Winter stay in Gaspésie

1. An unrivalled range of outdoor activities

Early in the morning, when the day's schedule is being set, there's an abundance of activities to choose from! Some visitors do just one activity, obsessed by the passion that brought them here. Others want to see everything and, above all, not miss a single thing. The varied offer is also very popular with group travelers and families, so there's something for everyone.

Here are three favourite activities with very different aims!

Mountain skiing: the ultimate experience for beginners and experts alike

In the vicinity of Gîte du Mont Albert, you'll find a multitude of accessible and varied zones dedicated to moutain skiing. Mont Ernest-Laforce, an intermediate-level sector, is an ideal place to begin. It's easy to get around, whether you're alpine touring or snowboarding. The 360-degree view from its treeless summit is simply awesome! Mont Albert’s renowned Mur des patrouilleurs and La Grande-Cuve, for their part, will welcome enthusiasts whose experience enables them to enjoy the more rigorous adventures these sites have to offer. 

Parc national de la Gaspésie on two wheels

Here's a winter novelty worth exploring: three dedicated fatbike trails, ranging in length from 4 to 17 km. Curious neophytes can rent equipment on site, including electric models that will be much appreciated by those who opt for the steeper trails.

Our favourite fatbike experience: discovering and re-discovering Lac aux Américains. Fabulous! This 8-kilometre, 460-metre climb culminates in the glacial cirque of Lac aux Américains, right at the foot of Mont Xalibu and Mont Joseph-Fortin. A stunning viewpoint well worth the effort to attain it!

Mont Olivine: a legendary hike 

Also in the heart of magnificent Parc national de la Gaspésie, this renowned mountain is described by many as offering the most beautiful panorama in the Chic-Chocs. The ascent, which starts at Ruisseau Isabelle parking lot for an intermediate-level 8.8 km hike, leads to an earthly paradise. The adventure can also begin right from Gîte du Mont Albert if a few additional kilometres represent no undue strain. When you reach the bare summit, you're treated to a magnificent view of Mont Albert!

At the heart of Mother Nature’s infinite realm, the hike offers a variety of options for the return trip; if retracing your steps isn’t the ticket, an hour's extension takes you along Lac du Diable, by way of De la Serpentine shelter and the aforementioned legendary Mur des Patrouilleurs lookout. More experienced hikers can continue on to La Grande Cuve, for an advanced 17-kilometre hike.

Passionate professionals for a safe experience

Another feature of Gîte du Mont Albert is the Parc national de la Gaspésie mountain school, offered in partnership with Ski Chic-Chocs. Looked after from A to Z by the school’s certified guides, you'll learn the rudiments of mountain skiing in the blink of an eye. Demystifying the equipment, assimilating the basics of safety, and discovering the tricks of an optimal backpack – even the most experienced mountain skiing enthusiasts have found it great to review certain practices that make all the difference, especially when a cellular network isn't available and emergency services aren't close at hand.

Mountain school guides offer a wealth of knowledge and opportunities. All the required alpine touring equipment, including avalanche safety gear, is available right on site. This way, an outing that reflects your heart’s desire is very accessible indeed. Please note that the Mountain School does not offer guided outings, except for the introductory activity.

Regal comfort at the heart of a larger-than-life territory

Whether you opt for one of the Gîte's cabins or for the hotel itself, you're entitled to the ultimate in comfort and the many services offered on site. Because above and beyond a day in the great outdoors, the after-outing features and the quality of the indoor facilities are key elements of a successful winter getaway. The fireplace and mountain ambience, the sauna, the restaurant, and everything you need to dry your gear on site (wood stove in the cabin and boot and glove dryer at the Auberge) are sure to knock your socks off as the experience unfolds. 

Gastronomy and local produce

The restaurant at Gîte du Mont Albert offers a divine combination of the great outdoors and fine dining that’s guaranteed to exceed all expectations. With a cuisine that showcases Québec producers through regional culinary art, the meals on offer are created from quality produce picked, raised, or fished locally. You can stop by for lunch or dinner, and a box lunch service for mid-day meals is even available.

The restaurant's little offshoot, the Gîte bistro-bar, offers a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for ending a busy day outdoors. Here, guests gather over a beer or cocktail, recounting the day's adventures and planning the next stage of their stay. A fresh and tasty bistro menu is available on site, also concocted with a local touch.

Here’s a hot tip: The cabin option allows you to combine local gastronomy with home-cooked meals, thanks to a fully equipped kitchen!