The International Appalachian Trail in Quebec covers more than 650 km of trails. It starts at Matapedia, then heads towards the Valley to Amqui before reaching the Matane wildlife reserve. It crosses the Parc de la Gaspésie including the Albert and Jacques-Cartier mountains, then descends towards Mont-Saint-Pierre where it follows the sea, from village to village, to Forillon National Park. Ranging from a rural setting in an agricultural setting to the steep cliffs of Forillon which overlook the sea, passing by the summits of the Chic-Chocset of the McGerrigle, the trail offers several possibilities for hiking. The trail is suitable for routes of varying duration (1 to 40 days) and difficulty (slight or steep drop).

Depending on the season, some sections can be covered from mid-May, but overall the trail is accessible from mid-June to the end of October. Services for hikers and members are offered along the trail in collaboration with our partners (transportation, accommodation, guide, supplies, information, topographic maps, books, etc.).

Access to the trail is free, but a daily access fee is required in the parks (de la Gaspésie and Forillon ).

Assemetquagan River to Matane River -131.8 km

Assemetquagan River to Matane River -131.8 km

This route sometimes borrows old forest ranger trails, old moose trails, abandoned forest roads as well as secondary roads in six municipalities. The short or long hiker will discover all the richness and diversity of a forest and agricultural valley. Country of rivers, the Valley is recognized for its salmon, its beautiful forests and its green fields. The hiker who likes to hear the sound of water and wind and who loves to observe the signs of the presence of Quebec fauna and flora will be able to live an unforgettable experience.

In the Vallée-de-la-Matapédia, long-term hikers will therefore be able to get their supplies in several municipalities located along the trail. Several access points near Route 132 allow walkers who wish to do a short hike to easily reach the trail. The main municipalities crossed are Sainte-Marguerite, Causapscal, Saint-Alexandre-des-Lacs, Lac-au-Saumon, Amqui and Saint-Vianney. This route from village to village allows you to discover the famous Chute à Philomène in Saint-Alexandre-des-Lacs, to observe the salmon at the Causapscal river falls and at the Marais site, to cross two magnificent covered bridges in the municipality of 'Amqui, to walk in the regional park of the Seigneurie du lac Matapédia and to be very close to the high wind turbines of Sainte-Marguerite. The trail therefore combines the Matapedian culture and its rural environment with the experience of outdoor wilderness. The hiker benefits from a refuge at the Creux stream 15 km from Sainte-Marguerite as well as 8 shelters in campsites or municipal parks (except the shelters Les 3 Sœurs, L'érablière and Les Chutes which are located in the forest ). It is therefore possible to do this section without the weight of a tent.

Maps

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