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 77 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.

Exclusive! Order your food before your stay: Happy-Yak's ready-to-eat meal.

Period: mid-December to the beginning of April

Table of trails

Suggested backcountry circuits

Table of distances (in French only)

Further information

Passenger transport schedule

GPS location (in French only)

The scenery is simply magnificent at the foot of the imposing highland! There are classic hiking trails ranging from 2 to 12 kilometres in length, and circuits showcasing alternating lakes and mountains, where you can admire snowy landscapes and barren rock walls.

Six kilometres from the Discovery and Visitors Centre, the Piedmont heated rest stop, perched on a hill offering a superb panorama of the mountain, is the perfect spot for a well-deserved break.

Trail maintenance is guaranteed in high season only, i.e. daily during Christmas and New Year holiday periods and school breaks, and on weekends.

Period: December to March (depending on the snow conditions)

Table of trails

Season pass and booklet

Two attractive and affordable formulas: the season pass and a booklet of 12 day passes that you can share are valid in the Sépaq network’s 8 cross-country skiing centres. Obtain them on site. The booklet is also available online. Find out more

Day Passes

Day passes are available on the site or online either the day before or the day of your cross-country skiing outing.

Special rate after 3 p.m.

At the end of a very busy day, you can hit the cross-country ski trails at a special price.

Staying with Us? Free Cross-Country Skiing!

This winter, access to the cross-country skiing trails is free for customers staying at Sépaq-network cross-country skiing centres. Present your booking confirmation at check-in to get your ski tickets. Tickets valid on your day of arrival, throughout your stay and on your day of departure. Tickets may only be used at the establishment at which you are staying.

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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)

Further information

Passenger transport schedule

GPS location (in French only)

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, Contrée des Momies (Pic-de-la-Hutte sector), and our mountain accommodations. Three caterpillar track vehicles are 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 more departures to two destinations: Vallée des Fantômes (baie d'Alexis sector) and Contrée des Momies (Pic-de-la-Hutte secteur and Pionnier hut). Ask about possible itineraries for a memorable day on the mountain trails or a cabin or hut stay.

Book your place at 1 800 665-6527.

Period: December 16, 2016 to March 26, 2017

Passenger transport schedule

Nature lovers appreciate the park’s hiking trails, which are worth discovering! They give hikers a chance to keep exploring new aspects of Monts Valin and offer a variety of different views of the region. The trails vary in length and range in difficulty level from easy to difficult.

Des Pics Hike!

Discover the first hiking circuit on Monts-Valin with over 25 km of trails that literally cross the park from east to west through a variety of landscapes and terrains. Des Pics hike is punctuated by a multitude of peaks, ranging in altitude from 300 to 980 m, and offering magnificent views of the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean region. Welcome to the frontiers of the North!

Accommodations and other services available:

• 2 mountain huts, the Pionnier and the Fantôme
• The new Antoine-Dubuc Lodge, fully equipped with water and electricity
• Car shuttle services (June 9 to October 9, 2017 and June 8 to October 8, 2018) and baggage transport

Period: June to October

Table of trails

Long circuit suggestions

Baggage Transport

Rivière Valin offers canoers an opportunity to admire 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 who help make this site a real hidden treasure!

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

Canoe-Camping (in partnership with ZEC Martin-Valin)

The territory of Parc national des Monts-Valin is adjacent to that of ZEC Martin-Valin. A huge river system links Lac Martin-Valin, located in the park, to Lac Jalobert in the ZEC. Between the two, a series of lakes and rivers offer great potential for canoe-camping circuits of 2 to 7 days.

The major part of the network is found within the boundaries of the ZEC. Five canoe-camping circuits are available on its territory. These circuits are marked, maintained and generally have tent platforms and pit toilets (on certain sites). These circuits are classified as beginner to advanced intermediate. It takes a 2- to 3-night stay to complete them.

Visit the ZEC Martin-Valin Web site for more information about canoe-camping there: www.zecmartinvalin.com (in French only)

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.

Period: see the Fishing Package with Accomodations

Documentation and 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: June 9 to September 10, 2017

Rates

Day Fishing Plan – 2017

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 9 to September 10, 2017

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.

Period: Mid-June to Mid-October and Mid-December to the end of March

See the list of wildlife at the park

After a 45-minute Snowcat ride aboard the Fantôme-Express along the picturesque and panoramic Bras-des-Canots Road, you will be dropped off at the foot of Vallée des Fantômes. You will already have noticed a radical change in the environment and snow cover, and this is just the beginning!

After putting on your skis or snow shoes, you’ll head out on a moderate-level 3-km trail with a vertical drop of 320 m, which leads to the summit of Pic Dubuc, the highest point in the area at 984 m. From there, the Mont Vallin massif stretches out as far as the eye can see to the north, the Piedmont Hills and the Saguenay Lowlands to the south, and the fjord and the town of Saguenay in the background. A breathtaking panorama!

The Valley Off-Trail with a Guide

Beginners and seasoned hikers alike are invited to get off the beaten track on their expedition to Vallée des Fantômes. Accompanied by a park warden-naturalist, you’ll explore areas on the periphery of Pic Dubuc with our expert, featuring an itinerary of valleys, rocky headlands and peaks. Posted at Le Fantôme warming hut, the park warden-naturalist awaits interested visitors several times a week and on weekends. This outing is a great addition to any visit to Vallée des fantômes. The off-trail activity is free (excluding shuttle fees and park entry fee) and is adapted to the weather and skills of that day’s participants.

Welcome to Antoine Dubuc’s House!

When you return to the foot of the valley, a surprise will be waiting for you! You’re invited to the Antoine-Dubuc Lodge, about 500 m away. This is where the Fantôme-Expresse will come pick you up to drive you back to the Discovery and Visitors Centre.

This big log cabin, classified as a heritage building, was built in the early 1950s by Antoine Dubuc, son of Julien-Édouard-Alfred Dubuc from the Chicoutimi Pulp Mill. In collaboration with Le Pulperie de Chicoutimi – musée régional, the building was completely renovated in the summer of 2013. For the benefit of park visitors, during the day the lodge serves as a base camp for visitors to Vallée des Fantômes and surrounding area. What could be better than the warmth of a fireplace and a hot or cool drink and a snack after an expedition like this!

At night, the lodge becomes an upscale cabin for hikers, with a fully-equipped kitchen, two full bathrooms, two big living rooms with a fireplace and a magnificent view of Baie d’Alexis in Lac aux Canots.

This winter, discover the Land of Mummies! Exploring the Pic-de-la-Hutte sector is well worth the effort, especially if you’ve already visited Vallée des Fantômes and you’re an experienced skier or snowshoer looking for challenges!

The Fantôme-Express shuttle takes you straight to the Land of Mummies. It leaves from the Discovery and Visitors Centre and drops you off at Lac des Pionniers (Pic-de-la-Hutte sector), the location of the trailhead.

Peaks with breathtaking views, invaded by strange creatures. You have four different trails to choose from. In this area, there are five warming huts where you can take a break from the cold.

Choice of Trails

La Traversée (snowshoeing and backcountry skiing)
Kill two birds with one stone on this trail, which takes you into both the Pic-de-la-Hutte and Vallée des Fantômes sectors. From Lac des Pionniers to Vallée des Fantômes along the trail linking the Pionniers hut to Vallée des Fantômes. Return to the Vistors Centre in a tracked shuttle.

The Hauteurs Trail (Snowshoeing)
A descent for snowshoers who’ll love the amazing panoramas along this high-altitude trail! From Lac des Pionniers to the Visitors Centre via the Pics De-la-Hutte, Grand-Corbeau and Tête-de-chien peaks.

La Coulée-douce Trail (snowshoeing and backcountry skiing)
A beautiful and easy trek in the forest! From Lac des Pionniers to the Visitors Centre via Pic-de-la-Hutte and the Ulysse hut trail.

Des Braves Descent (snowshoeing, backcountry skiing or alpine touring)
The Couloir de l’Est trail is renowned among fans of telemark and alpine touring. Find out for yourself! From Lac des Pionniers at the Visitors Centre via the Couloir de l’Est trail and the Piémont trail network.

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, 2016 to May 31, 2017

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 ...