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

Periods:

• Le Mont-du-Lac-des-Cygnes, La Chouenne and Le Gros-Pin*: year-round
• Le Boréal, La Pinède, Le Pionnier, Le Pommereau and La Chute: May 25 to October 8, 2012
• Le Pioui: mid-June to the first snowfalls

*Due to major damage caused by heavy rains, the Gros-Pin trail will be closed until spring 2013.

You can go fishing-camping at the Arthabaska 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: May 24 to September 2, 2013

Documentation

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. Lac des Castors and Lac Carré are also available for day fishing.

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 24 to September 2, 2013

Day Fishing Plan – 2013

Documentation

Discover the great “water gardens” by canoe! Become an explorer...canoe Lac Arthabaska all the way to the Wabano dam. This beautiful 4-hour round-trip circuit goes through many aquatic environments that are home to a diversified and rich variety of plant and animal life. This is an ideal place for an encounter with a moose!

The calm waters of Lac Turgeon are a great place for those who want to try canoeing for the first time.

You can rent canoes by the half day or full day at Lac Arthabaska and Lac Turgeon. Hourly rentals are not available at Lac Turgeon.

Period: May 26 to October 8, 2012

Grab your paddles! Set off for an adventure on Lac Arthabaska and head to the Wabano dam. This pleasant 4-km round-trip in calm water goes through many aquatic environments that are home to a diversified and rich variety of plant and animal life. Be attentive and discreet. Unforgettable encounters are frequent!

Beginners will prefer the calm of Lac Turgeon.

You can rent solo or tandem sea kayaks by the half day and full day at Lac Arthabaska and Lac Turgeon. Kayaks cannot be rented by the hour at Lac Turgeon.

Period: May 26 to October 8, 2012

The rabaska canoe is the perfect watercraft for small group excursions accompanied by a park warden-naturalist. To take part in this activity, see the program guide (in French only) for guided discovery activities.

Park national des Grands-Jardins is an ideal spot for many animal species, such as black bears, moose, woodland caribous, grey wolves, red foxes, porcupines, Common Loons, lynx and Spruce Grouse. Keep your eyes peeled to see the some of the park’s many inhabitants, from the smallest to the largest!

The self-discovery guide, “Secrets Behind the Scenery” offers you the opportunity to explore the Arthabaska/Wabano circuit at your own pace by canoe or by kayak. The guide contains a host of information, including a chart presenting the different behaviours of animals you might see along the circuit according to the summer month. This self-discovery guide is free with any boat rental on Lac Arthabaska.

Ice fishing will be offered again on Lac Étang-Malbaie in February and March, 2013. However, the formula has been revised. Ice fishing will now be offered by the day and to guests. To go fishing, visitors and cabin guests must get a right of access for fishing (reservation required). Our employee will drill holes in the ice for you.

Details:

• Parking beside La Galette hut at km 34.5 on Route 381. From mid-December to late March, La Galette hut is left unlocked et heated at all times and there are pit toilets nearby. It’s a 1.5 to 2.5 km snowshoeing hike or ski to the fishing area. Since there is no fishing shack, you’ll be fishing outside, directly on the ice.
• 3 fishing holes per person
• Daily catch limit: 15 trout
• Provincial fishing license required (not available on site)
• Reservations required. Places limited to 10 people per day.
• The park does not provide any fishing gear
• You can rent snowshoes at the park (at the Mont-du-Lac-des-Cygnes Visitors Centre during business hours)
• Information and reservations: 418 439-1227

Rates (day pass plus taxes):

• Fishing right of access: $17.06 /pers.

Period: Saturday and Sunday, from February 2 to March 23, 2013 and durant March Break (depending on ice conditions)

Thirty-three 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 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 kilometres.

Access to the trails

• Mont-du-Lac-des-Cygnes Visitors Centre (km 21 of Route 381). Operating period
• 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 place to warm up and a restroom are available. 

Snowshoes and telescopic poles rental is available when the Mont-du-Lac-des-Cygnes Visitors Centre is open.

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. 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). Un endroit pour se réchauffer and a washroom are available.

Period: early December to late March

Map of trails (in French only)

New! In 2013, discover the via ferrata circuit on the prestigious Mont du Lac des Cygnes. Two safe itineraries, equipped with beams, a bridge, etc., provide an opportunity to explore the cliffs, which are fascinating environments with spectacular views.

You'll navigate the rock face safely and at your own pace. Attached to a professional guide by a safety tether during the entire hike, participants will enjoy an exclusive experience in a small group (8 pers. maximum).

Period: June 15 to October 14, 2013

Trails detail - 2013 Season

Via ferrata Mont-du-lac-des-Cygnes trail (in French only)

Rates

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 French only)