Gîte du Mont-Albert

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, 2009 to April 30, 2010

Table of trails

Backcountry skiing important information (pdf : 487 KB)

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, 2009 to April 30, 2010

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.

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, 2009 to April 30, 2010

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!

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. A network of 11 lakes and several kilometres of streams await trout fishing enthusiasts. You can enjoy this activity with a stay. A provincial fishing licence is mandatory.

Periods:

• June 4 to September 6, 2010
• June 4 to June 28, 2010 (with accommodations)

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.

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 2009

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 11, 2009

Table of trails

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 5 to September 26, 2009

The location is unique, as will be your meetings. There are two rooms: Le Sous-Bois and Montagnards. They're practical and can comfortably accommodate groups of 10 to 100 people. You'll be delighted with the superb fireplace in Montagnards room. Audiovisual equipment is available on a rental basis and wireless Internet service is offered at the hotel. There is also an amphitheatre in the Discovery and Visitors Centre. It can seat 90 people.

Room layout

Before you sit down to eat, enjoy an aperitif at the Gite's bar. You can relax by the fireplace or by the window and admire the splendid view of Mont Albert. Between 12 noon and 6 p.m., the bar can also provide a light meal (sandwiches, nachos, soup, etc.). It can accommodate up to 70 people.

Le Gîte's dining room can accommodate up to 150 guests. It offers fine gourmet cooking prepared from local products such as salmon and lamb from the Gaspé Peninsula. The chef, Yvano Tremblay, invites you to feast on marvellous dishes in a warm, relaxed ambiance.

For your hikes in the mountains, the kitchen can pack you a lunch. You can pick it up as early as 6 a.m. if you order the night before.