and reserves across the country. This park is located at the very tip of the Gaspé Peninsula and covers about 244 square kilometers.
Forillon became the first national park in Quebec when it was created in 1970. The park is home to many different landscapes. You can find thick forests, ocean coastlines, salty marshes, and sandy dunes. It also has tall cliffs and is part of the eastern end of the Appalachian Mountains. The name Forillon might have come from a special rock formation. This rock, called a sea stack, looked like a flowerpot and was a famous landmark. However, it has since fallen into the ocean.
Contents
History of Forillon National Park
Long ago, the Mi'kmaq and Haudenosaunee people used this area. They would come here in the summer to hunt and fish. It was an important place for them to find food and resources.
Later, people living in L'Anse-au-Griffon used the area for its rich supply of wood. They worked in the lumber industry, cutting down trees.
When the park was created in 1970, many families lived in the area. To make the park, these families had to move from their homes. The Canadian government asked the Quebec government to help with this process. In 2011, the House of Commons officially apologized. They said sorry for how some families were treated when they had to leave their homes.
Amazing Wildlife at Forillon
Forillon National Park is a fantastic place to see many different animals. It's especially known for its sea birds. Large groups of birds nest on the cliffs and along the coast.
Marine Animals
You can often spot amazing marine animals here. Whales swim in the waters nearby, and seals can be seen resting on the rocks.
Land Animals
The forests and land areas are home to many mammals. Some of these include the red fox and the large moose. You might also see black bears, lynx, and coyotes. Smaller animals like woodchucks, porcupines, and beavers also live here.
Birds of Prey
The park is also a great spot for birdwatching, especially for raptors. These are birds of prey that hunt other animals. You might see powerful bald eagles soaring overhead. Other raptors include great horned owls, peregrine falcons, and ospreys.
Fun Activities and Sights
There are many exciting things to do and see in Forillon National Park. You can learn about the history and nature of the area.
Explore Grande-Grave
The Grande-Grave National Heritage Site shows what life was like for fishing families long ago. You can visit the Hyman Store, which has old items that were sold there. People who work at the store share stories about the busy fishing industry. A walking path called "Une Tournée dans les Parages" takes you past old houses and farms from the early 1900s.
Whale Watching Adventures
Along the park's shores, you can go on special boat trips. These trips let you get closer to the ocean to watch whales in their natural home. It's an unforgettable experience!
Discover Fort Péninsule
Forillon Park also has a historic site called Fort Péninsule. This fort is near Penouille beach. It was built during World War II to protect the Gaspé bay. If Germany had taken over Europe, these forts would have kept British warships safe from German submarines. Today, visitors can go inside a tunnel and see the cannons that are still there.
Images for kids
-
The park as seen from the viewpoint atop Mt-St-Alban, looking southeast (at left) to northwest (at right).
See also
In Spanish: Parque nacional Forillon para niños
- National Parks of Canada
- List of National Parks of Canada
- List of Quebec national parks
