Adventurion

• Video
• Location
• EXP cabin
• Le Pioui trail Grands-Jardins
  • Gray Jay
  • Lichens and mosses
  • Mont du Lac des Cygnes
• La Chouenne trail Grands-Jardins
• Take away messages

Video

Location

Grands-Jardins national park with its Pioui and Chouenne trails was on our to-do list for a while and we were not disappointed when we got there. We booked this place almost one year before the date we came there and we can say it is absolutely worth a long drive (400 km and 4hrs+ from Montreal).

EXP cabin

Grands-Jardins national park is awesome but does not have many cabins. And this is a reason why you have to plan ahead. The cabins are relatively close each to other but they are on different ground levels and separated by some trees and plants. We have tried many different types of cabins but this one was new for us. And we absolutely loved it! Very bright, clean, comfortable, modern, with a lot of windows; cozy and neat.

And with an outstanding view from the porch, you can enjoy it all day round. I will write a post about a cabin only – it really deserves it. As well as people who made it and do its maintenance.

Le Pioui trail

We’ve planned to stay in Grands-Jardins national park for 2 nights and to hike 2 trails: Le Pioui et La Chouenne trails. Going along with the weathercast we decided to do a longer Le Pioui trail on the first day and leave the shorter La Chouenne trail, for the next rainy day. The trail Pioui is 10,4 km, marked as difficult. Yes, some parts are really not easy, some are flat. So I would say intermediate/difficult. But it’s always good to be ready for the challenges.

 As usual, have your trekking poles with you, good hiking boots, snacks, and enough water. This longer trail takes more of your time but instead it gives you more time to enjoy and appreciate its beauty. And what is important – it is not crowded. We noticed this difference on the way down while we’re meeting people coming up to the summit by the shorter way.

Lichens and mosses

We love this trail and the landscape it offers. And I am absolutely in love with lichens and mosses ❤️ I’ve done a dozen pictures of them just to take with me at least a part of their beauty. I am impressed by their resistance, resilience, and thirst for life.

And I think there is a huge unknown Universe they carry inside 💫 I enjoy every time when I see them ❤️ BTW, the flora you can see on your way, “ normally can be seen hundreds of kilometers from here, in Quebec’s northern regions” ( citation from a board on the summit)

Not very far from the top, you will see many stairs.

Gray Jay

And just right at their beginning, we’ve met (we’d met) a very nice bird. It gives us a burst of positive emotions.

Mont du Lac des Cygnes

The part right before the summit of Mont du Lac des Cygnes also has the stairs. And already good views. So you can just stop, relax and enjoy 😉

There is a lot of people on the top. But we got some not crowded space, even could meet a chipmunk 🙂 The view from the Mont du Lac des Cygnes is gorgeous.

There are a few boards you can read about surrounding mountains. One very important thing: this Mount is made of magma and it is on the edge of the meteorite crater.

After reading the board, take a look around one more time and think about it with a bit different feelings )))

On the way down you will see a lot of people going up. And in your mind one more time you will thank someone you got advice from to start the trail at another point 🙂 It takes us 6 hours with no rush and time to enjoy the views (moving time is 4hrs 23 min)

La Chouenne trail

It is only 4,8 km but from the summit, you will see a gorgeous landscape. If you have binoculars, bring them, so you can spy trying to spot animals on the nearest mountains. Total time is 2hrs 40 min, moving time is 1h 37min.

The after-hike evening for us means outdoor fire, red wine, and cozy late dinner. But breakfast also could be very good 😍

Take away messages

• No service in the EXP. To get it, go to the visitors center (weak).
• The trail Pioui is longer but has less traffic and offers beautiful views on the way.
• The trail Chouenne is shorter, busy traffic, so, start early.
• Good hiking shoes, trekking poles, snacks, and water are always relevant.
• No bugs on Labor Day, but must have a bug spray for a summer hike
• Even in September, the sun could be powerful, so have your sunscreen cream with you.
• Le Pioui trail – the dogs are not allowed.
• La Chouenne trail allows the dogs 😍 🐶