Parc national de la Gaspésie

Short Hikes

Hikers can commune with nature on a vast array of trails, sometimes on an easy path in a valley and other times on a stark peak where the park’s mountainous terrain is plain for all to live. Trails stretch from 1 km to 17 km in length, ranging from easy to very difficult.

Period: see the table of trails for detailed schedule

Table of trails

Trail conditions

Mont Jacques-Cartier: an outing to a protected area

Mont Jacques-Cartier is an essential habitat in the main living area of the Gaspésie caribou. To minimize the disturbance of caribou, rules govern access to Mont Jacques-Cartier:

• Going off marked trails is prohibited.
• A shuttle ($) provides liaison between the Mont-Jacques-Cartier Registration Centre and the trail departure (round trip).
• The last shuttle leaves the Mont-Jacques-Cartier Registration Centre at 11:40 a.m.
• Hiking on the Mont Jacques-Cartier trail is authorised only from July 1 to September 30, inclusively.
• Hiking on the trail is authorised only between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

A park warden makes sure theses rules are respected.

See the various transportation services we offer

Backpacking

Check out our offer for backpacking circuits.

Trails map

A 100-km trail crosses the park from Mont Logan to Mont Jacques-Cartier. Escape into majestic landscapes featuring barren peaks soaring over 1,000 m high, and snowfall that persists until mid-summer. The route takes you through moose and caribou habitat and is part of the International Appalachian Trail (Quality Safety Certified). Passenger transportation service is available.

Take note! Long hiking requires rigorous planning and preparation. Consult our preparation guide (in French only) for a long hike for a wide range of relevant information to help you prepare for your next visit.

Periods:

• July 1 to September 30, 2024 (a passenger transportation service is available evey day)

Backpacking circuits

Trails map

The short and long trails of Parc de la Gaspésie offer a mix of technicality and elevation changes that will delight all types of runners. Treat yourself to a variety of running options by boarding one of our daily shuttles that allow you to leave your car at the finish line.

Check out the daily shuttle service. Reservations available at all times.

We recommend that you carry first aid, communication, safety, and geolocation equipment, along with clothing appropriate for the park's mountain climate.

The Ultra-trail des Chic-Chocs is a trail running event organized every year in the park by our partner Choc Événements. Different circuits ranging from 5 km to 160 km are offered. This is an excellent opportunity to run the Chic-Chocs in a safe environment.

Mountain biking or gravel biking is permitted throughout the park at the following locations:

• Secondary roads 11, 14, 16, 110, 146, 160 and 163
• Le Noroît tertiary road between Le Huard hut and Mont Logan
• Service road between Route 11 and La Paruline hut
• Pic-de-l'Aube trail between the Pic-de-l'Aube parking lot and La Mésange hut*.

Cycling on other park trails is prohibited.

*Precisions on the Pic-de-l'Aube trail: this trail is used by both hikers and cyclists. Courtesy and caution should be exercised on this multi-purpose trail. Cyclists must parked at La Mésange hut (bike rack available) and the hike to Pic de l'Aube must be continued by foot.

The western sector of the park is the most suitable for biking. From Huard hut or Village Grande Nature in Saint-Octave-de-l'Avenir, you’ll have access to Le Noroît tertiary road, which is closed to automobile traffic in this sector. You can discover the park in a different way along many kilometres of gravel road.

Canoe rental is available at the Lac Cascapédia campsite reception for navigation on this lake. This type of watercraft is fast and very well suited to long rides on the 4 km lake. For a moment of tranquility, rent a canoe at Mont-Jacques-Cartier registration centre and head over Lac à Pierre.

If you have your own watercraft, you can explore the following park lakes:

• Western sector: Lac Cascapédia, Lac Paul and Lac Noir
• Eastern sector: Lac du Syndicat and Lac à Claude

Periods:

• June 22 to September 15, 2024 (boat rental at Lac Cascapédia)
• July 1 to September 15, 2024 (boat rental at Lac à Pierre in the Mont Jacques-Cartier sector)
• June 8 to October 14, 2024 (non-motorized personal boat)

Technical advices before going canoeing (see the video)

Solo or duo recreational kayak rental is available at the Lake Cascapédia campsite reception for navigation on this lake. These watercrafts are stable and easy to steer. Explore the wild rivers of Lac Cascapédia, ideal for moose watching.

If you have your own watercraft, you can explore the following park lakes:

• Western sector: Lac Cascapédia, Lac Paul and Lac Noir
• Eastern sector: Lac du Syndicat and Lac à Claude

Periods:

• June 22 to September 15, 2024 (boat rental at Lac Cascapédia)
• June 8 to October 14, 2024 (non-motorized personal boat)

Paddle board rental is available at the Lake Cascapédia campsite reception for navigation on this lake. Standing up on a big surfboard, paddle in hand, you can try testing your balance on Lac Cascapédia. It’s fast and easy to learn, and guaranteed fun!

If you have your own watercraft, you can explore the following park lakes:

• Western sector: Lac Cascapédia, Lac Paul and Lac Noir
• Eastern sector: Lac du Syndicat and Lac à Claude

Periods:

• June 22 to September 15, 2024 (boat rental at Lac Cascapédia)
• June 8 to October 14, 2024 (non-motorized personal boat)

Pedal boat rental is available at the Lake Cascapédia campsite reception for navigation on this lake. Your family will enjoy unforgettable moments on one of our pedal boats. Astonishing sightings are guaranteed! Keep your eyes peeled and discover the wonders of  your natural surroundings!

Period: June 22 to September 15, 2024 (boat rental at Lac Cascapédia)

Navigating the Sainte-Anne and Sainte-Anne Nord-Est rivers is authorized under certain guidelines.

Rivière Sainte-Anne

• Section downstream from the junction with Rivière Sainte-Anne Nord-Est (Camping de la Rivière): authorized year-round
• Section upstream from the junction with Rivière Sainte-Anne Nord-Est: authorized year-round, except for the period from July 1 to August 31 (protection of Harlequin ducks)

Rivière Sainte-Anne Nord-Est

• Authorized year round, except for the period from July 1 to August 31 (protection of Harlequin ducks)

Please note that, for the period from June 15 to September 30, the presence of salmon fishers requires harmonious cohabitation between users. Consult the guide of good practices (in French only) for anglers and paddlers of Rivière Sainte-Anne, jointly put together by Sépaq, Destination Chic-Chocs, and the Fédération de canot-kayak du Québec.

Launching and disembarking of watercraft must be done at the appropriate locations. See the map of the canoe circuit (to come).

See also the map-guide of the Rivière Sainte-Anne canoe route (in French only) for launching locations and rapids classification (to come).

Three lakes are available for day fishing. A boat is provided on every lakes. Anglers can fish for speckled trout and arctic charr. A provincial fishing licence and a fishing right of access are mandatory. Find out more at the registration centre.

The daily catch and possession limit per angler on these bodies of water is:

• Arctic char: 2
• Speckled trout : 7 (administrative catch and possession limit) and including a maximum of 2 arctic char

Period: June 8 to September 2, 2024 (or until quotas are reached)

Regular and high seasons dates

Rates

Day Fishing Plan – 2024

Practical guide for apprentice enthusiasts

Book

Fishing buffs will appreciate the cold waters of Lac Cascapédia that are ideal for fishing speckled trout and Arctic char. A provincial fishing licence is mandatory.

The daily catch and possession limit per angler on these bodies of water is:

• Arctic char: 2
• Speckled trout : 7 (administrative catch and possession limit) and including a maximum of 2 arctic char

Period: see the Fishing Package with Accomodations

Book

Are you a fan of salmon fishing? In the upstream sector of Rivière Saint-Anne, salmon fishing is practised from June 15 to September 30. You can fish with waders or from a canoe. A variety of fishing packages with a guide and accommodation are available. Reserve with Destinations Chic-Chocs inc. (in French only)

Against the backdrop of a winter wonderland, snowshoe buffs can enjoy many trails in the park and on the territory of Réserve faunique des Chic-Chocs.

Period: December 1 to April 30, depending on snow conditions

Outside this period, when snow cover is sufficient, snowshoeing is permitted only on the day trails identified. No off-trail or long-distance snowshoeing is permitted in the Grande-Cuve or Mur des Patrouilleurs sectors.

Snowshoes rental is available at the Mountain School from December 27, 2024, to April 13, 2025. Reservation by phone at 1-800-665-6527.

Table of trails

Map of winter trails (in French only)

For fans of backcountry skiing, different circuits are marked but not groomed. These trails allow you access to more remote areas in the park.

Period: December 1 to April 30, depending on snow conditions

Outside this period, when snow cover is sufficient, snowshoeing is permitted only on the day trails identified. No off-trail or long-distance backcountry skiing is permitted in the Grande-Cuve or Mur des Patrouilleurs sectors.

Backcountry ski rental is available at the Mountain School from December 27, 2024, to April 13, 2025. Reservation by phone at 1-800-665-6527.

Table of trails

Map of winter trails (in French only)

Parc national de la Gaspésie offers 3 groomed cross-country ski trails. The park receives over 3 meters of snow annually, making for excellent conditions all winter long.

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

Tracks are set and packed depending on the snow conditions (irregular schedule).

Table of trails

Map of winter trails (in French only)

Consult our Skiing the peaks of Gaspésie section for all the informations about mountain skiing.

Within a fifteen-kilometre radius of the Discovery and Visitors Centre, a variety of daily options for alpine touring skiing, snowboarding and telemark skiing are available within the park and in Réserve faunique des Chic-Chocs. However, there are few, if any, marked trails in the off-trail skiing sectors. You are responsible for your own navigation and safety. You can consult the Avalanche Québec website for more details and dowload the Ski Haute-Gaspésie app.

Period : December 1 to April 30, depending on snow conditions

Alpine touring ski equipment and intervention material for avalanche are available for rent at the Mountain School from December 27, 2024, to April 13, 2025. Reservation by phone (1-800-665-6527) is mandatory at least 24 hours in advance.

Guided activity - Introduction to mountain skiing

Is this your first mountain skiing experience or your inaugural visit to the Chic-Chocs mountains? This introductory session will provide an introduction to mountain safety. The experienced guide provided by our partner, Ski Chic-Chocs, will accompany you all day long to ensure a safe and memorable outing. Details

Long-distance backcountry skiing enthusiasts can take advantage of over a hundred kilometers of marked trails, offering itineraries from 2 to several days, with overnight stays in mountain huts.

A baggage transport service between huts facilitates movements. Hut and baggage transport service reservations can be made by phone only at 1-800-665-6527.

Take note! Long winter hiking requires rigorous planning and preparation. Consult our preparation guide (in French only) for a long winter hike for a wide range of relevant information to help you prepare for your next visit. 

Periods: 

• December 27, 2024 to April 13, 2025: access to huts
• January 10 to March 23, 2025: baggage transportation service

Backcountry ski rental is available at the Mountain School from December 27, 2024, to April 13, 2025. Reservation by phone at 1-800-665-6527.

Backcountry circuits

Map of winter trails (in French only)

Our groomed fatbike trails run alongside our cross-country ski trails. Accessible trails are shared with other users. Courtesy is important. Consult the code of conduct for a safe and harmonious practice with other users.

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

Tracks are set and packed depending on the snow conditions (irregular schedule).

Table of trails

Map of winter trails (in French only)

Treat yourself to a fabulous journey in this typical setting of the Gaspé mountain range, a world without infrastructure, visitor facilities, or services. You can break out of your comfort zone and have a true wilderness experience at your own pace.

Backcountry areas were established to foster an experience in close collaboration with nature, while ensuring that such activities don’t interfere with the Gaspésie caribou. The territory features the steep slopes and deep valleys typical of the Chic-Chocs, so a backcountry expedition calls on specific skills and physical abilities enabling you to change and grow in tune with your unique inner self.

Summer

The summer zone allows for one-day explorations in the Chic-Chocs mountain range and is located in the center of the park, east of Lac Thibault and west of Middle Mountain.

Summer backcountry area (in French only)

Period: May 1 to November 30

Important: No overnight stays in the backcountry are permitted during summer.

Winter

The territory offers a vast playground to get off the beaten track. The backcountry area is located in the centre of the park, between Lac Thibault and Ruisseau de la Grande Fosse.

Winter backcountry area (in French only)

Period: December 1 to April 30

Winter camping is permitted in the backcountry during winter. Overnight fees apply. See reservation terms and conditions.

Reservation Terms and Conditions

To go into the backcountry, it is mandatory to have an access permit. See reservation terms and conditions for all the important details.

Access and Parking

The Gaspésie Massif, composed of the Chic-Chocs and McGerrigle mountains, supports a variety of plant communities. From balsam fir to yellow birch to alpine tundra, these ecosystems are home to many animal species.

Here are some observation tips:

• Atlantic Salmon
• Birds
• Moose
• Caribou

Check out or program of discovery activities, presented outdoors or at the Discovery and Visitors Centre by our dynamic team of park warden-naturalists.

See the list of birds and mammals (in French only) to learn about other species that live in this magnificent mountainous territory.

Period: year-round

Cohabitation with vulnerable or threatened species

We ask for your cooperation to ensure a harmonious cohabitation between visitors and the wildlife present on the territory. It is essential to preserve the peace and quiet of the various species by keeping a safe distance from them, especially those considered vulnerable or threatened, such as caribou. These species are very sensitive to disturbance and any situation that could lead to an interaction with humans must be avoided.

Ice-climbers can access the waterfalls overlooking Rivière Sainte-Anne on the west side of Mont Macoun, within the park's off-trail zone. Please note, however, that no physical facilities (trail, parking, shelter) are provided. You must be able to find your way around on your own.

Period: December 1 to April 30, depending on conditions.

Le plateau du mont Albert est une oasis exceptionnelle et précieuse au cœur de l’immensité boréale du massif gaspésien. Un.e garde-parc naturaliste est présent au sommet pour vous faire découvrir un milieu unique au monde! Vous comprendrez alors l’origine, la beauté et l’unicité de ce milieu extraordinaire.

Détails :

• À l'abri Les Rabougris, au sommet du mont Albert
• Un ou une garde-parc naturaliste est disponible au sommet pour échanger avec vous aux plages horaires indiquées à la programmation.
• Durée : 20 à 30 min.
• Gratuit

Sans obligation, passez un court moment avec un ou une garde-parc naturaliste devant l’un des plus beaux points de vue du parc : au sommet du mont Ernest-Laforce! Le paysage vous sera dévoilé et vous ressortirez enchanté de cet échange sans prétention.

Détails :

• Au belvédère du sommet du mont Ernest-Laforce
• Un ou une garde-parc naturaliste est disponible au sommet pour échanger avec vous aux plages horaires indiquées à la programmation.
• Durée : 15 à 20 min.
• Gratuit

Profitez en toute liberté de la présence d'un ou d'une garde-parc naturaliste! Découvrez en quelques instants toute la richesse et l’histoire de l’un des plus spectaculaires cirques glaciaires du Québec, celui du lac aux Américains.

Détails :

• Au bord du lac aux Américains
• Un ou une garde-parc naturaliste est disponible pour échanger avec vous aux plages horaires indiquées à la programmation.
• Durée : 15 à 20 min.
• Gratuit

Il est l'une des raisons d’être du parc national de la Gaspésie, ainsi que l'une des plus grandes spécificités de la région. Tous les efforts doivent être déployés pour sauver cette richesse collective inestimable. Venez découvrir cet ambassadeur, cet allié au destin précaire.

Détails :

• Animation multimédia à l'amphithéâtre du centre de découverte et de services
• Horaire : à 19 h, selon les jours indiqués à la programmation
• Durée : 60 min.
• Gratuit

Du début de la création des Appalaches jusqu’à nos jours, assistez en direct à la formation des monts Chic-Chocs et McGerrigle! Cette activité vous présente la géologie du massif Gaspésien de façon originale. Photos, maquette et échantillons vous permettent de découvrir une autre des richesses du parc national de la Gaspésie.

Détails :

• Animation multimédia à l'amphithéâtre du Centre de découverte et de services
• Horaire : à 19 h, selon les jours indiqués à la programmation
• Durée : 60 min.
• Gratuit

Guidé par un ou une garde-parc naturaliste, ayez le privilège de découvrir l’habitat d’un animal fascinant : l’Élan d’Amérique. Vous comprendrez pourquoi le parc national de la Gaspésie abrite l’une des plus fortes densités d’orignaux au Québec. À travers cette expérience hors des sentiers battus, peut-être aurez-vous la chance de faire sa rencontre?

Détails :

• À l'automne seulement : du 31 août au 5 octobre 2024
• Horaire : les lundis, mercredis et samedis, de 8 h 45 à 11 h 45
• Randonnée guidée de 3 h
• Tarifs:
  
  • Adulte : 30 $
  • Enfant (10 ans et plus) : gratuit lorsque accompagné d’un adulte, excluant les groupes de jeunes (15 $)
• Places limitées, réservation obligatoire
• Information et réservation au 1 800 665-6527
• Prévoyez des bottes de marche et des vêtements adaptés

Comment le mont Ernest-Laforce s’est-il formé? Pourquoi ses forêts sont-elles si particulières et quels animaux les habitent? Guidé par un ou une garde-parc naturaliste, rendez-vous au cœur des montagnes du parc pour découvrir les indices du passé qui influencent encore aujourd’hui l'établissement de la vie autour de nous!

Détails :

• Horaire : selon les disponibilités, départ à 13 h
• Randonnée guidée de 3 h
• Transport inclus
• Tarifs:
  • Adulte : 39,99 $
  • Enfant (10 ans et plus) : gratuit lorsque accompagné d’un adulte, excluant les groupes de jeunes (19,99 $)
• Places limitées, réservation obligatoire
• Information et réservation dans l’un des comptoirs d’accueil ou au Gîte du Mont-Albert
• Prévoyez des bottes de marche et des vêtements adaptés

Pourquoi voyager mille kilomètres plus loin alors que le Grand Nord est à portée de main? Rencontrez un ou une garde-parc naturaliste dans la toundra alpine de la plus haute montagne au sud de la baie d’Ungava : le mont Jacques-Cartier! Vous découvrirez un environnement similaire aux grandes étendues du Nord québécois. Dépaysement garanti! 

Détails :

• À l'abri Éole, au sommet du mont Jacques-Cartier
• Un ou une garde-parc naturaliste est disponible au sommet pour échanger avec vous aux plages horaires indiquées à la programmation.
• Durée : 20 à 30 min.
• Gratuit

Au crépuscule, chevauchez le conte et la légende jusqu’au cœur des Chic-Chocs. Laissez-vous transporter là où notre guide et ses compagnons ont vécu des aventures captivantes. De vraies vacances!

Détails :

• Conte historique autour du feu, au bord du lac Cascapédia
• Horaire : à 20 h, selon les jours indiqués à la programmation
• Durée : 60 min.
• Gratuit

La programmation des activités découverte est offerte par les gardes-parc naturalistes du 22 juin au 5 octobre 2024. Elle est affichée sur les babillards des accueils, aux blocs sanitaires des campings et au départ des sentiers concernés. Comme cette programmation est sujette à des changements de dernière minute, consultez quotidiennement le babillard extérieur du Centre de découverte et de services, mis à jour en cas d’annulation. Bonne découverte!

As a site for conservation and education, national parks are true laboratories in a natural setting. Come to class with our dedicated park wardens or welcome them to your school!

Park educational activities

Elsewhere at Sépaq