This text is part of the special Pleasures notebook
Throughout Quebec, hikes are always spectacular in autumn. Some trails in Quebec are sometimes victims of their success, particularly in national parks. Because intense attendance can have an impact on their ecological integrity, but also on the experience lived by all hikers. Too many people on a trail goes a little against what we seek in the open air: tranquility and the feeling of being in harmony with nature. Here is a selection of hiking trails offered in national parks that will take you, off the beaten track, to a serene contemplation of the spectacular beauty of nature.
Charlevoix: Grands-Jardins national park
Any self-respecting hiker has already hiked the sublime linear trail of Mont-du-Lac-des-Cygnes, classified as difficult, which offers a breathtaking panorama of the Laurentian massif and the sea of Charlevois mountains. A little less popular, but representing a similar challenge, the Pioui trail promises, along 10 km, to take you on the ridges, in an environment of peat bogs full of subalpine vegetation. For an easier experience, but just as contemplative, it is the Chouenne trail that hikers will love to discover: at an intermediate level, this one seduces with its sections in the heart of the boreal forest. After a slight drop in altitude of 250 m, it leads to the 730 m high summit, offering striking views over the valley. Its easy access makes it an interesting choice for families.
Quebec region: Jacques-Cartier national park
For several years, the Escarpment trail has been accessible for hiking (it was formerly reserved for snowshoeing). And that’s so much the better: along 11 km, we arrive, after a long section in coniferous forest, on two successive belvederes from where we admire the impressive mountain sides and the meanders of the Jacques-Cartier river below. An equally attractive replacement option: the Scotora trail, classified as difficult due to its length, is a 16 km route, reserved for experienced walkers. After a good section along a stream, it leads to the summit of Mount Andante, at an altitude of 810 m, where the view is simply magnificent. Its positive altitude difference of 400 m is very gradual. Be careful, however: it is only accessible during the week due to work carried out in the park.
Chaudière-Appalaches: Frontenac National Park
The Saint-Daniel sector of the park is to be discovered for its dense deciduous forests which burst into flames in the fall. The most famous — and easiest — of the park’s trails is the Tourbières trail, a 1.6 km loop that can be completed in less than an hour on a boardwalk in the heart of a wetland. Interpretation panels allow you to learn more about its ecosystem. For a longer experience, but just as easy, we will opt for the Littoral, a linear and winding 16 km route which magnificently runs along the Grand Lac Saint-François. Please note, however: both sectors of the park are accessible for hiking until mid-October.
Laurentians: Mont-Tremblant National Park
It is one of the most prolific national parks for hiking with four sectors totaling no less than 82 km of trails. In the Diable sector, good walkers like to take the Centenaire, a 10 km loop which climbs beautiful steep sections in a dense forest environment where large erratic blocks emerge. At the summit, a rocky base allows you to contemplate the Laurentian chain, notably Johannsen Peak and Bagsly Lake. In the same sector, the Roche trail also offers beautiful panoramic views at the summit after a gradual ascent punctuated by eskers and where small climbs and flattened sections alternate. From the belvedere, you can contemplate Mont Tremblant, Lake Monroe below and all the fall magic. This trail can be completed with an intermediate level 7.4 km round trip or a 13.6 km loop via Boulé (service road 15) for a higher level of difficulty. Whichever option you choose, you are sure to be amazed.
This content was produced by the Special Publications team at Dutyrelating to marketing. The writing of the Duty did not take part.