Outdoor Activities - Summer and Fall

Canoeing and Kayaking

For a distance of 20 km, round trip, enjoy spectacular valley scenery and stunning views of the highest rock faces in Eastern Canada as you paddle along a 10-km stretch of calm water on Rivière Malbaie. Observe the numerous wildlife habitats along the banks of the river. Katabatik offers guided sea kayaking excursions.
Period: From May 16 to October 13, 2008


Canoe (Kayak)-Camping

A sense of freedom! Paddle 8 km to a particularly enchanting spot, the Équerre campground and then commune with nature before heading to your campsite for the night. Those who travel light will appreciate the true value of getting away from it all. Canoe and kayak rental available. Check out the Équerre Package, which includes two nights of camping and a canoe for three days. Reserve early!



Cruises
IMPORTANT: Arrive 1 hour prior to the cruise departure time.

Another way to visit the national park is by taking a 1 ½ hour cruise aboard Le Menaud, a riverboat that holds 48 passengers. The rear deck is specially designed to make it easy for you to take photographs. The captain and park warden will be more than happy to share their little corner of paradise with you.
Period: From May 17 to October 13, 2008





Dusk Cruise. Did you know that a many people consider the 6:30 PM cruise the best one of the day? In fact, the river often becomes calm at this time, the animals come out, and the play of light on the rocky cliffs is at its height. This summer, campers can take advantage of a 20% discount on the price of this cruise. Come and share these beautiful moments with the riverboat crew!
Period: From July 5 to August 17, 2008


Day Fishing

Like last year, angling enthusiasts can fish on Rivière Malbaie. New this summer: Lac Noir is accessible for speckled trout fishing. You must reserve the boat assigned to this lake (or have your own boat) and get a provincial fishing licence and a fishing access right. These two items are mandatory. You can buy them at the park gatehouse. To get to the lake, you must also be able to travel the 11 km of forest road with a sport utility vehicle or an all-terrain bicycle. Finally, don't forget to register your catches at the gatehouse at the end of your day of fishing. This is to monitor the health of the speckled trout population. The quota for speckled trout is 15.

New in 2008 : It is now possible to reserve your day fishing activity 4 months in advance. For example, if you want to fish on June 24, you should reserve on February 24. Online reservations and phone reservations start at 8:30 AM (1 800 665-6527). See Reservation Terms and Conditions and the 2008 Day Fishing brochure to find out when the different bodies of water open for fishing.

What’s more, now you can also fish from a canoe on Rivière Malbaie. The reservation terms and conditions are the same as those of Lac Noir. It is also possible to rent an electric motor.


Cycling

Cyclists won't be disappointed. You'll discover the beauties of the park on a 16-km run (one-way only). The first part is 8-km of asphalt, which links the Félix-Antoine-Savard Discovery and Visitor Centre to Le Draveur Visitors Centre. From there the trail takes you along the river to L'Équerre Campground on 8 km of gravel. All-terrain cycling buffs can get to the Coulée à Girard using an 11-km former forestry road. When you arrive in this sector, you'll see an old wood chute and some spectacular views of Rivière Malbaie valley. During your trip, you can take the time to fully appreciate your moment at one of the rest stops with picnic tables.
Bicycle Trails


Bicycle-Camping

Have fun while getting to your destination! Ride your bike to the Équerre campground and discover the splendours of the park on the 16 km trip. You set the pace! Bicycle and baggage trailer rental available. Reserve early!




Day Hiking

Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the national park. The network of trails covers 30 km, with degrees of difficulty varying from easy to difficult. Along these trails you will have the opportunity to observe, discover and admire our star performer- nature. The curtain rises on waterfalls, mountains, valleys, rivers, plants and wildlife, the main characters in our beautiful show.Table of Trails
Period: From May 17 to mid-October, 2008
Opening dates for some trails could vary according to spring conditions.


Backpacking

If you're interested in a backpacking excursion with cabin and/or hut accommodations, consider the Traversée de Charlevoix. This non-profit organization offers a unique opportunity to discover one of the most beautiful backpacking trails east of the Rockies - a stunning corridor running between Parc des Grands-Jardins and Parc des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie. There are six cabins and six huts along the way. The Traversée de Charlevoix is part of the Sentier national du Québec.

Circulation in the Park