GASPESIE NATIONAL PARK

Gaspesie National Park, in the centre of the Gaspé Peninsula, is a vast sea of mountains and a paradise for hiking enthusiasts.

Because of the varied climates and morphology of the region, Gaspesie National Park hosts a tremendous diversity of wildlife that is unique to Québec, including the mountain caribou.

The park contains more than 25 peaks that rise above 1,000 metres, several of which are the highest peaks in Quebec. The spectacular scenery of the Chic-Chocs makes this mountain chain a preferred destination for lovers of the great outdoors!

TOUR-DU-MONT-ALBERT HIKE

Distance (round-trip): 17.8 km loop
Time (round-trip): 6-8 hours
Level: Expert
Elevation gain: 870 metres

Mont Albert has a unique ecosystem, with its harsh climate, its alpine tundra and its reddish soil rich in serpentine, a rare orange mineral with a high calcium and magnesium content. The summit is a vast plateau where a herd of caribou can often be seen grazing.

At 17.8 km (6 to 8 hours) and with an elevation gain of 870 metres, the Tour-du-Mont-Albert hike is classified Expert, but it is one that you won't soon forget! It offers a combination of steep climbs, lookout platforms with exceptional views and trails that follow a stream.

The trail climbs steadily right from the start. One third of the way up, the Belvédère de la Saillie lookout platform offers the first spectacular view of the Sainte-Anne river valley below. The trail then continues to rise towards the summit of Mont-Albert, where hikers can take a break at the Rabougris rest stop before carrying on to Belvédère du Versant. An even more scenic but no less difficult trail then follows Ruisseau du Diable through the beautiful Vallée du Diable , where you can take a break at the Serpentine rest stop just before reaching Lac du Diable. The trail then follows Rivière Sainte-Anne back down to the Visitors Centre. This hike is a must if your fitness level allows.

Departing from Gaspesie National Park Discovery and Visitors Centre from mid-June until late September.

MONT JACQUES-CARTIER

Distance (round-trip): 8.2 km
Time (round-trip): 4-5 hours
Level: Difficult
Elevation gain: 465 metres

If you only plan to take one hike in the area, and you are physically fit, it should be Mont Jacques-Cartier. At 8.2 km round-trip, or 4 to 5 hours of hiking, this excursion is perfect for those who want to see wild caribou and who like a challenge. A complete change of scenery guaranteed!

A rocky trail leads straight up to the summit of the second highest peak in Quebec, and an exceptional site for caribou sighting. The summit, which is often snow-covered even in summer, offers a spectacular landscape of alpine tundra at an altitude of over 1,000 m.

At the top, you can take the free "Vivez le Grand Nord" educational hike with a park warden/naturalist, which lasts around 45 minutes (certain days only).

A shuttle leaves the Discovery and Visitors Centre at 9 a.m. (arrival at the trailhead at 10 a.m.). The same shuttle leaves Mont Jacques-Cartier at 4 p.m. (arrival at the Visitors Centre at 5 p.m.). This is a challenging but well-maintained rock trail and has an elevation gain of 465 metres.

Possible from late June to late September. Other departures available from the Mont Jacques-Cartier Campground on Route 16.

LAC-AUX-AMÉRICAINS

Distance (round-trip): 2.6 km
Time (round-trip): 1½ hours
Level: Easy
Elevation gain: 80 metres

If you are travelling with children and are looking for a short hike, we strongly recommend Lac-aux-Américains. At 2.6 km (round trip), this easy hike takes about one hour. Lac aux Américains is located in the centre of a glacial cirque and is an exceptionally beautiful site. A must-see!

Possible from early May to the end of November. Departing from the Lac-aux-Américains parking area on Route 16.

MONT ERNEST-LAFORCE

Distance (round-trip): 4.6 km
Time (round-trip): 2 hours
Level: Intermediate
Elevation gain: 155 metres

This trail, classified Intermediate, is perfect for families who would like to introduce their children to the joys of hiking. At 4.6 km long with an elevation gain of 155 metres, the trail leads to the top of Mont Ernest Laforce, where you will have a spectacular 360° view of Mont Albert and the surrounding mountains. It will take you about 2 hours to complete the loop trail, which begins at the Mont Ernest-Laforce parking lot, in the Monts-McGerrigle sector. Keep your eyes open, you are in the heart of moose habitat!

ECOTOURISM SEA EXCURSION

If you would like to experience an ecotourism sea excursion, Ste-Anne-des-Monts is your destination. For a first contact with the St. Lawrence River and to witness the hauling of waved whelk and rock crab traps, choose the "Discover the St. Lawrence" excursion (duration: 1.5 hr; departing daily at 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.).

Possible from early June to early October, by reservation.