Parc national des Monts-Valin

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

Snowshoes rental is available at the Discovery and Visitors Centre.

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)

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, 2012 to March 17, 2013 (according to snowfall)

Table of trails

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!

Synthetic skins rental is available at the Discovery and Visitors Centre.

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)

Hok skis are a versatile gear combines the qualities of cross country skis and snowshoes. They are almost exclusively used off track. The bottom of the ski is partially covered with a climbing skin for uphill traction.  It also has a universal binding that fits several kinds of boots. Hok skis are very easy to handle and are therefore perfect for beginners. They allow faster off-track displacement than snowshoes. Experience this new snow toy invented by a Quebecker, which was inspired by a thousand-year-old activity practiced in the Altaï Mountains.

For rent at the Discovery and Visitors Centre. Call 418 674-1200 to reserve your equipment.

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

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.

Book your place at 1 800 665-6527.

Period: from December 21, 2012 to March 24, 2013

Passenger transport schedule

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 2013

Table of trails

Long circuit suggestions

Baggage Transport

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.

Due to the variable flow of Rivière Valin, it may be closed to protect fry-raising sites in the aquatic grass beds. Please call us at 418 674-1200 to find out if the water level is high enough to practice your activity.

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

You can rent canoes by hour, the half day or full day.

Period: June to October

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 24 to September 8, 2013

Day Fishing Plan – 2013

Documentation and statistics

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 14 to September 8, 2013

Documentation and statistics

Explore the twists and turns of Rivière Valin and surf standing up on a board with a paddle (Stand up paddle surfing). Originally a Hawaiian sport, stand up paddle surfing combines surfing and kayaking. This board, designed for calm water, is bigger (longer, wider and thicker), and therefore more stable than traditional surf boards designed for waves. Standing on this big board with paddle in hand, you can test your balance. It’s fast and easy to learn, and guaranteed fun!

Rental includes the board, paddle, water shoes and a life jacket. Wetsuits also available for rent.

Period: June to October

Due to its location "on the borders of the North", Parc national des Monts-Valin is home to a wide variety of plants and animals that can be spotted with a little patience and attention.

The park’s vast wildlife is like the park itself:  discreet and worth getting to know better. Many moose, beavers and other mammals use the park’s territory. All year long, they move between Piedmont and the mountain tops in search of habitats that can meet their needs. By canoe on Rivière Valin or by snowshoes in the Piedmont sector, you might have the privilege of an unforgettable encounter.

Amateur and expert birdwatchers are invited to come discover the park’s ornithological characteristics year-round. Over 130 bird species have been recorded in the park. Click here for the list of bird species (in French only).

Throughout the year, especially in the spring, the mountain climate of Mont Valin greatly influences plant growth.   While there are already leaves in the trees in the lowlands, it’s a totally different story in the area’s mountains. On the summit, the buds of certain tree species are just starting to open, while others are in flowering. The awakening scents and colours of the forest will enchant you. Come experience the least-known season in Parc national des Monts-Valin!

Our park warden-naturalists offer discovery activities on the park’s plant and animal life. See the program (in French only)

Flora and fauna observation and identification guides are available at Boutique Nature.

See the list of wildlife at the park

Experience real nature at Parc national des Monts-Valin.

Winter

Winter activities in the backcountry are addressed to seasoned and experienced hikers who are interested in an authentic experience.

Snowshoeing or skiing in total autonomy, you can discover isolated areas of the park, where you’ll feel like you’re the only person for miles around.

It’s important to steer clear of moose yards at all times. They are mainly in the Piedmont sector.

Winter backcountry area (in French only)

Summer

Access to the backcountry of Parc national des Monts-Valin is only authorized in the winter.

Reservation Terms and Conditions

For permission to enter the backcountry, you’ll need an access permit. See Reservation Terms and Conditions for all the important details.

Access and Parking

The main way into the backcountry is through the park’s main entrance on Rang Saint-Louis. There is a parking lot at the Discovery and Visitors Centre. You can also enter the northern sector of the backcountry from the Valinouët ski station, where parking is also available.

Period: December 1, 2012 to May 1, 2013

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 French only)