International Appalachian Trail – Québec

In the province of Québec, the International Appalachian Trail starts in the town of Matapédia, winds through the Matapédia Valley to Amqui and crosses the Matane Wildlife Reserve and Gaspésie National Park, including Mt. Albert and Mt. Jacques-Cartier. It then descends towards Mt. Saint-Pierre, where it follows the sea from village to village all the way to Forillon National Park of Canada, for a total of 650 km (400 mi.). Going through rural countryside via the Chic-Choc and McGerrigle summits to the sheer cliffs of Forillon, which overlook the sea, the International Appalachian Trail – Québec (IAT-QC) offers the possibility of excursions lasting from 1 to 40 days of varying levels of difficulty (easy to strenuous depending on how steep the path is). Facilities for hikers include 23 shelters and 35 tent platforms, which are found along the trail outside the villages. Our partners provide various services along the path to hikers and members, including transportation, accommodations, guides, replenishment, information, topographical maps, guidebooks, etc. Annual short- and long-distance hikes are also organized in association with various walking clubs.

Admission to the trail is free but hikers must register on site. Reservations for shelters and campsites must be made through SÉPAQ by calling 1-800-655-6526 (option 3) or by visiting their website at www.sepaq.com.

Opening dates

From mid-May to late October

Schedule

Depending on the season, some sections may be open as of mid-May. However, the entire trail is open from mid-June to late October.

Cost

Admission to the trail is free.

Note for this reservation

Required for huts and campsites; call SÉPAQ at 1-800-655-6526 (option 3).

Payment methods

• MasterCard
• Visa

Services

• Picnic area
• Free parking

How to get there

Access trails to the International Appalachian Trail – Québec (IAT-QC) are found in the following locations: Matapédia Valley, Matane Wildlife Reserve, Haute-Gaspésie, Gaspésie National Park, Côte-de-Gaspé and Forillon National Park of Canada.

Affiliations and distinctions

SÉPAQ (Québec association of outdoor establishments)
Aventure Écotourisme Québec (AEQ)
FQM (Québec hiking federation)
Tourisme Gaspésie