Access to nature is not often free in Quebec. Hiking enthusiasts, however, have options for wearing out the soles of their boots without spending a penny. Here are some suggestions for parks and hiking spots with no entry fees or parking fees.
* Note that these outdoor networks are often maintained by volunteers. Donations are welcome.
1. The Marais de la Rivière aux Cerises, Eastern Townships
Photo taken from the Marais de la Rivière aux Cerises Facebook page
In this marsh located between Magog and the Mont-Orford national park, you will discover 5 km of trails on stilts or on gravel for summer hiking. On the Pioneer Trail, for example, you will overlook the wetland of the marsh for almost 2 km and can climb an observation tower. The gravel trails will take you through a cedar grove and a maple grove. A site accessible to all, including people with reduced mobility.
2. Montagne Noire sector, Saint-Donat, Lanaudière
A mecca for the outdoors, the village of Saint-Donat is surrounded by mountains and hiking trails, many of which are accessible free of charge. This is the case of the Montagne Noire sector, the highest peak in the area with its 875 m. The Intercentre trail allows you to climb to its summit and discover the remains of the Liberator Harry military plane which crashed there in 1943. This hike is difficult and is 12.8 km long, but there are others trails to discover in the area.
3. Les Sentiers de l’Escapade, Montérégie
Pine forest, hemlock grove, maple grove, cedar forest, marshes, viewpoints… It is possible to discover Mont Rigaud in a different way (than by ski) thanks to the Sentiers de l’Escapade, which totals around twenty kilometers of hiking trails. For summer hiking, nine easy or intermediate routes are offered near sugar shacks, heritage sites and stables in the region. A place to explore.
4. The hiking trails of Poisson Blanc regional park, Laurentides
Photo taken from the Poisson Blanc regional park Facebook page
This park with countless desert islands is known for its dreamlike canoe-camping. But you can also make great discoveries on foot since it has 17 km of hiking trails of varying levels. Please note: some routes are only accessible by boat (non-motorized). Choose the Fort mountain trails if you want to access it by road. Memorable views of the reservoir and the Laurentian forest will be on the program.
Please note that camping in the park requires a fee, unlike simple access to the hiking trails.
5. The recreational tourism trail
Côte de Beaupré, Quebec
This tough trail, which is part of the National Trail in Quebec, connects Mont Sainte-Anne to the village of Saint-Tite-des-Caps over 22.2 kilometers (one way). It follows the course of the Sainte-Anne River for a long time and crosses suspension bridges, uneven terrain, canyons and wooded areas. It is possible to only do the “east” section (11.6 km one way) or the “west” section (13.8 km one way). Another option: follow the Jean-Larose Falls trail, a beautiful 4 km loop that leads to a three-tiered waterfall.
6. Gatineau Park, Outaouais
Photo taken from the Gatineau Park Facebook page
Near Ottawa, Gatineau Park has 183 kilometers of summer hiking trails. Among the options for good hikers: the Horizon trail, with numerous viewpoints, or the Lusk marble cavern trail, open to the public. Easy trails with picnic areas will appeal more to families, like those at Sucrerie or Lac-des-Fées.
- Dogs: allowed on most trails, but not on beaches or picnic areas
- Info:
- Please note: some of the park’s parking lots are subject to charges during the high summer season.
7. The Eucher trail, Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean
Easily accessible and free hikes to admire the Saguenay Fjord? WE love! Starting from the Anse-à-Benjamin marina, in La Baie, the Eucher trail offers three different routes dotted with belvederes and viewpoints over the Saguenay. The first portion leads to the Centennial Cross while the other two go to Anse à Poulette and beyond. The courses are 2.9 km, 6.4 km or 12.6 km and are of “medium” or “difficult” level. Gorgeous!
8. The Chic-Chocs wildlife reserve, Gaspésie
Unlike Quebec’s national parks, access to the province’s wildlife reserves is free. This is therefore the case of the legendary Chic-Chocs wildlife reserve, not far from the Gaspésie national park. It only has 5 hiking trails, but not just any hiking trails! The Vallières-de-Saint-Réal, Mont-Hog’s-Back and Blanche-Lamontagne routes, for example, lead to bare summits with incomparable views.
- Dogs: allowed on certain trails, but prohibited where caribou may be present
- Info:
- Please note: the territory is closed to hikers during the hunting season.
9. Le Bois de l’Équerre, Laval
Photo taken from the Bois de l’Équerre Facebook page
For a hike in the Laval urban forest, go to the Sainte-Rose district. Le Bois de l’Équerre has a network of 12.95 km of hiking trails, including 2 km and 4 km circuits. You will cross a sugar maple grove, swamps and a wooded area at least 90 years old. An accessible trail of more than 2.5 km (Kéroul accredited) is also located there. Keep your eyes peeled, the fauna is abundant there with 20 species of mammals and 10 of amphibians and reptiles.
10. The trails of Baie-Sainte-Catherine, Charlevoix
The village of Baie-Sainte-Catherine is located “at the end” of Charlevoix, not far from the ferry leading to Tadoussac and the North Shore. The municipality operates a network of 4 linear trails, which intersect to form different routes over 12 km. Falls, lake, views of the river: you will walk through forest and mountainous terrain. Levels: easy to intermediate.