Parc national des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie
Experience dramatic gorges, towering cliffs, and a winding river in this Quebec gem, offering stunning hikes and seasonal adventures.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Parc national des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience dramatic gorges, towering cliffs, and a winding river in this Quebec gem, offering stunning hikes and seasonal adventures.
"Absolutely phenomenal location! The hiking was incredible, and the Acropoles des Draveurs was the crown jewel."
Download Park Maps 🗺️
No cell service here! Download offline maps before you go to navigate trails and find key spots.
Layer Up for Hikes 🥵
Summit temps are much cooler. Bring warm layers for hikes like Acropole des Draveurs.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Acropole des Draveurs Hike
Sentier Acropole des Draveurs
An 11 km round trip hike with an 800m elevation gain, offering breathtaking, almost surreal views.
Malbaie River Paddling
Malbaie River
Experience the park's stunning cliffs and valleys from the water, whether by kayak or paddleboard.
Autumn Colors
Throughout the park
Witness the dramatic transformation of the landscape as cliffs and valleys are painted in vibrant reds and golds.
Winter Sliding
River sliding areas
Enjoy unique winter fun with thrilling slides down the frozen river, a memorable way to experience the park in the snow.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Download Offline Maps
Pack for Variable Weather
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Download Park Maps 🗺️
No cell service here! Download offline maps before you go to navigate trails and find key spots.
Layer Up for Hikes 🥵
Summit temps are much cooler. Bring warm layers for hikes like Acropole des Draveurs.
Book Accommodations Early 🏕
Campgrounds and lodging fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Plan ahead!
Check Pet Rules 🐶
Dogs are allowed on leash, but cats are not. Be aware of park regulations.
Tips
from all over the internet
Download Park Maps 🗺️
No cell service here! Download offline maps before you go to navigate trails and find key spots.
Layer Up for Hikes 🥵
Summit temps are much cooler. Bring warm layers for hikes like Acropole des Draveurs.
Book Accommodations Early 🏕
Campgrounds and lodging fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Plan ahead!
Check Pet Rules 🐶
Dogs are allowed on leash, but cats are not. Be aware of park regulations.
Embrace the Views 👍
The sheer cliffs and river valleys offer stunning scenery at every turn.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Parc national des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie for its stunning, almost 'west coast' like scenery and incredible hiking opportunities, particularly the Acropole des Draveurs. The park's beauty, well-maintained trails, and diverse activities, including winter options, make it a highly recommended destination. Some minor confusion with signage and pet policies were noted.
"One of the most beautiful parks I've been to on the east side of Canada. West coast vibes that felt like home. Personally I found how to enter the camping area a bit confusing (no signs near front clarifying check-in/at least not in english). But got things sorted and Arthur was very nice and helpful. Incredible trails and views. Will definitely come back and hopeful to explore some of their winter offerings this year as well!
Recommend downloading the map to help navigate trails as there is no service. Trails are well marked and well maintained."
Bailey
"Fantastic place with a lots of activities to do even in winter. Awesome rangers, Line and Natalie helps us navigating the park and creating a memorable experience. Highly recommended, not far from Montreal, you can visit Quebec City on your way and make your trip even better."
N Ft
"Absolutely phenomenal location! The hiking was incredible, and the Acropoles des Draveurs was the crown jewel of the trails in the park that we hiked. You won't find much like it in the east. It's well worth the trip!
The campground was clean and the sites were amply private
The shuttle system was an excellent way to travel through the park, especially with a roof top tent. The visitor centers were clean, well stocked, and staffed with friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful people. We had no problem navigating the park as English speaking visitors.
We paddled the Malbaie River to the furthest campground and hiked into the falls--simply breathtaking!!
I can't recommend this place enough!"
Adam Laroche
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is accessible by car. It's located in the Charlevoix region of Quebec. Many visitors combine a trip here with a visit to Quebec City. Driving is the primary method, and parking is available. Consider downloading offline maps as GPS can be unreliable.
Public transportation options directly to the park are limited. It is best to travel by car. Some visitors mention using a shuttle system within the park for convenience.
The park offers a shuttle system which is an excellent way to travel between different areas, especially if you have a rooftop tent. For hiking, well-marked trails are available, but downloading offline maps is crucial due to lack of cell service.
The park is not far from Montreal, and it's a popular day trip or weekend destination. It's also a feasible addition to a trip to Quebec City, allowing for a more comprehensive exploration of the region.
Yes, there are entrance fees for Parc national des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie, as it is a SEPAQ park. It's advisable to check the official SEPAQ website for current pricing and any potential booking requirements.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It is highly recommended to book your entry and any specific activities or accommodations in advance, especially during peak seasons like summer and fall foliage. This helps ensure you can access the park and your desired experiences.
Operating hours can vary by season and specific facilities within the park. It's best to check the official SEPAQ website for the most up-to-date information on park access and visitor center hours.
Dogs are permitted in the park on a leash. However, cats are not allowed in SEPAQ parks, which can be a point of contention for some visitors. Ensure your pet adheres to leash rules.
Yes, the park offers a one-hour guided boat tour which has been thoroughly enjoyed by visitors. This is a great way to see the park from a different perspective.
Some visitors found the camping check-in process a bit confusing, with a lack of clear signage in English. It's advisable to look for specific instructions or ask park staff for assistance upon arrival.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The Acropole des Draveurs trail is a standout, offering challenging terrain and spectacular views. Other trails provide varying levels of difficulty and showcase the park's diverse landscapes. +1
Besides hiking, you can enjoy paddling on the Malbaie River, explore the park via bike rentals, or experience unique winter activities like sliding on the river.
The park offers a range of activities that can be enjoyed by families. While some hikes are challenging, there are also gentler trails and opportunities for scenic drives and boat tours.
The park is a natural habitat for various wildlife. Keep an eye out for local fauna while respecting their environment. Specific sightings can vary depending on the season.
Yes, the trails are generally well-marked and well-maintained, making navigation easier for visitors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the park features a restaurant that serves local foods, offering a convenient option for visitors.
Picnic areas are typically available in national parks, allowing visitors to bring their own food. It's always a good idea to check park regulations for specific rules regarding food consumption and waste disposal.
The restaurant within the park offers local Quebecois cuisine. This can include regional specialties and products, providing a taste of the local culture.
While the park itself has dining options, nearby towns in the Charlevoix region will have grocery stores if you prefer to prepare your own meals, especially if camping.
Food delivery services are generally not available within national parks. It's best to plan your meals and bring your own supplies or dine at the park's restaurant.
📸 📸 Photography
The Acropole des Draveurs summit offers unparalleled panoramic views. The riverbanks and cliff faces also provide dramatic backdrops for stunning photos.
Golden hours, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offer the most dramatic lighting for capturing the park's majestic cliffs and valleys.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. A sturdy tripod is recommended for low-light conditions or long exposures.
Drone usage is typically restricted in national parks to protect wildlife and the natural environment. It's essential to check the park's specific regulations regarding drone operation before your visit.
Autumn is incredibly photogenic with its vibrant foliage painting the landscape.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the guided boat tour for a relaxing way to see the impressive cliffs and river valley without strenuous activity. Packing plenty of snacks and water is essential, and remember to download offline maps as cell service is unreliable.
🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts
+1 The park boasts a network of well-maintained and marked trails catering to various fitness levels, ensuring there's a path for everyone to explore the dramatic gorges and valleys. Nature lovers will be captivated by the park's unique geology, the diverse flora and fauna, and the sheer scale of the landscape.
+1 Whether you're paddling the Malbaie River or trekking to a scenic overlook, the park provides an immersive experience in a truly spectacular natural setting. Remember to download offline maps, as service is limited, and pack layers for changing mountain weather. 📸 Photographers
The dramatic cliffs, winding river, and vibrant foliage create countless opportunities for breathtaking shots. The Acropole des Draveurs summit provides a panoramic vista that is simply unforgettable. Beyond fall, the park offers unique visual appeal in other seasons. Winter transforms the landscape into a serene, snow-covered expanse, perfect for capturing moody, atmospheric images.
Early mornings and late afternoons, the 'golden hours,' offer the best light for dramatic landscape photography. +1 Remember to bring a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness and a telephoto lens for potential wildlife sightings. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Hiking the Acropole des Draveurs
+1 This trail is not for the faint of heart, requiring good physical condition and preparation. Visitors are advised to bring at least 2 liters of water per person and wear warm clothing, as temperatures at the summit can be 5-10°C colder than at the base. Despite the difficulty, the reward is immense. The summit offers unparalleled panoramic views of the vast valleys and towering cliffs, a sight that many describe as surreal and breathtaking.
+1 It's a true test of endurance that pays off with some of the most spectacular vistas in eastern Canada. Starting early is recommended to make the most of the day and avoid the midday sun. Many reviewers highlight the Acropole des Draveurs as the crown jewel of the park's trails, emphasizing that it's well worth the effort.
Experiencing the Malbaie River
This is a fantastic way to appreciate the scale of the valley and the serene beauty of the natural surroundings. During the summer months, the river is ideal for water activities, allowing visitors to explore further into the park and reach remote campgrounds.
In winter, the frozen river transforms into a playground for a unique activity: sliding on the river. This thrilling experience offers a fun and memorable way to enjoy the park's snowy landscape. Whether you're seeking a peaceful paddle or an exhilarating winter adventure, the Malbaie River is central to the Hautes-Gorges experience. It's a chance to connect with nature in a dynamic and engaging way, showcasing the park's versatility across seasons.
+1Seasonal Spectacles: Fall and Winter
+1 This is a prime time for visitors seeking breathtaking fall foliage, with the landscape creating a picturesque scene that feels almost unreal. Winter brings a different kind of magic. The park transforms into a serene, snow-covered wonderland, offering unique activities like river sliding.
Visitors can experience the quiet beauty of the landscape under a blanket of snow, a stark contrast to the lush greenery of summer or the vibrant colors of fall. The park's ability to offer such distinct and captivating experiences throughout the year makes it a destination worth revisiting. 
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