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 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)

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 16, 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!

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)

Very similar to meta skis, this 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, whether children or adults. They allow faster off-track displacement than snowshoes. Experience this new snow toy, which was apparently inspired by a thousand-year-old activity practiced in the Altaï Mountains.

For rent at the Discovery and Visitors Centre: $21/day. Call 418 674-1200 to reserve your equipment.

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

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

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 2012

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.

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 2012

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:

• 2012 Season
• June 15 to July 2, 2012 (Chaumière, Panoramique and Point de vue cabins)
• June 15 to August 2, 2012 (Boréal, Muse and Sauvagine cabins)
• 2013 Season
• June 14 to July 1, 2013 (Chaumière, Panoramique and Point de vue cabins)
• June 14 to August 2, 2013 (Boréal, Muse and Sauvagine cabins)

Fishing Plan (in French only)

Fishing Statistics

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

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

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

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)