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Forillon National Park, Penouille Visitor Centre

Discover Forillon National Park's Penouille Visitor Centre: where history, nature, and outdoor adventures converge on Quebec's Gaspé Peninsula.

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The Penouille Visitor Centre is your gateway to exploring the southern sector of Forillon National Park, a stunning blend of maritime history, natural beauty, and outdoor adventure on the Gaspé Peninsula. Discover the peninsula's rich Mi'kmaq heritage and diverse ecosystems.

A brief summary to Forillon National Park, Visitor Reception Centre of Penouille

Local tips

  • Check the Parks Canada website for updated information on hours of operation and available services, especially if visiting during the shoulder season.
  • Bring binoculars for wildlife viewing, especially for spotting seabirds along the cliffs and whales in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
  • Pack layers of clothing, as the weather along the coast can change quickly.
  • Consider visiting the Grande-Grave heritage site to learn about the area's fishing history.
  • Take advantage of the free admission for youth 17 and under to explore the park with your family.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From the town of Gaspé, follow Route 132 East (Boulevard de Forillon) for approximately 19 km. The Visitor Reception Centre of Penouille will be on your left. Parking is available. Note that during peak season, parking can be limited.

  • Public Transport

    RéGÎM, the regional public transit organization, operates a bus (Route 21) that passes through Forillon National Park. The bus travels along Highway 132 from L'Anse-au-Griffon to Place Jacques-Cartier in downtown Gaspé, with a stop at the La Penouille Visitor Centre. There is one departure in each direction every weekday. A single fare within Gaspé costs approximately $3.

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Discover more about Forillon National Park, Visitor Reception Centre of Penouille

The Visitor Reception Centre of Penouille serves as an excellent starting point for exploring Forillon National Park, nestled on the Gaspé Peninsula in Quebec. This national park, established in 1970, protects a unique landscape where the Chic-Choc Mountains meet the Gulf of St. Lawrence. At Penouille, discover a long, rocky sand spit extending into Gaspé Bay, a site significant to the Mi'kmaq people for toolmaking as far back as 600 BC. Archaeological excavations have unearthed artifacts revealing the area's rich history. The Penouille area also recounts stories of 17th-century French fishers and a 19th-century whaling station. Today, the area has been reimagined to showcase its natural and historical heritage, with installations tracing the Indigenous presence, whale hunting, and cod fishing eras. Forillon National Park offers a diverse range of activities. Hike over 125 km of trails with views of forests, the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and Gaspé Bay. Explore the Grande-Grave heritage site, a preserved 19th-century fishing village. Observe seals, whales, and various bird species. The park also features camping, glamping, and opportunities for sea kayaking, cycling, and swimming. The park is open year-round, with full services available from late May to mid-October. During the off-season, access is free, but services are limited.

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