Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park protects a steep valley in the Charlevoix region, where the cliffs rank among the highest east of the Rockies. Carved by the Malbaie River, the valley alternates between rock walls, boreal forests, and peaks with tundra-like features. The park is part of the Charlevoix Biosphere Reserve, recognized by UNESCO.

Why visit the park

The site stands out for its dramatic relief: walls exceeding 700 metres rising sheer above the river, a spectacle of elevation change rare for Canada's east coast. The valley concentrates multiple vegetation zones across just hundreds of metres of altitude, making it exceptional terrain for naturalists and observers.

The territory spans more than 224 km² and remains relatively uncrowded compared to the Rockies parks. Here you'll find challenging hiking, river navigation, ice climbing, and guided winter activities—without the throngs that converge on the most famous sites.

Park history

The first field surveys in the valley date to the 1970s, when logging still worked the area. The protection project took shape over nearly three decades before the site became an official national park in 2000, managed by Sépaq (Quebec Parks).

The territory expanded in 2017 to encompass buffer zones, bringing the total area to more than 224 km². This expansion strengthened the park's ecological coherence by integrating secondary watersheds of the Malbaie River.

What to see and do

Hiking

• L'Acropole-des-Draveurs: the park's signature trail, demanding, leading to a viewpoint overlooking the valley. Plan for a full day with significant elevation gain.
• Valley-floor trails: more accessible routes along the Malbaie River, suited to families and casual hikers.

On the water

• Kayaking and canoeing: the Malbaie River offers calm paddling between the walls. Rentals available at the service centre.
• Boat tour: a guided excursion to understand the valley's geology from the waterway.

Flora and fauna

On the lower slopes, maples, elms, and ash trees dominate, joined by more discrete species such as ostrich fern and Bicknell's cardamine. At higher elevations, vegetation approaches alpine tundra conditions.

For wildlife, the park is home to golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and Bicknell's thrush, a rare species typical of eastern Quebec's summits. Osprey regularly hunt above the river, and beaver traces mark the banks.

Winter

• Vallée des Glaces: accessible by snowshoe on guided outings with park rangers, through areas where the river and waterfalls freeze into massive formations.
• Ice climbing: the Pomme d'Or wall is one of Quebec's major sites for winter alpinism, reserved for experienced climbers.
• Cross-country skiing and fatbike: winter-groomed trails for non-motorized activities.

When to visit

The park remains open year-round, but the experience varies greatly by season.

• May to June: services resume, high river flow, active wildlife, fewer visitors.
• July to August: peak season, all activities available, high-altitude trails clear. Accommodation reservations recommended.
• September to mid-October: fall colours on the valley's deciduous trees, often considered the most photogenic period.
• December to March: reduced services, guided winter activities only, sometimes demanding conditions (cold, heavy snow).

Main services (shop, rentals, dining, guided activities) operate from May to October.

Practical information

• Management: Sépaq (Quebec Parks).
• Fees: moderate daily access fee per adult, free for children. Annual passes available for this park alone or for the entire network.
• Accommodation: campgrounds, equipped camping units, shelters, and chalets within the park; advance booking essential.
• Félix-Antoine-Savard Service Centre: main reception point, equipped with electric vehicle charging stations.

Specific rates and hours change each season: check the official Sépaq website before your visit.

How to get there

The park lies approximately 170 km from Quebec City, in the Charlevoix region. The main entrance is accessible from the village of Saint-Aimé-des-Lacs.

• By car: from Quebec City, follow Route 138 northeast, then turn toward the park at Saint-Aimé-des-Lacs. Allow around 2.5 hours of driving.
• By shuttle: Navette Nature offers direct service from Quebec City, useful for travellers without a vehicle.

What to see nearby

Charlevoix and the Saint Lawrence River offer several natural extensions to this visit:

• Parc national du Bic — coastal landscapes of the Lower Saint Lawrence.
• Parc national Forillon — Gaspé peninsula, cliffs and marine wildlife.
• Parc des Champs-de-Bataille — historic grounds in Quebec City, on the route south.
• Parc national de Banff — to compare with the grand scale of the Rockies.

Frequently asked questions

Including this park in your trip

Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park fits naturally into an itinerary through Charlevoix, between Quebec City and the Saint Lawrence River. To build a journey combining nature, river, and heritage, explore our Canada travel ideas.