| Gaspésie National Park | |
 | |
| Lac aux Américains near Mount Albert | |
| Information | |
| Country |  Canada |
|---|---|
| Region | Haute-Gaspésie |
| IUCN Category | II (National Park) |
| Administration | Society of Outdoor Establishments of Quebec (SÉPAQ) |
| Area | 802 km² |
| Tourist information office | 1981, route du Parc.  1 418 763-7494, free number: 1 800 665-6527E-mail: [email protected] |
| Location | |
 48 ° 55 ′ 48 ″ N 66 ° 10 ′ 48 ″ W | |
| Official site | |
the Gaspésie National Park is a Quebec national park located on the Gaspé Peninsula in the east of Quebec to Canada. Offering a breathtaking mountain panorama, it is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Understand
Gaspésie National Park, located in the center of peninsula of the same name, covers an area of 802 km2 and presents a formidable mountain environment. It includes part of the Chic-Chocs and McGerrigle mountains, of which more than 25 peaks exceeding 1 000 m altitude including Mont Jacques-Cartier - second highest peak in the Quebec - as well as Mont Albert which is an important tourist destination. The park protects old growth forests in addition to a herd of woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) genetically distinct from other caribou herds canadians as well as an Atlantic salmon river (Salmo salar). It also has one of the largest concentrations of moose (Alces americanus) in Quebec. The park is recognized as a favorite place for hiking and nature observation.
Parc national de la Gaspésie is adjacent to the Matane wildlife reserve to the west and to the Chic-Chocs wildlife reserve to the East. Together they make up a total of over 3 210 km2 of continuous protected natural territory. Including the protected territories which are adjacent to these two reserves, it is a total of 4 857 km2 of protected territory in one piece.
The park has three information offices: at discovery and service center, to Lac-Cascapedia campsite and at Mont-Jacques-Cartier campsite.
Bibliography
- Steeve Landry, Gaspésie National Park, Quebec (Quebec), Les Éditions GID, , 180 p.(ISBN 978-2-89634-297-6 ).
To go
From the urban centers of Quebec, you have to go to Sainte-Anne-des-Monts which is accessible by highway 20 and route 132 east from Montreal Where Quebec. See that city's page for more details on how to get there. The direction of the park will be indicated from route 132 in Sainte-Anne-des-Monts; follow route 299 south.
It is also possible to enter the park from the south from New Richmond or from Murdochville via route 299.
| City | Distance by road (in km) | Routes to follow |
|---|---|---|
| Montreal | 751 |  / —  —  |
| Quebec | 529 | / — — |
| Rimouski | 218 | / — — |
| New Richmond | 100 | |
Access rates
You have to pay an access fee in order to enter a national park of the Quebec. This right is in fact a contribution to the conservation and enhancement of Quebec's natural heritage. Indeed, all the sums collected are reinvested in the parks. The prices are uniform in all the national parks of Quebec. Access rights are daily or by purchasing an annual card. There are two types of annual card: one for a specific park or one giving access to all of Quebec's national parks. Depending on the length of stay and the size of your family, it may be more beneficial to purchase an annual pass even if you plan to spend only one stay in the park. The two park entrances on route 299 as well as the Mont-Jacques-Cartier campsite include a post to pay for the access fee.
| Daily access | Annual card (for a park) | Annual card (for all parks) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Individual rates | ||||||
| Adult (18 years and over) | 7,50 $ | 37,50 $ | 67,50 $ | |||
| Child from 6 to 17 years old | 3,25 $ | 16,25 $ | 29,25 $ | |||
| Child from 0 to 5 years old | Free | Free | Free | |||
| Family rates | ||||||
| One adult accompanied by children aged 6 to 17 | 10,75 $ | 53,75 $ | 96,75 $ | |||
| Two adults accompanied by children aged 6 to 17 | 15 $ | 75 $ | 135 $ | |||
| Prices for organized groups (15 people and more) | ||||||
| Group of adults (18 years and over) | 6,50 $ per person | |||||
| Group of children from 6 to 17 years old | 2,75 $ per person | |||||
| School group | Free | |||||
Note also that a person accompanying a disabled person who is unable to access the park, move around it or practice an activity there without being accompanied can access the park for free.
Circulate
Provincial road 299 crosses the park from north to south. Other paths are present in the park to access the different sectors. the discovery and service center du parc sells detailed maps of paths and trails. The right of access to the park gives the right to park for free in all the parking lots of the park.
To see
- 1 Discovery and Visitors Center – Thematic exhibition A sea of mountains in the heart of Gaspésie, large model of the park, discovery activities in the amphitheater, reception and information service, Nature shop, equipment rental service, shower, laundry room, left-luggage office.
- 2 American Lake – The most beautiful lake in the park located at the foot of the mountains, accessible by a hiking trail of 2,6 km round trip. Offers excellent photographic opportunities, especially at the end of the day when the light is dim.
- 3 Mount Ernest-Laforce – Summit accessible via a 4,5 km, one of the best places in the park to spot moose, offers excellent photographic opportunities and a remarkable view of Mont Albert. With an altitude of 820 m, this is one of the best value for money in the park.
- 4 Mont Jacques-Cartier
End of June to end of September, from 10 h - 16 h (departure from discovery and service center only from the end of June to the beginning of September). 
Departure from the Discovery and Visitors Center: 16,50 $ per adult, 12,25 $ per child and 45,25 $ by family; departure from the Mont-Jacques-Cartier campsite: 6,75 $ per adult, 5 $ per child and 18,50 $ by family. – The highest peak in southern Quebec with 1 270 m altitude, features alpine tundra and mountain caribou. There is an observation tower at the top. Access to the mountain is supervised, meaning that you must stay on the trails and that there are dates and times when traffic on the trail is authorized. There is one departure per day at 9 h from the Discovery and Visitors Center and five departures per day between 10 h and 12 h from the Mont-Jacques-Cartier campsite. - Wildlife observation – The park includes a large concentration of moose as well as a herd of caribou distinct from those of the rest of the Canada. It is the only caribou herd south of the St. Lawrence River. To see it, you have to go to Mont Jacques-Cartier.
- Landscapes – Gaspésie National Park includes a breathtaking mountain landscape. Go to the peak of the Aude for a magnificent view of the Chic-Chocs wall. The footpath crossing the park offers a breathtaking view of the massif and the St. Lawrence River from the highest points.
- 5 Le Guet observation tower On route 11 – Located on the shores of Lake Paul.
End of June to end of September, from 
Departure from the Discovery and Visitors Center: Do
Summer
Hiking
Parc national de la Gaspésie is an ideal place for hiking. It offers courses from 1 to 17 km in the mountains as well as a 100 km crossing the park from west to east from Mont Logan to Mont Jacques-Cartier which is part of the International Appalachian Trail. Hiking in the park allows you to observe moose and caribou. Trail opening dates vary from year to year, so it is recommended that you contact the park administration to ensure the trail is open especially if you plan to use them near the opening date. or closing. It is also possible that trails will be closed temporarily. Park staff can also provide advice on the trails, especially for those with a difficult level. No equipment is required for the easy and intermediate level trails listed below.
For those doing long hikes, including the International Appalachian Trail, there are several services in the park. It is possible to have access to a laundry room at the discovery and service center, to Mont-Albert campsite and at Gîte du Mont-Albert.
- Eco-adventure – Guide and luggage transport service including accommodation in a refuge and meals for the international Appalachian trail from the Huard refuge in Lac Thibault to the Mont-Albert lodge.
- 1 Equipment rental Located at discovery and service center – Offers the rental of hiking boots, gaiters, telescopic poles, backpacks of 25 and 70 liters, back carriers, goggles, three-season sleeping bags, fleece blankets, self-inflating sleeping pads, butane and propane lanterns, two-round propane stoves (propane not included), propane stoves (propane not included), three-pot bowls and bedding.
| Last name | Difficulty | Length (in km) | Elevation (in m) | Duration (in h) | Type | Opening |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Departure from the Discovery and Visitors Center | ||||||
| Sainte-Anne Falls | Easy | 1,7 | Low | 0,5 | Round trip | Year round |
| Belvedere of the Lucarne | Easy | 2,5 | 80 | 1 | Loop | Year round |
| La Saillie | Intermediate | 3,4 | 190 | 1,5 | Round trip | Year round |
| The Fall of the Devil | Intermediate | 7 | 120 | 3 | Round trip | Mid-May to end of November |
| Serpentine shelter | Hard | 12,6 | 360 | 4 | Round trip | Mid-May to end of November |
| North slope of Mont Albert | Very difficult | 11,4 | 850 | 5 | Round trip | Mid-June to end of September |
| The tour of Mount Albert | Very difficult | 17,4 | 870 | 6 to 8 | Loop | Mid-June to end of September |
| Departure in the McGerrigle Mountains sector (on route 16) | ||||||
| The lake to the Americans | Easy | 2,6 | 80 | 1,5 | Round trip | Mid-May to end of November |
| Mount Ernest-Laforce | Intermediate | 4,5 | 255 | 2 | Loop | Mid-May to end of November |
| Mont Jacques-Cartier | Hard | 8,3 | 465 | 4 to 5 | Round trip | End of June to end of September |
| Mount Xalibu | Hard | 10,7 | 540 | 5 to 6 | Round trip | Mid-June to end of September |
| Mount Joseph-Fortin | Hard | 9,8 | 490 | 4 | Round trip | Mid-May to end of November |
| Mount Richardson | Very difficult | 11,5 | 705 | 6 | Round trip | Mid-May to end of November |
| Departure in the Lac Cascapedia sector (on route 11) | ||||||
| The peak of Brûlé | Hard | 13,2 | 430 | 5 | Loop | Mid-June to mid-October |
| The peak of the Aube | Hard | 11,8 | 370 | 4 | Round trip | Mid-June to mid-October |
| Departure from the Isabelle stream parking lot | ||||||
| Serpentine shelter | Intermediate | 9,8 | 260 | 3,5 | Round trip | Mid-May to end of November |
| Mount Olivine | Hard | 8,6 | 365 | 4 | Round trip | Mid-May to end of November |
Water activities
- 2 Cascapedia Lake – Long lake 4 km suitable for nautical activities. It is also possible to rent boats from the end of June to the end of August.
| Boat | For 1 h | For 4 h | For 1 day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canoe | 15,25 $ | 30,25 $ | 43 $ |
| Boat | 14,25 $ | 28,75 $ | 41,25 $ |
| Simple recreational kayaking | 13,50 $ | 27 $ | 38,50 $ |
| Simple sea kayaking | 16 $ | 32 $ | 48,75 $ |
| Stand up paddle surf | 14 $ | 27,75 $ | 39,75 $ |
Peach
Eight lakes and two rivers are available for day fishing. A watercraft is provided on most lakes, but a personal watercraft may be required for some. The rivers are suitable for wading only. The species caught are brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) and lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush). The fishing season in the park runs from June to August. It is necessary to have a provincial fishing license and a right of access to practice fishing in the park.
- Daily access fee for fishing 17,53 $ per person.
- Fishing package including accommodation June. From 94 $ per person. – Stay including the boat and accommodation in a chalet that can accommodate four people.
- Salmon fishing June to September. – The Sainte-Anne River is suitable for wading or canoeing for Atlantic salmon, releasing is mandatory. Packages are offered with guide and accommodation (consult the website).
Winter
Hiking
- Racket December to April. – 13 trails from 2 to 18 km. Equipment rental offered.
- Ski Chic-Chocs – Offers guided snowshoe excursions.
- Cross-country skiing Mid-December to mid-March. – 22 km maintained cross-country ski trails. Equipment rental offered.
- Nordic Ski Mid-December to mid-April. – Six marked unmaintained routes, long hike on 190 km marked trails including 15 shelters along the route as well as luggage transport from one refuge to another. Equipment rental offered.
- Luggage transport service ,
1 800 665-6527 (free number) Mid-December to mid-April. – The luggage transport service from one refuge to another greatly facilitates long ski tours. You have to book at least 72 hours in advance.
- Luggage transport service ,
Sliding
Gaspésie National Park includes two ski areas on Mont Albert for downhill skiing, telemark and snowboarding from December to April. These two areas are the Mur des Patrouilleurs and the Grande-Cuve which are both large bowls where it is possible to practice extreme skiing. To get there, you have to go to the Serpentine, a refuge where you can eat, which is the parking lot closest to the two sectors. The Patrouilleurs wall is located 1 km walk from this refuge. This involves a significant risk of avalanches. The Grande-Cuve is less risky at this level and offers a much lower slope. However, it is located at 8,5 km parking, that is to say at least 2 h 30 Steps.
In addition, three other ski areas are accessible in the Chic-Chocs wildlife reserve adjacent, Mont Blanche-Lamontagne, Champ de Mars and Mont Hog's Back, all three located immediately south of the park via Route 299. An approach walk from 30 min To 3 h. Although these three mountains are located outside the territory of the national park, the ski activities on them are managed by the Gaspésie National Park.
To buy
- 1 Nature Shop Located in the discovery and service center – Souvenirs, adult and children's clothing and outdoor items. The shop also allows the rental of equipment for park activities: hiking boots, walking poles, raincoats, backpacks, baby carriers, Nordic ski equipment, ski poles, avalanche victim detectors, skins of ascent and snowshoes.
Eat
- 1 Discovery and Visitors Center – The park visitor center includes a convenience store that offers great products for campers and hikers such as bagged food, fuel, water, and other camping necessities.
- 2 Gîte du Mont-Albert 2001, route du Parc Beginning of June to mid-October. – The restaurant at the Gîte du Mont-Albert is renowned for its fine regional cuisine, espresso coffee, beers from Quebec microbreweries, table d'hôte. Terrace, fireplace.
Have a drink / Go out
- 1 Gîte du Mont-Albert 2001, route du Parc – Offers beers from Quebec microbreweries. It allows high speed wireless Internet access.
Housing
Campsites
Furnished campsites
Reservations and rates for campsites in Gaspésie National Park are centralized by the Société des establishments de plein air du Québec (SÉPAQ). Reservations can be made online or by phone. The park includes 212 sites in a wooded environment divided into four campsites. They all have access to a sanitary block.
| Services) | Price per night |
|---|---|
| With electricity | 35,75 $ |
| With electricity and water | 38,25 $ |
| With 50 amp electricity and water | 40,25 $ |
| Without service | 29 $ |
- 1 Camping de la Rivière , 1 418 763-7494 Mid-May to mid-October. – Part of the network of "Bienvenue cyclistes" camping sites, including a fire pit, a table, a bicycle rack, a toilet block and a water point at 20 m. 13 sites.
- 2 Lac-Cascapedia Campground End of June to beginning of September. – Located on the shores of Lake Cascapedia, offers the rental of watercraft.
- 3 Mont-Albert Campsite End of June to early October for summer and mid-December to end of April for winter. – It is the only campsite in the park allowing winter camping. It is located near ski and snowshoe trails and a sanitary block with shower is open year round. Fires are prohibited. Reservation by phone only for winter.
- 4 Mont-Jacques-Cartier Campground End of June to beginning of September. – Located in the east of the park, it is the start of a hiking trail leading to the top of Mont Jacques-Cartier.
Other campsites
- Rustic camping From the end of June to the end of September, some are open year round. 22,50 $ by night. – Wooden platforms in the wilderness accessible by long hike allowing a free-standing tent to be set up, pit toilet located nearby, outdoor fires prohibited. These platforms are located on the International Appalachian Trail (SIA). Note that the Quebec chapter of the SIA offers a passport including access to the park and rustic camping.
- VR area of La Vallée Mid-May to mid-October. – Completely open and unwooded space with a gravel surface that can accommodate recreational vehicles (RVs) for autonomous visitors, far from health services (at the Mont-Albert campsite in 0,5 km), includes a fire pit and a picnic table.
- 5 Huttopia ready-to-camp tent End of June to beginning of October. 99 $ per night in low season and 118 $ per night in high season. – 12 Huttopia furnished tents located at the Mont-Albert campsite. All camping equipment is included except the sleeping bag.
Chalets
Fishing packages including cabin accommodation are offered. There is also a promotion for seven consecutive nights for the price of five.
- 6 Chalets de la Rivière Beginning of June to mid-October. – Chalets located on the banks of the Sainte-Anne river in 0,5 km from gîte du Mont-Albert, one large room, access to electricity, kitchenette, bathroom with shower, space for an outdoor campfire, picnic table. Five chalets that can accommodate two people.
- 7 Cottage chalets Chalets with kitchens open year round and chalets without kitchen open from early June to mid-October. – Separate chalets of one or two floors, located near the Mont-Albert gîte, access to electricity, fully equipped kitchens in 15 chalets, the majority have a bathroom and a living room. 18 chalets that can accommodate from two to eight people.
- 8 Chalet du Lac-Cascapédia Prices vary according to the season, fishing package in June and resort package from the end of June to the end of September. – Four cabins located on the shores of Lake Cascapedia including lighting, a stove and a propane refrigerator.
- 9 Petit-Sault chalet Mid-December to mid-April. – Four cabins for the winter season located on the banks of the Sainte-Anne River accessible via a Nordic ski trail or by snowshoeing over a distance of 4 km.
Hotel
- 10 Gîte du Mont-Albert 2001, route du Parc, 1 866 727-2427 (free number) Inn open from late June to late October and pavilion open from early June to mid-October and in winter depending on traffic (late December to late March). From 145 $ per night for a room and from 205 $ per night for a suite. – 4-star inn located in the heart of the national park in the mountains, all rooms offer a view of Mount Albert, non-smoking, wheelchair accessible, television, high-speed wireless Internet access in the rooms of the inn and in the bar (lodge rooms do not have Internet access). 48 rooms in the hostel as well as 10 rooms and 2 suites in the Le Caribou pavilion located behind the hostel. The inn has a restaurant renowned for its fine regional cuisine.
Refuges
- 11 Huts at the Mont-Albert campsite Mid-May to mid-October. – Located at the entrance of Mont-Albert campsite near short hiking trails, electricity, near a sanitary building and all services. Six shelters accessible by car, but in winter you have to plan to walk 50 m. It is possible to book a refuge at the Mont-Albert campsite for exclusivity, which can accommodate a group of eight people, at the rate of 100 $ per night per refuge.
- Refuges End of June to end of September for the Paruline and Tétras refuges and end of June to mid-October for the others. – Eleven shelters located near long hiking trails. It is possible to reserve one or more places. The shelters include a wood stove, a table, chairs, beds with mattresses and a kitchen counter.
Communicate
There are public telephones at the north collection point, at discovery and service center as well as gîte du Mont-Albert. The bar at the Gîte du Mont-Albert is also accessible to those who do not live there and offers wireless Internet access.
Respect
It is forbidden to take natural elements, that is to say, it is forbidden to pick plants. You must also stay on the trails to avoid trampling plants. Feeding animals is prohibited and food should not be left unattended. Pets, with the exception of guide dogs and assistance dogs, are prohibited in the national parks of the Quebec. When camping, you only need to pitch your tent in the place set up for this purpose. It is only necessary to make campfires in the structures provided for this purpose. To respect other users, avoid making excessive noise and obey curfews. Dispose of your waste in the containers provided for this purpose and bring with you all harmful substances such as soaps, oils, fuels and pesticides. Do not bring firewood into the park or bring home firewood purchased from the park because moving firewood can promote the spread of invasive insects and disease. Before starting an activity, make sure it is one of the activities permitted in the park. If you are not sure, contact the park administration.
Apart from the rules, it is always good to respect the principles of leaving no traces behind and leaving the places used in the same condition (or in a better condition) as in which they were found.
Around
- 1 Sainte-Anne-des-Monts – This is the town located near the park. It is located north of the park on the shores of the St.Lawrence River and includes the following services: motel, bed and breakfast, international youth hostel (Hostelling International Canada), restaurant, snack bar, bank with automatic teller machine, garage accredited by the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA), car rental, pharmacy, sports and outdoor store, grocery store, fishmonger and Société des alcohols from Quebec (SAQ).
