The Best Hikes in the Charlevoix Massif

If there is one thing that is not lacking in Charlevoix, it is the mountains. And who says mountains also means breathtaking panoramas and hiking trails to explore.

In this article, we present the best hikes to do in Charlevoix during the summer. The region has two national parks, several regional parks, a ZEC, a marine park, and much more. In short, there is plenty to do, regardless of your level or the type of challenge you are looking for.

The two parks closest to the boutique motel are the Grands-Jardins National Park And the ZEC des Martres. In the first, the Swan Lake And La Chouenne are classics. On the ZEC side, the Mont du Dôme is a must, while the Eagle Peak remains a little-known little gem.

A little further on, we find The Acropolis of the Draveurs, one of the most demanding peaks in the region. A major challenge, but oh so rewarding.

We'll also show you other trails and parks to explore in the area, with all the practical details you need to plan your hikes. So, ready to put on your boots? We're going on an adventure!

The best hiking trails in Charlevoix

Charlevoix is a mountainous region that is full of hiking trails for all tastes.

Whether you want a short walk in the forest or a good challenge, you will have no shortage of options here. From family hikes to some of the most demanding peaks in the province, there is something for all levels!

Here are our favorite parks for hiking, as well as the trails not to be missed in each of them.

We start with the closest ones, then we move a bit away to other beautiful corners of Charlevoix — always accessible from Baie-Saint-Paul, where our boutique motel is located.

Most trails are accessible all year round, but we recommend that you check the conditions before leaving. With the rapidly changing climate in the region, some routes may be closed in the winter or during the snow melts in the spring.

Go on an adventure in the ZEC des Martres for the less busy Charlevoix trails

The ZEC des Martres is one of our favorites in Charlevoix. Less busy than the national parks, but just as spectacular — if not more so, at times!

Located only 25 minutes from the boutique motel, it offers several superb trails to discover.

A quick reminder: ZECs (controlled exploitation zones) are territories where hunting and fishing are allowed, with a permit. It is therefore a bit different from Sépaq parks, which are exclusively dedicated to conservation and recreation.

The ZEC des Martres is now part of the Traversée de Charlevoix network, which can make access a bit particular... but don't panic, it's still quite simple once you get there.

You will have to pay for your parking at the ZEC, and obtain a right to access the trails at the Crossing reception. It may seem confusing, but in real life, it is well indicated and everything goes smoothly.

Here are the recommended trails in this park:

Mont du Dôme, the emblematic trail of the ZEC des Martres

It is a 7.8 km intermediate loop, with a breathtaking view of the mountains and the river.

It is recommended that you do this in summer, as during the thaw period, the trail becomes very muddy and can sometimes be flooded. If you choose to do this in spring, be sure to wear waterproof boots.

Also remember to bring plenty of water and a good snack. The top of the mountain is the perfect place for a snack with an incredible view.

The trail is open all year round, from sunrise to sunset. Dogs on a leash are welcome, but watch out for porcupine!

The Sentier des Sommets, lesser-known trails

If you are looking to climb a summit without crossing too many people, we suggest the Eagle Peak, which is part of the Summit Trail.

Eagle Peak is about 7 km round trip from the parking lot. Less busy than the others, it is just as spectacular. At the top, you will have a 360° view of the region. But be careful, it's windy!

The Sentier des Sommets is a 12 km, intermediate loop that takes you through three mountains: the Pic de l'Aigle, the summit of La Grive and the Butte-aux-Mouches.

These trails run along the side of the mountain and offer several escarpments that overlook Lac-à-l'Écluse. On a clear day, you can even see the Charlevoix meteorite crater.

Lac-à-l'Enand Du Four Mountains Trail

This hike forms a 14 km loop, with an addition of 7 km round trip to the starting point from the parking lot. It is a difficult trail, with an altitude difference of 585 meters.

This hike in Charlevoix offers spectacular views of the region's highlands. It is recognized as one of the most beautiful hikes in Quebec.

Along the way, you can even see the remains of a military plane that crashed in the area in 1955.

Mont Eudore-Fortin, a special hike in Charlevoix

This loop trail is 8.1 km long, with an addition of 7 km round-trip from the parking lot. At an intermediate level, it has an altitude difference of about 440 meters.

It was built in 2012 in honor of Mr. Eudore Fortin, founder of the Traversée de Charlevoix. A commemorative plaque is installed at the top.

From above, you will have a beautiful view of Mount Morios (the Gros Mont) and the surrounding landscapes.

There are plenty of other trails to explore in the ZEC des Martres. Some are more technical with steep differences in altitude, while others are short and accessible.

Since it's less busy than national parks, you may often have the trail just for you!

• Distance from boutique motel : Approximately 30 km. 25 minutes by car.
• Official sites : ZEC des Martres & Crossing Charlevoix
• Opening hours : Open at all times (the trails are in a camping area)
• Adress : 2695, route 381, P.O. Box 893, Saint-Urbain-de-Charlevoix, G0A 4K0‍
• Rates : Voluntary contribution of $5 per person for the trails. Parking at the ZEC: approximately $15.

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Discover Grands-Jardins National Park and its hiking trails

Located just a 30-minute drive away, Grands-Jardins National Park is a must for hiking enthusiasts.

The landscapes are simply breathtaking, no matter what trail you choose. And if you're coming with the family, there's plenty to keep young and old busy!

Here are some of our favorite trails:

Mont du Lac-des-Cygnes, a popular trail in Charlevoix

It's one of the most popular trails in the region... and with good reason!

This 8.6 km loop offers a beautiful climb interspersed with zigzags and stairs leading to a spectacular summit. Once at the top, the view of the Charlevoix crater and the Laurentian massif is breathtaking.

To avoid crowds, we recommend leaving early, as soon as the park opens. And above all, stay on the trail, the subalpine vegetation that grows here is very fragile.

Sentier Le Pioui, a trail that offers you a great challenge

If you have a bit more time and like more rustic trails, Le Pioui is for you! It's a wild trail, with a fairly steep climb... but what a reward at the top!

The loop is 10.4 km long, but we recommend that you extend it a bit with a detour to the summit of Mont-du-Lac-des-Cygnes (+1.2 km) for an even more “wow” experience.

Plan a good portion of the day for this hike. Bring plenty of water, lunch, and a snack: the viewpoints are perfect for a picnic break.

La Chouenne, a perfect hike for active families

This is an accessible hike, but one that offers impressive panoramas. As a bonus - dogs on a leash are allowed!

This trail takes you to a summit at an altitude of 730 m, with a magnificent view of the valley and Mount Gros Bras. It's the perfect spot for a sunrise or sunset.

Allow about 2 hours to make the return trip quietly.

Le Gros-Pin, a beautiful walk in the forest

This trail is ideal for families with young children (and dogs are also welcome, on a leash).

Even though there are no peaks to reach, this 1.2 km loop is super enjoyable. You walk there in a beautiful forest around a small quiet lake.

For a gentle and relaxing walk, this is the perfect trail. It is done in about 45 minutes, according to the rhythm of the little ones.

The Brûlé trail, a rustic track

Located in the Arthabaska sector, marked by ancient forest fires, this trail offers a beautiful loop of 9.8 km. It's not too steep, but it's still a good challenge because of its length.

From the top of the hills, you can see the striking contrasts left by past fires, which give the landscape a unique character.

It's a good choice if you're already in the area and looking for a different trail, but it wouldn't be classified as a must-see in Charlevoix.

• Distance from boutique motel : Approximately 33 km, 30 minutes by car.
• Official site : sepaq.com
• Opening hours : Trails open during the day. Service centers have variable hours depending on the season.
• Addresses :
  
  • Mont-du-Lac-des-Cygnes Discovery Center: Route 381, km 21
  • Arthabaska Service Center: Route 60, 7.5 km from the 381‍
• Rates : $9.85 for daily admission. Annual card also available.

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Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park - A paradise for hikers and cyclists in Charlevoix

Don't miss out on your trip to Charlevoix: the Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park, another natural gem located a little north of La Malbaie.

This park, known for its vertiginous cliffs and breathtaking landscapes, is also a real playground for cycling enthusiasts. Several trails are reserved for cyclists. But if you're here to hike, you're in for a treat.

Here are our suggestions for hikes to do in this park near Baie-Saint-Paul:

The Belvedere, a family trail

Here is an easy 0.4 km trail that starts near the Le Draveur Visitor Center. In about fifteen minutes of leisurely walking, you reach a belvedere with a magnificent view over the entire valley.

It is a gentle climb, perfect for families with young children or for those who want a short walk without much effort.

Le Pied-des-Sommets, a family hike in Charlevoix

Another easy trail, but so enjoyable! The Pied-des-Sommets leads to a belvedere where you will have a beautiful perspective on Mount Félix-Antoine-Savard and the dam below.

A small bonus: dogs on a leash are allowed on this trail! A great hike to do with the whole family, on two or four legs.

L'Érablière, an easy trail to walk near Baie-Saint-Paul

This 2.5 km round-trip trail is perfect for those looking for a peaceful walk in the forest without too much difference in altitude.

Ideal for families, casual walkers or those who want to enjoy fall colors or the tranquility of nature, without going on a big expedition.

The Acropolis of the Draveurs, the great challenge for hikers in Charlevoix

It is THE emblematic hike in Charlevoix. If you are looking for a real physical challenge, look no further!

The Acropolis of the Draveurs is 11.2 km of intense effort, with a sustained climb through the forest to the first summit. But once at the top, the panoramic view of the Malbaie River and the mountains is simply spectacular.

⚠️ What you need to know before you go:

• This trail is closed in case of adverse weather (wind, rain, fog).
• It can be between 5 and 10°C colder at the top — dress in layers!
• Bring good shoes, at least 2 litres of water per person, and snacks.
• Departures are allowed between sunrise and 2 pm (or noon starting on September 1).
• You must leave the summit no later than 3 hours before sunset.

It's not a hike to be taken lightly, but for experienced hikers, it's an unforgettable memory.

• Distance from boutique motel : Approximately 64 km, 55 minutes by car.
• Official site : sepaq.com
• Opening hours : The trails are open during reasonable hiking hours, but the visitor centers have variable hours depending on the season.
• Location : You can access it by Route 138 via the village of Saint-Aimé-des-Lacs.‍
• Cost : $9.85 for daily access or you can buy an annual pass.

Discover the trails of Mont Grand-Fonds Park

Mont Grand-Fonds Park is best known for its ski slopes... but in summer, it's a real well-kept secret for hiking enthusiasts! 🌿

With its summit perched at an altitude of 735 meters and an altitude difference of 355 m, this regional park offers breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River and the Laurentian Mountains.

Located about 55 minutes from the Hygge Motel-Boutique, the park offers four hiking trails of varying levels — perfect for all types of hikers.

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The Summit: A mid-level trail that winds through the forest to the Gravel Lake lookout point. To vary, you can go up by Le Sommet, then back down by La Trappette or La Familiale for a shorter loop.

La Ti-Bé: This trail climbs more directly via the alpine ski trail, up to the same viewpoint as that of the Summit. A faster (and steeper!) for those who want to reach the view without detours.

The Trapper: A bit more technical and demanding, La Trapper can be done alone or in combination with the Summit trail. Perfect if you are looking for a slightly more sporty hike in a wild setting.

Desjardins Promenade: An easy 4 km loop with very little difference in altitude, ideal for families or a leisurely walk. The trail leads to the Chez Jules refuge, perfect for a short break in nature.

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Good news: dogs on a leash are allowed on all trails in the park. A big plus for four-legged hikers!

Remember to bring enough water, snacks and bring all your rubbish back with you, to preserve the natural beauty of this still unknown place.

• Distance from boutique motel : 65 km. Approximately 50 minutes by car
• Official site : montgrandfonds.com
• Opening hours : 8:30am to 4:30pm
• Adress : 1000, Chemin des Loisirs, La Malbaie (Quebec) G5A 1Y8
• Rates : Free for ski members. $9.25 per adult for daily admission. $45 for a season pass.

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Take on the 5 Summits Challenge for the ultimate hiking challenge

If you are a fan of big challenges and are in Charlevoix for a few days, you can choose to take up the 5 Summits Challenge.

This hiking series is the ultimate way to brag about yourself as an avid hiker.

Each year, 5 new peaks are selected to be part of the Challenge. You have from June to October to complete the five hikes offered.

In 2024, the trails to discover were: Le Yéti (Le Riverain trail in Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park), Le Mont Grand-Fonds, Le Cap Brûlé, La Montagne des Taillis (L'Orignac center) (L'Orignac center), Le Paysan, as well as Mont Mystère.

The 2025 selection has not yet been revealed, but as soon as it is, we will let you know!

To participate, simply register directly on their website. After climbing each peak, take a selfie at the top and solve the puzzles displayed on site.

Once your answers and photos have been sent, access to Mont Mystère is granted to you. All for fun, challenge... and the chance to win great prizes!

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The Charlevoix crossing, an iconic Charlevoix journey

For seasoned hikers looking for an incredible adventure, the Charlevoix Crossing is a must.

Before going on an adventure, you need to book on the Traversée de Charlevoix website.

This long-distance hiking trail extends over 105 km through magnificent landscapes, between mountains, boreal forests and isolated lakes. The route, which connects Mont Grand-Fonds to Grands-Jardins National Park, is generally done in 7 days and includes rustic refuges that are only accessible on foot.

You can also opt for shorter versions between 2 and 6 days. You can also take advantage of a luggage transport service to lighten your load. There are also shuttles available between departure and arrival points.

Be aware that there is no electricity or drinking water on the way. You have to filter your water.

In summer, the trail is open from the end of June to the beginning of October. If you want to make the trip in winter, it is also possible to do a version of the crossing using nordic skiing or snowshoeing. Ideal for the more adventurous.

With its isolation, its raw beauty and the richness of its ecosystems, the Crossing offers a unique experience in the heart of the wild nature of Charlevoix.

If you want to do this trip, let us know and we can make the necessary preparations for your return.

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The essentials to pack for your hikes in Charlevoix

To fully complete the hiking trails in Charlevoix, here are the essentials that we suggest you take with you.

Of course, this list may vary depending on the season and the weather. Prepare accordingly.

The essentials:

• Comfortable and waterproof hiking shoes or boots (depending on the season)
• Waterproof windbreaker (the weather changes quickly, especially at the top!)
• Onion skin diapers (base coat, fleece, shell)
• Water bottle or filter bottle
• Energy-rich snacks (nuts, bars, dried fruits)
• Hiking app
• Phone charged, and a battery bank if you're away for a long time
• Sunscreen and mosquito repellent in summer
• Sunglasses and cap or hat
• First aid kit

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For the longest hikes:

• Walking sticks
• Emergency blanket
• Head lamp
• Safety whistle
• Poncho or dry bag

You now have all the information you need to choose the best hiking trails in Charlevoix.

Whether you are a passionate hiker or an adventurer looking for new discoveries, Charlevoix offers breathtaking trails and landscapes.

From hikes accessible for all levels to bolder challenges like the Traversée de Charlevoix, this region is full of opportunities to connect with nature.

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So what are you waiting for to put on your hiking boots and set off to discover this true natural paradise? Adventure awaits you, just a few steps away!

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