One of the most magical hiking trails in Quebec, the route is located in the mountainous Charlevoix region and at the heart of a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. This rugged trail offers a real challenge for outdoor enthusiasts through untouched wilderness and a beautiful forest environment as you make your way along six back country huts that line the Trail.
Duration: 7 days
Activities: 7 days self-guided hiking
Accommodation: 6 nights multi-share basic huts
Meals: 6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners
What’s included
What’s not included
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
Self-guided walking requires individuals to use problem-solving skills, to be adaptable and to have a keen eye. It’s recommended that individuals are comfortable reading a map and referring to route notes, while having a good sense of direction (or are willing to work on improving this!)
Sometimes route finding, losing your way, finding it again and asking the locals for help are all part of the adventure. If you’ve never been on a self-guided trip, you will get the hang of it after the first couple of days – as the vast majority of first-time travellers with Great Canadian Trails attest.
Please be assured that written material issued to you by Great Canadian Trails for route finding is updated regularly. Great Canadian Trails provide local contact information in the event of any problems. There is a certain level of the unknown that comes with self-guided trips. However, potential problems can be averted with a methodical approach. The freedom of a self-guided trip is something that, once experienced, is sought time and time again.
Expertise: Their team is comprised of actual hikers and cyclists who have explored or live in the region in which you will be travelling.
Great value: Quality services at the best price make their adventures great value for money.
ECO friendly: They are committed to responsible travel and true sustainability. They aim to “leave no trace” in both an environmental and cultural sense.
