Parc national de la Gaspésie

Short Hikes

Trails ranging in length from 1 to 17 km give hikers ample opportunity to experience the park's mountainous environment. High barren peaks, glacial cirques and signs of wildlife are just some interesting elements of these daily hikes. In May, June, October and November, contact the park to find out which trails are open.

Period: mid-May to mid-October 2010

Table of trails

Backpacking

A 100-km trail crosses the park from Mont Logan to Mont Jacques-Cartier. Escape into majestic landscapes featuring barren peaks soaring over 1,000 m high, and snowfall that persists until mid-summer. The route takes you through moose and caribou habitat and is part of the International Appalachian Trail. Passenger transportation service is available.

Period: June 24 to October 10, 2010

Table of trails

New: All-inclusive guided excursions on the International Appalachian Trail

Four-day trek from the Huard hut (lac Thibault) to the Gîte du Mont-Albert. The hike can be divided into 2 parts. One day of preparation can be added just before your departure. The package includes the services of qualified guides, hut accommodations, meals, snacks, shuttle bus to the departure point and baggage transport from one hut to the next. Offered by Absolu écoaventure inc.

Details:

• 5 excursions planned between July 23 and September 17, 2010
• Departure Saturday (preparation day Friday)
• $726.47/pers. for a 4-day stay
• For information: www.ecoaventure.com

Rent a kayak or canoe and explore Lac Cascapédia. The wilderness along the shores of this 4-km long body of water favour moose observation.

Period: June 4 to September 25, 2010

Nine lakes and 3 rivers (wading) are available for day fishing. A boat is provided on most of the lakes. For the others, a personal boat is required. Anglers can fish for speckled trout, arctic charr and lake trout.

Period: June 12 to September 6, 2010

Fishing buffs will appreciate stays offered at the beginning of the season. The cold waters of Lac Cascapédia are ideal for fishing speckled trout and Arctic char. Anglers also have access to other lakes when availability allows.  A provincial fishing licence is mandatory.

Period:

• June 4 to June 28, 2010

Are you a fan of salmon fishing? In the upstream sector of Rivière Saint-Anne, salmon fishing with mandatory catch-and-release is practised from June 15 to September 30. You can fish with waders or from a canoe. A variety of fishing packages with a guide and accommodation are available. Reserve with Destinations Chic-Chocs inc.

Against the backdrop of a winter wonderland, snowshoe buffs can enjoy 13 trails ranging in length from 1.7 to 18 km in the Discovery and Visitors Centre sector and on the grounds of Réserve faunique des Chic-Chocs.

Period: December 1, 2010 to April 30, 2011

Table of trails

New: Alpine Snowshoeing

Slip into your snowshoes and discover the mountain environment in the company of a qualified guide from Ski Chic-Chocs. A Snowcat vehicle will take you to and from the alpine milieu. Enjoy a day packed full of activities in a fabulous setting. Every Saturday and Wednesday from February 13 to April 4, 2010. Rate: $75/pers.

Cross Country Skiing

Parc national de la Gaspésie offers 22 km of groomed cross country ski trails. The Mont-Albert sector receives over 3 m of snow annually. It is well-distributed between mid-December and mid-March, making for excellent snow conditions all winter long.

Table of trails

Cross country skiing trails map (Mont-Albert sector) (in French only) (pdf : 124 KB)

Backcountry Skiing - Short Excursions

For fans of backcountry skiing, we have 6 circuits that are marked but not groomed. Skiing speed may be reduced considerably if the snow is deep. This circuit's level of difficulty may vary according to the trail you choose and snow conditions.

Table of trails

Winter trails map (in French only) (pdf: 249 KB)

Backcountry Skiing - Overnight Stay

Backcountry skiing enthusiasts can practice this sport on over 190 km of marked trails. After a few hours out on the trail, why not stop at one of the 15 huts spread out along the network of trails? A baggage transport service between huts facilitates movements. For longer trips, we recommend skiing in groups of at least 3 people.

Period: December 15, 2010 to April 30, 2011

Table of trails

Backcountry skiing important information (pdf : 487 KB)

You can enjoy alpine touring, telemark and snowboarding in the 5 skiing areas, featuring snow fields and glades. These spots are accessible from Route 299, 8 to 12 km south of the Discovery and Visitors Centre

• Mur de patrouilleurs (Mont-Albert)
• Grande-Cuve (Mont-Albert)
• Mont Blanche-Lamontagne (Réserve faunique des Chic-Chocs)
• Champ de Mars (Réserve faunique des Chic-Chocs)
• Mont Hog's Back (Réserve faunique des Chic-Chocs)

Access to these places requires travel by car and a walk varying between 30 minutes and 3 hours. Depending on your destination and your level of physical fitness, it takes, on average, a little less than an hour for each of these climbs. The difference in elevation varies between 100 and 350 m. There is no ski-lift service.

Period: December 1, 2010 to April 30, 2011

Information about avalanches

Ski Chic-Chocs inc. offers several skiing activities with guides

From the park's Discovery and Visitors Centre, Ski Chic-Chocs offers "The Exclusive", which includes a full day of skiing with a tracked vehicle lift, the service of qualified guides, avalanche safety equipment, and lunch. Skiers are taken to the ski area in Réserve faunique des Chic-Chocs adjacent to Parc national de la Gaspésie. From there, you'll enjoy hours of spectacular skiing in total freedom. The Snowcat takes you to the summits. All you have to do is glide back down the powdery slopes!

A place for conservation and education, Parc national de la Gaspésie is a laboratory in a natural setting. Come to class with our dedicated park wardens or welcome them to your school! The beauty, integrity, and cultural/historical characteristics of this territory have inspired five recreational/educational activities. Aimed at young people in elementary or high school, these activities will help them get in touch with their environment, make them understand its fragility, and take them through a memorable real-world experience ...

Consult the brochure Explore. Discover. Learn (in French only) (pdf: 1.16 MB)