Geology

Forillon’s landscapes are so spectacular, it’s only natural to be curious about how they came to be formed!

Forillon is the perfect place to learn how to interpret landscapes. Its exposed geological formations and phenomena provide real opportunities for appreciating the earth’s dynamic forces.

A jewel of the Appalachians

Forillon constitutes the Appalachians’ northernmost tip of continental North America. Its junction with the Gulf of St. Lawrence showcases two major phases of the formation of this ancient mountain chain.

The first phase, known as the Taconic orogeny, occurred approximately 450 million years ago and corresponds to the northern half of the park.

The second phase, known as the Acadian orogeny, occurred approximately 380 million years ago and corresponds to the southern half of the park.

Forillon is a small territory with a very high concentration of geological formations (10), making it a source of great interest to geologists.

Fossils

Rocks in Forillon Park present a wide diversity of fossils dating to three distinct geological periods – namely, the Ordovician, the Silurian and the Devonian. These fossils are several millions of years old and bear witness not only to the evolution of life on earth but also to the movement of tectonic plates.

Typical coastal landscapes

All along Forillon’s coastline, you can see outstanding examples of how the shores of the Gulf of St. Lawrence have been shaped and transformed by the action of the sea – e.g., coastal platforms (or “benches”), high cliffs, coves and caves. To a very great extent, the outstanding beauty of Forillon’s landscapes is result of the natural erosion processes on view!