Parc national des Grands-Jardins

Ice fishing is offered exclusively to guests of the Jean-Pressé cabin. Lac Étang Malbaie, a 1-km snowshoeing hike from the cabin, is teeming with trout. Vacationers who want to fish must purchase a fishing right of access or choose the Great North Package. Our park wardens take care of drilling holes for you in the part of the lake with the most fish.

Details:

• 3 fishing holes per person
• Daily catch limit: 15 trout
• Provincial fishing license required (not available on site)
• The park does not provide any fishing gear
• Information and reservations: 1 800 665-6527 or 418 439-1227

Rates (day pass plus taxes):

• Fishing right of access: $16.55 /pers./day
• Rental of the Jean-Pressé cabin: $189 /night (minimum 2 nights, maximum 8 people)
• Also see the Great North Package

Period: mid-February to late March (depending on ice conditions)

Fifty-four kilometres of snowshoeing trails will take you through this snow-draped forest and show you the tracks of its wildlife. Lovers of nature and fresh air will be charmed by the unforgettable decor of this patch of Québec's far north. You can stop over at the Lac Pointu huts, which are accessible everyday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m, for resting or having an indoor meal by the roaring fire of a wood stove, in the quiet of the forest.

A must this winter, the Mont-du-Lac-des-Cygnes trail and the new La Chouenne trail. Snowshoers will be amazed by the beauty of the scenery and the succession of viewspoints featuring snowy valleys, rocky cliffs and barren mountain peaks. A dazzling spectalce from the very first kilometre.

Access to the trails

• Mont-du-Lac-des-Cygnes Visitors Centre (km 21 of Route 381). The Visitors Centre is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the Christmas holidays and on weekends from February until late March.
• Thomas-Fortin Visitors Centre (km 31 of Route 381). The snow is removed from the parking lot, but the Visitors Centre is closed. 
•  La Galette Hut (km 35 of Route 381).  A heated waxing room and a restroom are available. 

Period: early December to late March

Map of trails (in French only)

The backcountry skiing circuit cuts across a spruce stand and occasionally follows park roads. This intermediate-level course covers about 50 km and forms a big loop. The trails are marked but not mechanically groomed. You can stop for a breather at the huts by Lac Pointu, which are open every day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., for resting or having an indoor meal by the roaring fire of a wood stove, in the quiet of the forest.

Access to the trails

• Thomas-Fortin Visitors Centre (km 31 on Route 381). The snow is removed from the parking lot, but the Visitors Centre is closed. 
• La Galette hut (km 35 on Route 381). A heated waxing room and a washroom are available.

Period: early December to late March

Map of trails (in French only)

The trail network of over 30 km can satisfy all categories of hikers. Go and discover a multitude of landscapes: taiga, tundra, deciduous forest, boreal forest, and mountain vegetation. Be sure to see Mont du Lac-des-Cygnes. This mountain offers a unique view of the Charlevoix meteorite crater.

Table of trails

Periods:

• Le Mont-du-Lac-des-Cygnes, La Chouenne et Le Gros-Pins : year-round
• Le Boréal, La Pinède, Le Pionnier et Le Pommereau : May 27 to October 14, 2011
• Le Pioui : mid-June to the first snowfalls
• La Chute : closed for the 2011 Season

Discover the great "gardens of water" in a canoe or kayak! Become an explorer and ply these fascinating waters from Lac Arthabaska to the Wabano dam. This 4-lake tour will introduce you to boating activities in complete safety. The less adventurous will appreciate the calm clear waters of Lac Turgeon.

NEW IN 2011: Discover the Arthabaska - Wabano circuit at your own pace with our all-new brochure "Les dessous du décor" (secrets behind the scenery). A free self-guided activity with any boat rental on Lac Arthabaska.

Period: June 4 to October 10, 2011

Parc national des Grands-Jardins is a renowned fishing spot that has been popular for over 100 years. It’s one of the rare areas in Québec offering native trout exclusively. Some sixty lakes in 4 accommodations sectors offer fabulous fishing for all type of anglers. Lakes are assigned on a daily basis by our fishing experts, who customize the choices to each customer. Connoisseurs will appreciate our delicious native speckled trout, the reigning master of our fishing lakes, paradise for discerning anglers.

Details:

• Arrival : 6 p.m.
• Departure : 3 p.m.
• Catch and possession limits: : 
  • 15 trouts including 5 arctic char (maximum)

See the fishing plans in the Documentation section.

Regulation on using gasoline-powered boats
 
Period: May 25 to September 3, 2012

Lac Pemmican and Lac Chaudière, renowned for their abundance of speckled trout, are open for day fishing. A boat is provided for these two bodies of water, which are fabulous spots to give fishing a try for the first time.

Part of Rivière Malbaie is reserved exclusively for day fishing with waders. A 3-km trail and several access trails have been blazed to the river, making it easy to get to your spot. A magnificent fishing river worth checking out!

Period: May 25 to September 3, 2012

See the fishing plans in the Documentation section.

You can go fishing-camping at the La Roche campground and thus ensure your choice of a fishing lake for your camping stay. For more details, consult the package including campsite, boat, and fishing access rights.

Period: June 8 to September 3, 2012

A place for conservation and education, Parc national des Grands-Jardins 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 four 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)