Gaspésie National Park is the inland counterpart to the coast: a mountain park in the Chic-Choc and McGerrigle ranges, reached by route 299 from Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, with about 140 km of marked trails and 25 peaks over 1,000 metres. Mount Jacques-Cartier, at about 1,268 metres, is described as the second highest peak in Québec, and its summit plateau is the habitat of the park's caribou, which Tourisme Gaspésie calls the only herd of woodland caribou south of the St. Lawrence. One visitor guide estimates about 230 animals. The Discovery and Services Centre is in the Mont-Albert sector. From there the Tour du Mont-Albert is a demanding loop of 17.4 km taking six to eight hours with about 870 metres of climbing, and a shorter north-side route of 11.4 km takes about five hours. The Mont Jacques-Cartier hike, 8.3 km round trip, is the caribou hike, with the trail allowing hikers only between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. under a ranger. Adults pay about $10 for park access, with children 17 and under free. The 2026 season ran from 15 May to 12 October, so the high trails are closed now.
What to do
In summer, choose between the big hikes. The Tour du Mont-Albert and the Mont Jacques-Cartier trail are the headline walks, running from mid June or late June to the end of September, and both are strenuous. For something easier, Mont-Ernest-Laforce is a 4.5 km loop of about two hours and Lac-aux-Américains is a 2.
6 km out-and-back of about an hour and a half, both reported as open from early May to the end of November, so they may still be passable now, weather permitting. In winter, the trails become routes for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, and the park lists backcountry ski and snowshoe rental.
Seasons and planning
A car is essential. The Discovery and Services Centre is about 40 km from Sainte-Anne-des-Monts and about 530 km from Québec City, and a seasonal shuttle runs once a day from Sainte-Anne-des-Monts from July to September. Entry is subject to daily visitor limits, so buy access in advance in high season. The summer hours of the centre ran from 15 May to 12 October. Winter is a separate season, with the park's inn open from 27 December 2026 to 29 March 2027, so a November visit falls between the two.
Fitting it in
Give the park at least a day, and a night in the mountains if you can. It sits on the north coast of the peninsula, a long drive from Percé, so it works best as a stop on the way around, or as a separate mountain trip. Combine it with the Jardins de Métis at the western end. Bring layers, because the weather on the plateau changes quickly, and carry a map.
What to expect
The experience
A mountain national park with marked trails, a discovery centre, campgrounds and an inn, reached by car on route 299.
Best time
Late June to the end of September for the high trails; December to March for snowshoeing and skiing; closed to the high peaks in November.
How long
A full day for one big hike, or several days if you stay at the inn or a campground.
Tips
Buy access in advance in high season, start the caribou hike by 10 a.m. as rules require, and pack layers for a changing climate.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Serious hikers and caribou watchers, and winter visitors with snowshoes or skis.
- Families
- The shorter trails of Mont-Ernest-Laforce and Lac-aux-Américains are easier, and children under 18 enter free.
- Couples
- A stay at the Gîte du Mont-Albert with a day hike on the mountain.
- Pair with
- The Jardins de Métis at the western end and a night at the Gîte du Mont-Albert.
- Time needed
- A full day at least.
Good questions
Is Gaspésie National Park open now?+
The 2026 summer season ran from 15 May to 12 October, and the high trails are closed until late June. Two shorter trails are reported open to the end of November, and winter activities begin around the end of December.
Can I see caribou?+
The park is the habitat of the only herd of woodland caribou south of the St. Lawrence, and the Mont Jacques-Cartier plateau is the place to look. Hikers are allowed on that trail only between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
How hard are the hikes?+
The Tour du Mont-Albert is a difficult 17.4 km loop of six to eight hours, and Mont Jacques-Cartier is an 8.3 km round trip of four to five hours. Shorter walks of about two hours are also available.
What does it cost?+
Adults pay about $10 for access and children aged 17 and under are free. Entry is limited by daily visitor numbers, so buy in advance in high season.
How do I get there?+
By car on route 299 from Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, about 40 km to the centre. A seasonal shuttle runs once a day from July to September.
