7 Unreal Places To Hike In Quebec This Fall
Fall is great for outdoor adventures because it's not too hot to die from a heatstroke nor too cold that you can't feel for body anymore. You might have been hiking this summer but when it's Fall the scenery is totally different because the leaves change colors.
READ MORE: The Best Places To Hike In And Around Montreal
If you don't want to hike alone, choose a friend that will be a good company to you and decide a place you both want to go for a hike:
1. Parc national de la Gaspésie
Photo Cred - @lysandremv
This place offers different trails length : 1 to 17 km so if you're a beginner or an expert you'll be able to find something that you'll like. While you hike you can see high barren peaks, glacial cirques and even signs of wildlife.
It has only 2 easy trails and the rest of them are intermediate or difficult. For the difficult trails, you really need a good pair of hiking boots because they have a lot of steep inclines that go through a lot of rocky areas. You must be prepared physically and be ready to face any weather condition because when you go to the mountaintop there are no more trees or terrain to protect you. Also, remember that water is essential even if you decide to hike for less than an hour. By staying hydrated, you will have more fun and won't end up being sick.
2. Parc national des Grands-Jardins
This park is definitely one of the best places to hike since it has the privilege of forming one of the core zones of the Charlevoix Biosphere Reserve, a status granted to the region by UNESCO. Also, the trail can satisfy all categories of hikers with its 30 km and you can witness a lot of beautiful landscapes: taiga, tundra, deciduous forest, boreal forest, and mountain vegetation.
And while you're there, do not forget to visit the Mont du Lac-des-Cygnes. It's really worth it because you'll be able to see the Charlevoix meteorite crater!
3. Vallée Bras-du-Nord
If you want to have a day to think and enjoy breathtaking viewpoints, the Vallée Bras-du-Nord’s pathways are the place for you. This park, near Quebec city, has more than 80 km of short and long trails. From beginner to expert, this place is for everyone. Yes, even your dog is allowed. Also, most people recommend spending more than one day because there's just so much to do.
Since their trails are long it might be normal to bring food, but pack lightly and please, do not leave trash when you leave.
4. Parc national du Mont-St-Bruno
This national park has many trails that circle those lakes: Lac Seigneurial, Lac des Bouleaux, Lac des Atocas, Lac du Moulin and Lac de la Tortue.
If you wish to have a more rustic experience, the 3.5 km trail is the one. Or for a shorter hike, there's also a 1,5 km loop in the same circuit.
It has 6 trails paths and they are pretty easy except for one, which is the Le Montérégien and is approximately 2 hours.
5. Parc National de la Mauricie
This park has many treasures such has untamed nature, magnificent landscapes, and a tranquil environment.
It is located between Montréal and Québec and you can enjoy a day doing whatever you want. A really nice place to escape the smog of downtown Montreal since it offers for a deep breath of clean, fresh air. If you plan on spending the day at Parc national de la Mauricie, don't forget to bring comfortable clothes that you can add or remove easily and even wear sunscreen to protect your skin.
6. Parc national du Mont-Tremblant
Photo Cred- @jjfenton77
Parc national du Mont-Tremblant is like entering a new world. It is the largest and oldest park with a huge variety of mammal species.
It has a lot of hiking trails with 3 differents sectors:De la Diable Sector, De la Pimbina Sector and L’Assomption Sector, and Each sector offers many trails for different levels.
7. Parc National du Bic
Photo Cred - @jenmicho
What makes this park truly unique is its capes, bays, coves, islands, and mountains. Spending a day hiking there will allow you to relax and have a lot of fun. You can see seabirds nest, really rare plants and one of the world's most beautiful sunset, so do not forget to bring your camera.
This park has 11 trails and 2 that are accessible at low tide. The longest trail, and for beginners, is 9,4 km long and last 3 hours.
