Scenic Views · Camping & Hiking · Quebec
A 105 km hut-to-hut backcountry trail across the Charlevoix mountains near Saint-Urbain, for hiking in summer and backcountry skiing in winter. Rugged and rewarding; reservations required.
The Traversée de Charlevoix is a long-distance trail that runs about 105 km through the mountains, lakes and rivers of the Charlevoix Biosphere Reserve, between Parc national des Grands-Jardins and Parc national des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie. Most people take six or seven days, walking or skiing 15 to 20 km a day, and there are shorter half-traverses and day hikes, including the Dôme.
Nights are spent in rustic log cabins sleeping about a dozen people, with wood stoves, propane stoves, cookware and mattresses, or at campsites. Baggage transport and food drops are available for a fee. Reviewers praise the friendly, flexible staff and a very well-marked trail. Booking is mandatory, with check-in at the visitor centre on Route 381.
It suits fit, prepared hikers and skiers. The Dôme climb involves a lot of scrambling over rock, and the winter traverse is technical; one skier found breaking trail after an overnight snowfall hard work. The organizers recommend Nordic touring skis with skins. Hiking runs from late May to late October and skiing from late December to late March.
Expect mud. One summer hiker had several wet boots, with some creek crossings on branches or rocks, and recommends gaiters, waterproof boots and poles. The same hiker found some cabin doors in poor repair, while others describe the huts as well kept. One camper felt the tent fees were too high for a roadside site without a flat pad. Dogs aren't allowed during hunting season, when orange vests are required.
Summarised from visitor reviews on Google Maps. Based on 191 Google reviews. Conditions and rules change — check current park, access and fishing regulations before you go.
