Miles of coastline
Make a stroll along our trails along the St. Lawrence River
With close to 100 kilometers of coastline, it is not surprising that visitors to La Matanie as well as its citizens regularly take walks on the beach, whether it is to collect treasures left by the tides, to admire the colorful sunsets at the end of the day or to listen to the sound of the waves rocking us. During Fall, when hunting on public land is ongoing, a good alternative to hiking is to head for trails along the estuary rather than the forest.
The Sentier des Rosiers
The Sentier des Rosiers located in Baie-des-Sables is 5.6 km long (round trip) and follows the St. Lawrence River from the end of the eastern part of the village to the Halte du Meunier (rest stop). Picnic tables and benches are located along the trail. Several public accesses to the waterfront are also available to users. A convenience store, a cheese shop and an old mill are located near the trail.
Learn more about the Sentier des Rosiers
The Sentier du littoral (coastal trail)
The Sentier du littoral is a privileged access for all those who want to explore a fascinating nature. This undeveloped trail offers a variety of experiences. Some sections are on the beach or along impressive cliffs. The tidal phenomenon makes the landscape constantly changing. At low tide, you can observe marine organisms that would otherwise be underwater. The Sentier du littoral extends over the territory of the municipalities of Sainte-Félicité and Grosses-Roches. The coastline is an integral part of the local identity. Shipping and fishing have long been central to the way of life.
Learn more about the Sentier du littoral
Use the public accesses to the beach
There are several public access to the beach that are perfect for picnics with friends, family or as a couple. It's also the perfect opportunity to start (or expand) your collection of sea-polished pebbles, shells and colored glass.
To facilitate access to the beach while respecting private property owners, we developed a signage system throughout our territory, in collaboration with the Ministère des transports du Québec, to indicate all authorized parking areas as well as safe passage on public land to lead you to the beach. Look for the white and blue signs on your next trip or consult our Google map right here to plan your getaway on the Matanie coastline.
Mountain of emotions
The Chic-Chocs Mountains
Boarded by the Chic-Choc Mountains, La Matanie is the ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts. With summits reaching 1,000 metres, there's something for everyone's fitness level.
You won't forget the breathtaking views any time soon. The Chic-Choc Mountains are a must when visiting La Matanie!
The Matane Wildlife Reserve
The Matane Wildlife Reserve (SÉPAQ), which both the Chic-Choc Mountains and Matane River cross, is the location you've been dreaming of for your outdoor activities. There are a number of activities on offer. Why not hire a boat and equipment and fish on one of the many lakes? Or head out on a moose or black bear watching excursion, where you can get up close and personal with the wildlife? You won't be disappointed; the Matane Wildlife Reserve has the highest concentration of moose in Quebec. There are a number of chalets, camp sites and hiking trails, making this wildlife reserve the destination of choice, whether you're with family or friends.
Learn more about the Matane Wildlife Reserve
The International Appalachian Trail
Over one hundred kilometres of the International Appalachian Trail cross the Matane Wildlife Reserve, across deep valleys, lakes, rivers and streams. It's home to breathtakingly wild landscape. There's something for everyone, whatever the challenge you're looking for, including easy and accessible hikes that take less than a day. If you're up for more a challenge, you can set out on a long hike along the IAT's 650 kilometres on the Gaspé Peninsula. There are shelters for accommodation, or camping on the Matane Wildlife Reserve.
Our ATV and off-road motorcycle trails
The Club Quad de La Matanie (ATV local club) offers close to 300 kilometers of trails, for motorcycle, ATV and off-road motorcycle vehicles. Our well-maintained trails will allow you to discover our forests, ride along the river, ride through the wind farm and climb our mountains. Since 2018, the Club Quad de La Matanie has partnered with the Club Moto Aventure Chic-Chocs in the implementation of a project aimed at integrating enduro and off-road motorcycles. By the same token, our trails are also affiliated with the Fédération Québécoise de motos hors route (FQMHR). Fans of this sport will tell you that the Matanie territory is one of the most beautiful playgrounds in the province!
Learn more about Matanie's ATV trails
Learn more about Aventure MTCTAN, the Off-road motocycle riding Annual Event