Parc national des Hautes‑Gorges-
de-la-Rivière‑Malbaie

With the advent of winter, Vallée des Glaces becomes the place to discover for many outdoor enthusiasts. Immersed in a magnificent setting, snowshoers can enjoy 11 sign-posted trails making up a 72-km network. A wide choice offering everyone the possibility of discovering the territory according to their own capacities!

Cran des Érables sector invites you to explore the network of Le Riverain trails, an adventure not to be missed, offering a breathtaking view of Vallée de la rivière Malbaie, Des Rapides trail along the river, and the brand-new Lac Sans Oreilles trail. 

From Draveur Visitors Centre, you can go all the way to Équerre via Rivière Malbaie trail or the multipurpose trail.

Équerre sector, for its part, offers La Chute-du-Ruisseau-Blanc, Des Orchidées and La Coulée à Moreau trails. Discover the William-Hume-Blake trail with its view of the L'Écrivain and Des Géants. The difficulty level of these circuits may vary according to snow conditions and to the chosen trail. Once you arrive at Équerre sector (km 7), a heated hut awaits you, where you can relax and enjoy a bite to eat. 

Snowshoe rental is offered at Draveur Visitors Centre (from December 20, 2024 to March 30, 2025).

Parking: At the park entrance in front of the gatehouse, at km 2 (Pont des Érables), and at Draveur Visitors Centre

Period: December 1, 2024 to March 30, 2025 (depending to snow conditions)

Trail conditions (in French only)

Table of winter trails

Map of winter trails (in French only)

Strap on your backcountry skis and set off along more than 50 km of trails, which are not track-set or groomed but are marked, so you can discover Vallée des glaces in sectors that are already known or still to be discovered, including Équerre sector and the western section of the valley (via Coulée du lac à Girard trail). Cran des Érables sector offers you the possibility of exploring Le Riverain, Les Rapides, or Le Sans Oreilles trails.

From Draveur, you can slide along Rivière Malbaie or the multifonctional path until Équerre sector, featuring La Chute-du-Ruisseau-Blanc, Des Orchidées and La Coulée du lac à Girard. The difficulty level of these circuits may vary according to snow conditions and to your chosen trail.

Once you arrive at Équerre sector (km 7), a heated hut awaits you.

Attention! Backcountry skiing is not the same as cross-country skiing! Backcountry skis are wider than regular cross-country skis and are equipped with anti-backwards scales and metal squares for a better grip on the ice.

Parking: At the park entrance in front of the gatehouse, at km 2 (Pont des Érables), and at Draveur Visitors Centre

Period: December 1, 2024 to March 30, 2025 (depending on snow conditions)

Trail conditions (in French only)

Table of winter trails

Map of winter trails (in French only)

Skishoes are a versatile gear combines the qualities of cross country skis and snowshoes. They are almost exclusively used off track. The bottom of the ski is partially covered with a climbing skin for uphill traction.  It also has a universal binding that fits several kinds of boots. Skishoes are very easy to handle and are therefore perfect for beginners. They allow faster off-track displacement than snowshoes.

Skishoes rental is offered at Draveur Visitors Centre from December 20, 2024 to March 30, 2025.

Parking: At the park entrance in front of the gatehouse, at km 2 (Pont des Érables), and at Draveur Visitors Centre

Period: December 1, 2024 to March 30, 2025 (according to snow conditions)

Trail conditions (in French only)

Suggested circuits

Elsewhere at Sépaq

Ski the Vallée des Glaces on the multi-purpose trail (trail 6) that takes you from Du Draveur Visitors Centre to De l’Équerre sector. Take a break at Pointe-aux-Inukshuks rest stop (km 3.5) and De l'Équerre pavilion (km 7.1). A 14.2 km round trip with a gentle gradient and exceptional views of Rivière Malbaie!

Period: December to March (depending on snow conditions)

Trails are usually groomed once a day (in the morning). Trail maintenance is not guaranteed. For details, see the snow conditions.

Fatbikes provide ideal traction on snow-covered surfaces. A 7 km trail is offered from Draveur Visitors Centre to L'Équerre sector.

Fatbikes are available for rent from December 20, 2024 to March 30, 2025 for day visitors (first come, first served directly on site) or for those staying in a cabin or in a hut with the L'Équerre Pavilion Package.

Electric fatbikes are also available for rental during the winter period, but only for day visitors.

Trail conditions (in French only)

Suggested circuits

Code of conduct for fatbike

A small skating rink is available to entertain children in Vallée des Glaces, directly on Rivière Malbaie. This truly natural site will offer a unique landscape for an activity that’s accessible to one and all. Meeting place: Draveur Visitors Centre

Bring your skates. Equipment rental is not offered.

Period: from Mid-January to March (according to snow conditions). Please note that the rink schedule may vary according to snow conditions. For more details, see our snow conditions

Glide through the heart of ice valley, the Vallée des Glaces: a barrel of laughs for young and old alike! Once winter arrives in the park, Mother Nature simply freezes in place. Enjoy the show as you glide down Rivière Malbaie. With family or friends, rosy cheeks, and a smile on your face, head down the slope in the land of the famous log driver, our hero Menaud.

Inner tubes are provided free of charge on site. Great fun guaranteed!

Period: mid-January to mid-March (depending on snow conditions).

Every winter, skilled climbers take on various ic climbing walls, including the Pomme d’Or, this spectacular and perilous rock face along Rivière Malbaie. For permission to climb these ice walls in the park, you’ll need to fill out this form (in French only). Refer to Registration Terms and Conditions for all the details, including the list and the map of autorised climbing walls (in French only).

Climbers must be in excellent physical condition and completely autonomous in order to take part in this activity. With the winter opening of Vallée des Glaces, the climb is more accessible than ever before. You can drive to Draveur Visitors Centre. From there, La Pomme d'Or wall is 4 km away, toward Équerre. There are two ways to get there: by ski or snowshoe.

Important! Climbing walls beyond Draveur Visitors Centre, on the west side of the river (from the Couloir du nouvel an up to and including La Pomodoro), are accessible only when river crossing is authorized at the Pomme d'Or. For details, consult the trail conditions (in French only).

We strongly recommend bringing a satellite telephone or a SPOT-type emergency message device. There is no emergency telephone on the site and the cell phone network does not serve the park’s territory.

Before heading off on an adventure like this, see the Your Security section and the ice climbing safety guide.

Period: depending on ice conditions

From legendary Acropole-des-Draveurs trail, featuring a breathtaking view, by way of Riverain trail, with its amazing lookouts, or along the river via Des Rapides trail, the park offers a great many ways to discover the territory, according to the capacities of each visitor.

For backpacking, see the Traversée de Charlevoix (Quality Safety Certified) This link will open in a new window..

Trail conditions (in French only)

Table of trails

Period: year round (except for Acropole-de-Draveurs trail)

Acropole-des-Draveurs

Acropole-des-Draveurs is one of the most difficult walking trails in the Sépaq network – take the time to read the important information about this trail.

Note: Acropole-des-Dravreurs trail is normally accessible between the second Friday of June and the Monday of Thanksgiving weekend (subject to change depending on trail conditions). For more information, consult the trail conditions (in French only).

Important information about this trail

Guided excursions

All alone, with friends, or with family, head out to discover Parc national des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie in the best possible way: by two-person inflatable canoe. Accompanied by an experienced guide, you’ll travel down the most turbulent part of the river, experience all sorts of new sensations, learn more about how to read the rapids, and enjoy the exceptional panorama of the Hautes Gorges. Treat yourself to a breathtaking trip on the river!

Descente Malbaie This link will open in a new window. offers you three excursions by inflatable canoe, each including an interpretation component to bring this fabulous territory alive. Whether for a half day, a full day or a 24-hour getaway with an overnight stay in a hut or a cabin, you'll be amazed by this exceptional circuit. Please note that, on request, Descente Malbaie can organize a longer stay or even offer you another more robust section of the river.

For more information:

• info@descentemalbaie.com
• www.descentemalbaie.com This link will open in a new window.
• Telephone: 418-439-2265
• Cell phone: 418-633-5360

Visit the national park during an approximatly 1 hour cruise aboard Le Menaud, a riverboat that holds 47 passengers. The rear deck is specially designed to make it easy for you to take photographs. The captain and park warden-naturalist will be more than happy to share their little corner of paradise with you.

The children will be able to put their powers of observation to good use so as to obtain the key that opens the treasure chest!

Free access for children of 17 and under in a family situation

Period: May 17 to October 13, 2025 (depending on river conditions)

Schedule

Important: You must arrive one hour before departure.

To fully enjoy your experience, consult this checklist.

Book

Excursions on the water are a great way to discover all the beauty of Rivière Malbaie: spectacular scenery, its history and its wildlife. In late afternoon, the river calms down, the wildlife gets moving and the play of light on the rocky cliffs is at its peak.

You can rent canoes by the hour, half day (4-hour) and full day at the equipment rental centre, 160 metres behind Draveur Visitors Centre.

Rental period:

• May 17 to October 14, 2024: every day (depending on river conditions)

Are you camping for a few days? You can leave your personal canoe at the equipment rental centre. Inquire about this. It’s free.

L’Équerre Campground, a breath of freedom! Discover an especially magical part of the park 8 km from Draveur Visitors Centre. The site is accessible by canoe along Rivière Malbaie. Find out more about our package!

Nautical circuit map (in French only)

Technical advices before going canoeing (see the video)

Kayaking is a great way for visitors to enjoy a magnificent part of Rivière Malbaie, upstream of Des Érables dam.  

Those who paddle all the way to l’Équerre can walk to the foot of a spectacular 45-metre-high waterfall along La-Chute-du-Ruisseau-Blanc trail. You will also be able to discover our Orchidées and William-Hume-Blake trails. Out on the water, you’ll get a chance to see the impressive rock slides that took place in the Rivière Malbaie valley after the heavy rains of 1996.

You can rent solo and tandem kayaks by the hour, half day (4-hour) and full day at the equipment rental centre, 160 metres behind Draveur Visitors Centre.

Rental period:

• May 17 to October 14, 2024: every day (depending on river conditions)

Are you camping for a few days? You can leave your personal kayak at the equipment rental centre. Inquire about this. It’s free.

Nautical circuit map (in French only)

The plateau sector is now open to our clientele for day fishing. You can head off to snag some trout on Porc-Épic, Argentenay, and Châteauguay lakes simply by taking Route 381 until km 55 (about 18 km from route 381). There are brook trout in all three lakes.

The park offers speckled trout fishing in the following areas:

• On Rivière Malbaie, wading or with a Sépaq boat
  • Upstream of Des Érables dam: wading or with a boat, line or fly fishing
  • Downstream from Des Érables dam (fly fishing only): from May 24 to June 30, 2025 (with a Québec's fishing licence) and from July 1 to September 1, 2025 (with a salmon fishing licence and a reservation with Saumon Rivière Malbaie)
• On Lac Noir, with a Sépaq boat
  • To get to the lake, you must drive 12 km in a logging road vehicle.

You can also access Porc-Épic, Argentenay, and Châteauguay lakes by way of Mont-du-Lac-des-Cygnes Visitors Centre at Parc national des Grands-Jardins or at the administrative office. Check out opening hours or call 418-439-1227.

Catch and possession limits:

• 10 trouts*; limited quotas apply on certain lakes.

* In order to protect brook trout populations, the Ministère de l'Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs is reducing the catch and keep limit from 15 to 10 brook trout.

Equipment is on loan free of charge. It’s worth looking into!

Period: May 24 to September 1, 2025 (or until quotas are reached)

Regular and high seasons dates

Rates

Day Fishing Plan – 2025 (in French only)

Practical guide for apprentice enthusiasts

Book

A paved 8-km path (one way)  on a shared route (cars and bicycles), takes you through the beauties of the park from the Félix-Antoine-Savard Discovery and Visitors Centre to Draveur Visitors Centre.  From there, you can ride 8 km along the gravel cycling path (one way) to L’Équerre.  If you want to take a break, there are picnic areas along the way by Rivière Malbaie.

You can rent mountain bikes by the hour, half day (4-hour) and full day at the equipment rental centre, 160 metres behind Draveur Visitors Centre.

Rental period:

• May 17 to October 14, 2024: every day

Table of trails

The rabaska canoe is the perfect watercraft for small group excursions accompanied by a park warden-naturalist. To take part in this activity, see the program guide for guided discovery activities (in French only). Rental by the hour, half day (4 hours) and full day also available.

The fish-filled waters of Rivière Malbaie attract several species of fishing birds, including the osprey and the Great Blue Heron. The latter is often seen by riverboat passengers or paddlers who travel the river’s calm waters. It’s is also common to see certain mammals that love the river’s shallow, muddy bottom, such as beaver and moose. Pick up your free self-discovery guide and get to know the wildlife around the river at your own pace. It’s available at the equipment rental centre.

Several other animals inhabit the territory. See the list of mammals and birds in the park.

Cohabitation with vulnerable or threatened species

We ask for your cooperation to ensure a harmonious cohabitation between visitors and the wildlife present on the territory. It is essential to preserve the peace and quiet of the various species by keeping a safe distance from them, especially those considered vulnerable or threatened, such as caribou. These species are very sensitive to disturbance and any situation that could lead to an interaction with humans must be avoided.

Ride through the Malbaie river on a stand Up Paddle board. Hawaiian in origin, stand up paddling is an activity that combines surfing and kayaking. This board, designed for calm water, is longer, wider and thicker than standard surfboards designed for waves, and therefore more stable. Standing on a big surfboard, paddle in hand, you can test your balance. It’s fast and easy to learn, and it’s guaranteed fun!

Rental includes the board, the paddle, and a life jacket.

Rental period:

• June 1 to October 14, 2024: every day (depending on river conditions)

Nautical circuit map (in French only)

Rock climbing in Parc national des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie is intended for experienced rock-climbers. To access the climbing walls located within the park boundaries, you must register by completing this form (in French only).

Please consult the rock climbing map (in French only) to ensure that you are allowed to climb the rock walls you have chosen: Mont de l'Enfer and Acropole des Draveurs.

Climbers must be in excellent physical condition and completely self-sufficient to take part in this activity.

It is strongly recommended that you carry a satellite phone or "Spot" emergency message device. But be careful! Your location and weather conditions may limit, or even prevent, the use of these two communication tools. There are no emergency telephones on site, and cellular phone networks do not serve the park.

Before embarking on such a journey, please consult the Your safety section and the rock climbing safety guide.

Please note! Dogs are forbidden on all access trails and climbing walls.

Access to the walls may be temporarily prohibited when peregrine falcons are nesting.

Period: May to November (depending on weather conditions), sunrise to sunset.

For more details, contact the Fédération québécoise de la montagne et de l'escalade website This link will open in a new window..

Découvrez la beauté de l’hiver dans un parc national reconnu pour ses paysages grandioses! Accompagné d’une garde-parc naturaliste qui vous partagera ses connaissances et son émerveillement, explorez la forêt boréale ou la rivière glacée! Un bon chocolat chaud vous attendra à votre retour.

Détails :

• Période : tous les samedis, du 21 décembre 2024 au 15 mars 2025
• Horaire : de 13 h à 16 h
• Durée : 3 h (incluant la préparation et le chocolat chaud au retour)
• Point de rencontre : centre de services du Draveur
• Distance totale à parcourir : environ 4 km
• Activité réservée aux adultes et aux familles avec des enfants de 10 ans et plus. Les enfants doivent être accompagnés d'un adulte et devront parcourir 4 km en raquettes, en crampons ou à pied, selon les conditions.
• Capacité maximale : 12 personnes
• Tarifs (autorisation d’accès et taxes en sus) :
  • 24,50 $/pers. (incluant la location de raquette ou de crampons, au besoin)
  • Réservation obligatoire par téléphone au 1 800 665-6527 ou sur place (selon la disponibilité)
• Prévoir de l’eau, des vêtements chauds, des raquettes ou des crampons (selon les conditions). Location d’équipement offerte sur place, avec réservation. 

Programmation des activités de découverte (16 juin au 2 septembre)

Programmation des activités de découverte (3 septembre au 14 octobre)

À la rencontre des forêts uniques du parc, explorez un territoire accessible seulement avec un garde-parc. Vous y découvrirez la panoplie d’interactions qui animent leurs écosystèmes ainsi que les espèces particulières qui les habitent. Un moment privilégié dans l’une des plus belles forêts de la région!

Cette randonnée guidée se déroule en partie en sentier et en partie hors des sentiers, sur une distance d’environ 5,5 km. Les participants doivent avoir des chaussures de randonnée et vêtements pour faire de la randonnée en sentier et hors sentier, appropriés aux conditions climatiques (ex. imperméable). Des pantalons longs sont recommandés. Apportez de l’eau en quantité suffisante. Du chasse-moustiques peut être utile, selon la saison.

Voir la vidéo

Détails :

• Lieu de rendez-vous : Pont des Érables situé au km 2 (près de l'entrée du sentier de L'Érablière) 
• Période : 16 juin au 2 septembre 2024
• Horaire : les mercredis, de 13 h 30 à 16 h
• Durée : 2 h 30
• Activité réservée aux adultes et aux familles avec des enfants de 8 ans et plus
• Tarifs (taxes et tarification d'accès au parc en sus) :
  • Adulte : 9,50 $
  • Enfant (8 ans et plus) : gratuit en contexte familial
• Cette activité s'adresse à une clientèle autant adulte que familiale. Les enfants doivent être accompagnés d'un adulte et devront parcourir 5 km à pied, dont 4 km hors sentier sur terrain légèrement accidenté.
• Capacité maximale : 12 personnes
• Réservation obligatoire au 1 800 665-6527 ou sur place.

Les gardes-parcs naturalistes ont de la jasette en début de soirée. Consultez la programmation des causeries et venez les rencontrer dans le confort du Centre de services du Draveur ou à proximité de votre site de camping. Ils vous partageront leurs connaissances sur une panoplie de sujets, de la faune aux étoiles, de l’infiniment petit à l’infiniment grand.

Détails :

• Lieu : Centre de services du Draveur ou camping du Cran
• Horaire : de juin à la mi-octobre 2024. Consultez l’onglet Programmation 2024 ou le calendrier des activités aux centres de services.
• Durée : 1 h (ou 15 min. pour la causerie express sur l'Acropole-des-Draveurs)
• Activité gratuite, sans réservation.

En début de soirée, la nature change de rythme. Soyez les témoins de ce moment privilégié où le crépuscule appelle la lenteur mais où certains êtres vivants s’activent pour la nuit. À bord d’un rabaska, un garde-parc naturaliste vous accompagne dans la découverte de ce moment unique de la journée.

Détails :

• Lieu de rendez-vous : Centre de services du Draveur (présentez-vous 15 minutes à l'avance)
• Périodes et horaires :
  • du 16 juin au 2 septembre 2024, les dimanches, lundis, mercredis, jeudis et samedis, à 19 h 30 (à 18 h 30 à partir du 11 août 2024)
  • du 14 septembre au 12 octobre 2024, les samedis, à 17 h 30
• Important : vous devez arriver 15 minutes avant le départ.
• Durée : 1 h 45
• Tarifs (taxes en sus) :
  • Adulte : 13 $
  • Enfant (7 à 17 ans) : gratuit en contexte familial
  • Les enfants doivent être accompagnés d'un adulte pour cette activité.
• Important : prévoir des vêtements en fonction de la météo du jour et de la durée de l'activité.
• Réservation requise au 1 800 665-6527 ou aux centres de services du parc.

Montez à bord d’un grand canot rabaska en route pour la Grande aventure! En compagnie d’un garde-parc naturaliste, revivez l’histoire et l’émerveillement des premiers explorateurs dans un décor majestueux, un coup de pagaie à la fois. Un moment parfait!

Détails :

• Lieu de rendez-vous : Centre de services du Draveur (présentez-vous 15 minutes à l'avance)
• Période : du 16 juin au 2 septembre 2024
• Horaire : les lundis, mardis, et samedis, à 13 h 30
• Important : vous devez arriver une heure avant le départ.
• Durée : 2 h 30
• Tarifs (taxes en sus) :
  • Adulte : 19,50 $
  • Enfant (7 à 17 ans) : gratuit en contexte familial
  • Les enfants doivent être accompagnés d'un adulte pour cette activité.
• Important : prévoir des vêtements en fonction de la météo du jour et de la durée de l'activité.
• Réservation requise au 1 800 665-6527 ou aux centres de services du parc.

Menaud, maître-draveur, vient passer quelques minutes avec vous pour vous raconter des histoires sur sa vie et son métier particulier! Surveillez son passage, il se fera un plaisir de jaser avec vous!

Détails :

• Lieu : Centre de services du Draveur ou pied du sentier de l’Acropole-des-Draveurs
• Horaire : du 16 juin au 2 septembre 2024. Consultez l’onglet Programmation 2024 ou le calendrier des activités aux centres de services.
• Durée : 15 min.
• Activité gratuite, sans réservation.

Procurez-vous un guide d’auto-découverte pour explorer la rivière Malbaie à votre rythme, disponible au centre de location d'équipement.

Vous voulez découvrir le parc autrement? Vous avez des demandes spéciales pour vous, votre famille ou un groupe? Réservez les services d’un garde-parc pour une activité qui convient à vos besoins.

Détails :

• À l’année, selon les disponibilités
• Horaire et durée : selon vos besoins
• Suggestions d’activités :
  • Randonnée guidée en sentier (ex. : Le Riverain, L’Érablière, etc.)
  • Excursion guidée hors sentier, offerte exclusivement avec un garde-parc naturaliste (Des forêts tissées serrées et Destination inconnue)
  • Excursion guidée en kayak
  • Causerie personnalisée
• Pour les groupes scolaires et jeunesse, consultez notre offre en ligne.
• Pour plus d’information : 418 439-1227

As a site for conservation and education, national parks are true laboratories in a natural setting. Come to class with our dedicated park wardens or welcome them to your school!

Park educational activities

Elsewhere at Sépaq

The park is near Manoir Richelieu. Why not add a cruise with organized activities on Rivière Malbaie or a hike to your event? Also, the windows in Le Draveur Visitors Centre and the outdoor terrace make this a perfect place for savouring your meal in a fabulous setting.