
Photo: Great Canadian Trails
Day 1 Arrive Baie-Saint-Paul to Squirrel Hut (transfer + approx. 4.2 km)
You’ll be picked up this morning from either your accommodation in Baie-Saint-Paul, the bus station or the train station for your transfer to the trail office. After a quick briefing, you’ll hit the trail to Lac-de-l’Écluse, where your luggage will be waiting for you.
Day 2 Squirrel Hut to Marmot Hut (approx. 14.9 km)
Enjoy a hike on downhill slopes and take in the magnificent views of fir and spruce trees, as well as a fabulous view over the edge of an impact crater. There’s an alternative route option available that’s slightly more demanding, but it’s highly recommended for the fantastic views.
Day 3 Marmot Hut to Owl Hut (approx. 10.5 km or 19.4 km option)
It’s strongly recommended to ascend the extra nine kilometres to the top of Mont de la Noyée (based on weather) – the view is incredible! Descend and follow the trail to the Owl Hut.
Day 4 Owl Hut to Blue Jay Hut (approx. 20.6 km)
Although you’ll be covering a long distance, it’s mostly downhill! The route offers amazing views, bridge crossings and the imposing trees of Grands-Ormes Ecological Reserve. Head slightly uphill for amazing views of the Acropole-des-Draveurs and Mont Félix-Antoine-Savard, then continue on to Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park, where you’ll be for the next two hiking days.
Day 5 Blue Jay Hut to Coyote Hut (approx. 15.7 km)
Enjoy a gradual uphill climb today. Follow the Malbaie River, then continue along Ruisseau Chouinard, which leads to some gorgeous panoramic lookouts of the valley.
Day 6 Coyote Hut to Sparrowhawk Hut (approx. 19.7 km)
Hike along former forestry paths and keep your eye out for a beaver dam – the patient hiker may even get a glimpse of its resident!
Day 7 Sparrowhawk Hut to Mont Grand-Fonds trailhead (approx. 10.3 km)
Head to Mont Grand-Fonds, the exit point of the unforgettable Traversée de Charlevoix. You’ll be picked up here and transferred either to Baie-Saint-Paul or La Malbaie.

Photo: Great Canadian Trails