By water or bike, or on foot, the Mountain Road (Route des Montagnes) is ideal for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.

This itinerary in the Charlevoix region explores the impressive Laurentians foothills and two of Québec’s most scenic national parks: Grands-Jardins and Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie. On the program: hiking, fishing, boating, agritourism... communing with nature.

Check out the official website for the complete route.

121 km

The Mountain Road (La Route des Montagnes) is best explored by car or motorcycle. You need to be in excellent shape to travel the route by bike as there are many hills.

Days
10
Destination
1
Activities
18

Regions

Charlevoix
Day 1

The Grands-Jardins, a taste of the Far North

Hiking in Parc national des Grands-Jardins

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This getaway begins with a hike on Mont du Lac des Cygnes. The trail takes four hours, to go and come back (8.6 km). At an altitude of 980 m, the mountain’s summit offers one of the best panoramic views in Charlevoix! Degree of difficulty: difficult.

Discoveries in Parc national des Grands-Jardins

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You’ll need to make a choice in the afternoon, because Parc national des Grands-Jardins offers many discovery activities. Conference, rabaskaw, hiking, astronomy, minibus tour, educational game, rally, initiation to fishing... What will it be?

Day 2

Fun in the park

Via ferrata at Parc national des Grands-Jardins

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With you well secured to the rock face of Mont du Lac des Cygnes, the morning promises to be rich in emotion with via ferrata. Two safe itineraries, equipped with beams, bridges and other suspended walkways, reveal the region’s stunning landscapes.

Randonnée Taïga – parc national des Grands-Jardins

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Get away from it all on this 5-km hike. An expert guide helps us discover various facets of the boreal forest, traces of the last glaciation and the importance of lichen for caribou. Here, it feels like a completely different world!

Day 3

Hiking in Saint-Urbain

Traversée de Charlevoix

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Get ready for a day hike on one of the Traversée de Charlevoix trails. Stretching from 5.2 km to 12 km, these trails allow you to discover the region’s mountain peaks. After the hike, relax in one of the three log cabins at the base.

Day 4

Sport fishing and biking

Discover La Haute du Gouffre

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For hiking enthusiasts, this trail runs along the Gouffre River. It is shared with salmon fishermen and accessible on foot or by bicycle. Friendly dogs on a leash are allowed. Intermediate level of 12.6 km (7.8 mi.).

Day 5

Emu and duck feathers

Ferme Basque de Charlevoix

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If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, it’s probably a duck. And there are lots of them at the Ferme Basque de Charlevoix. Visit the farm to discover how ducks are bred and to buy products at the boutique.

Day 6

A day at Mont des Morios

Hiking on Mont des Morios

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Not well known, the trail that loops around Mont des Morios offers 26 km of hiking pleasure. And the panoramic view from the top of the mountain makes the climb worth it. Rustic camping and hut accommodation are offered. A great discovery!

Day 7

Observing black bears, paddling in the open air

Black bears at the Domaine Le Pic-Bois – Outfitter

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Spend the afternoon at the Domaine Le Pic-Bois outfitter with the black bears. Accompanied by a guide and from the top of a lookout, you can observe and photograph the bears at a distance of less than 20 metres. They’re not big... but well-groomed!

Swimming at the Base de plein air du Lac Nairne

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Everyone in their swimsuit! At the Lac Nairne outdoor recreation complex, you can cool off a bit and go kayaking. Rustic campsites are also available for recreational vehicles, tent trailers and trailers.

Day 8

ATV and tour boat excursions

ATV outing with Paradis du Quad

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This is like paradise for ATV enthusiasts. A package with a guide allows you to discover the massif of the Laurentians. Perfectly groomed trails let you explore landscapes that will remain forever etched in your mind. Helmet and caution are required.

Day 9

A day in the Rivière Malbaie’s mountain valleys

Parc national Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie

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This morning, we lace up our walking shoes for a hike on the Acropole-des-Draveurs trail, one of Québec’s most beautiful and highest (1,048 m) trails. During the climb up, the landscapes change from maple forests to alpine tundra.

Parc national Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie

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This park also offers many discovery activities. Rabaskaw outings at dusk and the activity showcasing the life of log drivers in days gone by are captivating. If not, there’s much more to do, and something for everyone... Bat watching perhaps?

Day 10

Rivière Malbaie and its rapids

Parc national Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie

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Kayak or bike? The Draveur Visitors Centre proposes a 16-km bike route or a kayak excursion on the Rivière Malbaie. Bikes and kayaks can be rented at the equipment rental centre, located 150 metres behind the Draveur Visitors Centre.

Descending the Rivière Malbaie

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Our journey ends with a descent of the Rivière Malbaie in an inflatable canoe, combining thrills with safety. Your descent of the river, with the surrounding mountains towering up to 800 m, will leave you breathless!

Titre
Climb peaks on the Mountain Road
Description

Visit the official website for more information on the Mountain Road and to discover its secrets. The view from above is beautiful!

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