Parc national de la Gaspésie

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, 2011 to April 30, 2012

Table of trails

Backcountry skiing and snowshoeing trails map (in French only)

Guided excursions with Ski Chic-Chocs

Yoga-Trek with Ékilibre

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

Backcountry skiing and snowshoeing trails map (in French only)

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, 2011 to April 30, 2012

Suggested backcountry circuits

Backcountry skiing important information

Backcountry skiing and snowshoeing trails map (in French only)

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

Winter trails map, Mont-Albert sector (in French only)

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.

Period: December 1, 2011 to April 30, 2012

Information about avalanches

Guided excursions with Ski Chic-Chocs

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 2011

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, 2011

Table of trails

All-inclusive guided excursions with baggage transport on the International Appalachian Trail

Two or four-day guided hikes on the section stretching between the Huard hut (lac Thibault) to the Gîte du Mont-Albert. 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. One day of preparation can be added just before your departure. Offered by Absolu ÉcoAventure.

Details:

• Excursions planned each week between July 8th and August 26th, 2011.
• $389/pers. for a 2-day excursion / $726.47/pers. for a 4-day excursion.
• Reductions available for early reservations.
• Other dates available upon request for groups from 4 – 8 people

New! Yoga-Trek

Yoga-Trek is an activity for everyone, young and old alike, whether you are a beginner or a more seasoned veteran. This experience combines hiking (on foot or on snowshoes) and assuming yoga poses inspired by elements of nature.

Details:

• Tuesdays at 1 p.m., Thursdays at 10 a.m., Sundays at 1 p.m., or any other time upon request
• Duration: 2 hours
• Rate: $25/adult, $12.50/child
• Reservations: 418-763-2288

Eight lakes and two 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 9 to September 3, 2012

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, 2011

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 1 to 25, 2012

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.

Balance your energies, release your tension…Enjoy a stay at Parc national de la Gaspésie to refresh your body and spirit. Nestled in the mountains, Ékilibre offers relaxing and therapeutic treatments along with yoga sessions, in a cozy and authentic atmosphere. To relax, recover after a long hike, relieve aching muscles or recharge your batteries, nothing beats a little yoga or massage therapy.

A variety of packages are available, including those with accommodations. You can also purchase ecological and fair-trade products made in Québec. Lounging clothes, body care products, aromatherapy…everything you need to tantalize your senses and bring a souvenir of your experience all the way back home.

The activity takes place in our relaxation lodge just a few steps from Gîte du Mont-Albert and is offered in collaboration with a partner. Information and reservations: 418 763-2288.

Massage techniques, packages and rates (pdf: 195 KB, in French only)

Periods: to come

New! Yoga-Trek

Yoga-Trek is an activity for everyone, young and old alike, whether you are a beginner or a more seasoned veteran. This experience combines hiking (on foot or on snowshoes) and assuming yoga poses inspired by elements of nature.

Details:

• Sundays at 10 a.m., or any other time upon request, until April 8, 2012
• Duration: 2 hours
• Rate: $25/adult, $12.50/child
• Reservations: 418-763-2288

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 School activities in the Sépaq network (in French only) (pdf: 4 MB)