Parc de la Gaspésie

Introducing Parc de la Gaspésie

From Ste Anne des Monts, Rte 299 runs south to this outstanding, rugged park (418-763-7494, 866-727-2427; www.sepaq.com/pq/gas/en; admission $3.50), 802 sq km of spectacular scenery dotted with lakes and two of Québec’s most beautiful mountain ranges, the Chic Choc and McGerrigle Mountains, which together include 25 of the province’s 40 highest summits. Some of Québec’s most scenic camping spots are here, as well as 140km of hiking tracks, including one of the best sections of the International Appalachian Trail. What’s more, the only herd of caribou south of the St Lawrence River lives in the park. If you’re lucky, you’ll see the animals in the distance, but stay on the paths to protect them and the fragile vegetation.

At the park’s Interpretation Center (8am-10pm early Jun–mid-Sep), the staff are extraordinarily helpful in planning a schedule to match your time and budget. They also rent hiking equipment.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009