International Appalachian Trail – Québec

968, rue du Phare Ouest, C.P. 132
Matane (Quebec) Canada
G4W 3N1
Phone:
+418-562-7885
Fax:
+418-566-2115
Email:
infosiaquebec@gmail.com

Website

In the province of Québec, the International Appalachian Trail starts in the town of Matapédia, winds through the Matapédia Valley to Amqui and crosses Parc national de la Gaspésie, including Mt. Albert and Mt. Jacques-Cartier, and the Réserve faunique de Matane. It then descends towards Mont-Saint-Pierre, where it follows the sea from village to village all the way to Forillon National Park, for a total of 650 km (400 mi.). Meandering through rural countryside via the Chic-Choc and McGerrigle mountains to the sheer cliffs of Forillon, which overlook the sea, the IAT-QC offers the possibility of excursions of varying levels of difficulty (from very easy to strenuous depending on the steepness of the path) lasting from 1 to 40 days.

The IAT-QC offers three types of lodging along the trail for a total of 64 options (11 huts, 25 shelters including 5 lean-tos and 29 tent platforms). Reservations are required and can be made by contacting the IAT-QC at 418-560-4642 or info@sia-iat.com.

Self-guided and guided hiking packages lasting from 1 to 3 days are also offered in base camp. The IAT-QC also offers a range of other services to hikers including transportation, lodging, guides, replenishment, information, topographical maps and guidebooks.

Admission to the trail is free, but hikers must pay a daily admission fee in Parc national de la Gaspésie and Forillon National Park.


Opening dates

Mid-May to mid-October


Schedule

Depending on the season, some sections of the trail 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, except for the segments of the trail within Parc national de la Gaspésie and Forillon National Park.

Reservations

Required for huts and campsites; contact IAT-QC at 418-560-4642 or info@sia-iat.com

Payment methods

  • Visa  Visa
  • MasterCard  MasterCard
  • Cash  Cash

Activities available

Hiking
Going from rural countryside to the sheer cliffs of Forillon, the segment of the International Appalachian Trail in Québec offers the possibility of excursions of varying levels of difficulty lasting from 1 to 40 days.
Wildlife Observation
The segment of the International Appalachian Trail in Québec gives you access to diverse natural environments, with many opportunities for bird watching and wildlife observation.
Gardens, Parks and Natural Sites
Going from rural countryside to the sheer cliffs of Forillon, the segment of the International Appalachian Trail in Québec gives you access to diverse natural environments, with many opportunities for bird watching and wildlife observation.


Services

  • Picnic area
  • Pets allowed on leashes only
  • Free parking
  • Other: Car shuttle service, food drops
  • Guide services

How to get there

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


Affiliations and distinctions

Affiliations

  • French Hiking Federation (FFRP)
  • Parcs Québec network (SÉPAQ)
  • Aventure Écotourisme Québec (AEQ)
  • Québec Hiking Federation (FQM)
  • Parks Canada
  • Tourisme Gaspésie

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