Hiking Tours

Québec City

Before we head towards the Gaspé Peninsula, we will spend one night in a charming boutique hotel in downtown Québec City, and enjoy a welcome dinner and two walking tours of Old Québec and the Plains of Abraham.

Reserve Faunique de Matane

The Matane Wildlife Reserve features deer and moose and breathtaking landscapes in abundance!  For hikers, the 100 km of trails presents a variety of options that reward hikers with panoramic views from several peaks.  We will enjoy a scenic hike along the Matane River with a short trek up to Mont Charles-Édouard Vézina and be rewarded with a beautiful view over the Matane River Valley.

Gaspésie National Park

For serious hikers, our two days in Gaspésie Park are likely to be the highlight of our tour. We will begin with an easy hike to the shores of Lac-aux-Americaines, followed by our most challenging offering the next day on Mont Albert.

Percé Rock and Bonaventure Island

The most famous site in Percé is the rock, but the most amazing thing we will see is Bonaventure Island, the place where more than 100,000 Northern Gannett’s nest each summer (and we’ll get close enough to smell them).

Bic National Park

Guests may be surprised how much the south shore of the St. Lawrence River feels like the seaside. We will hike along the shore, over the rocks and sand to get a sense of Québec’s geological and topographical history.

Paspebiac Fisheries Museum

The Banc-de-Pêche-de-Paspébiac Historic Site features outstanding period buildings including the largest wooden structure in North America, built between 1838 and 1840. During your guided tour, learn about the history and the daily routines of fishermen and fishing station workers during the 18th and 19th centuries.  Recognized for both its architecture and its social, economic, and historical importance in the cod fisheries, the fishing bank is a designated National Historic Site of Canada.

Exploramer Aquarium

The Exploramer Aquarium is dedicated to raising awareness on the conservation of the St. Lawrence River’s marine ecosystem. Get a ‘hands-on’ experience with local marine life by exploring twenty pools containing over 1000 individuals.

Micmac Interpretation Site of Gespeg

The mission of the Gespeg Micmac Interpretation Site is “to highlight the Micmac culture of the Gaspé Aboriginal community. It is through its interpretation activities that the Site highlights the history of the community from 1675 to today, offering an authentic and original experience to its visitors.”

Jardin de Metis (Reford Gardens)

Nobody expects to find refined gardens in such a northern location. However, due to a favourable micro-climate and the dogged efforts of Elsie Reford between 1926 and 1958, the Jardin de Metis offers a calming respite of delicate beauty tucked into the powerful Gaspé landscape.

Day 1  

1. Québec Lower & Upper Town Walking Tour 

(H1/Easy – 3.0km/100m) 

Departing from the hotel, this tour will introduce guests to Québec City with a focus on the colonial history and more recent social development that created this unique city.

https://www.quebec-cite.com/en/what-to-do-quebec-city/summer

DAY 2

2. Dufferin Promenade to Plains of Abraham Walking Tour 

(H1/Easy – 3.5km/100m) 

A local guide will lead this walk to the Upper Town, past the Chateau Frontenac, and along the Dufferin Terrace to the Plains of Abraham and fortified Citadel.

https://www.quebec-cite.com/en/what-to-do-quebec-city/historic-sites?list=categories

3. Chemin-du-Nord, Bic National Park

(H1/Easy – 5km/ minimal climbing) 

TThe Chemin-du-Nord trail runs along a series of small coves, where the sandy beaches stretched with the low tide. The rocks emerge. Sea birds take the opportunity to feast and deer graze salty grass along the banks, barely batting eyelashes at passing hikers.

https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/bas-saint-laurent-parc-national-du-bic-le-chemin-du-nord-rando-quebec-26719434

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/quebec/chemin-du-nord-et-le-contrebandier  

https://www.sepaq.com/resources/docs/pq/bic/bic_guide_visiteur_en.pdf

DAY 3

4. Mont Charles-Édouard-Vézina, Matane Wildlife Reserve

(H2/moderate - 7km/390m )

This scenic hike follows the Matane River and then climbs 390m to the top Mont Charles-Édouard Vézina where a beautiful view over the Matane River Valley is presented. (The actual route will be confirmed, but here are some links to provide some information.)

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/quebec/mont-charles-edouard-vezina 

https://www.tourismematane.com/images/Upload/circuits-de-randonnee/the_mont_charles-edouard-vezina_trail.pdf 

5. Le Lac-aux-Americaines Trail, Gaspésie National Park 

(H1/Easy – 2.9km110m) 

This trail is more a stroll than a hike and is all about the destination - lovely Lac-aux-Americaines. Upon arrival at the shore, there are plenty of spots to sit down and drink in the quiet beauty of this place.

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/canada/quebec/lac-aux-americains

https://www.sepaq.com/pq/gas/

DAY 4

6. Lac Diable & Mont Olivine Trail, Gaspésie National Park 

(H3/Difficult – 10.5km/650m) 

This challenging 6-hour hike takes guests to two destinations. First, we will summit and enjoy a picnic lunch on Mont Olivine overlooking the Gaspésie Valley. Afterward, the group will detour to see the mountain beauty of Lac Diable.

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/canada/quebec/lac-du-diable

https://www.sepaq.com/pq/gas/

7. OPTIONAL - Mont Albert Trail, Gaspésie National Park 

(H4/More Difficult – 14.3km/960m) 

This 8 hour hike is for serious enthusiasts only, as there is a relatively brisk pace and lots of climbing. This hike summits in the high alpine above the treeline, where the only herd of caribou can be found south of the St Lawrence River.

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/canada/quebec/sentier-du-mont-albert-face-nord

8. OPTIONAL – Various Hiking Trails in the Valley, Gaspésie National Park 

(H2/Moderate – 3.2km/110m) 

For those not inclined to climb a mountain, there is also an extensive network of well-marked trails surrounding the Park Discovery Centre (200m from our hotel) perfect for self-guided hikes, including to the beautiful Sainte Anne Falls.

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/canada/quebec/chute-sainte-anne-via-sentier-de-la-lucarne

DAY 5

9. OPTIONAL – La Grive Trail, Percé Geopark Pavilion

(H2/Moderate – 4.3km/220m) 

This trail goes up the hill behind the Geopark Pavilion and provides a wonderful view of the sea and Bonaventure Island.

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/canada/quebec/la-grive

DAY 6

10. Colonies Trail, Bonaventure Island 

(H1/Easy – 4.8km/170m) 

This trail crosses the island through a boreal forest, but the big attraction is the birds. Specifically, there are more than 300,000 migratory birds on the island, including gannets, puffins, razorbills and kittiwakes. Our expert guides will explain the appeal of this special place and guests will get so close to the birds they’ll want to hold their noses!

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/canada/quebec/sentier-des-colonies--2

https://www.sepaq.com/pq/bon/index.dot?language_id=1

11. OPTIONAL – Loop of Bonaventure Island 

(H2/Moderate – 7.6km/330m) 

This hike begins on the Colonies Trail, but after the main group who will go out and back, this option completes a loop around the island, providing great views along the shore.

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/canada/quebec/island-loop

DAY 7

12. Cap-Gaspé Trail, Forillon National Park 

(H2/Moderate – 8.0km/380m) 

The trail to Cap-Gaspé is mostly along a gravel roadway, with a couple of short detours along the sandy shore. The scenery through overgrown meadows is lovely and the pace is relaxing. The real payoff, however, is the view at the lighthouse, which is simply spectacular.

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/canada/quebec/cap-gaspe

https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/qc/forillon

DAY 8

13. Walking Tour of Jardin des Metis 

(H1/Easy – 1.6km/15m) 

This self-guided walking tour takes guests through the lovely Jardin des Metis gardens. 

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/canada/quebec/jardins-de-metis

https://jardinsdemetis.com/en/

The Widest Variety of Hikes

This tour includes a vast array of hiking environments: across an island, along the coast, traversing tidal flats, through forest access roads, over technical single track trails, and even up a mountain path, all with the benefit of local hiking guides.

Gaspé is Really Big

There’s no way to get around the long distances on Gaspé (this tour totals more than 1400 km). As such, there’s no question that the best way to explore the entirety of the Gaspé Peninsula is by deluxe motorcoach.

Hike 3 of 4 National Parks in the Gaspé Region

“Recognized as a “mecca for hiking” Parc National de la Gaspésie has a diverse
landscape that is influenced by its mountains. Parc National de l'Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher‑Percé is home to the famous rock landmark, bird colony, and outstanding floral and fauna. Forillon National Park is located on the tip of the Gaspé peninsula, giving it an "end of the world" feel and was the first national park in Québec. 

Worry-free Transportation

The deluxe motorcoach takes you to the trailhead and is ready and waiting for you when the hike is over.   Just hop back on the coach and be transported effortlessly to the next destination.

Fresh Seafood and Québecois Cuisine

Québecers care a great deal about their food and how it is prepared. In addition to group meals, guests have several opportunities to sample the local fare and indulge their epicurean passions.

• Connections Program with pickups in Brampton, Bowmanville, and Port Hope*
• Transportation by private motorcoach
• 8 nights of accommodation
• 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 6 dinners
• Local professional guides
• All park and attraction entry fees and charges for included hikes and highlights
• Services of a DeLuxe Hiking Tour Director

Prices are in Canadian dollars, are per person and include all applicable taxes.

*Alternate transportation arrangements to the starting point of the tour are possible, and if guests wish to make their own way to Old Québec, a credit will be applied.

Included Highlights

• 6 hikes & walks
• Guided walking tour of Old Québec & The Plains of Abraham
• Reserve Faunique de Matane
• Banc de Peche de Paspebiac
• Percé Rock /Bonaventure Island
• Bic National Park
• Micmac Interpretation Site of Gespeg
• Forillon National Park
• Exploramer Aquarium
• Jardin de Metis

Day 1: Welcome to Québec

Travel to Old Québec on your own (car, train, fly with credit given) or take the motorcoach from the Toronto area. Arrive at the unique  Le Monastere Des Augustine in Old Québec City, for a brief check in and then get your bearings with a guided walking tour of the Old City. The tour ends with a welcome dinner at a charming Québécois restaurant.

Stay:  Le Monastère Des Augustine, Old Québec City

Nights: 1

Meals: D

Day 2: Plains of Abraham, Chemin du Nord Hike

After breakfast, we’ll enjoy a warm-up guided walk to the Plains of Abraham, then drive east from Québec City.  After lunch, we will enjoy our first hike in Bic Park along the St. Lawrence River. This hike is not difficult but requires mobility and dexterity to get over rocks and fallen trees.

Stay: Hôtel Belle Plage, Matane

Nights: 1

Meals: B, D

Day 3: Mont Charles-Eduard Vezine & Lac-aux-Americaines Hike

After breakfast, head to Reserve Faunique de Matane for a guided hike along the Matane River.  We’ll depart the Reserve for lunch, and continue into Gaspésie National Park, Lac-aux-Americaines for a leisurely afternoon hike. 

Stay: Gite du Mont-Albert, Sainte-Anne-des-Monts

Nights: 2

Meals: B, D

Day 4: Gaspesie National Park

On this day, guests will be offered 2 guided hiking options:  intermediate and challenging. The most challenging has a difficulty rating of H4, and goes up Mont Albert. For those wanting something a little less daunting, there is a significant H3 hike up Mont Olivine.  (There are numerous easier unguided options in the valley.)

Meals: B, L, D

Day 5: Paspebiac Fisheries Museum, Percé UNESCO Global Geopark

After a couple of days in the mountains, this will be an easy day, travelling to the seashore with the first stop at the Fisheries Museum in Paspébiac. After a tour of this former fish plant and a leisurely lunch, our tour will continue to the Percé Geopark where an optional hike awaits. This evening is a free one. 

Stay: Hotel le Mirage, Percé

Nights: 2

Meals: B, L

Day 6: Percé Rock, Bonaventure Island

Today is sure to be a highlight! Cruise Percé`s harbour for an intimate view of the famous Percé Rock and then continue to Bonaventure Park. Enjoy a guided hike exploring the island and visit the largest Northern Gannett colony in the world!  After returning to town by boat, guests will have a free afternoon and evening.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 7: Forillon National Park, Micmac Interpretation Site of Gespeg

After breakfast, travel to Forillon National Park for a moderate hike to the lookout at Cap-Gaspé Lighthouse. After lunch, learn about the indigenous communities of Gaspé with a private tour at the Micmac Interpretive Site of Gespeg. The rest of the afternoon and evening are yours to explore the Village of Gaspé. 

Stay: Hôtel Plante, Gaspé

Nights: 1

Meals: B, L

Day 8: Exploramer Aquarium & Jardin de Metis

Today, round the tip of Gaspé and begin the journey back towards Québec City, with a couple of fascinating stops along the way. First, the group will enjoy a private tour of the Exploramer Aquarium and see first-hand what kinds of fish populate Atlantic Canada. Then, it’s off to the Jardin de Metis, an English-style garden and Canadian National Historic Site, for a self-guided walkthrough. Come together in the evening for a farewell dinner. 

Stay: Hôtel Universel, Rivière-du-Loup

Nights: 1

Meals: B, L, D

Day 9: Homeward

All good things must end, and the group will return to Québec City with drop-offs at the airport, train station and city centre (if needed) then proceeding onto Ontario for local drop-offs.

Meals: B

Le Monastere Des Augustine, Québec City (1 night)

Located in Old Québec, Le Monastere des Augustine, is a 17th century monastery and hospital recently renovated into a health and wellness centre. The calm and tranquil atmosphere will ensure you’re well rested for the rest of the tour.

Hôtel Belle Plage, Matane (1 night)

Hotel Belle Plage has been charming visitors with its friendly hospitality for over 70 years. Their attentive and courteous staff will treat you to a warm Gaspé welcome and make your stay a memorable one.

Gite du Mont-Albert Hotel, Sainte-Anne-des-Monts (2 nights)

Gite du Mont-Albert is located in the mountains, in the heart of the Gaspé National Park, enjoy an espresso coffee near a cozy fireplace or to spend a gourmet evening exploring the renowned table d'hôte.

Hôtel Le Mirage, Percé (2 nights)

Characterized by its welcome and the splendor of its decor, Hotel le Mirage offers superior quality rooms with a breathtaking view of Rocher Percé and Bonaventure Island.

Hôtel Plante, Gaspé (1 night)

Hôtel Universel, Rivière-Du-Loup (1 night)

This tour covers a lot of ground, as the Gaspé Peninsula is almost 400 km long, and includes a large number of cultural elements. In terms of hiking, Gaspésie National Park is the highlight, providing a rare opportunity in eastern North America to reach the high alpine (above the treeline) to see caribou. Guests should bring foul weather clothing and suitable hiking footwear, as the weather at elevation can change quickly.

This tour includes our unique Connections Program with pickups in Brampton, Bowmanville, and Port Hope.  Alternate transportation arrangements to the starting point of the tour are possible, and if guests wish to make their own way to Old Québec, a credit will be applied.

This tour starts and ends in Québec City. Guests can join this tour from anywhere in the world! 

Please contact us to discuss your airfare and pre-and post-tour accommodation options.