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 see. 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

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 and the best place to observe this mammal.

The following rules govern access to Mont Jacques-Cartier:

• Going off marked trails is prohibited
• Hiking on the Mont Jacques-Cartier trail is authorised only from July 1 to October 10, inclusively
• Hiking on the trail is authorised only between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Departures are not permitted after noon.

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

Rent a canoe and explore Lac Cascapédia. This type of watercraft is fast and very well suited to long rides on the 4 km lake. In addition, it has significant cargo capacity to carry, among other things, a picnic. 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 other lakes. Head over to Lac Paul or Lac Claude to check out typical park landscapes.

Periods:

• June 23 to September 5, 2022 (boat rental)
• June 3 to October 10, 2022 (non-motorized personal boat, depending on the lakes)

Technical advices before going canoeing (see the video)

Rent a solo or duo recreational kayak, watercrafts that 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 other lakes. Head over to Lac Paul or Lac Claude to check out typical park landscapes. More experienced white water kayakers can travel down Rivière Sainte-Anne before the salmon fishing season begins on June 15, 2022.

Periods:

• June 23 to September 5, 2022 (boat rental)
• June 3 to October 10, 2022 (non-motorized personal boat, depending on the lakes)

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 other lakes. Head over to Lac Paul or Lac Claude to check out typical park landscapes.

Periods:

• June 23 to September 5, 2022 (boat rental)
• June 3 to October 10, 2022 (non-motorized personal boat, depending on the lakes)

Your family will enjoy unforgettable moments on one of our pedal boats. You can pedal along with all your might or simply drift gently near the edge of the lake. Astonishing sightings are guaranteed! Keep your eyes peeled and discover the wonders of  your natural surroundings!

Period: June 23 to September 5, 2022 (boat rental)

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.

Period: June 12 to September 5, 2022 (or until quotas are reached)

Regular and high seasons dates

Rates

Day Fishing Plan – 2022

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.

Period: see the Fishing Package with Accomodations

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 13 trails ranging in length from 1.7 to 18 km in the Discovery and Visitors Centre sector and on the grounds of Réserve faunique des Chic-Chocs.

Periods:

• November 1, 2021, to May 31, 2022 (short hike sectors, except for Grande-Cuve)
• December 1, 2021, to April 30, 2022 (Grande-Cuve)
• December 17, 2021, to April 17, 2022 (long hike sectors)

Snowshoes rental is available at the Mountain School from December 17, 2021, to April 18, 2022. Reservation by phone (1-800-665-6527) is mandatory at least 24 hours in advance.

Table of trails

Map of winter trails

Guided activity - Alpine snowshoeing

Discover an alpine environment of the Chic-Chocs on snowshoes with a guide from our partner Ski Chic-Chocs. You’ll visit areas featuring spectacular lookouts. Details

Short Excursions

For fans of backcountry skiing, we have 8 circuits that are marked but not groomed. These trails allow you access to more remote areas, either in the mountains or along the Sainte-Anne River.

Skiing speed and level of difficulty may vary according to the trail you choose and snow conditions.

Period: November 1, 2021 to May 31, 2022 (depending on snow conditions), except for the Grande-Cuve trail, from December 1, 2021, to April 30, 2022.

Backcountry ski rental is available at the Mountain School from December 17, 2021, to April 18, 2022. Reservation by phone (1-800-665-6527) is mandatory at least 24 hours in advance.

Table of trails

Map of winter trails

Overnight Stay

Backcountry skiing enthusiasts can practice this sport on over 190 km of marked trails. After a few hours out on the trail, why not stop at one of the 17 huts spread out along the network of trails? A baggage transport service between huts facilitates movements. For longer trips, we recommend skiing in groups of at least 3 people. Hut reservations can be made by phone only at 1-800-665-6527.

Period: December 17, 2021 to April 17, 2022

Backcountry ski rental is available at the Discovery and Visitors Centre from December 17, 2021 to April 17, 2022. Reservation by phone (1-800-665-6527) is mandatory at least 24 hours in advance.

Mandatory backcountry circuits

Backcountry skiing important information

Map of winter trails

Parc national de la Gaspésie offers 3 trails of groomed cross-country ski trails. The Mont-Albert sector receives over 3 m of snow annually. It is well-distributed between mid-December and mid-March, making for excellent snow conditions all winter long.

Period: December 17, 2021, to March 20, 2022

Tracks are set and packed every day.

Cross-country ski equipment rental available at the Mountain School from December 17, 2021, to April 18, 2022. Reservation by phone (1-800-665-6527) is mandatory at least 24 hours in advance.

Table of trails

Map of winter trails

You can practice these activities in many off-trail sectors, featuring snow fields and glades. Here, there's no mechanized lifts! But your efforts will be rewarded with a powder quality out of the ordinary.

• Mur des patrouilleurs (Mont-Albert sector)
• Grande-Cuve (Mont-Albert sector)
• Off-trail zone of Ernest-Laforce sector
• Mont Hog's Back (Réserve faunique des Chic-Chocs)
• Mont Vallières-de-Saint-Réal (Réserve faunique des Chic-Chocs)
• Mines Madeleine (Réserve faunique des Chic-Chocs) with a need to sleep in a shelter to access this area

These skiing areas are accessible from Route 299 and 16, 8 to 12 km south of the Discovery and Visitors Centre.

Table of skiing areas (approach walk)

Access to these places requires travel by car and a walk varying between 30 minutes and 3 hours. Depending on your destination and your level of physical fitness, it takes, on average, a little less than an hour for each of these climbs. The difference in elevation varies between 100 and 350 m. Also, get more information about snow conditions and avalanche risks.

Safety in mountain and information about avalanches

High-road ski equipment and intervention material for avalanche are available for rent at the Mountain School from December 17, 2021, to April 18, 2022. Reservation by phone (1-800-665-6527) is mandatory at least 24 hours in advance.

Period: December 1, 2021, to April 30, 2022

Skiing with caribou - Instructions to be followed

Guided activity - Introduction to alpine touring skiing

Is this your first alpine touring 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

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 east of Lac Thibault and west of Middle Mountain. Diverse landscapes provide an authentic connection with nature. In this setting, the white birch fir stand rules. Its trees are often young, tightly packed, and a bit jumbled. Such a stand is also sometimes more open, thus making it easier to move around.

Summer backcountry area (in French only)

Period: May 1 to November 30

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, extending north to south in the park.

Winter backcountry area (in French only)

Period: December 1 to April 30

Ice climbing

Every winter, skilled climbers take spectacular and perilous rocks located in the park. For permission to climb these ice walls, you’ll need an access permit. Refer to Reservation Terms and Conditions for all the details.

Before heading off on an adventure like this, see the Your Security section and the ice climbing safety guide.

Period: depending on ice 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.

Backpacking

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.

Periods:

• La Grande Traversée, at the East of Cascapédia lake
  • July 1 to September 5, 2022: every day
  • September 10 to October 9, 2022: weekends only
• La Grande Traversée, at the West of Cascapédia lake
  • July 1 to October 9, 2022: every day (reservation is mandatory)

Backpacking circuits

Trails map

Observez, récoltez et participez activement à l’inventaire des caribous montagnards sur le plus haut sommet du parc national de la Gaspésie. Venez contribuer aux efforts pour la sauvegarde de cette population unique et menacée de disparition.

Note : cette activité n'est pas offerte pour la saison 2022.

Détails :

• Au mont Jacques-Cartier
• Horaire : l'activité est offerte les mardis et les samedis. Elle débute à 8 h 30 et se termine à 16 h 45.
• Durée : toute la journée
• Tarifs :
  • Adulte : 70 $
  • Enfant : gratuit lorsque accompagné d’un adulte, excluant les groupes de jeunes
  • Enfant de 10 à 17 ans : 35 $
• Prévoyez des vêtements chauds, des bottes de marche, de l'eau et de la nourriture.
• Information et réservation : 1 800 665-6527

Il est l'une des raisons d’être du parc national de la Gaspésie. Il est 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 :

• À l'amphithéâtre du centre de découverte et de services
• Horaire : les mardis, à 20 h
• Durée : 60 min.
• Gratuit
• Animation multimédia et ludique

La forêt boréale, cet écosystème dynamique, est le royaume de sa majesté l’élan d’Amérique. En découvrant une partie de son royaume, vous aurez peut-être la chance de faire sa rencontre.

Détails :

• Rendez-vous au centre de découverte et de services
• Du 27 août au 10 octobre 2022
• Horaire : de 8 h 45 à 11 h 45
• Durée : 3 h
• Tarifs:
  
  • Adulte : 30 $
  • Enfant : gratuit lorsque accompagné d’un adulte, excluant les groupes de jeunes (15 $)
• Places sont limitées, réservation obligatoire
• Information et réservation au 1 800 665-6527
• Prévoyez des bottes de marche

Le mont Albert est une oasis unique au monde. En compagnie d’un garde-parc naturaliste, vous découvrirez pourquoi.

Détails :

• À l'abri Les Rabougris, au sommet du mont Albert
• Durée : 30 min.
• Gratuit
• Prévoyez des vêtements chauds, des bottes de marche, de l'eau et de la nourriture.

Sans obligation, passez un court moment avec un garde-parc naturaliste sur l’un des plus beaux points de vue du parc. Le paysage se révélera et vous ressortirez enchanté de cet échange sans prétention.

Détails :

• Sommet du mont Ernest-Laforce
• Durée : 15 min.
• Gratuit
• Prévoyez un anorak

Profitez en toute liberté de la présence du garde-parc naturaliste, découvrez en quelques instants toute la richesse et l’histoire de l’un des plus spectaculaires cirques glaciaires du Québec.

Note : cette activité n'est pas offerte pour la saison 2021.

Détails :

• Lac aux Américains
• Durée : 15 min.
• Animation postée
• Gratuit

Pourquoi faire mille kilomètres de plus alors que le Grand Nord est à portée de main? La toundra alpine de la plus haute montagne au sud de la baie d’Ungava se dévoilera.

Détails :

• À l'abri Éole, au sommet du mont Jacques-Cartier
• Un garde-parc naturaliste est disponible au sommet pour échanger avec vous entre 11 h 30 et 14 h 30
• Durée : 30 min.
• Gratuit
• Prévoyez des vêtements chauds, des bottes de marche, de l'eau et de la nourriture.

Ce soir, nous chevauchons le conte et la légende jusqu’au cœur des Chic-Chocs. Sur la voix de Prospère Pelletier, laissez-le vous amener là où ils ont vécu des aventures captivantes. De vraies vacances!

Détails :

• À l'accueil du camping du lac Cascapédia
• Horaire : les lundis, à 20 h
• Durée : 60 min.
• Tarifs : gratuit
• Conte et légende

Partez pour une aventure de plus de 100 kilomètres, la grande traversée du parc national de la Gaspésie. Sur le sentier, observez, écoutez et découvrez la nature qui vous entoure. Cette activité de découverte vous permet d’acquérir quelques petits trucs pour mieux profiter de vos prochaines randonnées.

Note : cette activité n'est pas offerte pour la saison 2022.

Détails :

• À l'amphithéâtre du centre de découverte et de services
• Horaire : les jeudis, à 20 h
• Durée : 60 min.
• Animation multimédias
• Gratuit

Il est une des raisons d’être du parc national de la Gaspésie. Venez faire la connaissance, tout en vous amusant, de ce gaspésien unique et bien adapté à son environnement.

Note : cette activité n'est pas offerte pour la saison 2022.

Détails :

• À l'amphithéâtre du centre de découverte et de services
• Horaire : les samedis, à 20 h
• Durée : 60 min.
• Gratuit
• Animation théâtrale

En 1937, personne n'imaginait que le parc national de la Gaspésie abritait autant de phénomènes, d'espèces rares et précieuses comme la prunelle de vos yeux. Durant cette rencontre avec le garde-parc naturaliste, plusieurs des éléments rares et uniques au parc vous sont présentés. C'est donc l'occasion rêvée de les découvrir tout en vous amusant.

Note : cette activité n'est pas offerte pour la saison 2022.

Détails :

• À l'amphithéâtre du centre de découverte et de services
• Horaire : les dimanches, à 20 h
• Durée : 60 min.
• Présentation multimédia et ludique
• Gratuit

La programmation des activités découverte, offerte du 25 juin au 10 octobre 2022, est sujette à changement. Elle est affichée tous les jours dans les « lutrins-découverte » installés au centre de découverte et de services, aux blocs sanitaires des campings et au départ des sentiers concernés. Veuillez les consulter pour l’horaire détaillé. Bonne découverte!

Un garde-parc naturaliste arpente les sentiers du parc à votre rencontre. Soyez à l’affût, il peut être partout. Si vous avez des questions ou si vous désirez simplement mieux connaître l’histoire naturelle de ce territoire, il est là pour vous et c’est gratuit.

Détails :

• Dans les sentiers du parc, activité déambulatoire
• Durée : 15 min.
• Gratuit

Curieux de nature? Vous avez observé quelque chose qui vous intrigue? Une question vous brûle les lèvres? Le garde-parc naturaliste est là pour ça, dans les campings du parc.

Détails :

• Dans les boucles de camping, activité déambulatoire
• Durée : 15 min.
• Gratuit

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 our 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...

Children 17 and under are admitted free of charge to national parks. You can get information, obtain an access authorization or make a reservation by contacting us at parc.gaspesie@sepaq.com. Don't forget to specify the date and place of your visit, the number of students and accompanying persons as well as the full contact details of the school.

Graduate students are also welcome at the park. Come for a day or a longer stay in this natural laboratory, where you can undertake a research project as well. School groups visiting the park as part of a class can obtain free access rights.

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