Forillon represents an incredible diversity of life, with many distinct ecosystems: alpine meadows, forest cliffs, fallow farm fields, lakes, streams, freshwater and saltwater marshes, sand dunes, and the shore. The park is mainly forested, with 95% of the land covered by birch, fir, maple, and other trees. Within these forests is a diverse set of plant life, with a total of 63 forest vegetation communities having been classified. Factors such as climate, soils, drainage, and biological productivity all influence the types of plant life in each community. Fir and yellow birch and maple and yellow birch are two forest vegetation communities typically occurring in Forillon.

Fin whales off Forillon

Scattered among the trees are nearly 700 plant species, including a large number usually found in alpine or arctic environments such as purple mountain-saxifrage, tufted saxifrage, and white dryad. These species are remnant populations from colder times, surviving today in the alpine meadows of Cape Gaspi and the limestone cliffs of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, whose waters keep summer temperatures cool.

Birds
Forillon is home to a wealth of wildlife and is well-known for its seabirds. When early explorer Samuel de Champlain first came to the area he wrote,"The abundance of birds of different kinds is so great that no one would believe it possible unless he had seen it."

Seabirds gather here in great numbers, drawn by the rich sources of food. Black-legged kittiwakes, double-crested cormorants, black guillemots, and razorbills can all be seen along the cliffs of Forillon. The Bon Ami sea cliffs host the largest number of birds during the breeding season. Inland, a total of 26 raptor species have been seen. Commonly sighted are the northern harrier and American kestrel, while less frequent sightings are made of golden eagles, gyrfalcons, and northern hawk owls. A total of 225 species have been spotted in the park. The forests and fields are home to a variety of sparrows, warblers, jays, and woodpeckers. Along the shores, great blue herons, terns, gulls, and sandpipers are commonly seen.

Between 1988 and 1990, 29 peregrine falcons were released in Forillon in an attempt to reestablish a breeding population and improve the peregrine's long-term chances for survival. Unfortunately, the birds did not build nests in the park. Biologists are trying to determine where the birds went and why they didn't return to Forillon.

Wildlife
Aside from birdlife, Forillon is home to a variety of wildlife including moose, black bear, lynx, red fox, beaver, porcupine, coyote, snowshoe hare, mink, and ermine. Not all of its animals live on land, however, as the sea hosts a diverse group of critters. Invertebrates like crabs, lobsters, mussels, and sea urchins are found clinging to rocks and sea bottoms, while marine mammals like gray and harbor seals are fond of sunning themselves on the rocky shores.

Boreal birding hot spot

The Gulf of St. Lawrence and Gaspi Bay are home to seven species of whales, ranging from the relatively small minke to the massive blue whale. Humpbacks and fin whales as well as the common porpoise are also found here. Those wanting a closer view of these ocean giants can take a whale-watching cruise on the Narval III, which has a number of daily departures from Grande-Grave harbor. The trip lasts about two and a half hours. Reservations can be made by calling (418) 892-5500.

More intimate explorations of the sea can be undertaken in a kayak. Forillon offers guided tours ranging from two hours to half-day trips. Local guides take visitors into the surrounding waters for a first-hand glimpse of life in the sea.

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