Parc national du Mont-Mégantic

Observatoire Sector

Parc national du Mont-Mégantic offers 30 km of snowshoeing trails for all levels of difficulty. More experienced snowshoers will enjoy the Mont Saint-Joseph, Mont Mégantic and des Crêtes trails. Huts, tent cabins and campsites are available for overnight stays.

You'd like to admire the scenery from the top of Mont Mégantic? No problem, just take the shuttle all the way up! Then you can snowshoe back down the mountain on a 5 km trail. If you’d rather go back down the mountain in a shuttle, just wait for it to come by again.  You’ll see…the landscape there is magical! Reserve now!

Snowshoes rental is available at the Discovery and Visitors Centre, Observatoire sector.

Period:

• mid-December 2012 to late March 2013
• Shuttle: February 2 to March 31, 2013 (on weekends from 9:45 to 1:30, departures every 45 minutes)

Table of trails

Map of winter trails - Observatoire sector (in French only)

Map of winter trails - Franceville sector (in French only)

See the Torch-Light package

Franceville Sector

Enjoy snowshoeing on the 11-km Cimes de Franceville trail in this new sector of the park, and see the mountain-stream valley and soaring peaks from a different angle!

Snowshoes rental is available at the Ranceville Reception and information.

Period: Saturdays and Sundays from January 26 to March 31, 2013.

Go snowshoeing under the soft glow of the Moon and torches on a marked 3.5-km circuit (classified easy).

Details:

• Duration: about 2 hours (from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.)
• Departure from the restaurant in the Observatory sector

Prices (taxes not included):

• $9.13/adult
• $4.78/child
• $21.31/family (2 adults and 2 children)
• $6.96/person in a group (15 people or more)
• This activity is also available with dinner and Astronomy Night. Find out more about the package!
• Equipment rental possible (reservations required)
• Park entry fee not included

Periods:

• January 26 to March 30, 2013, on Saturday nights
• March 6, 7 and 8, 2013 (during the March break)

Discover the snow-covered landscape on 38 km of cross country skiing trails. The degree of difficulty varies from intermediate to expert. Warm up or spend the night in one of the huts located along the trail (reservations required).

Backcountry ski equipment rental available at the Discovery and Visitors Centre. Observatoire sector.

Period: mid-December 2012 to late March 2013

Table of trails

Map of winter trails - Observatoire sector (in French only)

New!

Two attractive and affordable formulas: the season pass and a booklet of 10 day passes that you can share are valid in the Sépaq network’s 7 cross country skiing centres. Find out more

The 9.4 km backcountry skiing trail is reserved for experts. It flanks the northern side of Mont Mégantic at an average altitude of 900 m. The trails leading to the backcountry trail are 10.1 km long. The peaceful nights skiers will enjoy in the huts beside the groomed trails are definitely well deserved!

Condition: you must arrive no later than 10:30 a.m. for this long backcountry skiing trek.

Period: January to late March 2013

Table of trails

Map of winter trails - Observatoire sector (in French only)

Treat yourself to the top of Mont Mégantic! This winter, getting to the summit is easy with our shuttle service. It stops at the Discovery and Visitors Centre in the Observatory sector. The trip lasts an average of 45 minutes.

Once you’re on top of the mountain, you can snowshoe back down on a 5-km trail or wait for the next shuttle.

Rates: $21/adult, $15.75/child (2 to 17 years old)

Call ahead of time to rent snowshoes and/or order a boxed lunch (for an extra fee): 819 888-2941

Information and reservations: 1 800 665-6527 or 819 888-2941

Period: February 2 to March 31, 2013 (weekends from 9:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., departures every 45 minutes)

Observatoire sector

The 30 kilometres of multi-purpose trails and 20 km of hiking trails lead to spectacular vantage points at the summits of Mont Mégantic (1,105 m) and Mont Saint-Joseph (1,065 m). Bicycles are tolerated on the trails at the foot of the mountain, but these trails have not been specially built for this purpose. Backpackers can reserve primitive tent platforms, tent cabins and huts.

Period: year round. When the trails are snow covered, we recommend using snowshoes.

Franceville sector

In the north-west part of the park, discover the 11 km of trails in the new Franceville sector. Live a unique experience, having access for the first time to the spectacular Franceville rock crest and the stunning view of the valley of the Ruisseau de la Montagne - mountain stream - of which the trail is interrupted by waterfalls.

Period: mid-May to mid-October 2013

Table of trails

Map of summer trails - Observatoire sector (in French only)

Map of summer trails - Franceville sector (in French only)

At Parc national du Mont-Mégantic, you can see over 120 bird species. What makes this park stand out is the presence of species that are normally seen in more northern regions. The bird most frequently spotted is the Canada Jay, found in abundance on the peaks of Mégantic and St-Joseph mountains. Outgoing and curious, the Canada Jay won’t hesitate to get close to you!

To learn more about the park’s plant and animal life, as well as its history, the formation of the mountains and astronomy, we invite you to purchase the book, From the Earth to the Stars, published by the park and available at our Boutique Nature stores.

Franceville Sector

The new sector of the park offers a 4-km (one-way) cycling trail on Piste de la Vallée.  Because of the gravel surface, we recommend hybrid bicycles. You can reach the trail from the Franceville campground.

Observatoire Sector

Multi-use trails in the Observatoire sector are great for mountain biking. They are forest roads with an uneven surface. In the winter, these trails are used for cross country skiing. They lead to the Petite-Ourse and Grande-Ourse accommodations sites and the Orion and Andromède warming huts.  A total of 28 km are available and you can do loops of 5, 8, 11 and 17 km.

Period: late May to mid-October, 2013

Table of trails

Map of summer trails - Observatoire sector (in French only)

Map of summer trails - Franceville sector (in French only)

Geology, biology and ecology come together naturally at this astronomy centre dedicated to the public. You’ll see a fabulous show here about the fascinating story of the Universe, the Earth and life. Go ahead…travel to the stars!

The evening starts with the high-definition movie called Cosmic Rhythms, a captivating trip through space and the history of the Universe.

If the stars are out, the evening continues outside with star gazing through telescopes and from the Velan Observatory (35 cm) on the ASTROLab roof. If it’s cloudy, we’ll invite you to an interactive show during which you’ll discover stunning space scenery on a giant screen and have a chance to ask your questions about the Universe. Astronomy news will also be on the agenda. No matter what the weather, you’ll be seeing stars!

Details:

• Saturdays from May 19 to June 30, 2012: 8 p.m to 11 p.m. Every night from July 3 to August 9: 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. (except Fridays: 9 p.m. to 12 p.m.). Some Mondays are closed. Every night from August 15 to September 2, 2012: 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Saturdays from September 3 to October 20: 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (including Sundays September 2 and October 7, 2012).
• Prices (plus taxes)
  Adult: $18.25
  Child (17 and under): $9.25
  Family (2 adults and 2 children): $45.75
  Park entry fee not included
• Reserve by calling 1 800 665-6527
• Group reservations: 819 888-2941

For all the details

Located in the Discovery and Visitor Centre, this discovery room highlights the park's natural riches. Through interactive modules, it tells of the events leading to the geological formation of the mountain, the history of the Mont Saint-Joseph sanctuary, and the characteristics of the mountain climate. Available year round.

On the Mont Saint-Joseph trail, panels explain the vegetation transitions characteristic of the mountain, from maples to conifers. At the summit you will also find panels about the history of the sanctuary and the mountainous landscape. Available year round.

You can go at your own pace as you discover this colourful kiosk about the park's natural riches! Little ones who like to touch everything will love it, and nature will enchant people of all ages. Available in the summer.

Learn about the fabulous history of Mont Saint-Joseph at the summit of a spectacular landscape on summer afternoons. The warm and welcoming Emma Roy, brought to life by one of our animators, will transport you to the end of the 19th century so that you can relive the beginnings of the region's colonization. Through her life and those of her parents, pioneers of Notre-Dame-des-Bois, you will witness the history of this chapel overlooking the Appalachians. Accessible and familial, the enchanting site of Mont Saint-Joseph is the perfect setting to give in to the wind's caress and experience the touching story of a unique sanctuary. Available in the summer.

Take a peek through our giant binoculars and observe the details of the magnificent landscape from atop Mont Saint-Joseph. A guide will be available to answer your questions all afternoon.  Available in the summer.

On starless astronomy evenings, experience something unique – a night hike in the forest. Discover the world of bats and other nocturnal creatures! (30 min).
* Available in the summer.

A place for conservation and education, Parc national du Mont-Mégantic 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 six recreational/educational activities. Aimed at elementary, high school or college students, 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)

Located in the enchanting village of Notre-Dame-des-Bois, Parc national du Mont-Mégantic has a multimedia room that seats 100 people.

Several packages are available for social groups, business meetings and group meetings.   More information