Parks Canada announces the 50th anniversary of Forillon National Park in 2020
News release
An unforgettable year to enjoy a unique history and territory
January 16, 2020 Gaspé, Quebec Parks Canada Agency
Parks Canada’s destinations form important cornerstones for Canada’s tourism industry, and the Agency is committed to providing visitors with high-quality and meaningful experiences and to support tourism in communities across the country. The year 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of Forillon National Park. The programming surrounding this anniversary, held under the theme 50 years of experiences, will allow visitors to discover the park through the eyes of those whose lives have been impacted by this magnificent territory, from the past to the present day.
Special activities and events will be held over the summer to mark this important milestone, thanks to the precious collaboration of the Micmac Nation of Gespeg and the Association of Persons Expropriated from Forillon and their Descendants. Many regional partners will also be present.
Programming will be confirmed over the next few weeks. Visitors who wish to make the most out of these activities and their visit to Forillon National Park are encouraged to plan their trip by visiting the park’s website, downloading the Parks Canada mobile app, and following the park’s Facebook page (ForillonNP).
As for the other events taking place in the park, their programming will be enhanced in honour of the 50th anniversary, starting with the cross-country skiing and snowshoeing event La Traversée de la Gaspésie, on February 22nd. This unique experience will be followed by the Festival Musique du Bout du Monde and the Ultra-Trail du Bout du Monde.
Thanks to a number of new features, visitors will be able to enjoy the park in new ways during this milestone year. For example, campers will be able to experience an unforgettable stay under the stars in an Ôasis . This new type of accommodation, which can house up to two adults and two children, is equipped with a convertible table/bed, a suspended hammock loft, 180-degree sea-facing windows, heating and lighting. The new Information and Discovery Centre in the North Area will open its doors in June, offering a new permanent exhibit, a catering service, a store, a patio, laundry services, Wi-Fi, and several recreational activities. It will also be the departure point for the new Du Banc trail. Bordering the Cap-des-Rosiers coastline, the trail offers a spectacular view of Forillon’s magnificent cliffs.
Since it’s never too early to plan your summer and fall vacations, reservations for camping begin today. Campers can book their stay online through the Parks Canada reservation service website, or by calling 1-877-737-3783.
-30-
Quotes
“It is with great pride that the Government of Canada marks the 50th anniversary of Forillon National Park! The rich history of the territory and of the people who lived here as well as its distinctive views that alternate between the sea, the cliffs and the forest make this park a unique destination. I wish to thank the local communities for their invaluable contribution to the development and the reach of the park as well as the passionate teams of Forillon National Park who have offered, for the past 50 years, high quality experiences to thousands of visitors from here and abroad.”
The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier
Minister of National Revenue and MP for Gaspésie — Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine
“We are pleased to be able to work with Parks Canada to share our culture and traditions on our territory, Gespe’gewa’gi, by organizing various interpretation activities. Being a part of the 50th anniversary events will be a significant platform for us.”
Elisha Simon
Director General, Mi’gmaq Nation of Gespeg
“Though the anniversary of the park’s creation brings up painful memories among those expropriated, it remains important for us to pursue our efforts with the current Parks Canada team to ensure that our story is shared as widely as possible.”
Marie-Laure Rochefort
Association of Persons Expropriated from Forillon and their Descendants
Quick facts
-
In June 1970, Forillon became Quebec’s first national park within the Canadian network. Located on the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula, Forillon National Park protects a territory of 244.8 km2, including a narrow strip of marine area a little over 150 m wide (4.4 km2).
-
The forest, which covers 95% of the park, is home to a large variety of plant and wildlife species, including several species at risk.
-
Park Forillon’s distinctive coastal landscape, hiking trails and campsites are highly popular attractions, as demonstrated by the 170,000 people who visited the park between June and October 2019.
-
Its cultural heritage, which attests to the Indigenous occupation of the territory and to commercial fishing, an activity practised up until the mid-20th century, makes Forillon a unique destination.
-
For the 2020 season, Forillon National Park will be open to visitors from May 29 to October 12. The park offers a total of 362 campsites between the Petit-Gaspé, Cap-Bon-Ami and Des-Rosiers campgrounds, which also include the five new Ôasis shelters and the micrOcube. The Petit-Gaspé and Des-Rosiers campgrounds also offer 15 heated and equipped oTENTik tents.
-
Parks Canada sites are an excellent way for youth to experience the outdoors and learn more about our environment and our history. Admission to all Parks Canada sites is free of charge for youth 17 and under.
Associated links
Contacts
Marie-Ève Murray
Public Relations and Communications Officer
Forillon National Park
418-368-5575
marie-eve.murray@canada.ca
Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.medias-media.pc@canada.ca
Page details
- Date modified: