We traveled east to the Forillon National Park on the Gaspe peninsula of Quebec, Canada.
Saint Lawrence River
The Saint Lawrence River is the primary drainage outflow for the Great Lakes Basin through Lake Ontario. It flows in a North Easterly direction through Quebec, Canada to become the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. Although it starts out as fresh water, it progressively becomes salty as it approaches the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. There is evidence that the Norse were in the area in the 11th century. John Cabot, a Venetian navigator, explored the Gulf of Saint Lawrence under the commission of Henry VII of England in the late 1400’s. Efforts to sail into the heart of the continent date from 1535, when the French explorer Jacques Cartier seeking a northwest passage to the Orient, found his path blocked by the Lachine Rapids, southwest of Montreal. Cartier arrived at the area on Saint Lawrence Feast Day and so named it the Gulf of Saint Lawrence.
Saint-Fabian
We only spent a night here making our way to the eastern end of Gaspe. Unfortunately, our GPS led us astray. When we finally got to the municipal campground; it was right off the highway. The tree branches were overgrown, and while trying to park, our front tires sunk about a foot into soft ground between two pads. We were resting on the front axle. It was an oh shit moment. After digging the soft dirt out around the tires, three of the nearby campers brought firewood to put under the front tires to get us out. Almost called a tow truck. Once in our site, it was very difficult to level because of excess slope. The power was defective. So we moved to another site closer to the highway that had working 30 amp service. We bought a few six packs of assorted craft beer for the guys who helped us. They were there for a Bryan Adams concert in Rimouski. After a couple of hours we were finally able to relax with a glass of wine and one AC unit cooling us off. We wanted to hike at the Parc National du Bic, but we ran out of time.
Mont-Louis
Incredible, what a beautiful drive from Saint-Fabian to Mont-Louis. The Saint Lawrence river to the North and farm land to the South. There were numerous small towns along the way.
We drove through an artsy community called Sainte-Flavie. There are sculputures that emerge from the Saint Lawrence River at low tide. They feel and look like they are cast with concrete from an original driftwood sculpture that was used to make a mold. A bit crude in style, morbid/ghostly, dismembered, and with a driftwood/phallus theme.
Mont-Louis was first settled by 12 families in 1697. At the time, it was considered the best location on the Saint Lawrence River for cod fishing. It has pleasant but short summers and very cold and snowy winters. Sandy found beach glass and Jake enjoyed the water.
We camped at Parc et Mer Mont-Louis. 50 amp, water, and sewer. Nice ocean views, a large pad, gravel, and a beautiful, uncrowded, rock beach. Even though there are a lot of pine trees in the area, the RV park cut them all down, and planted large grass areas for the RV’s pads. Not very attractive or private, but allows for better ocean views, perfect pads, and great satellite reception!
Parc National De La Gaspesie
Mont Jacques-Cartier is the highest peak in southern Quebec. Supposedly, there have been numerous moose and caribou sightings. There were a lot of people on the trail that day, so not so lucky at seeing wildlife. It was a good hike, on a beautiful trail, with nice scenic views.
Gaspe
We stayed at Camping Griffon. The owner said we were the tallest RV they had. Fortunately they did not mind cutting a low hanging branch so that we could fit onto the site. What we liked was the trees acted as a great wind break. The last campground in Mont-Louis was in the open and it was difficult to sit outside. It had 30 amp service, 45 psi water pressure, free wifi, and some privacy between sites. We had some trouble leveling, the pad was sloped and we needed 5 inches of blocks (could have used another inch) under the front jacks which brought the wheels off the ground. Our Jeep weighs around 3000 lbs. The RV front axel supports 17000 lbs. Kind of like balancing 5 jeeps stacked on top of each other on wooden blocks.
The campground has beach access via some steep stairs. Nice because not crowded. The sun starts rising at 3:30am here. Crazy but beautiful.
Quebec seems to be less shy than America when it comes to public restrooms, no doors, just pick a side. One step closer to unisex bathrooms.
The lighthouse is still operational.
We went to lunch at a nearby restaurant and admired all the sculptures.
There were sculptures sporadically displayed along the coast. Canadian artists love the driftwood.
Forillon National Park
Forillon National Park is located at the outer tip of the Gaspe Peninsula of Quebec and covers 94 square miles. It was created in 1970. It includes forest, waterfalls, sea coast, salt marshes, sand dunes, cliffs, and is the eastern end of the Appalachians.
There are many restored buildings in the park. Some of the Park Staff dress in period outfits from during the cod industry.
Beaver
The beaver is an emblem of Canada. Jacques Cartier traded for beaver furs in 1534. The pelts prompted Europe’s commercial interest in North America. Beavers are one of the largest rodents, second to the capybara, weighing 33-77 lbs and up to 4 feet long. They are herbivours, primarily nocturnal, live a semi-aquatic life, and one of the few mammals that manufacture their own environment. We came across a large lodge. In the winter, outside temperatures could be well below freezing, but inside temperatures in the low 50’s. During the winter, they do not hibernate, and feed on their submerged stash. We also saw the back end of a black bear scurrying into the woods.
La Chute
Its a 55 foot waterfall that is an easy .6 mile hike. The water was very cold! Jake had no interest in putting his feet in the water here.
Cap-Bon-Ami
We enjoyed this part of Forillon the most. The views were amazing.
After taking the wooden stairs to the rock beach, Jake enjoyed getting his feet wet and the smells of the ocean.
Parc du Borge de Pabos
Parc du Borge de Pabos is an amazing park just south of Gaspe and Perce in the town of Pabos Mills. Our site was huge. Could have fit 2 RVs in the same spot.
We hiked to a river and met a guy from Quebec who spends the summers here. He gave us a guided tour of the area. There are extensive hiking trails, 3 beaches, beautiful coastline, and a few nice bars and restaurants.
