Sous un ciel bleu éclatant, une femme se tient debout à un point d’observation d’un sentier de randonnée du parc du Massif du Sud et observe la vue sur une forêt immense et montagneuse.

What kind of hiker are you?

Are you looking for an adrenaline rush or tranquility, thrills or a chance to commune with nature? We’re confident you’ll find more than one trail that fits your personality and what you’re looking for. Hiking enthusiasts: it’s time to find out what kind of hiker you are!

Under a clear blue sky, a group of people walk along a beautiful sandy beach dotted with seaweed, against the backdrop of the red cliffs at Dune-du-Sud.
Under a blue sky, two people stand on a wooden observation deck at the top of a mountain, looking out over the mountainous landscape stretching to the horizon.

Ready to tackle high elevations?

Are you the type who’s always aiming higher? For you, a beautiful landscape has to feature a tall mountain? Your stamina and perseverance are unmatched when it comes to reaching the best lookout points?

You’re definitely an alpine hiker. You’re in for a treat: our tallest accessible peaks range from 800 to 1,646 metres. You’ll feel a surge of adrenaline when you tackle one of the four big challenges awaiting you.

Mont D’Iberville

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Are you familiar with the highest peak in Québec—and even in all of eastern North America? Mont D’Iberville, located in the Parc national de Kuururjuaq, stands 1,646 metres high. From up there, the views over the Rivière Koroc and its northern shores are unbeatable—and worth every ounce of effort made on a guided expedition.

Dubuc peak

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At 984 metres, Dubuc peak overlooks Parc national des Monts-Valin, the foothills and the Saguenay lowlands to the south. With its elevation gain and 12-kilometre round trip, the Dubuc trail is considered intermediate or difficult, depending on your starting point. As you hike up the region’s highest accessible mountain, you’ll be able to spot the fjord and the city of Saguenay in the distance.

Mont Gosford

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Mont Gosford, the highest peak in southern Québec at 1,193 metres, offers 40 kilometres of magnificent hiking trails. The summit route is sure to challenge you with its 15.4 kilometres—or 17.7 if you choose the full loop—but the payoff is a stunning, breath‑stealing panorama, made even better if you take on the observation tower for one last push.

Mont du Midi

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This mountain’s name refers to the steep slope that keeps anyone standing at its base from seeing the sun during the day—except at noon (“midi”) when it reaches its zenith. At 915 metres, Mont du Midi is the highest peak in the Massif du Sud and the southern part of the Monts Notre-Dame. You’d best be in good shape because, with a 16-kilometre round trip along a river and rocky cliffs, this hike is classified as difficult. Word has it, though, that the stunning views will make you forget your leg cramps altogether!

L’Acropole-des-Draveurs

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The legendary Acropole‑des‑Draveurs trail, located in the Parc national des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie, features an elevation gain of 800 metres over 11.2 kilometres (round trip), making it a true challenge for seasoned hikers. But the view from the summit is well worth the effort, as it offers a bird’s-eye view of the valley and Rivière Malbaie that will leave you utterly speechless.

Looking for a thrill?

Vertigo isn’t in your vocabulary? You thrive at heights and swear by aerial walkways, suspension bridges and other lookouts—ideally with transparent railings? And you’re downright thrilled at the thought of adding a via ferrata or zip line to your adventure?

An aerial hiker—that’s who you are. There’s no shortage of options here for those who love heights. Between earth and sky, you can explore our meandering rivers and the tumultuous rush of our waterfalls. Ready to get started? Try out these trails, where some of our most vertiginous landscapes unfold directly beneath your feet.

Canyon Sainte-Anne

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This route offers a riveting experience while remaining accessible and easy to navigate at 1.5 kilometres. Three suspension bridges—including one that’s 60 metres high—offer a view of the spectacular canyon carved into 1.2 billion-year-old rock by a 74-metre waterfall, revealing an impressive giant’s kettle! Another mini scavenger-hunt trail is available too, where the whole family—dog included!—can discover some surprising finds. This hiking destination also features the Air Canyon attraction, where you can fly in a motorized chair over the abyss.

Canyon des Portes de l’Enfer (Hell's Gate Canyon)

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Here, you start at the top and make your way “down to hell” by descending the 300 steps leading to Rivière Rimouski. The canyon itself stretches some 5 kilometres between narrow, steep walls that can reach 90 metres in height. A 12.8-kilometre network of hiking trails leads you to incredible vistas and to Québec’s highest suspension bridge, rising 63 metres above the gates of hell. No need to be an expert: these hiking trails are ranked as easy to intermediate.

In the distance, a person walks at a dizzying height across a footbridge spanning a canyon lined with dense forest.

Lac Kénogami hiking trails

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The Parc régional du lac Kénogami features trails (in French only) dotted with lakes, rivers and streams stretching over 40 kilometres—perfect for observing typical Laurentian fauna and flora. Stunning views of Lac Kénogami and the Lac Saint-Jean plain make the hike even more enjoyable.

If you love unique aerial adventures, you’re in for a treat: a 23-metre suspension bridge spans Rivière Cyriac and a self-propelled gondola crosses the 101-metre distance between the banks of Rivière Pikauba.

Under a beautiful blue summer sky, two people sit in a suspended metal gondola, pulling themselves across Rivière Pikauba.

Géoparc mondial Unesco de Percé

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This is a chance for geology buffs, adventure lovers and thrill seekers to explore more than 500 million years of Earth’s history. With 23 geosites, a network of 18 kilometres of trails (in French only), lookouts boasting spectacular views, a dizzying glass-bottomed platform suspended 200 metres above ground, and a 230-metre-long double zip line, you’ll have plenty to keep you entertained for a long time at the Géoparc de Percé!

Seeking spirituality and some introspection?

Is your excursion motivated by the urge to connect with the divine—or with your own inner self? Is your goal to finish your multi‑day, restorative journey in a serene or sacred place?

Your profile: a pilgrim hiker! Grab your walking stick and set out to explore one of Québec’s pilgrimage routes and discover an array of spiritual, natural and cultural sites. Here are a few trails that lend themselves to moments of peace and introspection—mini Camino‑style routes.

La Marche d’Alphonse

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Spanning 100 kilometres, the Marche d’Alphonse winds along streets, country roads, bike paths and forest trails in du Parc national d’Oka. This one-of-a-kind, rejuvenating hike can be completed in three days if you cover 21 to 27 kilometres per day. The charm of the Basses-Laurentides is revealed at times through rural landscapes, at times through an urban neighbourhood steeped in history, and at times through the peaceful countryside.

Parcours de marche au Cœur de Mégantic

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This route, also known as the Mini Compostelle Mégantic (in French only), connects 10 municipalities in the Mégantic region while offering a fresh perspective on Québec’s highest peaks in the International Dark Sky Reserve! This option is a 115-kilometre walk that can take up to six days to complete. After all, when you’re a pilgrim, there’s no rush!

Sentier Notre-Dame–Kapatakan

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The Sentier Notre-Dame-Kapatakan connects Notre-Dame-du-Saguenay, Cap Trinité in Rivière-Éternité, and Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes, ending at the Ermitage Saint-Antoine in Lac-Bouchette, a national shrine. You can tackle this 215-kilometre route at your own pace over 10 to 12 days, overnighting at inns along the way to rest and refuel.

The cliffs of Îles-de-la-Madeleine

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Rather than directing you to sacred sites, this place invites you to connect with yourself and the distinctive beauty of the islands. The Sentiers Entre Vents et Marées lead you along 230 kilometres of marked trails, back roads and even long stretches of beach. This safe, multi‑dimensional journey—part physical, part cultural, part spiritual—is divided into 13 stages of 10 to 28 kilometres. There’s no question: from the foot of the cliffs to their highest point, the sweep of colours creates a memorable, postcard‑like scene—an ideal setting for a meditative hike.

Keen to explore urban trails?

You spot a street and feel an irresistible urge to wander down it? You slip on your favourite walking shoes for a stroll through local shops, with a coffee stop along the way? And when you’re craving peace and quiet, you retreat to the city’s parks?

There’s no doubt about it—you're one of the urban hikers! Considered less strenuous than classic nature hiking, it can still be quite a workout. One thing’s for sure: urban hiking is every bit as beneficial, and it lets you experience the city from a fresh perspective. Want to give it a try? Here’s one suggestion for Montréal and another one for the capital.

Parc du Mont-Royal

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Rising 234 metres in the heart of Montréal, this forested mountain is dotted with scenic lookouts offering spectacular views of the city. Opened in 1876, the Parc du Mont-Royal is the work of Frederick Law Olmsted, a renowned American park designer. Outdoor activities take centre stage here, and you can spot all kinds of plants and birds along its 40 kilometres of easy and intermediate trails. This park offers the perfect blend of city and nature.

Battlefields Park

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Located in Old Québec, this famous park, perhaps better known as the Plains of Abraham, strategically overlooks the St. Lawrence River. It was the site of the 1759 battle between the French and British empires. The site’s 17 kilometres of gentle, rolling paths make it easy to explore, and this historic green space offers a rich mix of leisure and culture. Do as the locals do: relax, enjoy a picnic, play a sport or celebrate the Québec Winter Carnival, the Festival d’été de Québec or even our national holiday.

Determined to treat nature with care?

Is sustainability your thing? Active and public transportation, as well as buying eco-friendly, local and organic products are part of your DNA? You consider environmental, economic and social impacts when choosing a destination? You’re already well-versed in the 7 principles of leave-no-trace hiking?

Say no more—you’re an environmentally minded hiker through and through! Well, you’ve got plenty to choose from because you can explore any one of our trails. After all, who says you can’t be an environmentally minded hiker AND an urban, aerial, pilgrim and alpine hiker all at once?

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Push your limits on new trails

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This is just a taste of the many trails you can explore in our region. For more inspiration, look here!