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.comPayment methods
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Visa
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MasterCard
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Cash
Activities available
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