Adventurion

Video

We’ve heard about Acropole-des-Draveurs trail but didn’t hike it until this summer. Because it is described as one of the most difficult trails in Quebec. And probably we would leave it for the future when our son will be older but Covid-19 forced us to explore our belle province more and we had booked camping in Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park with a plan to hike this trail

Location

The Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park is located 400 km to north-east and about 4,5 – 5 hours of driving from Montreal. Quebec-city had met us with fog and even after we had passed it by, we were going through the fog zones until our final destination.

The closer we have approached the park, the more often we have seen a thin metallic fence, not far from the road, with signs warning about the moose.

Near the park, our GPS decided to “help” and guided us about 1 km by bumpy road in the wood which is probably shorter for a few meters that the main road but definitely it is not worth using it.

When we were driving through this shortcut in a foggy forest, Maxim said: this is a good time for ghosts. And it definitely looked like that! 👻👻👻

Accommodation

This summer SEPAQ started to offer a new type of accommodation for camping: Étoile ready-to-camp tent and we stayed there for 2 nights. And it is perfect! Especially, for families with kids. Inside there are 3 beds, including one bunk bed. There is also electricity, refrigerator, heating and a gas stove. And every bed has a curtain you can put down for a night so you have your kinda private room. There are tables and chairs inside and outside. This time we weren’t alone. Our friends joined us on this adventure. And there is for sure enough space for 2 families.

Acropole-des-Draveurs trail

The next morning we planned to hike Acropole-des-Draveurs trail. Which is considered difficult but one of the most beautiful in Quebec. The round trip is 11 km, elevation gain is 800 m. Previously, there was a shuttle bus from the campsites to the beginning of the trail, now it has been canceled due to COVID. We arrived at 8:00 in the morning but by this time the parking lot was full and we parked along the road. There were 2 employees who supervise the whole process and persistently ask people if they have enough water with them.  

The first two kilometers are probably the most strenuous part of the trail with a lot of elevation gain. 

But the kids were determined and almost running up the slope.
So, our initial worries were baseless.

An interesting thing we saw on the trail for the first time. A big metallic box with all you need for the first aid with a list in French and in English.

On the summits

We are not sure about “the most difficult”, but we definitely can declare it “the most beautiful” trail in Quebec. There are 3 summits with the third one is the highest. And the views are very impressive from all of them, so don’t turn back after reaching the first summit.

After 10 minutes of rest, we go to the next, but skipped the one in the middle and reached the highest one. What we could say, folks? The views are stunning. The mountains overwhelm with their dimension and power. Unreal beauty of 2 mountain lakes just doesn’t let you go. And we spent at least 30 min staring on them 😍
The weather was very supportive that day and this is what we are absolutely grateful for.

Descent

So, tired but happy we start our descent.

It is important to pay additional attention during the descent as this is often the time when most of the injuries happen.

One of the employees right before we entered a trail, said:  – Take a picture, guys, now. And when you are back 🙃 We laughed together and started the trail. I don’t have such pictures but in the video, you definitely can see what he meant 😂

Every one of us was tired and we anticipated even more muscle pain for the next day, but you know what? All this tiredness and muscle sore will go away in a few days, but the memories will stay with you forever ✌️✌️✌️