At the heart of the Gaspésie Peninsula, Gaspésie National Park protects over 800 km² of boreal forests, glacial valleys and bare summits. With 25 mountains rising beyond 1,000 metres, it brings together the highest accessible peaks in southern Quebec and is home to the only caribou population living south of the Saint Lawrence River.

Why visit Gaspésie National Park

The park combines a rare concentration of alpine landscapes, emblematic wildlife and a network of trails suited to both family outings and multi-day expeditions. The Chic-Chocs massif, a northern extension of the Appalachians, offers an alpine tundra typically found much further north. The diversity of activities—hiking, canoeing, fishing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing—makes it one of Quebec's most complete nature destinations, all year round.

Park History

Established in 1937, Gaspésie National Park ranks among Quebec's oldest parks. It was created to protect four specific elements: the Gaspésie caribou, Mont Albert, the McGerrigle Mountains and Atlantic salmon in the Sainte-Anne River. Its boundaries were redefined in 1981 to expand the conservation area.

Today managed by SÉPAQ (Société des établissements de plein air du Québec), it spans over 800 km² and encompasses 25 peaks exceeding 1,000 metres, testimony to a geologically unique massif south of the Saint Lawrence River.

What to See and Do

Iconic Summits and Hikes

• Mont Albert: the Tour-du-Mont-Albert (17.8 km, 6 to 8 hours, expert level) traverses an alpine tundra plateau and orange-hued serpentine outcrops. This is where the rare serpentine minuartia, endemic to the massif, grows.
• Mont Jacques-Cartier: 8.2 km round trip. The summit, over 1,000 m, is one of the few places to observe wild caribou.
• Mont Ernest-Laforce: an accessible 4.6 km loop offering 360° views over the Chic-Chocs.
• Lac-aux-Américains: short 2.6 km trail leading to a glacial cirque.

Long-Distance Backpacking

The park is crossed by a 100 km stretch of the International Appalachian Trail. Itineraries range from 2 to 9 days, with a network of rustic shelters and campgrounds open from July 1st to September 30th.

Water Activities and Fishing

Lac Cascapédia is suitable for canoeing, kayaking, pedal boats and stand-up paddleboarding. Fishing is regulated on several bodies of water, with three main species: brook trout, Arctic char and Atlantic salmon. Day packages and overnight packages are offered by SÉPAQ.

Cycling and Viewpoints

Routes 11, 14 and 16 as well as the Pic-de-l'Aube trail are suited to gravel biking and mountain biking. Main viewpoints are located at Pic-de-l'Aube, in Vallée du Diable and at Mont Albert.

Winter in the Chic-Chocs

In winter, the park has over 100 km of cross-country and Nordic ski trails, as well as snowshoe paths. The Chic-Chocs are also a recognized site for backcountry skiing and telemark, subject to avalanche conditions. Fatbiking and ice climbing round out the offerings.

Discovery and Ecotourism

The discovery centre offers the educational outing "Vivez le Grand Nord", dedicated to the park's subarctic environments. From Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, a sea outing (1.5 hours, June to October) allows you to watch crab and whelk trap hauling.

When to Go

Two seasons structure the experience:

• Summer (June to September): best period for hiking, long-distance backpacking and water activities. Shelters on the International Appalachian Trail are open from July 1st to September 30th. Summer shuttles serve the Mont Jacques-Cartier sector.
• Winter (December to March): cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and backcountry skiing in the Chic-Chocs. Demanding conditions, avalanche equipment recommended off marked trails.
• Shoulder Seasons: autumn is interesting for fall colours (mid-September to early October), but high-altitude trails may see early snow.

Practical Information

Park access is paid and booked online on the SÉPAQ website; expect a modest daily rate per adult, free for under-18s. Annual passes exist, either for this park alone or for the entire network of Quebec's national parks. Additional fees apply for camping, shelters and some guided activities (fishing, guided outings).

Parking is free at the discovery and services centre and at trail heads. In peak summer season, it's best to arrive early. Internal shuttles serve certain sectors to limit vehicle traffic.

How to Get There

The park is located south of Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, in the Chic-Chocs massif. Main access is via Route 299, a scenic route crossing the Gaspésie Peninsula from north to south.

No public transport serves the park directly. Intercar company connects Sainte-Anne-des-Monts to major towns in the region. In summer, shuttles allow access to the Mont Jacques-Cartier sector from the discovery centre.

To See in the Region

Gaspésie has several other parks and natural sites that complement a visit to Gaspésie National Park:

• Forillon National Park, at the eastern tip of the peninsula.
• Bic National Park, on the Saint Lawrence on the Bas-Saint-Laurent side.
• Gros-Morne National Park, in Newfoundland, to extend your itinerary eastward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plan Your Trip

Gaspésie National Park naturally integrates into a broader itinerary around the Saint Lawrence and the Gaspésie Peninsula. To build your tailor-made stay, consult our Canada travel suggestions.