Hiking and backpacking · Hiking and backpacking in Québec's national park network Information and...
Transcript of Hiking and backpacking · Hiking and backpacking in Québec's national park network Information and...
This document is printed on 100% recycled paper made in Québec, containing100% post-consumption fibers and produced without using chlorine. The inksused for this production have no volatile organic compounds and containvegetable oils.
0034A-04-11 PRINTED IN CANADA – 4,5K Photos: Mireille Blais, Dominic Boudreault, Corentin Chaillon, Steve Deschênes,Mathieu Dupuis, Maurice Pitre, Claude Isabel, Daniel Mallard, Jean-SébastienPerron, parc national de Frontenac, Stéphane Champagne and SépaqCover: Steve Deschênes, Parc national de la Gaspésie
NorthBay Moncton
Saint John
Charlottetown
Halifax
Ottawa
Natashquan
Percé
Tadoussac
Sherbrooke
Chibougamau
Sept-Îles
Matane
Gaspé
Rouyn-Noranda
Trois-RivièresMont-Tremblant
Québec
Port-Menier
Golfe duSaint-Laurent
O c é a nA t l a n t i q u e
MIGUASHA
GRANDS-JARDINS
GASPÉSIE
PARC MARINDU SAGUENAY–SAINT-LAURENT
HAUTES-GORGES-DE-LA-RIVIÈRE-MALBAIE
SAGUENAY
ANTICOSTI
ÎLE-BONAVENTURE-ET-DU-ROCHER-PERCÉ
AIGUEBELLE
FORILLON
RÉSERVE DE L'ARCHIPEL-DE-MINGAN
GÎTE DUMONT-ALBERT
BIC
MONTS-VALIN
M A I N E
NEW HAMPSHIREN E W Y O R K
NOUVEAU-BRUNSWICK
O N T A R I O
Q U É B E C
ÎLE-DU-PRINCE-ÉDOUARD
NOUVELLE-ÉCOSSE
POINTE-TAILLON
FRONTENAC
ÎLES-DE-BOUCHERVILLEMONT-SAINT-BRUNO
YAMASKA MONT-ORFORD
MONT-MÉGANTICMontréal
Fleuve Saint-Laurent
JACQUES-CARTIER
MONT-TREMBLANTMAURICIE
OKAPLAISANCE
V E R M O N T
Ottawa
Natashquan
Percé
Tadoussac
Saguenay
Sherbrooke
Chibougamau
Sept-Îles
Matane
Gaspé
Rouyn-Noranda
Trois-RivièresMont-Tremblant
Québec
Port-Menier
Gulf ofSt. Lawrence
A t l a n t i cO c e a nM A I N E
NEW HAMPSHIREN E W Y O R K
NEWBRUNSWICK
O N T A R I O
Q U É B E C
PEI
NOVA SCOTIA
Montréal
St. Lawrence River
V E R M O N T
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P a r c s Q u é b e c
Parc national d’AiguebelleParc national d’AnticostiParc national du BicParc national du Fjord-du-SaguenayParc national de FrontenacParc national de la GaspésieParc national des Grands-JardinsParc national des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie
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Parc national de l’Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-PercéParc national des Îles-de-BouchervilleParc national de la Jacques-CartierParc national du Lac-TémiscouataParc national de MiguashaParc national du Mont-MéganticParc national du Mont-OrfordParc national du Mont-Saint-Bruno
Parc national du Mont-TremblantParc national des Monts-ValinParc national d’OkaParc national de PlaisanceParc national de la Pointe-TaillonParc national de la YamaskaParc marin du Saguenay–Saint-Laurent
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H i k i n g a n d b a c k p a c k i n gi n Q u é b e c ' s n a t i o n a l p a r k n e tw o r k
Information and Reservations 1 800 665-6527 • 1 418 890-6527 (Outside North America)www.sepaq.com
Québec’s nat ional park network
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A territory with lots to discover for hiking enthusiasts
Conversion table1 km = 0,62 mi1 km2 = 0,39 mi2
p. 2 Abitibi-Témiscamingue regionAiguebelle
p. 3 Outaouais regionPlaisance
p. 3 Montréal region (Montérégie, Laurentides et Lanaudière)Îles-de-BouchervilleMont-Saint-BrunoMont-TremblantOka
p. 6 Eastern Townships regionMont-MéganticMont-OrfordYamaska
p. 7 Chaudière-Appalaches and Eastern Townships regionsFrontenac
p. 8 Charlevoix regionGrands-JardinsHautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie
p. 9 Québec City regionJacques-Cartier
p. 9 Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean regionFjord-du-SaguenayMonts-ValinPointe-Taillon
p. 11 Bas-Saint-Laurent andGaspésie regionsBicGaspésie (Gîte du Mont-Albert) andAuberge de montagne des Chic-ChocsÎle-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-PercéMiguasha
p. 14 Duplessis region Anticosti
PARC NATIONALDE MIGUASHA
0.62 km2
HIKING
PARC NATIONALD’ANTICOSTI
572 km2
HIKING
D U P L E S S I S R E G I O N
Grotte-à-la-patate et Observation SectorsLe Brûlé-de-1955 8 km – 4 h Loop IntermediateLa Grotte-à-la-Patate 3 km – 2 h Round trip IntermediateObservation-la-Mer 4 km – 2 h Round trip EasyLes Falaises 3 km – 1 h 30 Loop EasyChute-Vauréal SectorLa Vallée 24 km – 12 h Round trip DifficultLe Canyon-de-la-Vauréal 7 km – 3 h Round trip IntermediateLes Pins-Blancs 6 km – 3 h Round trip IntermediateLes Cerisiers 4 km – 2 h Round trip EasyBaie-de-la-Tour SectorLes Télégraphes 5 km – 2 h Loop IntermediateLa Chute-Baie-de-la-Tour 3 km – 2 h Round trip IntermediateLes Sentinelles 2 km – 1 h Round trip EasyLes Aigles 1 km – 1 h Round trip EasyNord of the island (McDonald) *La Sauvagesse 14 km – 7 h Round trip DifficultLa Falaise-Puyjalon 9 km – 4 h Round trip IntermediateSouth of the island (Chicotte-la-mer) *Les Échoueries 12 km – 4 h Round trip IntermediateLes Iris 6 km – 3 h Loop EasyLe Petit-Canyon-de-la-Chicotte 1.5 km – 45 min Round trip EasyChicotte SectorLe Canyon-de-la-Chicotte 7 km – 4 h Loop IntermediateLe Garde-Feu 5 km – 2 h Round trip Easy
* Outside the park
Welcome to Québec’s network of national parksLike the other major national park networks, the Parcs Québec network aims to ensurethe sustainability of territories that bear witness to major ecosystems. Created andmanaged according to the criteria of the World Conservation Union (UICN), Québec’snational parks must also be developed for educational and outdoor activity purposes.Parcs Québec makes sure that the developments promoting the discovery of parks respect the sensitive areas of the territory and have a minimal impact on the environment. The practice of responsible tourism is a must if we are to ensure that national parks will be enjoyed by future generations.
Our trail development philosophyHiking is an ideal activity to discover the reasons behind the creation of a nationalpark and to better understand the ways of contributing to its protection. Whateverthe occasion, hiking offers visitors a host of opportunities to awaken their senses.
The orientations chosen by the Société des établissements de plein air du Québec(Sépaq) for the development or consolidation of short-distance hiking trails may besummarized in three points. National park trails must be:
• respectful of the environment, i.e. only exert a minimal impacton the environment;
• safe;• appealing.
Sépaq has adopted a three-level classification system to identify the level of difficultyof its trails:
• An easy trail does not require any particular technical skill or major physical effort.
• An intermediate trail requires greater physical effort and a better technical knowledge.
• A difficult trail requires a mastery of walking techniques, good physical fitness and a feeling of ease when moving about in the forest.
Your safety: your responsibilityThe practice of short- and long-distance hiking entails certain risks. Before beginningyour hike, make sure that you have a good knowledge of the technical characteristics(length, variations in elevation, estimated duration) of the trail that you intend to follow. Dehydration, cold, heat, lack of food, a physical injury as well as darkness arejust some of the risks that you might face. That is why it is important to respectyour abilities and know your limitations, and bring along the appropriateequipment.
Once you are on the trail, keep in mind that the response time in the event of an accident will be longer. A sturdy pair of walking shoes, a bottle of water, and a map ofthe trail will allow you to appreciate your hike safely. For more information, we invite youto consult our web site and the Park Journal.
AccommodationsInnCabin/yurtCampgroundRustic shelter/hut
L’Évolution-de-la-Vie 3 km – 1 h Easy
TypeLength andduration
Loop
Level of difficulty
Trail
A Natural World Heritage Site, UNESCO
A true natural heritage treasure, this park captivates all who visit it, owing to its vast array of fossils and their importance in understanding a page of evolution of life on Earth. Since 1999, thispark has been on UNESCO’s world heritage list. Along the cliff, overa distance of 3 km, a short trail allows visitors to enjoy the park’s immense beauty. At the end of the trail, a 225 step stairway takeshikers down to the beach where they can walk at low tide alongsidethe fossil-bearing cliff on their way back to the museum.
Parc national d’Anticosti – what a paradise! How could anyone possibly resist thespell of this untamed, bewitching land bathed in the transparent light of the north?Allowing yourself to fall under the spell of the mysterious island holds the promiseof discovering rare sites in the heart of a magnificent wilderness setting. A walkalong the shoreline near a group of seals, a hike to the bottom of a canyon withits giant walls, the exploration of a fascinating cave, an excursion into the borealforest…
TypeLength andduration
Level of difficulty
Trail
B A S - S A I N T- L A U R E N T A N D G A S P É S I E R E G I O N S ( C ON T I N U E D )
PARC NATIONALD’AIGUEBELLE
268.3 km2
HIKING
A B I T I B I - T ÉM I S C AM I N GU E R E G I O N
2
Les Versants
L'Aventurier
L'Escalade
La Traverse
Le Garde-Feu
Les Marmites
Les Paysages
L'Élan
Le Jardin-Secret
Le Petit-Nomade
La Plaine
La Castorière
11 km – 5 h 30
9.5 km – 5 h 30
2.5 km – 2 h
3 km – 1 h 30
2 km – 1 h
1.8 km – 1 h
1.6 km – 1 h
1.2 km – 45 min
2.5 km – 45 min
2.2 km – 1 h
2.1 km – 1 h
0.8 km – 20 min
Difficult
Difficult
Difficult
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Easy
Easy
Easy
Easy
Round trip
Loop
Round trip
Loop
Round trip
Loop
Loop
Loop
Loop
Loop
Loop
Loop
Whether you prefer short or long hikes or to explorebreathtakingly beautiful natural settings at your own pace,scenic vistas and a true change of scenery are guaranteed!From stroller-friendly trails suitable for family walks tomountain trails for seasoned hikers, the Québec national parksnetwork offers nearly 200 long and short trails. You can go onshort walks or long hikes in many of the wildlife reserves andtourist resorts
HIKING
For some hikers, backpacking is the ultimate challenge. Withsleepovers in a hut or at a primitive campground, thesemulti-day outings allow enthusiasts to have a privilegedcontact with the backcountry. Regardless of the destination thatyou choose and your hiking knowledge, an experienced team ofadvisors will help you organize your stay.
BACKPACKING
PARC NATIONALDE LA GASPÉSIE
802.2 km2
BACKPACKING
Pic de l’Aube (entire route)
From Refuge du Huard to Refuge de la MésangeFrom Refuge de la Mésange to Refuge du Pluvier
Monts McGerrigle (entire route)
From Camping du Mont-Jacques-Cartier to Refuge du TétrasFrom Refuge du Tétras to Refuge du RoselinFrom Refuge du Roselin to the Discovery and Visitors Centre
Mont Albert (entire route)
From Refuge du Pluvier to Refuge de la ParulineFrom Refuge de la Paruline to the Discovery and Visitors Centre
Mont Logan (entire route)
From Refuge de la Chouette to Refuge du CarougeFrom Refuge du Carouge to Refuge du Huard
27.6 km
12.4 km15.2 km
25.2 km
9.3 km
7.5 km8.4 km
28.3 km
8.3 km20 km
17.6 km
8.9 km8.7 km
Difficult
DifficultDifficult
Difficult
Difficult
IntermediateIntermediate
Intermediate
IntermediateDifficult
Intermediate
IntermediateIntermediate
2 days, 1 nights5-8 h5-8 h
3 days, 2 nights4-5 h
3-4 h2-3 h
2 days, 1 nights3-4 h8-11 h
2 days,2 nights3-5 h3-5 h
B A S - S A I N T- L A U R E N T A N D G A S P É S I E R E G I O N S ( C ON T I N U E D )
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PARC NATIONALDE L’ÎLE-BONAVENTURE-ET-DU-ROCHER-PERCÉ
5.8 km2
HIKING
The International Appalachian Trail (IAT) is the extension of the Appalachian Trailfound in the United States, renowned for being the longest hiking trail in NorthAmerica. Parc national de la Gaspésie has 140 km of hiking trails, 110 km of whichare part of the IAT. Mont Logan, Mont Albert, Mont Xalibu and Mont Jacques-Cartier are privileged to play host to IAT hikers.
Length Level of difficulty
Route Duration
GRANDE RANDONNÉE PACKAGE – 4 nights2 nights in a hut in PARC NATIONAL DE LA GASPÉSIE• No meals (autonomous formula)• Access to Parc national de la Gaspésie• 2 nights of accommodation in a hut• Shuttle service
2 nights to the AUBERGE DE MONTAGNE DES CHIC-CHOCS• 2 full-course suppers (3 courses) • 2 dinners and 2 breakfasts• Experienced guides and outdoor equipment (bike, telescopic walking stick, etc.) • Transportation back to the Cap-Chat Visitor's kiosk
FROM PARC NATIONAL DE LA GASPÉSIE TO THE RÉSERVE FAUNIQUE DE MATANE
Located at the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula and sculpted by time andthe sea, Roché Percé continues to stir visitors’ imagination, as dothe unusual flora and wildlife, including the famous colony ofNorthern gannets, considered the most populous and most readilyaccessible in the world. At the end of Colonies trail, hikers can observe firsthand the mating ritual of the Northern gannets, stareinto their clear blue eyes, be marveled by the ingenuousness of their young as they awaken to life. Along Chemin-du-Roy trail, attractive historic buildings let visitors relive the era of the fishermen who inhabited the island in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Le Chemin-du-Roy
Le Paget
Les Mousses
Les Colonies
9.4 km – 3 h
7.4 km – 2 h
7 km – 2 h 30
5.6 km – 1 h 30
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
TypeLength andduration
Round trip
Round trip
Round trip
Round trip
Level of difficulty
Trail
TypeLength andduration
Level of difficulty
Trail
The rock that makes up the La Haie and Sault Lake fault dates back to underwater volcanic activity that occurred billions of years ago. The result? Twin lakes with steep walls which today can be explored from atop the spiralstaircase or the suspension bridge. Moreover, there are other lookout points offering spectacular views of the Abijévis hills. Beaver, moose, spruce grouse andbrook trout call this park home to the great delight of visitors.
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PARC NATIONALDE PLAISANCE
28.1 km2
HIKING
O U TA O UA I S R E G I O N
MON T R É A L R E G I O N (MON T É R É G I E , L A U R E N T I D E S E T L A N AUD I È R E )
PARC NATIONALDES ÎLES-DE-BOUCHERVILLE
8.14 km2
HIKING
TypeLength andduration
Level of difficulty
Trail
7.7 km – 2 h
7 km – 2 h
4.9 km – 1 h 45
4 km – 1 h 30
3.5 km – 1 h 30
2.5 km – 45 min
1.5 km – 30 min
L’Île-Grosbois
L’Île-Sainte-Marguerite
L’Île-de-la-Commune
La Grande-Rivière
L’Île-aux-Raisins
La Petite-Rivière
Le Grand-Duc
Loop
Loop
Loop
Loop
Loop
Loop
Loop
Easy
Easy
Easy
Easy
Easy
Easy
Easy
PARC NATIONALDE LA GASPÉSIE
802.2 km2
HIKING
GÎTE DU MONT-ALBERTPARC NATIONAL DE LA GASPÉSIE
RÉSERVE FAUNIQUE DE MATANE
www.chicchocs.com
www.parcsquebec.com/albert
AUBERGE DE MONTAGNE DES CHIC-CHOCS
Les Baies
La Sarcelle
Le Carouge
La Zizanie-des-Marais
5 km – 1 h 45
3 km – 1 h
2.5 km – 45 min
1 km – 30 min
Easy
Easy
Easy
Easy
TypeLength andduration
Round trip
Round trip
Round trip
Loop
Level of difficulty
Trail
The wild rice, or marsh grass, in the floating ‘gardens’ of Parc national de Plaisance is a real treat for waterfowl and other marsh species. Every spring comes the breathtaking spectacle of 100,000 Canada geese making a stopover. The bays, ponds andmarshes dotting the area are another drawing card. You can explore them by bicycle or on foot, thanks to the shuttle linking the peninsulas. This park boasts high beaver colony in Québec, not tomention the three turtle species present on the territory.
The peaceful archipelago of Parc national des Îles-de-Bouchervilleextends into the very heart of the St. Lawrence River, just a few kilometres from Downtown Montréal. The park has plenty to offer:green areas, channels teaming with life, water-side trails… Visitorsmay encounter some 300 wildlife species including white-tailed deer,foxes and the map turtle, a vulnerable species. This archipelago alsohas a long human history. An archaeological site where variousAmerindian structures have been rebuilt bears witness to theAmerindian presence here, dating back more than 2,000 years.
The Mi’kmaqs coined the name Chic-Chocs or “impassable wall” to designate thismassif having several peaks over 1,000 metres in altitude which crosses Parc national de la Gaspésie. Today, a hiking Mecca, this stretch of the Appalachiansis no longer impassable, quite on the contrary! Its trails offer access to an exceptional mountain environment: Arctic-alpine plants and tundra landscapesare the habitat of a herd of woodland caribou, the last representatives of thisspecies south of the St. Lawrence River.
Gîte du Mont-Albert is a “gîte” in name only. In reality, it is a magnificent 4-star hotel that offers full comfort to its guests. Located in the heart of Parc national de la Gaspésie, the hotelis renowned for its hospitality, fine regional cuisine and a fabulousmountain setting.
COMBINE NATURE AND GASTONOMY
Enjoy the rooms with a beautiful view of Mont Albert or the cozy privacy of the cabins nearby. The picturesque ambience and mountain atmosphere of this generous natural environment willmake your stay at Gîte du Mont-Albert a moment of pure happiness.
Perched on the mountain in Réserve faunique de Matane, the first mountain lodge in Eastern Canada promises you an unforgettable experience. Situatedbetween valleys and peaks, a cozy 18-room lodge awaits you. The innkeeper and his team do everything possible to ensure your comfort, pleasure andtranquility. You are free to explore this mountain environment on a hike, an alpine touring trek, a fishing trip or a more contemplative activity. Far from the dailygrind, the relaxed and friendly atmosphere promotes exchanges and discussions around delectable meals.
Le Mont-Matawees
L’Épaule
La Chute-Hélène
Le Mont-780
Le Grand-Fond
La Boucle
19.8 km – 7 h
8.5 km – 6 h
6 km – 3 h
5.6 km – 3 h
2.8 km – 2 h
1.6 km – 1 h
Difficult
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Easy
Easy
TypeLength andduration
Round trip
Loop
Round trip
Round trip
Loop
Loop
Level of difficulty
Trail
Mont-Albert Sector
Le Tour-du-Mont-Albert 17.4 km – 6-8 h Loop Difficult
La Serpentine 12.6 km – 4 h Round trip Difficult
Le Mont-Albert 11.4 km – 5 h Round trip Difficult
Le Mont-Olivine 8.6 km – 4 h Round trip Difficult
La Chute-du-Diable 7 km – 3 h Round trip Intermediate
La Saillie 3.4 km – 1 h 30 Round trip Intermediate
La Lucarne 2.5 km – 1 h Loop Easy
La Chute-Sainte-Anne 1.7 km – 30 min Round trip Easy
Monts-McGerrigle Sector
Le Mont-Richardson 11.5 km – 6 h Round trip Difficult
Le Mont-Xalibu 10.7 km – 5-6 h Round trip Difficult
Le Mont-Joseph-Fortin 9.8 km – 4 h Round trip Difficult
Le Mont-Jacques-Cartier 8.3 km – 4-5 h Round trip Difficult
Le Mont-Ernest-Laforce 4.5 km – 2 h Loop Intermediate
Le Lac-aux-Américains 2.6 km – 1 h 30 Round trip Easy
Lac-Cascapedia Sector
Le Pic-du-Brûlé 13.2 km – 5 h Loop Difficult
Le Pic-de-l’Aube 11.8 km – 4 h Round trip Difficult
TypeLength andduration
Level of difficulty
Trail
B A S - S A I N T- L A U R E N T A N D G A S P É S I E R E G I O N S ( CONT INUED )
411
PARC NATIONALDU MONT-SAINT-BRUNO
7.9 km2
HIKING
PARC NATIONALDU MONT-TREMBLANT
1 510 km2
HIKINGTypeLength and
durationLevel of difficulty
Trail
* One way: Entails the use of another means of transportation or another trail to get back.
La Diable Sector
Le Malard 17.7 km – 6 h Loop Difficult
L’Ours 16.9 km – 6 h Loop Difficult
12.6 km – 4 h Round trip Difficult
Le Toit-des-Laurentides 14 km – 6-7 h Round trip Difficult
Le Bois-Franc 10.4 km – 3 h 30 One way * Difficult
Le Centenaire 9.2 km – 5 h One way * Difficult
9 km – 5 h Loop Difficult
La Coulée 1.7 km – 45 min One way * Difficult
Le Lac-Poisson 5.4 km – 2 h Round trip Intermediate
La Roche 5 km – 2 h Round trip Intermediate
La Corniche 3.2 km – 1 h 30 Round trip Intermediate
Le Lac-des-Femmes 2.7 km – 1 h 30 Loop Easy
La Chute-du-Diable 1.6 km – 30 min Round trip Easy
Le Lac-aux-Atocas 1.5 km – 1 h Loop Easy
Les Chutes-Croches 0.8 km – 20 min Round trip Easy
La Pimbina Sector
Le Carcan 14.4 km – 5-6 h Round trip Difficult
L’Envol 3.4 km – 1 h 30 Round trip Intermediate
La Chute-aux-Rats 10 km – 3 h Round trip Easy
L’Assomption Sector
Les Grandes-Vallées 4.4 km – 1 h 30 Round trip Intermediate
Le Lac-de-L’Assomption 3 km – 1 h 30 Loop Easy
PARC NATIONALDE LA POINTE-TAILLON 92 km2
HIKING
* One way: Entails the use of another means of transportation or another trail to get back.
S A G U E NAY – L A C - S A I N T- J E AN R E G I O N ( C ON T I N U E D )
PARC NATIONALDU B IC 33.2 km2
HIKING
Les Murailles
Le Pic-Champlain
Les Anses
La Pinède
La Citadelle
La Colonie
Le Chemin-du-Nord
Le Scoggan
Le Miquelon
Le Contrebandier
Les Escaliers
Le Sentier Archéologique
9 km – 4 h
6 km – 3 h
2.6 km – 50 min
1 km – 35 min
9.4 km – 3 h 40
5.2 km – 3 h
3.8 km – 1 h 20
2.9 km – 1 h 30
1.9 km – 45 min
1.1 km – 20 min
0.9 km – 30 min
0.2 km – 10 min
TypeLength andduration
Loop
Loop
Loop
One way *
Loop
Loop
Loop
One way *
One way *
One way *
One way *
Loop
Level of difficulty
Trail
* One way: Entails the use of another means of transportation or another trail to get back.
B A S - S A I N T- L A U R E N T A N D G A S P É S I E R E G I O N S
While Blackbeard did not bury his treasure there, the park is home toeven more fabulous riches. Indeed, a walk along the beach with its finesand, striated with magnetite, zircon and garnet is sure to delight you.Hiking in this park is practiced on bicycle paths that run alongside the beach of Lac Saint-Jean and Rivière Péribonka. A visit to the interior of the peninsula is a good opportunity to explore its ponds andmarshlands, teaming with dragonflies, Canada geese, beaver, moose…
Le Tour-du-Parc• Rivière-Taillon sector
• Sainte-Monique sector
La Véloroute-des-Bleuets• Rivière-Taillon sector
• Sainte-Monique sector
La Pointe-Chevrette• Rivière-Taillon sector
• Sainte-Monique sector
44 km
38 km
32 km
32 km
20 km
12 km
Easy
Easy
Easy
Easy
Easy
Easy
TypeLength andduration
Loop
Loop
Round trip
Round trip
One way *
One way *
Level of difficulty
Trail
Located in the marine estuary of the St. Lawrence River, this park proudly displaysits capes, bays, islands and mountains, all emblems that have contributed to itsfame. Kilometres upon kilometres of trails reveal the beauty of this landscapeshaped by the sea. The scenic lookouts of Saint-Fabien and of Champlain peakoffer one-of-a-kind vantage points to observe the movements of birds of prey in spring. L'anse à l’Orignal is one of the most interesting places to discover bothmarine (seal) and other wildlife (the common eider).
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Easy
Easy
Easy
Easy
Easy
Easy
Easy
Easy
A rich territory that is representative of the Montérégie Hills naturalregion, Parc national du Mont-Saint-Bruno includes, among otherthings, five lakes, an orchard, a historic mill and hiking trails criss-crossing the hardwood forest. Some 200 species of birds and roughly 40 species of mammals share this island of nature in an urban setting. Saint-Gabriel trail links visitors to the by-gonepresence of the Saint-Gabriel Brothers. On the road: memorial, cemetery, arboretum and cave.
Le Montérégien
Les Lacs
Le Seigneurial
Le Grand-Duc
Le Saint-Gabriel
Le Petit-Duc
8.8 km – 2 h
8.8 km – 2 h
7 km – 1 h 30
3.5 km – 1 h
1.8 km – 45 min
1.5 km – 20 min
Intermediate
Easy
Easy
Easy
Easy
Easy
TypeLength andduration
Loop
Loop
Loop
Loop
Loop
Loop
Level of difficulty
Trail
It is an immense park, the biggest and one of the oldest of Québec’s national parks.The hundreds of lakes and rivers, including the magnificent La Diable, make thispark a true paradise. Hiking is the most popular activity here. From a brief hike toa more demanding outing, the vast network of trails gives visitors the opportunityto come into contact with the true nature of the Laurentides region. Since 2008,the park offers the Via ferrata du Diable, a mountain experience that representsa whole new way of discovering this park. Plenty of emotions await you!
MON T R É A L R E G I ON (MONTÉRÉG I E , L AURENT I D ES E T L ANAUD I È R E ) ( C ONT INUED )
105
PARC NATIONALD’OKA 23.7 km2
HIKING
La Sauvagine
Le Calvaire-d'Oka
La Grande-Baie
L'Érablière
13.8 km – 4 h 30
4.6 km – 1 h 20
3.5 km – 1 h
1.2 km – 25 min
Intermediate
Easy
Easy
Easy
TypeLength andduration
Round trip
Round trip
Loop
Loop
Level of difficulty
Trail
MONTR ÉA L R E G I ON (MONTÉRÉG I E , L AURENT I D ES E T L ANAUD I È R E ) ( C ONT INUED )
PARC NATIONALDU MONT-TREMBLANT
1 510 km2
BACKPACKING
154 km2
BACKPACKING
In 2011, Parc national des Monts-Valin acquired its very first backpackingtrail: the Pics trail. It takes in three existing routes: the Pic-de-la-Tête-de-Chien trail, the Pic-du-Grand-Corbeau trail, and the Pic-de-la-Huttetrail. It crosses the entire park territory over a length of 20 km. Thehighest point of the trail has an altitude of 980 m. You can start off fromthe Discovery and Visitors Centre or from Lac Martin-Valin. Backpackerswill have access to the mountain huts Le Pionnier and Le Fantôme. Toround things out, a shuttle and baggage transport service is available toprovide some backpackers with a carefree adventure.
Des Pics 20 km Difficult
Length andduration
Level of difficulty
Route Duration
1 to 3nights
PARC NATIONALDES MONTS-VALIN
PARC NATIONALDES MONTS-VALIN 154 km2
HIKING
PARC NATIONALDU FJORD-DU-SAGUENAY 283,6 km2
BACKPACKING
Les CapsFrom Baie-Éternité to L'Anse-Saint-Jean
Le FjordFrom Baie-Sainte-Marguerite to Tadoussac
27 to 32 km
47 km
Difficult
Difficult
Length andduration
Level of difficulty
Trail Duration
3 days, 2 nights
4 days, 3 nights
La Boucle de la DiableThe La Diable sector: loop from the Lac-Monroe Visitors Centre, via the Cachée sector, and return to the Visitors Centre
La Traversée du parcFrom the La Pimbina sector to the La Diable sector: crossing of the park from the Saint-Donat Information Kiosk, via the Lac-des-Sables sector, to the Lac-Monroe Visitors Centre
La Grande RandonnéeFrom the La Diable sector to the La Pimbina sector: combination of La Boucle de la Diable and La Traversée du parc
47.6 km
37.4 km
81.8 km
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Length Level of difficulty
Route Duration
3 days, 2 nights
3 days, 2 nights
5 days, 4 nights
This park is a favourite among backpacking enthusiasts. A vast universeof lakes and rivers surrounded by mountains, it is home to 196 speciesof birds and a great diversity of wildlife. White-tailed deer, wolves,beaver, hares and bears are among the park’s residents. The backpacking network extends over 120 km of trails, dotted with tencommunal huts having a capacity of 2 to 18 persons each.
Offering a one-of-a-kind view of the Adirondacks, the Calvaire (Stations of the Cross), developed by members of the Sulpician Orderto evangelize Amerindians, is a favorite destination for hikers nowadays. For its part, Grande-Baie trail runs through a maple groveand marshlands. The park’s “window” on Lac des Deux Montagnesand its sandy beach spanning several kilometres make this protected territory an ideal place to go hiking and to engage in water-related activities – a great combination!
A network of more than 100 km of trails offers you the possibility to get a welcome get-away for a period ranging from 2 to 9 days, while crossing, from one side to the other of the fjord, coastal and mountain landscapes.On Fjord trail, three comfortable huts with balconies and large windows offer amagnificent view of the coves and bays. From these huts, you can watch belugawhales as they make their way toward Baie Sainte-Marguerite. You may even hearthem!
Dominating the landscape of the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region, Parc national des Monts-Valin proposes a multitude of outdoor activities. The various hiking trails are greatly appreciated by nature enthusiasts because theyallow hikers to constantly discover new aspects of Monts Valin while offeringa diversity of viewpoints to admire the region. Pic-de-la-Hutte trail leads to thetop of a peak bearing the same name, at an altitude of 900 m. For its part,Grand-Corbeau trail is intended for more experienced hikers.
Le Pionnier
Le Pic-de-la-Hutte•Discovery and Visitors Centre
• Pic-de-la-Hutte parking area fromDiscovery and Visitors Centre
Le Pic-du-Grand-Corbeau
Le Pic-de-la-Tête-de-Chien
Dubuc
Les Plateaux
La Vallée-des-Fantômes
Les Sommets
Le Mirador
Le Lac-des-Pères
16 km – 6 h
16 km – 5 h
3 km – 1 h
12 km – 4 h
8 km – 2 h 30
12 km – 4 h
12 km – 4 h
6 km – 2 h
5 km – 1 h 30
3 km – 1 h
3 km – 1 h
Round trip
Round trip
Round trip
Round trip
Round trip
Round trip
Round trip
Round trip
Loop
Round trip
Loop
Difficult
Difficult
Easy
Difficult
Difficult
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Easy
Easy
TypeLength andduration
Level of difficulty
Trail
S A GU ENAY – L A C - S A I N T- J E AN R E G I O N ( CONT INUED )
6
PARC NATIONALDU FJORD-DU-SAGUENAY 283.6 km2
HIKING
Parc marin du Saguenay–Saint-Laurent is managed jointly by Parks Canada and Parcs Québec, Sépaq.
All of the trails of Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay offer views of the Parc marin du Saguenay–Saint-Laurent
* One way: Entails the use of another means of transportation or another trail to get back.
E A S T E R N T OWNSH I P S R E G I O N
S A GU ENAY – L A C - S A I N T- J E AN R E G I O N
TypeLength andDuration
Level ofdifficulty
Trail
PARC NATIONALDU MONT-MÉGANTIC
54.85 km2
HIKING
15 km – 5-8 h
10.7 km – 4-7 h
8.5 km – 3-5 h
2 km – 45 min
11.4 km
3.9 km
2.5 km
Difficult
Intermediate
Intermediate
Easy
Intermediate
Easy
Easy
TypeLength andDuration
Loop
Loop
Loop
Round trip
Loop
Round trip
Loop
Level ofDifficulty
Trail
The first International Dark Sky Reserve
PARC NATIONALDU MONT-ORFORD
58.4 km2
HIKING
Les Crêtes
Le Mont-Chauve
Le Ruisseau-des-Chênes
Les Trois-Étangs
L’Étang-Fer-de-Lance
Le Pékan
18 km – 11 h
8.7 km – 4 h 15
6 km – 4 h
5.5 km – 2 h
2.5 km – 1 h
2.2 km – 1 h
Difficult
Intermediate
Intermediate
Easy
Easy
Easy
TypeLength andduration
Round trip
Loop
Round trip
Loop
Loop
Round trip
Level of difficulty
Trail
PARC NATIONALDE LA JACQUES-CARTIER 670 km2
HIKING
* One way: Entails the use of another means of transportation or another trail to get back.
Le Scotora
Les Loups
Le Draveur Sud
La Croisée
Le Draveur Nord
Les Coulées
L'Éperon
Le Perdreau
Les Cascades
La Rivière-Sautauriski
La Matteucie
L'Aperçu
La Tourbière
Le Confluent
15.6 km – 5 h 30
10 km – 3 h 30
15 km – 4 h
13 km – 4 h
12.1 km – 4 h 30
9.7 km – 3 h 30
5.5 km – 2 h 30
5 km – 1 h 45
4.3 km – 1 h 30
4.2 km – 1 h 30
4 km – 1 h 30
2.5 km – 1 h
2.2 km – 45 min
1.6 km – 35 min
Difficult
Difficult
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Easy
Easy
Easy
Easy
Easy
Easy
TypeLength andduration
Round trip
Round trip
Round trip
Round trip
One way *
Loop
Loop
Loop
Loop
Round trip
Round trip
Loop
Loop
Loop
Level of difficulty
Trail
QU É B E C C I T Y R E G I O N
Observatoire Sector
Les Trois-Sommets
Le Mont-Mégantic
Le Mont-Saint-Joseph
Les Crêtes Franceville Sector
Des Cimes
De la Vallée
De la Promenade-du-Ruisseau
Baie-Éternité Sector
Les Caps• To the Géant lookout 10.2 km – 4-5 h Round trip Difficult
• To Cap Éternité 18 km – 9 h Round trip Inter. to difficult
La Rivière 8.4 km – 4 h Round trip Intermediate
La Statue• To Statue 7 km – 3-4 h Round trip Inter. to difficult
• To Halte Bellevue 3.2 km – 2 h Round trip Intermediate
Méandres-à-Falaises 1.6 km – 45-60 min Loop Easy
L’Anse-Saint-Jean Sector
Les Caps• From Anse-de-Tabatière to Chem. Saint-Thomas, 15 km – 7-8 h One way * Difficult
• L’Anse-Saint-Jean to Petit-Saguenay 10 km – 5 h One way * Intermediate
Des Chutes• To Montagne Blanche 13.8 km – 6-7 h Round trip Difficult
• To the first waterfall 5 km – 2-3 h Round trip Intermediate
Baie-Sainte-Marguerite Sector
Le Fjord• Discovery and Visitors Centre to Anse à Pierrot 13.5 km – 6-7 h One way * Inter. to difficult
• St-Louis lookout 9.2 km – 4-5 h Round trip Easy
• Discovery and Visitors Centre to the Halte du Béluga 6.4 km – 2-3 h Round trip Easy
Baie-de-Tadoussac Sector
Le Fjord• Anse-creuse to cap de la Boule 14.8 km – 7-8 h One way * Difficult
• Tadoussac to cap de la Boule 13 km – 6-7 h One way * Difficult
• Tadoussac to mount Adéla-Lessard 8 km – 4-5 h Round trip Intermediate
• Tadoussac to anse à la Barque hill lookout 3 km – 1 h 30 Round trip Easy
• Tadoussac to anse à la Barque 1.2 km – 45 min Round trip Easy
L’Estuaire 0.8 km – 20 min Round trip Easy
La Pointe-de-l’Islet 0.8 km – 20 min Loop Easy
La Coupe 1.1 km – 45 min Loop Easy
Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier features a magnificent landscape characterizedby a startling contrast: a vast mountain plateau, cut through by steep-sloped valleys. The most spectacular among them, Vallée de la Jacques-Cartier, has wallsover 550 m in height and dominates the landscape of this territory once occupiedby Amerindians, explorers and then log drivers. More than 100 km of hiking trails,at times running alongside a fast-flowing river, at times leading visitors into theheart of a yellow birch forest, offer access to exceptional viewpoints.
At Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay, you will discover time and space on agigantic scale. It is here that nature unleashed colossal forces to create a fjord.Several routes that can be covered in a day or less allow hikers to walk along thisfjord atop its capes, offering a choice view of the Parc marin du Saguenay–Saint-Laurent. In the Baie-Sainte-Marguerite sector, visitors can follow in the footstepsof the first colonists by taking the magnificent Fjord trail. Incidentally, the short hiketo Pointe de l’Islet allows visitors to observe marine mammals, such as the belugawhale, the harbor seal and the minke whale.
Mountains, valleys, ridges and hills give Parc national du Mont-Mégantic a unique form. Highly diversified flora, more than 125 species of birds and some twenty species of mammals, including moose and white-tailed deer, are sure to delight natureenthusiasts. The presence of an astronomy research centre as wellas ASTROLab, an observatory open to the public, contributes to amuch appreciated blend of land activities and activities focusing onthe stars. The some 50 km of hiking trails offer access to one-of-a-kind scenic views at the summit of Mont Mégantic (1,105 m) andof Mont Saint-Joseph (1,065 m).
With its hills and valleys, Parc national du Mont-Orford welcomes itsvisitors in mature forests where the sugar maple is king. Come admirethe park’s mountains, hills and ponds... a pleasant mix of wildlife andflora habitats. Amidst a sea of colours, the spectacular Crêtes andMont-Chauve trails enflame the passion of hiking enthusiasts. A choice of long-distance hikes promises visitors a light adventureon a portion of Les Sentiers de l'Estrie (trail network), which cross thepark from north to south.
9
8
PARC NATIONALDES GRANDS-JARDINS
310 km2
HIKINGCentral area of the Charlevoix World Biosphere Reserve, UNESCO
PARC NATIONALDES HAUTES-GORGES-DE-LA-RIVIÈRE-MALBAIE
10.4 km – 4-6 h
14.7 km – 4 h 30
13.9 km – 4 h 30
10.9 km – 3 h 45
1.5 km – 1 h 30
1 km – 30 min
0.5 km – 20 min
0.2 km – 15 min
Difficult
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Easy
Easy
Easy
Easy
TypeLength andduration
Round trip
Round trip
Round trip
Round trip
Round trip
Round trip
Loop
Round trip
Level of difficulty
Trail
Central area of the Charlevoix World Biosphere Reserve, UNESCO
L'Acropole-des-Draveurs
Le Riverain•From Félix-Antoine-Savard Discovery and Visitors Centre
• From the Cran Campground
• From Pont des Érables
L'Érablière*
La Chute-du-Ruisseau-Blanc**
Le Pied-des-Sommets
Le Belvédère
224.7 km2
HIKING
* Does not include the approach way; a logging road that runs along Rivière Malbaie (2 km round trip).** Does not include the approach way; the Rivière Malbaie or a cycling path that runs along Rivière Malbaie(16 km round trip).
PARC NATIONALDE FRONTENAC
155.3 km2
HIKING
* One way: Entails the use of another means of transportation or another trail to get back.
E A S T E R N T OWNSH I P S R E G I O N ( C ON T I N U E D )
CHAUD I ÈRE -APPALACHES AND EASTERN TOWNSH IPS REG IONS
7
PARC NATIONALDE LA YAMASKA
12.9 km2
HIKING
C H A R L E V O I X R E G I O N
Le Grand-Tour
La Pinède
La Digue-Secondaire
La Forestière
La Rivière
18 km – 4 h 30
10 km – 2 h 30
5.5 km – 1 h 30
4.5 km – 1 h 15
2.5 km – 45 min
Intermediate
Easy
Easy
Easy
Easy
TypeLength andduration
Loop
Loop
Loop
Loop
Loop
Level of difficulty
Trail
Parc national de la Yamaska has preserved a representative sample of the Appalachian Lowlands. This territory has a gentlysloped topography on each side of Choinière reservoir. Severalscenic look-outs await hikers wishing to contemplate nature. This combination of forest environments and riparian habitats contributes to the preservation of a surprising diversity ofwildlife. Since many animal species find refuge in the park,wildlife watching is a very interesting activity year after year.
Located on the edge of Grand lac Saint-François, a magnificent 51 km² body ofwater, Parc national de Frontenac is an oasis of water and hills. Hiking, an idealactivity to come into contact with the park’s wildlife and flora, can be practiced onsome ten trails offering several hours of adventure. The pitcher-plant, proudlyrooted along the bog trail, is sure to catch the visitor’s eye, as will the bald eaglesoaring overhead.
The name of this park is in reference to its landscape characterized by beds of lichens and spruce trees. Already in 1872, the French word “jardins” underscored the region’s resemblance with English gardens. Magnificenttrails, including Mont-du-Lac-des-Cygnes trail, allow visitors to contemplatea variety of landscapes such as the taiga, the hardwood forest, the boreal forest and subalpine mountain vegetation. The park is a great place to discover an unusual landscape and to experience Québec’s Far North, located just 135 km from Québec City.
This park owes its name to the presence of a network of steep-slopedvalleys surrounded by high mountains. Hiking is a very popular activityhere. Acropole des Draveurs, with its towering walls, the highest ineastern North America (1,048 m), and its river which flows belowcontribute to the wilderness character of this hike. Several caribou havebeen spotted on L’Acropole-des-Draveurs trail. With a bit of luck, you toomay catch a glimpse of this species!
TypeLength andduration
Level ofdifficulty
Trail
Southern Sector
Le Massif
Les Trois-Moulins
Des Cascades
Les Grands-Pins
L'Érablière
La Colline
La Brise
La Passerelle
Le Portage
Saint-Daniel Sector
La Tourbière
Le Sous-bois
16 km – 5 h
12 km – 4 h
8 km – 2 h 30
6.2 km – 2 h
4 km – 1 h 30
3 km – 1 h 30
1.5 km – 30 min
1 km – 30 min
0.8 km – 30 min
4.5 km – 2 h
3.2 km – 1 h
Round trip
Round trip
Round trip
Loop
Loop
Loop
Round trip
One way *
Round trip
Loop
Round trip
Difficult
Difficult
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Easy
Easy
Easy
Easy
Easy
Le Pioui
Le Mont-du-Lac-des-Cygnes
La Pinède
La Chute
La Chouenne
Le Pionnier
Le Boréal
Le Pommereau
Le Gros-Pin
11.4 km – 5 h
8.4 km – 4 h
6.7 km – 2 h 30
6.4 km – 2 h 30
4.4 km – 2 h
4.5 km – 2 h
1.9 km – 1 h
1.9 km – 1 h
1.8 km – 1 h
Difficult
Difficult
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Easy
Easy
Easy
Easy
Type
Loop
Round trip
Loop
Round trip
Round trip
Round trip
Loop
Round trip
Loop
Length andduration
Level of difficulty
Trail