I arrive late in the evening at Auberge Internationale Forillon, where I’m staying for my first night in the Forillon National Park area in Gaspésie. The hostel is located practically at the gate of the park; hard to beat for proximity!

As I walk in, I’m warmly and kindly greeted by the manager, in an atmosphere typical of a youth hostel. True to their roots, they offer lodging in private and shared rooms, which is an interesting option for those travelling alone or on a budget. As I check in, I’m told that the restaurant won’t be open much longer, so I take my luggage to my room and quickly come back to have dinner. My long drive made me hungry!

Looking at the menu, I must admit that I’m pleasantly surprised. Besides the à la carte menu consisting a great selection of sandwiches and burgers (the person at the table next to me is having a burger that looks very appetizing…), there is also a table d’hôte, including first course, main course, dessert and coffee or tea. I seriously consider the lobster, but I finally opt for the seafood cassolette. And the beer-lovers will be happy to know that there is a nice selection of beers from Gaspesian Microbreweries. If you prefer cooking your own meals, the hostel boasts a fully-equipped kitchen and a market is located within a short walking distance.

I have a chat with the hostel manager while I’m having dinner. She tells me they offer packages including a whale-watching cruise with Croisières Baie de Gaspé or a seal-watching kayaking tour with Cap Aventure, or both activities. That’s a very nice point if you like to delegate the task of booking various activities during your vacation: you just call the hostel to book a room, and they take care of booking a spot for you for the activity of your choice. The good old one-stop shopping format, for a has

After my dinner and our little chat, I retire to my room to recharge my batteries before my kayaking tour with Cap Aventure tomorrow. What a great way to start a vacation!