See the Indian Summer on these 5 hikes in Quebec, Canada
Are you one of the tough hikers that doesn’t need summer weather to be outdoors? Looking to see the magnificent colors of the Indian Summer? After hiking in Nova Scotia last month, I just finished a fall tour of Quebec and have a few tips on hikes with great views.
Mont du Lac des Cygnes
This trail is in the Grand Jardin park. It really is a big garden. We must have stopped a million times for pictures, even when it was still foggy. When the sun came out the clouds cleared, we have even better views of the valleys and foothills covered in maple trees. A very nice, well maintained trail, easy to find. It starts at the visitor center which has all the usual amenities.
Mestachibo
Do the Mestachibo trail only if you’re up for a real challenge. Yes, it’s beautiful, no question. But it’s not for beginners and don’t go if you’re scared of heights. Ideally go with 2 cars so you can have one at each end, as it’s a one way trail. There are 2 suspension bridges, a waterfall and countless ups and downs over rough terrain. But the views from the view points are pretty indeed.
Mount Chauvre
Mt Chauvre is a well marked trail for a day trip. About 10km long, half of which is a loop, the other half the trail leading you to the loop. A picnic bench at the intersection invites you for lunch. It’s a 4h hike through the forest, up and down muddy trails and steps. Several viewpoints along the way show you each side of the mountain. It’s hard to bear such beauty, especially in the fall. Autumn colors as far as the eye can see.
Colline de l’Anse a la Barque
A real gem, this one. Near Tadoussac, QC, the trailhead is a little hidden but good maps are available online and in town. It takes you up a hill with sparse tree cover on top which frees us the views. And what views they are! Of the fjord, the St Lawrence River, the village of Tadoussac and endless forests. It’s a half day hike I would even take beginners on for a bit of a mix of trail, steps and rocks to climb on.
La Croisée
…or really, any hike in the Jacques Cartier National Park. Even just driving into the park is a marvelous experience. The road is built just next to the river, opening up the views. You basically see the forest covered hills on the other side for an hour on your way to the trailhead. The trail itself leads along the river through a forest, changing trees after each turn which makes for different light and colors.
Where did you see the nicest fall colors?
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