Charlevoix isn’t a place you hike casually. The trails here climb straight up granite cliffs and mountain plateaus, and the payoff is some of the biggest views east of the Rockies. Here are three I’ve done, from a manageable moderate hike to two proper leg-burners.
Good to know: all three trails sit inside Sépaq national parks (Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie and Grands-Jardins), so entry is a flat $10.30/day per adult as of May 2026, kids 17 and under free (sepaq.com). A Sépaq annual card pays for itself after about five visits.
Le Riverain (Le Yéti)
9.5 km out-and-back · 295 m elevation gain · Moderate
This one runs along the Malbaie River inside Parc national des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie. The first 3 km don’t offer much, but from km 5 on you start getting real viewpoints. The trail is well maintained with picnic tables along the way, and you can take a shuttle back from the far service center instead of retracing your steps. A solid pick if you want a full day outside without a brutal climb.
Acropole-des-Draveurs
11.2 km · 800 m elevation gain · Hard
Same park, completely different animal. This is a constant ascent to three summits over the Malbaie River valley, and it’s one of the hardest trails I’ve done in Quebec. Hiking boots and poles aren’t optional here, and bring more water than you think you’ll need. There’s no cell reception at the top, so if you’re hiking with a group, agree on a meeting point before you split up.
Le Pioui and Mont-du-Lac-des-Cygnes Loop
12 km loop · 748 m elevation gain · Hard
Over in Parc national des Grands-Jardins, this loop starts with a 3 km climb through boulders and roots, so it earns its difficult rating fast. The reward is a view of Lake Georges on the way up and, from the summit, a look across both Mont Le Pioui and Mont-du-Lac-des-Cygnes. If you’re after a real workout with varied scenery, this is the one.
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