It’s so easy to take for granted how scenic Canada is when it’s your home country, but every so often I am reminded how amazing the natural beauty of this country is. Case in point, Cap-Bon-Ami in Forillon National Park. One word: WOW! It’s going to be a similar theme in all posts about the Gaspesie area, but I really can’t help it. Maybe because I wasn’t expecting to find a beautiful pebble beach carved out amongst the larger rocks, but whatever it is Cap-Bon-Ami is spectacular.
Located in the northern part of Forillon National Park, Cap-Bon-Ami has a number of services including camp sites, washrooms, cooking shelter, and picnic tables. It is also the beginning of a few hiking trails. Most noticeably the hike up Mont-Saint-Alban, which leads you to a viewing tower that overlooks the peninsula. It’s not an easy trek, but well worth it! It is 3.8km round-trip to the tower with an estimate duration of 2hrs and 15 minutes (275m rise in elevation). You can also do the complete loop which is 7.8km in length and is moderate in difficulty.
Aside from hiking, there is a lovely look out spot just off the parking area and set of stairs that brings you down to a bay with a spectacular pebble beach. It’s clear that with the overwhelming availability of pebbles, inukshuk building is a must and you can find them dotting the landscape around the beach. I loved just sitting on the beach and listening to the waves crash against the rock. I don’t recommend swimming here since the current seemed quite strong. If you have plans to visit Forillon National Park, make sure to dedicate half a day to visiting this section of the park. You will definitely not be disappointed!
