Parc national du Mont-Orford

Hiking trails form a network of over 80 km of trails laid out to offer you memorable moments of discovery. They are classified from easy to difficult.

You can also go backpacking on a portion of the trail network called Les Sentiers de l'Estrie, which crosses the park from north to south. The star attraction is the spectacular Des Crêtes trail. Primitive tent platforms ensure hikers peaceful nights. Reservations required.

Period: early May to the end of November (depending on weather conditions)

Fall: The barrier on Route 1 (camping road) is only open from Friday morning to Sunday night. This policy will be in effect until the trails are closed or depending on weather conditions.

Table of trails

General map of the park - Summer (in French only)

The Stukely and Fraser beaches are supervised and designed for recreation with playgrounds for the kids. Glass containers are prohibited.

Period: mid-June to Labour Day

A section of Route Verte, the TransQuébec cycling network, crosses the park from east to west. It is over 10.4 km in length and is classified as difficult.

General map of the park - Summer (in French only)

Period: early May to late October

Come discover 2 crystal clear lakes, Lac Stukely and and Lac Fraser. Imagine drifting along the water surrounded by mountains. The scenery is spectacular!

Canoes can be rented by the hour, half day or full day at the following places:

• Le Cerisier Discovery and Visitors Centre
• Lac Stukely beach
• Lac Fraser beach

Periods:

• Lac-Fraser sector: mid-June to Labour Day
• Lac-Stukely sector: mid-May to mid-October

Whether you choose a solo or tandem kayak, Lac Stukely and Lac Fraser are great places for this sport. Kayaking is an ideal way to explore the shores and make fabulous discoveries!

Solo recreational kayaks can be rented by the hour, half day or full day at the following places:

• Le Cerisier Discovery and Visitors Centre
• Lac Stukely beach
• Lac Fraser beach

Periods:

• Lac-Fraser sector: mid-June to Labour Day
• Lac-Stukely : mid-May to mid-October

Explore the shores of Lac Stukely and Lac Fraser (2-seater or 4-seater). Perfect for a family outing!

You can rent pedal boats by the hour, half day or full day at the following places:

• Lac Stukely beach
• Lac Fraser beach

Periods:

• Lac-Fraser  Sector: mid-June to Labour Day
• Lac-Stukely sector: mid-May to mid-October

Looking for a family activity? How about renting a row boat and having a picnic on the water?

Row boats can be rented by the hour, half day or full day at the following places:

• Lac Stukely beach
• Lac Fraser beach

Periods:

• Lac-Fraser sector: mid-June to Labour Day
• Lac-Stukely sector: mid-May to mid-October

The Pic aux Corbeaux rock climbing cliff is for intermediate and expert climbers (some routes are also accessible to beginners. A 1,100-m approach path leads to the climbing area. No supervision on the site.

Types of Climbing

Bouldering: Boulder climbing is prohibited, except at the base of the cliff.

Cliff: Sports routes equipped with fixed anchors (bolted anchors and plates). Some 5.5 to 5.7 routes. A large variety of 5.9 to 5.12 b routes (difficult). Some mixed routes, with manual chocks and anchors. Sector of extremely difficult overhangs: for experts only. Some 5.13 b routes. In certain places calculate more than one length of rope. Highest route: 35 m.

Guidebook available at Boutique Atmosphère in Sherbrooke: 819 566-8882.

General Recommendations

• Have training from an accredited organization specialized in the teaching and mastery of rock climbing techniques.
• Never climb alone.
• Bring your own specialized safety equipment for this sport. This equipment must be in good condition (rope, helmet, harness, climbing shoes, carabiners, descenders, crash pads, etc.).
• Bring a first aid kit.
• Bring a cell phone.
• Be familiar with the emergency procedures displayed in the parking lot and at the base of the cliff.
• Be ready to ensure your own evacuation, without outside assistance from the park and/or local emergency services.

Access

Parking lot off Route 112 as you head east, right after Motel du Rond-Point. Exit 115, Highway 10.

Period: May 1 to November 30, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Note: The site is likely to be closed each year from late May to late July during the Peregrine Falcon nesting period.

In the summer, explore Étang aux Cerises on an audio-guided ecological tour. Pick up your guide at Le Cerisier Visitors Centre and then follow the numbered buoys on the water. There are many different birds to see, including loons.

In the winter, check out our self-guided snowshoeing trails (Le Pékan and Le Coyote). Keep your eyes peeled…you may see some deer!

Cross country skiing fans can ski to their hearts' content on 13 trails totalling 50 km, including 26 km for skate skiing. Beginners and experts alike will discover suitable trails that are marked, groomed and packed.

Cross country skiing equipment rental is available at the Le Cerisier Visitors Centre.

Period: mid-December 2012 to the end of March 2013 (depending on snow conditions)

Table of trails

General map of the park - Winter (in French only)

Ski School

To give you an opportunity to try, develop and improve your classic or skate skiing techniques, Parc national du Mont-Orford has joined up with Le Coureur cross country skiing school to offer private, semi-private (2 to 4 people), and group lessons on weekdays or weekends.

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 park offers 10 circuits classified from easy to difficult, ranging in length from 2.5 km to 16 km.  They give snowshoers access to some beautiful scenery.

Snowshoes rental is available at the Le Cerisier Visitors Centre.

Period: mid-December 2012 to the end of March 2013 (depending on snow conditions)

Table of trails

General map of the park - Winter (in French only)

A short marked trail of 1.6 km is accessible near the Lac-Stukely Visitors Centre. You can also enjoy this activity on the Chouette trail.

Period: mid-December 2012 to the end of March 2013 (depending on snow conditions)

To make winter hiking trails accessible to the mobility impaired, an all-new product has been introduced to Bic, Îles-de-Boucherville, Mont-Orford, Mont-Saint-Bruno, Mont-Tremblant and Oka national parks: the Ski-Vel. Designed by the Tri-Vel company, Ski-Vel can be easily adapted to people’s wheel chairs (not included) so they can enjoy exploring the snow trails. A Ski-Vel is available for free at each park’s Visitors Centre.

A place for conservation and education, Parc national du Mont-Orford 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 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 Sleep over and discover package for school groups.

Consult the brochure School activities (in French only)