Gaspésie is a long drive from Montreal (figure 6 to 8 hours depending where you’re headed), so I like to pair a short easy trail with something that’ll actually make the trip worth it. These three cover both ends of that spectrum.
Good to know: Lac-aux-Américains and Mont Albert are both inside Parc national de la Gaspésie, so Sépaq’s flat $10.30/day entry applies, kids 17 and under free (sepaq.com). Mont St-Pierre is separately managed, not part of the Sépaq network.
Lac-aux-Américains
2.6 km out-and-back · 80 m elevation gain · Easy
Short, easy, and worth every one of those 2.6 km. This trail in Parc national de la Gaspésie takes you to a glacial lake ringed by mountains, and the platform at the lake gives you a calm, reflective view that’s perfect for photos. No special gear needed. If you’re heading toward Mont Xalibu, you’ll pass right by it anyway.
Mont St-Pierre
4.2 km · 410 m elevation gain · Hard
Don’t let the short distance fool you, this one is steep. The trail follows the road used by hang gliders and paragliders before cutting through the woods, with a lot of stairs near the top. My calves reminded me about it for two days after. The payoff is a sweeping view over the valley and the bay that’s hard to beat for the effort involved.
Mont Albert (Northern Slope)
12.6 km out-and-back · 850 m elevation gain · Hard
This is a serious day out in Parc national de la Gaspésie: a constant, rocky ascent, so hiking boots and poles are a must, and bring more water than usual. It’s open from June 11 to October 10 only, to protect the caribou, and departures are restricted to between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. If you’re splitting up with hikers of different levels, set a meeting point at the top before you go.
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