Quest for the Forillon Red Chairs!

Hi Blog!

Today we explored Parc National Forillon. We love Canadian National Parks! We especially love the fact that they put red chairs in the most scenic parts of the park and challenge you to find them. It's like a Geocache with a comfy seat and scenic view. 

Before bagging our Red Chairs we decided to first visit a lighthouse.  The Cap-des-Rosiers Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in Canada, standing 112 feet tall. It is situated on the south shore of the Saint Lawrence River at the top of a steep cliff. It is located at the mouth of the river, where it flows into the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Our first stop in the park was the North Area entrance station. From here we ventured out along a boardwalk. From there we got our first look at the Cape of Gaspe.

On our way back around the boardwalk, we encountered this little guy.  He was the first of three porcupines we saw today!

Our next stop was the La Chute Trail. The trail descends a thousand steps to the foot of a waterfall.

The trail was still snow covered.

The red chair was placed in the perfect spot to view the falls.

As we hiked back up, we crossed over the upper part of the waterfall.

We drove out as far as we could on the Cape of Gaspe, but had to hoof it the last two miles.

Our efforts were rewarded with amazing views and another lighthouse - the Cape Gaspe Lighthouse.

Oh, did we mention more Red Chairs!

The International Appalachian Trails runs though Gaspe. The map at the same trailhead was the best we've seen.

On the way back down, we decided to follow a portion of the IAT. The trail meanders it's way along the coast.

We had great views of lots of secret coves.

Just before we got back to the Jeep, we encountered another ptarmigan. We made sure to give this bird a wide birth. We are still wary after the last ptarmigan attack!

Spring is still a ways away up here, but you can start to things color up.  The red you see is from swaths of wild rose bushes.  No buds yet, but the thorny stems have gotten brilliant scarlet!

Our last couple chairs were easy peasy. These were just next to the picnic area at Saint George's Cove.

The last chairs were high up the hill overlooking Grande-Grave. Once a hotbed of the cod fishing industry, Grande-Grave is now a heritage site, complete with re-enactors. Unfortunately, the shows don't start until June. At least we got to enjoy the views!