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The most beautiful hiking trails
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The Most Beautiful Hiking Trails in Lac-Saint-Jean
Refreshing walks along lakes and rivers, athletic adventures in the mountains, breathtaking views of the plains, and exploration of the boreal forest: in Lac-Saint-Jean, hiking enthusiasts are in for a treat! Whether you’re looking for a trekking adventure or a short family hike, you’re sure to find something that suits you.
Here are a few trail suggestions to help you enjoy the great outdoors and the vastness of the boreal forest!
Le Parc régional de la Couronne
Parc régional de la Couronne is divided into three sections across the Domaine-du-Roy RCM. The different sections offer a variety of adventures, ranging from short hikes to downhill mountain biking, including a trail that stretches over 30 km.
The Ouiatchouan area—for adventurers of all ages!
The Ouiatchouan Trail, which connects the historic village of Val-Jalbert in Chambord to the Ermitage Saint-Antoine in Lac-Bouchette, consists of six segments ranging from 5 to 30 km. As you wind your way along the majestic Ouiatchouan River and its rapids, you’ll have the chance to explore the boreal forest. The more adventurous can stop for the night at a shelter or on a tent platform. Otherwise, halfway along the trail, an inn and a campground await you in Saint-François-de-Sales.
A breathtaking view of Montagne à Ouellet
In La Doré, you can hike an 18-kilometer loop connecting three trails in the Montagne à Ouellet area. The Aux-Saumons River Trail (10.5 km) offers views of the river and its stunning waterfalls. To reach the lookout at the top of the mountain, take the Summit Trail (2.75 km).
The Tobo-Ski area—great for walking, too!
Le secteur du Tobo-Ski, à Saint-Félicien, est principalement reconnu pour son réseau de sentiers de vélo de montagne qui s’étend sur 60 km. Saviez-vous qu’il est également possible d’accéder aux sentiers à pied? C’est l’option idéale pour une balade en forêt.
Le Parc régional des Grandes-Rivières du lac Saint-Jean
Le Parc régional des Grandes-Rivières du lac Saint-Jean is a playground spanning nearly 100 km² in the heart of the enchanting boreal forest! The regional park comprises 10 sectors: here are three to explore!
Stunning views of the Mistassini River in the L’Énergie sector
Accessible from Girardville, the L’Énergie area offers a hiking trail near the Mistassini River and a small hydroelectric power plant. A 92-meter-long footbridge spans the river, providing a vantage point for viewing it.
An urban hike in the Pointe des Pères area
Located in the heart of Dolbeau-Mistassini, at the confluence of the Mistassini and Mistassibi rivers, the Pointe-des-Pères area offers a 5-kilometer trail where you can enjoy enchanting scenery and the ruins of the first village founded in 1892 by the Trappist Fathers.
Discover the vastness of Lake Saint-Jean from the Racine-Vauvert area
While this part of the region is best known for its magnificent beach, accessible from the camping Vauvert-sur-le-lac-Saint-Jean, the Racine-Vauvert area is also well worth exploring! Trails wind along the sandy shores of Lac Saint-Jean for several kilometers, offering unforgettable views of this vast inland sea spanning over 1,000 square kilometers.
Le Parc d’une rive à l’autre
Parc d’une rive à l’autre, in Alma is a recreational and tourist destination comprising three distinct areas that offer outdoor activities, including hiking: the Dorval Center, the Mont Villa Saguenay Center, and Pointe des Américains.
La Pointe des Américains, in the heart of Alma
Pointe des Américains, accessible from Mont Villa Saguenay, offers a chance to enjoy the great outdoors just a short distance from the town of Alma. Take the linear trail that runs along the Grande Décharge River, or the one that winds along the Petite Décharge River!
The Dorval Center
Just 10 minutes from Alma, the trail network at the Dorval Centre offers opportunities for hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Download the trail map to your smartphone using the Ondago app.
Mont-Lac-Vert
With a 240-meter elevation gain, Mont-Lac-Vert rises impressively above the Lac-Saint-Jean plain. In the summer, the ski resort transforms into a popular destination for mountain biking and hiking.
The climb to the summit is perfect for a slightly more challenging workout!
Mont-Lac-Vert is also one of the access points to the sentiers du Lac Kénogami, which stretch 40 km to Laterrière. For trekking enthusiasts, it’s possible to complete the entire route in stages, camping along the way or staying in a shelter with amenities.
Mashteuiatsh Heritage Trail
Sometimes, all you need is a leisurely stroll. That’s why we invite you to explore the community of Mashteuiatsh on foot! Download the BaladoDécouverte app to follow the “Sur les Traces Ilnu” Heritage Trail. Through videos, audio clips, and photos, you’ll discover the history and the people who have shaped the lives of the Pekuakamiulnuatsh (Ilnu of Lac-Saint-Jean). The trail spans 20 points across an area of less than one square kilometer along the shores of Lac-Saint-Jean.
Come enjoy the scenery and get a breath of fresh air at Lac-Saint-Jean. Happy hiking!