International Appalachian Trail - Quebec GR A1
The trails are open from June 24 to October 10.
The first Grande Randonnée (GR®) route in North America, this trail runs across the Gaspésie with over 650 kilometres of trail for short and long excursions. The Matane Wildlife Reserve section of the trail passes through the Chic-Chocs for over 100 kilometres (moose included), with lodging in campgrounds with platforms and enclosed shelters.
Short hikes (without lodging)
You can have access to the trails in the area of the Matane Wildlife Reserve for free. Note however that there is a small fee for some parking lots that you would have to use. This fee is payable at The John Registration Centre.
- Applicable for the following parking lots: Accueil John, des Pins, Lac Matane, Petit-Sault and chute Hélène.
- Motorcycle: $5.44 + taxes / motorcycle / day
- Car: $9.13 + taxes / car / day
- Annual parking pass available at $54.79 + taxes.
- Free parking for holders of the Quebec national Parks annual card at $72.62 + taxes, or for all those staying in a SÉPAQ cottage or campground on the Matane Wildlife Reserve.
- 13 hikes available for all levels, from easy to expert and varying between 4 km and 17 km.
This section of the IAT offers you the beginning of the Chic-Chocs Mountains on more than 100 kilometers of trails (moose included), camping accommodation with platforms and closed shelters.
View all the short hiking trails in the Matane Wildlife Reserve
The Matane Wildlife Reserve becomes partially accessible during the hunting season, starting the day after Labour Day. Please follow all instructions on the IAT-QC website if you wish to hike in this area during the fall season.
Photos credits: Destination Plein Air, Tommy Ferlatte, Aegir Médias.