10 Trails for Hiking with Your Dog
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Going for a hike is also a great opportunity to enjoy some quality time! After all, as full-fledged members of the family, your four-legged friends deserve to have fun and see the country (and the scenery!). Lace up your hiking boots and put on your four-legged friend's leash. Here are 10 trails where dogs are more than welcome.
Why are dogs only allowed in certain areas and at certain times of the year?
So that dogs and hiking can go hand in hand
Although several parks, have signs that canine companions must be kept on a leash at all times and that their humans must pick up their “little gifts” scattered during the walk, the regulations are more specific in SÉPAQ outdoor establishments. Moreover, they have created a page to answer the many questions that have been on your mind for a (far too!) long time.
1. Mont-Saint-Alban Trail
Intermediate
7.8 km (ring) starting from Cap-Bon-Ami
7.2 km (ring) starting from Petit-Gaspé Beach
Open year-round, this trail near the Gaspé is ideal for admiring the panoramic view of the region from the top of its tower at an altitude of 283 metres. As a bonus, nearby Parc national Forillon offers a host of other activities, including blue-whale watching, and visiting the Grande-Grave heritage site.
Good to know: For a more gradual climb, the ascent is gentler from Petit-Gaspé beach.
2. Pic-Champlain Trail
Intermediate
6 km (round trip)
Pic-Champlain, named to honour Samuel de Champlain, who described the mountain during his first voyage on the St. Lawrence River in 1603, offers a gradual climb with exceptional views of the capes, bays, coves, islands and other peaks of Parc national du Bic. The highlight: admiring part of the estuary.
Good to know: Dogs are only allowed from May 1 to October 31.
3. Le Riverain Trail
Intermediate
10.8 km starting from the Centre de découverte et de services Félix-Antoine-Savard
10.2 km starting from Camping du Cran
8.8 km starting from Des Érables bridge
Winding along the west bank of the Malbaie River of the Parc national des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie, the Riverain Trail offers magnificent views of the valley and the Cran des Érables sector. Covered with fine gravel over the majority of the route, the trail has several picnic tables allowing you to recharge your batteries and contemplate the beauty of the site.
Good to know: The trail does not form a loop, but rather leads to the Draveur service centre. You can then double the pleasure and retrace your steps by taking a completely different route on Les Rapides Trail, where your dog is also welcome, so don't worry!
4. Mont-Chauve Trail
Intermediate
10.6 km (loop)
At Parc national du Mont-Orford, hiking is king! The perfect example is the Mont-Chauve loop, where you can reach a summit (“bald”, as you may understand from the French name!) rising to 600 m in altitude, the second highest in the area, and offering a splendid panorama of Lac Stukely, Mont Orford and the Pic de l'Ours. Even your dog will be impressed!
Good to know: Climb Mont-Chauve to its colourful peak (and not miss a thing!) by looking at oue interactive map.
5. Mont-Brassard Trail
Intermediate to Difficult
6.7 km (loop)
Renowned for its spectacular hiking trails, Parc régional des Sept-Chutes is home to the famous Mont Brassard, which rises to over 600 m. The looped trail of the same name is a must in the region for admiring the landscape in the summer, but especially the flamboyant colours in the fall. The Mont-Brassard Trail runs along the top of the cliff of Lac Rémi, offering a view of the lake and surrounding hills.
Good to know: With its rocky headlands and lookouts, this trail reveals breathtaking northern panoramas!
6. L’Éperon Trail
Intermediate
5.4 km (loop)
It is only in summer that our “best friend” is welcomed on the self-guided L’Éperon Trail, a loop where you can discover the Épaule mountain, the meanders of its river and a series of spectacular viewpoints on the glacial valleys of Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier.
Good to know: The hike begins with a steep climb, but the effort will be well rewarded from the very first steps.
7. Mont-Chocolat Trail
Intermediate
8.1 km (round trip)
A hike you will surely savour! The 380-metre elevation gain trail has several flavours: a riverside section, crossing through maple groves, a belvedere and a summit that offers a breathtaking view of the park.
Good to know: Dogs are allows on the various trails in Parc du Massif du Sud, as long as they are kept on a leash at all times.
8. Mont-Mégantic Trail
Difficult
Up to 20 km
Are you passionate about astronomy and a hiking enthusiast? No doubt about it, Mont-Mégantic, in the heart of the first Réserve internationale de ciel étoilé, is where you want to be! Nestled in the Appalachians, Parc national du Mont-Mégantic is a must for fans of short and long hikes. Among other things, the Observatoire sector has 20 km of trails providing access to exceptional panoramas of the summits of Mont Mégantic (1,110 m) and Mont Saint-Joseph (1,075 m). From the beginning of May to the end of October, your little canine adventurer will also enjoy these pleasures of nature!
Good to know: For those who enjoy long hikes, there are shelters, camps and rustic camping platforms available upon reservation.
9. La Corniche Trail
Intermediate
3.4 km (round trip)
In Parc national du Mont-Tremblant, the oldest of Québec’s national parks, the Corniche Trail is described as a moderate climb leading to dazzling viewpoints. At an altitude of 135 metres, you will have a wonderful opportunity to admire the Diable Valley, the impressive Lac Monroe and the Mont Tremblant Massif.
Good to know: Maybe you will also see wolves, moose or even white-tailed deer that have made the place their kingdom?
10. The Chouenne Trail
Intermediate
4.8 km (round trip)
Chouenne Trail, in the heart of Parc national des Grands-Jardins, provides access to a 730 m high summit from where you can admire a breathtaking horizon over the valley and the face of Mont du Gros Bras. No need to reach the summit to feast your eyes, since the spectacle is dazzling as of the first kilometre.
Good to know: This popular trail is frequented by both walkers and runners.
The pleasure of walking your dog is extended!
Since offering 10 hiking trails means having to choose from so many wonderful trails waiting to be discovered in the company of our canine friends, here are two more. After all, why limit yourself? Enjoy your walk!
Bonus no. 1. La Clé des bois Trail
Intermediate
2.9 km (round trip)
Les Sentiers de L’escapade, is a 27-kilometre marked recreational network right in the heart of Mont Rigaud, accessible year-round, and free of charge! As for the Clé des bois, it is a sandy and dirt track, with levelled climbs, later including a steep and rocky climb halfway through.
Good to know: Dogs are allowed as long as they are kept, at all times, on a leash no longer than 1.85 metres. Otherwise, canine companions over 20 kg must wear a harness or halter.
Bonus no. 2. La Caverne-Lusk Trail
Difficult
8.5 km (loop)
In Gatineau Park, known as the “green lung” of Outaouais, the Caverne-Lusk Trail is a very hilly loop along Lac Philippe from the campground and leading to a marble cavern open to the public (however, your dog will have to wait patiently for your return). Inside the cave, an underground stream winds through, and the water level can reach higher than one metre!
Good to know: Spare shoes, a flashlight and a protective helmet (as well as a friend to babysit your dog!) are therefore recommended.