Parc national des Monts-Valin - Parcs Québec

News

Fishing holidays and vacation stays: Reservations can be made as of this coming Friday

Looming 984 metres high, Parc national des Monts-Valin dominates the landscape of the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region. Fishing for speckled trout goes on in a multitude of park lakes and rivers. There's also canoe camping and canoeing-the star summer activities. With an exceptional snow cover, winter turns this territory into an ideal spot for snowshoeing or backcountry skiing. A Snowcat shuttle takes visitors to the base of Vallée des Fantômes. Mummies and ghosts will then accompany them to the summit, 3 kilometres away.

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Activities
Accommodations
Packages

Outdoors
School

Snowshoeing

Heavy snowfalls make this park an especially interesting site for snowshoers. The Tête-de-Chien trail is a great way to spend the day in the fresh air.

For backcountry showshoeing, over 65 km of marked trails are accessible from the Discovery and Visitors Centre, on snowshoes or by Snowcat shuttle (reservation required). The main circuits have a number of huts. This kind of expedition requires good preparation and proficiency in orienteering with a map and compass. The weather is very changeable and sometimes extreme on the highlands.

Period: mid-December to the beginning of April

Table of trails

Suggested backcountry circuits

Table of distances (in French only) (pdf: 11 KB)

Further information (pdf: 23 KB)

Passenger transport schedule

GPS location (pdf: 66 KB, in French only)

Elsewhere at Sépaq

Cross country Skiing

The cross country skiing network, near the Piedmont cabins and below the towering highlands, is made up of many trails. Lakes and mountains alternate on the itineraries, allowing you to admire snow-draped decors and bare rock faces. The Piedmont warming hut is 6 km from the Discovery and Visitors Centre and will provide a well-earned rest.

Note: The activity is free, except for the park entry fee. Trail maintenance is not guaranteed.

Period: December 26, 2011 to March 18, 2012 (according to snowfall)

Table of trails

Elsewhere at Sépaq

Backcountry Skiing

Over 71 km of trails (unmarked, non-packed) are accessible from the Discovery and Visitors Centre, on skis or by Snowcat shuttle (reservation required). The main circuits have a number of huts. This kind of expedition requires good preparation and proficiency in orienteering with a map and compass. The weather is very changeable and sometimes extreme on the highlands.

Baggage transport service is available for those who want to lighten their load!

Period: mid-December to the beginning of April (according to snowfall)

Suggested backcountry circuits

Table of distances (in French only) (pdf: 11 KB)

Further information (pdf: 23 KB)

Passenger transport schedule

GPS location (in French only)(pdf: 66 KB)

Elsewhere at Sépaq

Destination vallée des Fantômes (shuttle)

Le Fantôme Express shuttle makes it easy to get to Vallée des Fantômes, Pic-de-la-Hutte, and our mountain accommodations. Two 13-seat caterpillar track vehicles are now available for winter transportation, making several scheduled departures daily from the Discovery and Visitors Centre. The trip takes an average of 45 minutes.

The service schedule was reviewed and improved with the goal of offering two destinations: the legendary peacefulness of Vallée des Fantômes, and now Pic-de-la-Hutte, the destination of choice for snow mummies. Ask about possible itineraries for a memorable day on the mountain trails.

Passenger transport schedule

Boating Activities

Rivière Valin offers canoers an opportunity to view the mountain from another vantage point. By paddling upriver from the Discovery and Visitors Centre, you'll discover the meanders of Rivière Valin and Étang Bélanger.

It’s also very pleasant to go canoeing on the Martin-Valin, Leblanc and Laliberté lakes. Canoe rental on site.

Period: June to October 2011

Elsewhere at Sépaq

Fishing with Accommodations

Fishing for speckled trout is authorized in many of the park's lakes and rivers. You'll enjoy whiling away the day on any number of lakes in the Martin-Valin sector.

Periods:

June 15 to July 2, 2012 (Chaumière, Panoramique and Point de vue cabins)
June 15 to August 2, 2012 (Boréal, Muse and Sauvagine cabins)

Fishing Plan 2012 (in French only)

Fishing Statistics

Reservation Elsewhere at Sépaq

Day Fishing

Lakes are available for day fishing. A boat is provided on most lakes. For the others, a personal boat is required. Anglers can fish for speckled trout.

Period: May 25 to September 9, 2012

Fishing Statistics

Reservation Elsewhere at Sépaq

Hiking

The park's hiking trails are appreciated by lovers of the great outdoors. The trails will show you continually new aspects of the Mont Valin mountain chain while offering a variety of views of the region. Hikers can get to the Le Pionnier hut from the Discovery and Visitors Centre by walking along the Grand-Corbeau and Sommet trails.

Period: May to October 2011

Table of trails

Long circuit suggestions

Elsewhere at Sépaq

Fishing-Camping

Primitive campsites for Fishing-Camping on Lac Martin-Valin are available at the Septentrional campground. See the package, which includes a campsite, a boat and fishing access rights.

Period: June 15 to September 10, 2012

Fishing Statistics

Elsewhere at Sépaq

The School of Nature

A place for conservation and education, Parc national des Monts-Valin 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 the Sépaq network (in French only) (pdf: 4 MB)

Elsewhere at Sépaq

Cabin

Stay at one of our cabins in the Piedmont and Lac Martin-Valin sectors. In winter, the Lac Martin-Valin cabins become rustic shelters and are not accessible by car.

Periods:

December 16, 2011 to April 1, 2012
June 1 to October 8, 2012
December 21, 2012 to April 8, 2013

Accommodation table

Reservation Elsewhere at Sépaq

Rustic Shelter

L'Attisée rustic shelter is located near the Discovery and Visitors Centre.

Periods:

December 16, 2011 to April 1, 2012
June 1 to October 8, 2012

Accommodation table

Reservation Elsewhere at Sépaq

Hut

During winter, the 4 huts are accessible on skis or snowshoes and are on the main circuits. You can stay in the Le Pionnier hut, near Pic de la Hutte, and in the Le Fantôme hut, near Pic Dubuc, in summer and fall.

Periods:

December 10, 2011 to April 1, 2012
May 25 to October 8, 2012
December 15, 2012 to April 7, 2013

Accommodation table

GPS location (pdf: 66 KB, in French only)

Suggested backcountry circuits

Table of distances (in French only) (pdf: 11 KB)

Elsewhere at Sépaq

Camping

L'Eau-Vive is an open-area campground near the Discovery and Visitors Centre. It's accessible by car. Located in the Martin-Valin sector, the Septentrional campground near Lac Martin-Valin has room for 4 tents.

In winter, light camping is authorized only in one sector, the L'Eau-Vive campground. For environmental reasons, it is forbidden to camp along backcountry trails, even near huts. For safety reasons, only experienced and very well equipped campers will be admitted to a winter campground. No solo camping is allowed.

Periods:

December 16, 2011 to April 1, 2012
May 25 to October 8, 2012

Reservation Elsewhere at Sépaq

Igloo

Igloos, with capacities of 2 to 4 people, are located 1 km from the Discovery and Visitors Centre and a short distance from Rivière Valin. There's a site for a campfire outside and a reserve of firewood, as well as a pit toilet nearby.

Period: December 26, 2011 to March 25, 2012 (dependig on snow conditions)

Elsewhere at Sépaq

Winter Escapade Package

Starting at

$178.25

/pers./2 nights
Quadruple occ.

Get carried away by winter! For a comfortable stay in nature.

The package includes:

Accommodation in a hut (Muse or Sauvagine), rental on an exclusive basis
Transportation in a caterpillar track vehicle round trip
Round trip baggage transportation (1 baggage/person)

Details:

Length (choice):
2 nights, 3 days
3 nights, 4 days
Reservation required

Rates:

2-night, 3-day Package
Double occ.: $199.99/pers.
Quadruple occ.: $178.25/pers.
3-night, 4-day Package
Double occ.: $249.99/pers.
Quadruple occ.: $207.75/pers.
Child: Only the shuttle and baggage transport fees are applicable. Minimum of 2 adults required.

Period: December 26, 2011 to March 18, 2012

Igloo Package

Starting at

$61.95

/pers.

If you're looking for a unique and invigorating experience, why not try staying in a snow shelter

The package includes:

Night in an igloo
Snowshoes
Winter sleeping bag
Insulated ground mattress
Lighting (candle)

Details:

Minimum: 2 people
Reservations required

Rates:

Adult: $61.95/pers.
Children 6 to 17: $51.88/pers.

Period: December 26, 2011 to March 18, 2012 (depending on snow conditions)

Eternal Package

Starting at

$249.00

/pers./2 nights
Quadruple occ.

Comfortably installed for a 2-night stay at a cabin in the heart of nature, you’ll enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the mountain. You’ll have access to a multitude of trails for a snowshoeing or backcountry skiing trek. Enjoy an Oriental-style break at L'Éternel Spa, including a spice exfoliation, a hot stone massage, footcare, and thermal baths. Relaxation guaranteed! L'Éternel Spa is only 20 minutes from Parc national des Monts-Valin.

The package includes:

2 nights at one of the Piedmont cabin
1 3-treatment package with access to the thermal baths at L'Éternel Spa (you’ll receive a coupon for your massage and the baths when you arrive at the park.)

Details:

Package paired with Le Panoramique, Le Point de vue and La Chaumière cabins.

Rates:

$249/pers./2 nights, quadruple occupancy
$327/pers./2 nights, double occupancy

Period: Sunday to Thursday (during regular season) from January 1 to March 25, 2012. Excluding March break.

Phantoms and Mummies Package

$140.00

/pers.

Enjoy a Nordic adventure in the heart of the Valin mountains!

The package includes:

4-day circuit / 28 km trek on snowshoes or backcountry skis
3 nights of hut accommodations
Baggage transport (1 bag per person)

Details:

Day 1: Discovery and Visitors Centre to L’Ulysse hut: 5.5 km (+420 m vertical drop)
Day 2: L’Ulysse hut to Le Fantôme hut: 8.5 km (+ 250 m vertical drop)
Day 3: Le Fantôme hut to Le Pionnier hut: 4.5 km (- 30 m gradual descent)
Day 4: Le Pionnier hut to the Discovery and Visitors Centre: 9.5 km (- 620 m gradual descent)
The circuit may be modified depending on availability.

Rate:

$140/pers.

Period: Monday to Thursday (during regular season) from December 10, 2011 to April 1, 2012. Excluding the Christmas holidays and March break.

Phantoms, Massage and Spa Package

Starting at

$220.00

/pers./2 nights
Quadruple occ.

Comfortably installed for a 2-night stay at a cabin in the heart of nature, you’ll enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the mountain. You’ll head off to discover the Phantoms on Dubuc peak, the highest point on the massif. The next day you can take a relaxing break at Éternel Spa, where you’ll enjoy a 60-minute massage and access to the thermal baths. L'Éternel Spa is only 20 minutes from Parc national des Monts-Valin.

The package includes:

2 nights at one of the Piedmont cabins
1 day in Vallée des Fantômes (Shuttle transportation from the Discovery and Visitors Centre: 10:30 a.m. Return: 4 p.m.)
Relaxing break at L’Éternel SPA: a 60-minute massage and access to the thermal baths (you’ll receive a coupon for your massage and the baths when you arrive at the park.)

Details:

Package paired with Le Panoramique, Le Point de vue and La Chaumière cabins.

Rates:

$220/pers./2 nights, quadruple occupancy
$300/pers./2 nights, double occupancy

Period: Sunday to Thursday (during regular season) from January 1 to March 25, 2012. Excluding March break.

100% Snow Package

Starting at

$160.00

/pers./2 nights
Quadruple occ.

Take full advantage of winter and the snow! Two-night stay in a cabin with 1 day in the renowned Vallée des Fantômes and one day of alpine skiing at Le Valinouët ski centre.

The package includes:

2 nights at one of the Piedmont cabins
1 day in Vallée des Fantômes (Shuttle transportation from the Discovery and Visitors Centre: 10:30 a.m. Return: 4 p.m.)
1 day of alpine skiing at Valinouët (you will receive a coupon for your tickets to the ski centre when you arrive at the park.)