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Duration
8 days
Activities
  • 7 days guided hiking
Accommodation
  • 1 night hotel
  • 6 nights multi-share basic huts
Meals
  • 6 Dinners
  • 7 Lunches
  • 7 Breakfasts

Price

$1850USD

* All prices subject to applicable taxes

THIS TRIP IS
100% CARBON OFFSET
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Trip Code: GCV

Overview

Trip highlights

  • Hike one of the best long-distance trails east of the Canadian Rockies
  • Experience the freedom of thru-hiking while carrying only a daypack
  • Enjoy the untouched wilderness of UNESCO-designated Charlevoix Biosphere Reserve
  • Take in the beauty of Parc des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-riviere-Malbaie
  • Look out for rare caribou in Parc des Grands-Jardins
  • Meet like-minded outdoor enthusiasts on the trail and at the huts

The Traversée de Charlevoix is one of the longest and most magical hiking trails in Quebec at 105km/60 miles from start to finish. Located in the mountainous hinterland of the Charlevoix region, at the heart of a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, this rugged trail offers outdoor enthusiasts a real challenge through a pristine forest environment. Six backcountry huts line the trail, each equipped with a 2-burner camp stove, cooking/dining equipment, and comfortable mattresses in an upstairs sleeping area. The huts, combined with daily luggage transfers, allow hikers to tackle the rugged trail without the need to carry camping equipment. With your luggage transfers, we've included drinking water refills, easy-to-prepare meals, and daily fresh food items. This means that you only have to carry a day pack on the trail and no advanced food planning is required - We'll take care of it all!

Activities:
Grading:
5

Moderate

More info about grading system

Itinerary

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Arrive in Québec City, the renowned provincial capital. Quebec City is famous for Old Quebec, the fortified historical and cultural heart of the city and a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will be staying in or near the Old town tonight, and the treasured city will be available for you to explore. Québec City has plenty to see and do, and we suggest extending your stay here before or after your tour. We can assist with reserving extra nights so that you can fully experience one of the oldest European cities in North America.

Meals:  Nil

You will be picked up this morning from your accommodation in Quebec City for a shuttle transfer to the trail office. At the office, we will make final preparations before starting to hike. The first section of trail features a few mild downhill slopes through a long glacial valley. Tonight's shelter is located next to charming Lac-de-l'Écluse and the first hiking day is short. Your luggage and food will be waiting for you in the hut - settle in and enjoy the quiet surroundings. Overnight Chalet l'Écureuil.

Meals:  B,L,D

Although the distance is greater today, this second leg has lovely downhill slopes. From Lac-de-l'Écluse, the trail runs along the Ruisseau aux Mouches, then the southwest Gouffre River. Crossing forests and plains, today's highlights include old and imposing fir and spruce trees, a lush array of shrubs and herbaceous plants, and a view over the edge of an impact crater. The crater was created by a meteorite some 360 million years ago. There is an option today to take an alternative and slightly more demanding trail about 2/3 of the way through the hike - we highly recommend it for the fantastic views. Overnight Chalet la Marmotte. (Elevation gain/loss: +160m/-420m or +520ft/-1380ft )

Meals:  B,L,D

Today's hike culminates with with panoramic views at the top of Mt. Noyee. The view is beautiful - on clear days you can even see the St-Lawrence River in the distance. The descent that follows soon leads to the Chalet La Chouette, located near the lake of the same name. (Elevation gain/loss: +550m/-400m or +1800ft/-1310ft)

Meals:  B,L,D

Awaiting you today is a real treat - the Hautes-Gorges Valley and the beautiful Malbaie River, the region's majestic 160km/100mile long waterway. While covering a long distance, today is mostly downhill and offers amazing views, bridge crossings, and the gigantic trees of Grands-Ormes ecological reserve. After an initial uphill bringing you to amazing views of the Acropole des Draveurs and Mont Félix-Antoine-Savard, a long downhill brings you to the entrance of Parc National des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Riviere-Malbaie. This Parc National is a protected area where you will be wonderfully immersed for the next two hiking days. The location of your hut tonight is spectacular with views of the Malbaie River and the surrounding mountains. Overnight Chalet Gaie Bleu. (Elevation gain/loss: +440m/-780m or +1440ft/-2560ft)

Meals:  B,L,D

There is an uphill climb for most of the day, but it is gradual. After following the Malbaie River, the trail leaves it and climbs along Chouinard stream (Ruisseau Chouinard), leading to some lovely panoramic lookouts of the narrow valley and the surroundings. Overnight Chalet Le Coyote. (Elevation gain/loss: +550m/-180m or +1800ft/-590ft)

Meals:  B,L,D

The trail today is mostly comprised of former forestry paths, making for a lovely walk. Along the way, you will walk through an area of regrowth as the site was once destroyed by forest fire. In the summer, note the wide array of berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries) growing along the trail. Keep your eye out for a beaver dam - the patient hiker may even get a glimpse of its resident. Overnight Chalet l'Épervier. (Elevation gain/loss: +340m/-500m or +1120ft/-1640ft)

Meals:  B,L,D

Your final day on the trail is a short one. From the hut, retrace your steps a short distance to cross the bridge you will have passed by the day before. This bridge leads you on the Mont Grand-Fonds network and takes you to Grand-Fonds, the exit point of the memorable Traversée de Charlevoix. Your pickup will be meeting you here with your luggage for a transfer to Québec City. The group will make a well-deserved gourmet stop at a restaurant on the way back. (Elevation gain/loss: +220m/-660m or +720ft/-2170ft)

Meals:  B,L

Inclusions

What's included

  • 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners
  • Happy Yak Meal Plan with 'add water' camp meals and daily fresh food items
  • Drinking water delivered daily to each hut
  • 1 night double occupancy hotel
  • 6 nights in multi-share back country huts (non-private)
  • Licensed wilderness guide
  • Pick-up from Québec City
  • Drop-off in Québec City
  • Daily luggage transfers
  • Sleeping mat
  • Shared use of group camping equipment
  • Emergency assistance
  • Park entry fees

  • Travel to/from Québec City
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Meals and transfers not indicated in the itinerary
  • Travel Insurance (mandatory)
  • Applicable taxes

Accommodation

Multi-Share Backcountry Huts

Our authentic backcountry huts along the trail are equipped with a 2-burner camp stove, cooking/dining equipment, and comfortable mattresses. They are multi-share accommodations set in naturally beautiful, quiet surroundings.

Multi-Share Backcountry Huts

Our authentic backcountry huts along the trail are equipped with a 2-burner camp stove, cooking/dining equipment, and comfortable mattresses. They are multi-share accommodations set in naturally beautiful, quiet surroundings.

Trail Surface

Expect to trek up and down through pleasant forested terrain

The Charlevoix Trail is known to be simple to follow and well-signed, despite noticeable elevation changes. While you may encounter some muddy sections, roots and rocks the pathways are fairly well-maintained and not considered to be as rugged as the trails you would expect to encounter in the Rocky Mountains or along the west coast of the country. Elevation changes are the most challenging aspect of the trail that each hiker should expect and be prepared for. Despite the pleasant forest ambiance and well-maintained pathways, the changes in elevation and the possibility of fatigue should be factored in to avoid injury or over-exertion.

Suitability

Moderate

5

These adventures involve trekking, cycling, rafting or paddling for up to 6 or 7 hours a day at a steady pace. Hikers should be prepared for plenty of roots, rocks, significant elevation gain, steep ascents/descents, and potential variable weather conditions. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health. The Charlevoix Traverse is a back country hike mostly through forest with side trails to awesome view points. Daily hiking ranges from 4km to 20km+ and the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy this trip. The terrain is rugged and you should be prepared for lots of roots and rocks and potentially muddy trails. As with all trips in Canada, weather plays a major factor in the difficulty of this hike, so come prepared and with an open mind. You will be expected to collect/boil water at the huts for cooking and to prepare your own (included) meals using the propane stoves at each hut. You will be sleeping on a mat on the floor of shared loft spaces and using outhouse facilities at each hut - This trip is therefore best suited to those who enjoy camping and who enjoy forest walking.

Departure dates


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Priceper person from

$1850USD

* All prices subject to applicable taxes

Options & Supplements*
  • Single Supplement (Quebec City hotel only)USD$140
* Prices listed are per person. All prices subject to applicable taxes.

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Our Expertise

Everyone who works with us, from our office staff, ground staff and guides is the ‘’real deal’’. Our team is comprised of actual hikers and cyclists who have explored or live in the region in which you will be travelling. Our entire network is highly-specialised in active travel.

Great Value

Quality services at the best price make our adventures great value for money. Having essential items included like National Park fees, charming accommodations, most meals, bikes for cycling trips, maps and support for peace of mind. Our inclusions allow you to better budget for your big adventure.

Innovative Itineraries

We look beyond the horizon to find new and exciting adventures. We’re passionate about shaping the next generation of outdoor travel in Canada, and constantly seek different ways, routes and alternatives to exceed our clients’ dreams.

ECO Friendly

We are committed to responsible travel and true sustainability, formed when the company was established, and in the face of a multitude of threats to the environment, our commitment is stronger than ever. We aim to "leave no trace" in both an environmental and cultural sense.