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Park location
The second stop on our Gaspesie road trip is in Gaspesie National Park. The park is located about 800 km from Montreal which is almost 8 hours of driving. But we were heading there from Bic National park and it took us less than 3 hours. So, always spend some time creating the road trip map that will fit you.
The further to the north we are moving, the more untamed and undomesticated landscape we are watching.
I always wonder how people manage to live in such places. We are visitors here. We do a tour, take pictures, eat seafood, and go back home in September – October. And they stay here. Because they live here.
We all like Gaspesie but not all of us would live here. So Gaspesie people, you are my heroes ❤️ And we are grateful that we can visit this place in summer while you take care of it all year round.
Accommodation. Chalet.
This year, when the lockdown was over, and SEPAQ parks started allowing booking, the places have gone very quickly. And by the time we’ve decided to have a stop in the Gaspesie National Park on our road trip, all spots were booked, except the most expensive chalets. So we had no choice but to take it. And this time it was a real “glamping” in a beautiful and fully equipped chalet in the forest.
The huge windows looking right to the mountains. And even though it is very expensive, we have to admit it is damn convenient, especially with heavy rain outside.
Morning bus
The next day the weather gave us a perfect chance to hike Mont Jacque-Cartier. And we were grateful for it! There is a morning bus to the trailhead: you will need a ticket and mask (nowadays’ reality). The bus goes back to the visitor’s center at 4 pm, so don’t be late 🙂
Rules to follow
Mont Jacque-Cartier is a getaway in a protected environment for Gaspé caribou. If you want to go to the summit you must follow the strict rules: going only on marked trails, leave no trace, nothing to leave in, nothing to pick out. Hiking is authorized only from the end of June to the end of September, and only between 10 am and 4 pm. Such measures were taken to protect caribou and help them to grow by minimizing the human beings’ presence and at the same time give us an opportunity to see and appreciate all this beauty.
Hike to the Mont Jacque-Cartier.
Before getting started, it is good to go to the restroom, and we did it, as well as all other people from the bus, which caused a long line ))). In a high season the trail is pretty busy, so better to spend an additional 10-15 min on the start than rush to the summit for the toilet ))) Also, nothing should be left in and taken out, remember? 🙃
Almost after the beginning of the trail, it goes constantly up. As I mentioned, we had rain the night before, so sometimes it was a bit muddy and watery on the way. But if you have good hiking shoes, tracking poles, and determine to go – nothing can stop you ))) The trail starts in the wood but the more you hike, the higher you go and after some period of time the trees around get thin and you can see the first views.
We are passing by the Lac à René which is a few hundred meters to the right from the main trail. There is a bench where we stop for a few minutes rest before going up the stairs.
The stairs are pretty convenient and I would say make climbing this part easier. Also, they serve as a kind of mark to show where people should stay to protect lichens on rocks. Which is the food for Caribou.
On the summit
Not far from the summit there is a Caribou trail (Boucle du caribou) turning left from the main one. We decide to go straight and leave it for the way back (as well as the Lac à René ). The landscape is amazing and breathtaking. With the clouds, it looks absolutely fantastic.
On the summit, which is a big plateau, you will see a small observation tower and a restroom. While hiking up we got hot but on the summit put on our windproof jackets. So don’t forget to take yours with you. The day we were there was foggy and cloudy but even so, we enjoyed every minute and didn’t want to go back.
Also, we had noticed some people with big backpacks that were continuing their way further and gradually dissolving in the fog. They were going camping 🏕️
Boucle du caribou and Lac à René
After having a snack and resting on the top for about 40-60 min, we started our way back. On the way, we turned to a small 1 km loop trail – Boucle du caribou.
Even though we didn’t see any caribou, the loop is absolutely worth it!
And a few hundred meters down we turned left to have some peaceful moments by the Lac à René.
After this, descent only. As we always say, going down could be more dangerous and more traumatic than climbing up. So, stay vigilant all the time.
Mont Jacque-Cartier is very different from the mountains we’ve been climbing before. Even though we didn’t see caribou, we got a good understanding of what an alpine tundra looks like. A rocky landscape covered by fog makes me feel like I am on another planet 😇
Also, it is the highest mountain in Quebec accessible to people. And it is absolutely amazing to see families with children starting from 3y.o. and people 60+ on the trail and on the summit.
And we already have a plan for the next visit to Gaspesie park 😉
Take away points
- Have your rain jacket and warm clothes for the top.
- Tracking poles are highly recommended.
- Good hiking shoes. Taking into account such a rocky trail, think to have ones with ankle support.
- Nice to have binoculars.
- Just a reminder: water, sunscreen cream, sunglasses, hat, bug repellent.
- And most important – enjoy it!
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