THE INTERNATIONAL APPALACHIAN TRAIL (IAT-Quebec)

The International Appalachian Trail in Quebec covers more than 650 km of trails.

It starts in the town of Matapedia, then heads towards The Valley to Amqui before reaching the Matane wildlife reserve.

It crosses the Parc de la Gaspésie including the Albert and Jacques-Cartier mountains, then descends towards Mont-Saint-Pierre where it follows the sea, from village to village, to Forillon National Park.

The trail is suitable for routes of varying duration (from 1 day up to 40 days) and difficulty (slight to steep drop).

Ranging from a rural setting in an agricultural setting to the steep cliffs of Forillon which overlook the sea, passing by the summits of the Chic-Choc set of the McGerrigle, the trail offers several possibilities for hiking.

Depending on the season, some sections can be covered from mid-May, but overall the trail is accessible from mid-June to the end of October. Services for hikers and members are offered along the trail in collaboration with our partners (transportation, accommodation, guide, supplies, information, topographic maps, books, etc.).

SERVICES OFFERED TO INDEPENDANT HIKERS / BACKPACKERS

  • Sale of passports and topographic maps for all the sectors of the IAT-Quebec (see map of the Avignon sector)
  • Shuttle service (including the transportation of your own vehicle)
  • Accommodation booking
  • Resupplying on the Avignon sector (supply brought to the shelters at your request)
  • Information about the IAT-Quebec

We are responsible for the “Avignon Sector” located between the villages of Matapedia and Sainte-Marguerite.

Maps of the IAT-Quebec:

What is the suggested material to bring while hiking?

› Backpack (volume depending on number of days)
› Hiking boots
› Waterproof clothing (Gore-Tex, etc.)
› Socks
› Food (think light is right)
› Hat
› Sunglasses
› Suncream
› 1 Ltr. of water minimum
› Pristine or water filter
› Warm and dry clothing for the night (tuque, mitts, scarf…)
› Light shoes for the cabins at night
› Knife or multi-function tool (Leatherman, etc.)
› Headlamp
› Tent if camping
› Sleeping bag
› Lilo (Thermarest, etc.)
› Matches, lighter, paper
› First aid kit and medication if needed
› Toilet paper and ammenities
› Garbage bags
› Personal cosmetics
› Rope (6 meters minimum)
› Tarp in case of rain

When hiking on our own, is there a service for resupplying and carrying our backpacks?

Yes, we offer this service for the following cabins: Le Turcotte, Le Ruisseau Creux and Le Corbeau.

The Quartz cabin is more difficult for resupplying large equipment since the nearest access is a 4km walk to the cabin. But an arrangement with us can be made if necessary.

The price of this service can vary depending on the quantity of equipment transported, the distance and time range we will need to deliver your supply and/or backpacks.

These hikes are done with an expedition backpack. The guide accompanies you from start to finish and cooks the meals for you. The guide will teach you about long distance hiking, equipment, nutrition, planning, walking techniques and risk management. It’s a great way to learn about long distance hiking and to be better equipped to do it again with friends later on.

In order to adapt to your tastes, to the duration of your stay and to your physical condition, we propose you tours of variable duration. We wish to adapt to your requests and needs, so do not hesitate to contact us.

Each of our packages requires a minimum of 4 people before departure, but it is possible to join a group when you are less than 4 or alone.

INCLUDED:

  • Transportation from Matapedia to the access points of the International Appalachian Trail
  • A qualified guide;
  • Meals and snacks (quantity specified in each package);
  • Ground mattress and sleeping bags upon request;
  • Our packages are expandable upon request;
  • Special price for young children if the minimum of 4 people is reached.

NOT INCLUDED:

  • Backpack (we have a few in stock, just in case…)
  • Hiking boots or good walking shoes
  • Bottle of water
  • The tip for your guide is at your discretion**
** Do we need to tip our guide?

The tip is a financial compensation that varies between 10$ and 30$ per day per person depending on your level of appreciation of your guide’s services. We base our tips on the standards of the tourist industry. This information is for information purposes only. Thank you.

Nature Aventure plein air Gaspésie | Randonnée Pédestre

The “STROLL” package

Distance: 7 or 8 km
Difficulty level: Intermediate
Price: 90$/person, plus tax

Chute à Pico SIA, randonnée pédestre

The “PICO FALL” package

Distance: 1 day, 13 km
Difficulty level: Intermediate
Price: 115$/person, plus tax

The “SUNSET” package

Distance: 2 days with 1 night in shelter, 16 km
Difficulty level: Beginner/Intermediate
Price: 380$/person, plus tax

The “DISCOVERY” package

Distance: 3 days with 2 nights in shelter, 33 km
Difficulty level: Intermediate/Advanced
Price: 595$/person, plus tax

The “EXPLORER” package

Distance: 4 days with 3 nights in shelter, 54 km
Difficulty level: Advanced
Price: 755$/person, plus tax

Randonnée pédestre au refuge du "Ruisseau Creux" sur le Sentier International des Appalaches du Québec (SIA-Qc) en Gaspésie

The “EXPEDITION” package

Distance: 5 days with 4 nights in shelter, 69 km
Difficulty level: Advanced
Price: 940$/person, plus tax

PHOTOS OF HIKING ON THE IAT-QUEBEC IN GASPESIE