My Favourite Hikes in Charlevoix and the Laurentians
Written by @yulneverroamalone
Quebec, located in the heart of Canada, is a vast and beautiful province full of surprises. From its vibrant cities to its stunning landscapes, there’s always something new to discover. One of the best times to explore is during the fall when the region transforms into a canvas of rich oranges, reds, and yellows. The beauty of Quebec is that every region has its own unique charm, with different colours and scenery depending on where you go.
Having lived here all my life, I’m excited to share some of my favourite hikes and regions with you. From the breathtaking views of Charlevoix to the incredible landscapes of the Laurentians, these are the spots that have captured my heart over the years. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking to enjoy the beauty of autumn, these hikes offer a little something for everyone.
1. Grands-Jardins National Park: A Fall Adventure on the La Chouenne Trail
Visited in mid-October
Grands-Jardins National Park is one of my absolute favourite hiking spots in Québec, especially during the fall. The vibrant colours that take over the valley are nothing short of magical, turning the landscape into a patchwork of warm oranges, reds, and yellows. For me, the highlight of this park is the La Chouenne Trail, which takes you up to a stunning 730-meter-high summit. From the top, you’re treated to a 360-degree view of the surrounding valley and Mont du Gros-Bras.
Trail Details
- Length: 4.8 km round trip.
- Ability level: Intermediate, steady incline with rocky and forested terrain.
The trail is manageable, but you’ll encounter a steady incline as you make your way to the summit. The terrain is a mix of rocky paths and forested areas, keeping things interesting without being too strenuous. For those who want a little more time to soak in the views, the summit is spacious enough to relax and
enjoy a picnic. It’s the perfect spot for watching the sunrise or sunset, and because it’s so expansive, it never feels overcrowded.
Getting There & Parking
The trailhead is about 4 hours from Montreal or 1.5 hours from Québec City. There’s designated parking available, and a daily entrance fee is required to access the park. I always recommend arriving early to enjoy the quiet morning light and avoid the crowds.
Nearby Highlights
After your hike, I highly recommend taking a detour to Baie-Saint-Paul, a picturesque town just 45 minutes away from the park. While you’re there, treat yourself to a meal at Le Saint-Pub – Microbrasserie Charlevoix, one of my favourite spots in the area. This cozy brasserie is famous for its house-made craft beers and a menu that highlights regional ingredients. Whether you're craving a hearty meal or just want to relax with a cold beer after your hike, this place is an absolute must-visit.
What to bring
- Sturdy hiking boots (the terrain can be uneven).
- Warm layers, as temperatures can change quickly in fall.
- A camera to capture the breathtaking views.
- Water and snacks for the journey.
Grands-Jardins National Park, with its incredible fall scenery, panoramic views, and proximity to charming towns like Baie-Saint-Paul and the delicious offerings of Le Saint-Pub, is a must-visit for any hiker looking for a memorable Quebec adventure.
2. Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie: Where Fall Meets Winter Magic
Visited in mid-October
What I love most about Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park is that it’s perfect for everyone, even if you’re not looking to tackle a big hike. If you want to be surrounded by towering mountains without breaking a sweat, this park is for you. The drive through the park is absolutely stunning, with well-maintained roads that make it accessible for all vehicles. There are plenty of parking
areas where you can step out to enjoy the views, stretch your legs, and snap some incredible photos.
One highlight you can’t miss is the famous Ruisseau-Noir Bridge at the end of the park. It’s a quick and easy walk from the parking area and offers one of the most iconic views of the river winding through the dramatic landscape. It’s a peaceful spot that feels straight out of a painting, especially during fall.
If you’re feeling adventurous, the park is also home to the legendary Acropole des Draveurs Trail, known for its steep and rugged terrain. This trail is best suited for experienced hikers. The climb is challenging, but those who tackle it are rewarded with jaw-dropping summit views stretching across a sea of vibrant fall foliage.
What made this visit extra special was the rare chance to experience both fall and winter in one trip. For the first time ever, we saw the mountains capped with snow while the valleys below were still bursting with fiery reds, oranges, and yellows. It’s like stepping into a postcard, a sight that felt almost too perfect to be real.
Trail Details
- Ability level: Varied, easy flat paths to challenging steep climbs.
- Terrain: Gravel and rocky sections; some steep inclines on harder trails
Getting There & Parking
Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie is about 4 hours from Montreal or 2 hours from Québec City, and it’s in the same region as Grands-Jardins National Park. Parking is well-organized, with spaces available near the entrance and trailheads.
Nearby Highlights
While visiting Hautes-Gorges or Grands-Jardins, consider staying at Repère Boréal, a one-of-a-kind accommodation nestled in the heart of Charlevoix. These modern, cozy cabins let you immerse yourself in nature while enjoying luxurious comfort, a perfect base for exploring both parks.
What to bring
- Warm layers, especially if you’re visiting late in the season (snow can make an appearance!).
- A camera, because every turn is photo-worthy.
- Snacks or a picnic to enjoy at one of the scenic stops.
- Hiking boots and hiking poles if you decide to hike
Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie is proof that you don’t always need to hike to experience the magic of nature. Whether you’re driving through, walking to the famous bridge, or dreaming of tackling Acropole des Draveurs in the future, this park has something for everyone.
3. Montagne Verte: A Scenic Hike with 360 Views in the Laurentians
Visited at the end of October
If you’re looking for a peaceful hike that’s a bit under the radar, Montagne Verte is the spot to check out. Tucked just outside the busy Tremblant resort area, this trail gives you all the stunning views without the crowds. It’s the perfect way to soak up some nature, especially in the fall, when the forest explodes into bright oranges, reds, and yellows. What I love most about this hike is how accessible it is and the reward waiting at the top—a 360-degree view that’s absolutely breathtaking. Whether you’re a sunrise or sunset person, the summit is the perfect place to soak it all in and capture some magical golden-hour
moments.
Trail details
- Length: 3.7 km round trip.
- Ability level: Moderate, some rocky sections with a gentle incline.
Getting There & Parking
It’s about 1.5 hours from Montreal and around 2 hours from Québec City, with free parking available right at the trailhead.
Nearby Highlights
After your hike, head into the charming Mont Tremblant village, where you’ll find plenty of fantastic cafes and restaurants. I recommend La Sandwicherie for a fresh, hearty meal or Microbrasserie La Diable for a local craft beer and a cozy vibe. The village itself is extra charming in fall, with seasonal decor and activities that make it perfect for a post-hike visit.
What to Bring
- Sturdy hiking boots for those rocky sections.
- Hiking poles if you want extra support on the steeper bits.
- Water and snacks—because a summit view is better with snacks!
- A camera—you’ll want to capture that epic 360-degree scenery, especially at sunrise or sunset.
- A leash for your furry friend if they’re tagging along.
Montagne Verte is a serene and rewarding hike that offers panoramic views without the crowds, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring the Tremblant area.
Throughout my adventures I wore a few essential ACAI pieces that made all the difference. Here’s how each piece helped me tackle the hikes and outdoor explorations:
Grands-Jardins National Park: For the La Chouenne Trail, I wore the Summit Seeker Fleece paired with the Thermal Leggings, the Mango Beanie, and Bamboo Socks. This combination kept me warm at the summit, while the leggings were flexible and breathable for the rocky terrain. It was the perfect
mix of warmth and mobility, especially as the weather shifted in the higher elevations.
Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie: While exploring the beautiful suspension bridge and driving through the park, I wore the Envelop Jacket, Gale Fleece, Thermal Trousers, Bamboo Socks, and Almond Beanie. Since I wasn't hiking to the summit, this outfit was ideal for staying warm and comfortable while enjoying the stunning views of two seasons colliding. The Gale Fleece was especially
cozy for those chillier moments in the shade.
Montagne Verte: For this hike, I wore the Adventure Fleece, Elevation Pants, Seagrass Beanie, and Bamboo Socks. The Adventure Fleece was lightweight yet warm, making it perfect for the easy-to moderate trail. The Elevation Pants were stretchy and allowed for flexibility during the hike, while the Seagrass Beanie and Bamboo Socks provided that extra touch of warmth and comfort.
ACAI Essentials That Always Deliver
For all three adventures, I relied on the Bamboo Socks and Beanies for warmth and comfort. The Outdoor Performance Gloves also came in handy when temperatures dropped, making these pieces my go-to for all types of outdoor exploration.
