Parc national des Grands-Jardins

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

Period: year-round

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.

Period: June 5 to October 11, 2010

The park is one of the few areas in Québec where you can fish exclusively for native trout. Speckled trout reign supreme over our 60 fish-filled lakes-a paradise for anglers in the know.

See the 2010 fishing plans in the Documentation section.

Regulation on using gasoline-powered boats
 
Period: May 28 to September 6, 2010 (with accommodations)

Lake Chaudière, Lake Pemmican and Rivière Malbaie (wading) are available for day fishing. A boat is provided on the lakes. Anglers can fish for speckled trout.

Period: May 28 to September 6, 2010

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) (2.54 MB)

Come and fish for trout on Lac Étang Malbaie. It's reserved exclusively for vacationers staying at the Jean-Pressé cabin. A provincial fishing licence is required.

Period: mid-February to late March

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). Open during the Christmas holidays and every weekend until the end of 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) (pdf: 2.54 MB)

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