Parc National des Grands-Jardins

Here is some information and images from the Parc National des Grands-Jardin in Saint-Urbain, Charlivois region, Quebec Canada. 

“In the early 20th century, this area was already known for its incredible fishing opportunities. Visitors were struck by the carpets of ground lichen and the exceptional Arctic vegetation at this latitude. They thus named it the Grands-Jardins-the Great Gardens. Today, Parc national des Grands-Jardins is still visited by anglers and also by hikers, campers, and vacationers. It has the privilege of forming one of the core zones of the Charlevoix Biosphere Reserve, a status granted to the region by UNESCO.

“Le Pioui and Mont du Lac des Cygnes Loop is a 11.1 kilometer moderately trafficked loop trail located near Saint-Urbain, Quebec, Canada that features a lake and is rated as difficult. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips and is best used from June until September.”

The trail network of over 30 km can satisfy all categories of hikers. Go and discover a multitude of landscapes: taiga, tundra, deciduous forest, boreal forest, and mountain vegetation. Be sure to see Le Pioui and Mont du Lac-des-Cygnes. This mountain offers a unique view of the Charlevoix meteorite crater and Vallée du Gros-Bras.

Come explore the new de La Tour and du Brûlé trails, both located right at the heart of the summits of Grands-Jardins in the Arthabaska sector.

Periods:

  • Le Mont-du-Lac-des-Cygnes, La Chouenne, Le Pioui and Le Gros-Pin: year-round (during winter, snowshoes or walking crampons are required)
  • Le Boréal, La Pinède, Le Pionnier, Le Pommereau, La Chute, La Tour and Du Brûlé: May 24 to October 14, 2019

The quotes above are from Sepaq and AllTrails websites respectively.

As a professional disclaimer, I am not the photographer who shot these beautiful images. They where shot by my girlfriend on a hike with some family members.

However, I did do the post processing of the images.

We hope you enjoy the images.

Sentier Mont-du-Lac-des-Cygnes
Sentier Mont-du-Lac-des-Cygnes
Sentier Mont-du-Lac-des-Cygnes
Sentier Mont-du-Lac-des-Cygnes
Sentier Mont-du-Lac-des-Cygnes
Sentier Mont-du-Lac-des-Cygnes
Sentier Mont-du-Lac-des-Cygnes
Sentier Mont-du-Lac-des-Cygnes
Sentier Mont-du-Lac-des-Cygnes
Lac des Cygnes
Mont du Lac des Cygnes trail
Mont du Lac des Cygnes trail
Mont du Lac des Cygnes trail
Mont du Lac des Cygnes trail

Parc national du Mont-Mégantic

Franceville sector

In the north-west part of the park, discover the 15 km of trails in the new Franceville sector. Live a unique experience, having access to the spectacular Franceville rock crest and the stunning view of the valley of the Ruisseau de la Montagne – mountain stream – of which the trail is interrupted by waterfalls.

Period: mid-May to mid-October 2019

Last week, I had the opportunity to do a little hiking in the eastern townships. Conditions were wet and muddy, but manageable. The temperature was in the low to mid teens Celsius. Which is very comfortable for hiking. Trail map: Franceville sector.

Sentier des Escarpments is an intermediate trail and very well maintained. Sépaq personnel were adjusting one of the more challenging sections of the trail the day we were there.

Beginning of the Hiking trail
 Sentier des Escarpments
Mont Megantic
Beginning of the Hiking trail
Sentier des Escarpments
Mont Megantic

If you are new to hiking in early June, you will see some bears. Educate yourself about the proper interaction with bears in this season.

Rock face with a line of trees close beside
 Sentier des Escarpments 
 Mont Megantic
Rock face with a line of trees close beside
Sentier des Escarpments
Mont Megantic

The hiking paths are wide and well groomed for the most part. Some areas require more concentration on foot placement, but a very enjoyable climb nonetheless.

View of the valley below through the trees 
Sentier des Escarpments 
 Mont Megantic
View of the valley below through the trees
Sentier des Escarpments
Mont Megantic
Mont Megantic Observatory in the distance. 
 Sentier des Escarpments
Mont Megantic Observatory in the distance.
Sentier des Escarpments
Trail winding through the rocks.
 Sentier des Escarpments 
 Mont Megantic
Trail winding through the rocks.
Sentier des Escarpments
Mont Megantic
Giant rock slabs with a gap between them.
 Sentier des Escarpments 
 Mont Megantic
Giant rock slabs with a gap between them.
Sentier des Escarpments
Mont Megantic
A trail along the mossy rock face. 
Sentier des Escarpments 
 Mont Megantic
A trail along the mossy rock face.
Sentier des Escarpments
Mont Megantic
Tree growing up and over a boulder.
 Sentier des Escarpments  
Mont Megantic
Tree growing up and over a boulder.
Sentier des Escarpments
Mont Megantic
Tree with extensive root system exposed on the bank of a stream.
 Sentier des Escarpments  
Mont Megantic
Tree with extensive root system exposed on the bank of a stream.
Sentier des Escarpments
Mont Megantic