National park · Canada
Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National ParkParc national des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie
Go for the Acropole-des-Draveurs or the river and flat trails; arrive early in July–August, and check current trail access and boat arrangements before driving in.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
225 km² (87 sq mi)87 sq mi (225 km²)
approximate
Established
1988
Best months
Jun, Sep
UNESCO
Biosphere
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
- Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
- Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.
At a glance
- Country
- Canada
- Area
- 225 km² (87 sq mi)87 sq mi (225 km²)
- 224.9 km² per SÉPAQ; boundary figures vary slightly by source (check).
- Established
- 1988
- Best months
- Jun, Sep
- Permits
- For some areas
A SÉPAQ provincial park in Charlevoix, Québec, covering 224.9 km² of mountainous forest around the Malbaie River. The park is one of the core areas of the Charlevoix Biosphere Reserve. Visitors can choose the demanding Acropole-des-Draveurs hike or easier valley-floor options such as the river boat, bike path and short trails. Cell coverage is unavailable in the park (check).
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- UNESCO Biosphere Reserve · 1988Charlevoix Biosphere Reserve; the park is one of its two core areas, with Grands-Jardins National Park.
Size and age
225 km² (87 sq mi)87 sq mi (225 km²) · national park since 1988
224.9 km² per SÉPAQ; boundary figures vary slightly by source (check).
Why go
- The Acropole-des-Draveurs climbs to exposed viewpoints above the river valley; check the current trail chart for distance and elevation.
- A river boat and riverside trails offer ways to see the gorge without a strenuous summit hike.
- The Malbaie River valley is the park’s defining landscape.
- Winter brings snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and skating when conditions allow.
When to go
- JanGo
- FebGo
- MarGo
- AprCaution
- MayCaution
- JunBest
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepBest
- OctGo
- NovAvoid
- DecGo
- JanSnowshoeing and skiing; ice activities depend on conditions.
- FebWinter trails and ice climbing; check conditions.
- MarSnow activities continue when conditions permit.
- AprSpring conditions; check trail and service openings.
- MayBike paths typically open from late May; check conditions.
- JunLong days; check current boat and shuttle schedules.
- JulPopular summer period; arrive early and check reservations.
- AugPopular summer period; arrive early and check reservations.
- SepGood month for hiking; check current services.
- OctAutumn walking; seasonal services may end.
- NovBetween summer and winter activities; check openings.
- DecWinter activities depend on snow and ice conditions.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moose and beaverMay–Sep · Occasional sightings are reported from the river and valley routes. | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Osprey and great blue heronMay–Sep · Included in the park’s wildlife self-discovery material. | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Brook trout and graylingJun–Sep · Fishing opportunities are listed for selected lakes and river areas; check current rules and permits. | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Black bearMay–Oct · Use standard food-storage precautions and keep a safe distance from wildlife. | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From La Malbaie
Take Route 138 west to Saint-Aimé-des-Lacs, then rue Principal, which becomes rang St-Jérôme, to the park reception.
About 40 min
From Québec City
Take Route 138 east to Saint-Hilarion, then chemin Cartier north to the park reception.
About 1 h 55 min
Open the page →
From Tadoussac
Take the ferry to Baie-Sainte-Catherine, then Route 138 west to Saint-Aimé-des-Lacs and rang St-Jérôme.
About 1 h 50 min
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Félix-Antoine-Savard sector | Main reception, Camping Le Cran and the start of the paved bike route. | Reach by car; check current park access and admission requirements. |
| Le Draveur sector | Visitor centre, river activities and the start of valley trails. | Reach by car; check current activity schedules. |
| Vallée des Glaces | Valley-floor winter routes for snowshoeing, skiing and skating when conditions allow. | Winter access and available routes depend on conditions; check with SÉPAQ. |
| L'Équerre sector | Remote valley area with rustic camping and winter trails. | Summer access on foot, bike or canoe; winter access depends on conditions. |
| Plateau lakes | Lakes including Porc-Épic, Argentenay and Châteauguay, where day fishing is offered. | Forest-road access; check fishing rules and permits with SÉPAQ. |
Sketch map
- 1Félix-Antoine-Savard reception · Headquarters≈47.920, -70.490Approximate; park reception and Camping Le Cran.Map ↗
- 2Le Draveur visitors centre · Headquarters≈47.894, -70.476Map ↗
- 3Acropole-des-Draveurs trailhead · Trail≈47.905, -70.465Approximate; confirm current trailhead access.Map ↗
- 4Acropole-des-Draveurs summit · Summit≈47.910, -70.450Approximate.Map ↗
- 5L'Équerre sector · Sleep≈47.870, -70.440Approximate; remote camping and winter routes.Map ↗
- 6Saint-Aimé-des-Lacs · Town≈47.683, -70.300Approximate.Map ↗
- 7La Malbaie · Town≈47.654, -70.153Approximate.Map ↗
Take the points offline
7 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Approximate positions for orientation; confirm routes and current access with SÉPAQ.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry, adult | Free | person | 2026 estimate: check current SÉPAQ daily rate before visiting. |
| Park entry, child 17 and under | Free | person | 2026 estimate: check current SÉPAQ rate and eligibility. |
| River boat | Free | person | 2026 estimate: check current price and operating dates. |
| Camping and accommodation | Free | night | 2026 estimate: rates vary by site or lodging; check SÉPAQ. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
River boat and guided activities no permit
Ice climbing permit or guide
Park rules
- Cell coverage
- Cell coverage is reported as unavailable in the park; check with SÉPAQ and carry a suitable emergency communication plan for remote outings.check
- Fishing
- Fishing is offered at selected lakes and river locations. Check current licence, access and SÉPAQ fee requirements.check
- Fires and waste
- Use only designated fire facilities where permitted, and pack out rubbish; check current site-specific rules.check
- Remote camping
- L'Équerre is a rustic site without vehicle access; plan to carry supplies and confirm access before booking.
- Pets and seasonal access
- Check current SÉPAQ rules for pets, trail openings and winter access before visiting.check
Where to stay
In the park
Camping Le Cran
The park lists semi-serviced sites; check current capacity, services and reservations.
In the park
Chalet Écho
Cabin accommodation in the park; check current availability and facilities.
In the park
Ready-to-camp units
Seasonal ready-to-camp accommodation has been offered; check current dates and booking details.
In the park
Camping L'Équerre
Rustic camping in a remote sector; access is on foot, by bike or canoe, subject to current conditions.
In the park
Camping Pin-Blanc
The park lists individual and group camping; check current availability.
Near the park
La Malbaie and Baie-Saint-Paul
Nearby bases with accommodation; La Malbaie is about 40 minutes from the park reception.
Safety
Steep, exposed trail sections high
Limited communications high
Cold water and river current medium
Winter conditions medium
Wildlife encounters low
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- The valley-floor visitor areas and some riverside routes are less strenuous than the summit hike; confirm current accessible facilities with SÉPAQ.
- Ask SÉPAQ whether the river boat and dock can accommodate your mobility needs before booking.
- The Acropole-des-Draveurs and remote routes involve steep or long walking and are not suitable for all mobility levels.
Visiting lightly
- Use designated routes and follow current park instructions to protect sensitive habitats.
- Pack out rubbish, especially when using remote areas without vehicle access.
- Keep a safe distance from wildlife and do not feed animals.
- Choose local services and products in Charlevoix where practical.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park?
The park charges SÉPAQ admission, but the current 2026 rate is not confirmed here. Check SÉPAQ’s official fee page before visiting; boat trips, rentals and camping cost extra.
What are the best hikes in Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park?
The Acropole-des-Draveurs is the demanding summit route. For easier walking, consider the Riverain or Rapides trails along the Malbaie River. Check SÉPAQ’s current trail map for distances, difficulty and access.
When is the best time to visit Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park?
June and September are good months to plan a hiking visit, subject to current trail and service openings. July and August are popular, so arrive early and check bookings. January–March is for winter activities when conditions allow.
How do I reach the Acropole-des-Draveurs trailhead?
Trailhead access arrangements can change. Check SÉPAQ’s current trail map and ask the park about any shuttle or reservation requirements before setting out.
Can I visit without hiking the Acropole?
Yes. The park lists river, cycling and easier trail activities. Check which facilities and activities are operating on your visit date.
Is there cell service or fuel in the park?
Cell coverage is reported as unavailable inside the park; confirm current conditions with SÉPAQ and plan accordingly. Fuel availability in the park is not confirmed, so arrange fuel before driving to the entrance.
Where should I stay near the park?
The park lists camping and cabin options, including sites in Le Cran and L'Équerre. La Malbaie and Baie-Saint-Paul are nearby bases; check current availability and access before booking.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Sources
- officialSÉPAQ — Parc national des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie
- officialSÉPAQ — trail chart and park map
- officialUNESCO — Charlevoix Biosphere Reserve
- secondaryWikipedia — Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park
- secondaryWikivoyage: Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park, revision 5314641 (CC BY-SA 4.0)