Are you planning a trip to Eastern Québec and looking for the best places to go hiking in Côte-Nord? Look no further because this is the blog post you need to read!

Breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence, endless beaches, rushing rivers and boreal forest as far as the eye can see… Stretching along the north shore of the St. Lawrence and into northern Québec, the Côte-Nord region is an immense adventure playground that will delight hiking enthusiasts. Hiking in Côte-Nord lets you escape the crowds and discover vast, wild and spectacular landscapes that will give you the impression of being worlds away from your everyday reality. This region is truly a paradise for those who want to spend time in the great outdoors and reconnect with nature.

The best places to go hiking in Côte-Nord

Discover our favourite places to go hiking in Côte-Nord. Exploring these breathtaking landscapes on foot is almost guaranteed to make you want to stay here forever!

1. Ferme 5 Étoiles holiday resort

Located along the Saguenay Fjord in Sacré-Coeur, the Ferme 5 Étoiles holiday resort offers several hiking trails that will allow you to explore wild landscapes that are typical of this region. Accessible to hikers of all levels, these marked trails meander through the forest and over hills, with lookouts offering superb views of the fjord.

The site is also a great starting point to access the trails in Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay, which offers the option of longer hikes as well as guided excursions that includes baggage transportation and lodging.

Practical info: The site is open year-round. You must pay to access the trails unless you’re a guest at the holiday resort.

2. Coeur Sauvage

For a hiking adventure off the beaten path, head to Coeur Sauvage in Sacré-Coeur, near the Saguenay Fjord. Join Sylvain, a naturalist guide and wildlife photographer, for a guided immersion in the boreal forest, which includes several short and easy hikes to lakes, waterfalls and natural observation points.

During this outing, Sylvain will share his knowledge of local plants and wildlife. With any luck, you’ll also spot some of the iconic animal species found in the boreal forest, such as moose or black bears, which you’ll observe from a respectful distance.

Practical info: The boreal immersion excursion lasts four hours and is offered from early June to mid-October. Charges apply.

3. Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay

Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay is a popular hiking destination in Eastern Québec. In the Baie-de-Tadoussac sector, don’t miss the short Pointe-de-l’Islet trail, which will take you along the water and give you the opportunity to observe marine mammals while soaking up spectacular views.

Other trails, such as the Le Fjord in the Baie-Sainte-Marguerite sector, offer views of the cliffs and the fjord. Be sure to stop by the Halte du Béluga lookout, a perfect spot to watch belugas and learn more about this endangered species.

Practical info: The park’s trails are open from mid-May to mid-October, and entry fees apply. We recommend you purchase your daily access pass online before your visit.

4. Parc Nature de Pointe-aux-Outardes

Located near Baie-Comeau, Parc Nature de Pointe-aux-Outardes is a prime hiking destination. Accessible to everyone, several marked trails wind through the astonishing variety of natural habitats found in the nature park: boreal forest, dunes, a salt marsh, sand flats and more. Wooden boardwalks, observation towers and rest areas will allow you to fully enjoy the scenery and observe wildlife, including up to 255 species of birds!

Four loops, ranging in length from 0.8 km (0.5 mi.) to 5 km (3 mi.), will take you through the park’s nine ecosystems at you own pace. Along the way, be sure to read the interpretive panels to learn more about the area’s nature and history.

Practical info: The nature park is open year-round, and entry fees apply.

5. Station Uapishka

Located at the foot of the Uapishka (Groulx) Mountains, exactly 336 km (209 mi.) north of Baie-Comeau via Route 389, the Uapishka Station is as an ideal base camp for hikers in search of northern adventures. This wild mountain range includes about 30 peaks over 1000 metres (3300 feet) high and offers spectacular views of the famous Manicouagan Reservoir, a massive annular lake located in an ancient impact crater.

You can explore these spectacular landscapes on your own along several trails, including one that will take you to the top of Mt. Harfang through the alpine tundra. If you’re looking for a more challenging climb, you can ascend Mt. Jauffret or Mt. Provencher, both of which offer breathtaking views of the Manicouagan Reservoir. Seasoned hikers can also enjoy a 44-km (27 mi.) expert-level crossing of the Uapishka Mountains, a memorable expedition that will plunge you into the heart of this wild territory.

Practical info: During the summer, the Uapishka Station is open from June 24 to October 15. Access to the trails is free.

6. Sept Îles Archipelago

The magnificent Sept-Îles Archipelago, which is about 565 million years old, is a treasure trove of marine ecosystems. Accessible from the Sept-Îles marina, these islands were once visited by the famous explorer Jacques Cartier and are recognized as one of the five best places in the world to observe whales!

Hiking enthusiasts should keep in mind that Grande Basque is the only island you can hike on in the archipelago. Six beautiful beaches and 12 km (7.5 mi.) of trails await you here, along with breathtaking views around every bend.

Practical info: The archipelago is accessible from early June to mid-September. Entry fees apply.

7. Centre de Plein Air du Lac des Rapides

Located in Sept-Îles, the Lac des Rapides Outdoor Recreation Centre is the perfect place to go hiking and spend a day in nature. The network of hiking trails around the lake will allow you to explore the boreal forest and reach a lookout offering a stunning view of this body of water!

In the summer, in addition to hiking, you can also go swimming or explore the lake in a kayak, canoe, SUP or pedal boat.

Practical info: The outdoor recreation centre is open year-round. In the summer, access to the trails and the public beach is free.

8. Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve

Accessible by boat only from Havre-Saint-Pierre or Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan (for example, with Famille Loiselle), the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve is a destination you won’t want to miss! Come and explore a variety of natural habitats, including the shoreline, the boreal forest, barrens and peat bogs. One of the highlights of your visit will be seeing the archipelago’s unusual and iconic limestone monoliths.

In total, over 80 km (50 mi.) of trails are accessible on nine different islands: Grosse Île au Marteau, Petite Île au Marteau, Île du Havre, Grande Île, Niapiskau, Quarry, Île du Fantôme, Île aux Perroquets and Île Nue de Mingan. From one island to the next, you’ll have a multitude of opportunities to discover all the rich natural beauty and abundant marine and birdlife found in the park reserve. Whether you only have a few hours or plan to spend several days in the archipelago, you can adapt your itinerary to your own pace and interests. Be sure to book your boat trip as soon as possible and check the tide schedules since some sectors may become impassable at high tide.

Practical info: The park reserve is open from June to September, with the schedule subject to change at the beginning and end of the season. Entry fees apply, and you will have to pay for the boat trip separately.

9. Parc national d’Anticosti

Another park well worth exploring is Parc national d’Anticosti, located on the island of the same name in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Offering 125 km (nearly 80 mi.) of trails, the park invites you to discover spectacular landscapes shaped by erosion, including caves, cliffs, canyons and waterfalls.

In the Chute Vauréal sector, hikers can explore trails offering breathtaking views of a canyon, cliffs that are over 90 metres (295 feet) high and the 76-metre (250-foot) Vauréal Falls. In the Grotte-à-la-Patate sector, easy to intermediate trails will give you opportunities to admire the rugged coastline as well as the cave this sector was named after, one of the longest underground cavities in Québec, which was discovered in 1981. In the Baie-de-la-Tour sector, several trails offer access to stunning coastal panoramas as well as a picturesque waterfall, while the Chicotte sector will take you via a forest and canyon. Don’t forget your binoculars: the island is home to over 115,000 white-tailed deer as well as seals and over 200 species of birds!

Practical info: The park is open from June 20 to August 30. Various packages are available that include airfare, lodging and park entry fees. Inquire for more information!

The right gear for hiking in Côte-Nord

Hiking in Côte-Nord is an amazing experience but with the right gear, it’s even better! Here are some of the essentials you’ll want to bring with you:

• Waterproof hiking boots: to provide good ankle support on wet, rocky or uneven trails (be sure to break them in before you leave to avoid blisters!)
• Technical clothing that can be layered: since weather conditions can change quickly
• Windbreaker or waterproof jacket: the wind can be unpredictable, even in the summer
• Cap: to protect against the sun or rain (people who wear glasses know what I’m talking about!)
• Protection against biting insects: insect repellent and long-sleeved clothing depending on the season
• Hiking poles: useful for helping with ascents, protecting your knees on descents and maintaining your balance
• Sunscreen: UV rays can be intense, even when it’s cloudy
• Water: some areas are more remote and lack water sources (carry at least 500 ml of water for every hour of hiking per person)
• Energy snacks and a picnic: to help you maintain your pace over long distances
• Charged phone and power bank: especially if you plan to hike in remote areas
• Map or offline app: cell service can be spotty depending on your location
• First-aid kit: always useful in the great outdoors
• Headlamp: handy if the hike takes longer than expected
• Safety whistle: recommended in more isolated areas
• Bag to carry out your trash: it’s important to follow “Leave No Trace” principles

Now that you know all the best places to go hiking in Côte-Nord, all you need to do is pack your bags and set off to immerse yourself in nature! For more tips about planning a trip to Eastern Québec, sign up for our newsletter, and if you’re interested in outdoor adventures in any of our other maritime regions, be sure to read our blog posts about hiking in Bas-Saint-Laurent, Gaspésie and the Îles de la Madeleine!