Gaspe Peninsula Day 5

We got really lucky today as everything we had planned relied on good weather, and we got it! Today was mostly spent getting to and touring around Forillon National Park at the far end of the Gaspe Pensinsula. We were told that the day before was foggy and windy, and tomorrow a storm is expected, but we had blue skies and warm weather.

We were not, however, lucky enough to see whales although they had been spotted earlier in the day. But we saw seals on the rocks near the lighthouse at Cap des Rosiers, and a fox on the road in Forillon park.

The scenery in the drive today was quite spectacular with cliffs and beautiful bays and coves around every turn. Forillon National Park is a large area with many campgrounds and hiking trails, but mostly enjoyed the scenic views and explored the historic buildings which tell the history of cod fishing in the area.

In the park there are tunnels and gun embankments from WWII which provided surveillance to protect the Gaspe Harbour as part of defenses during the Battle of the Atlantic. These gun embankments are the only ones left in place.

In the town of Gaspe we visited a large granite cross that was erected to commemorate the landing of Jacques Cartier in 1534. He had planted a large wooden cross on the site, claiming the land for France, over the objections if the current inhabitants. This site is now known as the Birthplace of Canada, but there was more activity at the shopping mall that bears his name across the street.

After a day of spectacular vistas, we were again amazed at the breathtaking sights on the route to Perce, and our first view of the famous rock. Perce rock is absolutely massive and dominates the view from everywhere in town. With another day of good weather we hope to be able to take a boat tour tomorrow and see it up close.