10 of the Best Hiking Trails in Gaspesie National Park
This is the park where in-the-know Quebecois go to play in the mountains. And no wonder, with the incredible Chic-Chocs boasting 25 peaks over 1,000 metres tall. Located on the Gaspé Peninsula, it’s not hard to have a coastal view of the Gulf of St. Lawrence when you get up high. Wildlife is abundant, including special sightings of rare woodland caribou. Gaspésie has so many great hikes it will be hard to choose, so it’s probably best to plan more than one.
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Pic de l’Aube
Lac-Cascapedia
Length: 11.8 km return
Duration: 4 – 5 hours
Elevation Gain: 370 m
Trail Open: June 1 to October 8
This challenging trail up an old logging road takes you through forest paths and alpine tundra before you reach the peak. At the top, pull out your camera for panoramic shots of Pic de l’Aube. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the crystal blue St. Lawrence.
How do I get to the Pic de l’Aube trailhead: The trail begins at the Coupe-Feu parking lot. Keep your eyes peeled for moose as you pass Lac Paul.
Read more: quebecmaritime.ca
Pic-du-Brule
Lac-Cascapedia
Length: 13.2 km circuit
Duration: 4 – 5 hours
Elevation Gain: 430 m
Trail Open: June 1 to October 8
Several stunning lookouts offering glimpses of the Chic-Chocs range and the St. Lawrence valley make this strenuous hike along a forested trail worth the struggle. When you reach some forest fire damage, you’ll know you’re almost at the summit. During blueberry season, bring an empty bag to fill up so you can gorge on this anti-oxidant snack all the way back down the trail.
How do I get to Pic-du-Brule trailhead: This trail departs from the Lac Cascapedia sector (route 11).
Read more: sepaq.com
La Saillie
Mont Albert
Length: 3.4 km return
Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Elevation Gain: 190 m
Trail Open: Year-round
A short, relatively easy hike takes you up to a lookout where you have views of the surrounding mountains and Gite du Mont Albert, the lovely park hotel accommodation.
How do I get to the La Saillie trailhead: Park at the Mont Albert Discovery and Visitor Centre and cross the road to the trailhead.
Read more: sepaq.com
La Chute-Sainte-Anne
Mont-Albert
Length: 1.7 km return
Duration: 30 minutes
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Trail Open: Year-round
This trail winds along the Sainte-Anne River up to a lookout over a waterfall with great views towards the north slope of Mont Albert.
How do I get to La Chute-Sainte-Anne trailhead: Cross the road from the Mont Albert Discovery and Visitor Centre and look for the trailhead.
Read more: sepaq.com
Mont Olivine
Mont-Albert
Length: 11.5 km return
Duration: 4 – 5 hours
Elevation Gain: 450 m
Trail Open: Year-round
A gradual incline takes you up to a treeless ridge with stunning 360 panoramas. Do the loop trail at the top, then relax and eat your fromage sandwich in the Serpentine shelter. This trail is a great choice for snowshoeing in the winter as well, as its one of the few trails that isn’t closed.
How do I get to the Mont Olivine trailhead: Starts from the Mont Albert Discovery and Visitor Centre.
Read more: sepaq.com
La Chute-du-Diable
Mont-Albert
Length: 7 km return
Duration: 3 – 4 hours
Elevation Gain: 120 m
Trail Open: Year-round
If you love waterfalls, this is the trail for you. Wind your way through old cedar forests alongside the Sainte-Anne River. Pass the first falls and continue up to a lookout over Diable (Devil) Falls.
How do I get to La Chute-du-Diable trailhead: Starts across the road from the Mont Albert Discovery and Visitor Centre.
Read more: sepaq.com
Mont Jacques-Cartier
McGerrigle
Length: 8.3 km return
Duration: 4 – 5 hours
Elevation Gain: 465 m
Trail Open: June 24 to September 30, hours between 10 am and 4 pm
At 1,268 metres, Mont Jacques-Cartier is the highest peak in the park. The treed-trail is steep and slow going on a smooth, bedrock trail. Past the side-trail to Lac à René, there are steps cut into the trail that make climbing to the summit to easier. The bare alpine tundra at the top makes it seem like you’re in the far north. The season to hike this trail is short, because it crosses tundra which is home to the caribou, and it’s essential that they aren’t disturbed during their key reproductive periods. Chances are good you’ll see some.
How do I get to the Mont Jacques Cartier trailhead: Take the shuttle from the Mont Albert Visitor’s Centre or walk from the campground, as there’s no parking at the trailhead.
Read more: summitpost.org
Mont Joseph-Fortin
McGerrigle
Length: 9.8 km return
Duration: 4 – 5 hours
Elevation Gain: 490 m
Trail Open: May 1 to November 30
Get your cardio on with this steady uphill climb. If you have time, check out the Falaise (Cliff) side-trail, which leads to fantastic views. The loop trail at the top gives you various options to take some spectacular photos of the never-ending vistas.
How do I get to Mont Joseph-Fortin trailhead: Take Route 16 from the McGerrigle sector.
Read more: sepaq.com
Mont Richardson
McGerrigle
Length: 11.5 km return
Duration: 6 – 7 hours
Elevation Gain: 705 m
Trail Open: May 1 to November 30
Rated as difficult, this is one of the park’s best-kept secrets. The first part of the trail is up the Mont-Joseph-Fortin trail; from there you go down a pass, then on to the Mont Richardson summit, where you will find one of the few places you can get a view of Mont Albert, Jacques Cartier and the McGerrigles.
How do I get to Mont Richardson trailhead: The trailhead can be found at Mont-Joseph-Fortin parking lot.
Read more: sepaq.com
Appalachian Trail
Mont Logan to Mont Jacques-Cartier
Length: Approx. 100 km
Duration: 4 – 6 days (distances of 10-20 km/day)
Elevation Gain: up to 800 m
Trail Open: June 24 to September 30
A must-do for backpackers, this portion of the International Appalachian Trail winds its way through the Chic-Chocs from the quieter, more pristine east end of the park to the more popular west. You’ll pass through high mountain alpine tundra with gnarled conifers, patches of snow and wildflowers, old balsam fir stands and alongside pristine streams and lakes where you might see golden eagles hunting arctic char or speckled trout. Reserve ahead for huts/camping spots and stay on the trails to protect the vegetation. Pack your wind breaker—gusts at the peaks can be strong.
How do I get to Appalachian Trail trailhead: Take the shuttle from the Mont Albert Discovery and Visitor Centre.
Read more: sia-iat.com
Have you hiked these trails in Gaspesie?
Tell us about your favourite below!
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