Looking for the challenge of putting a strain on your boots and waking up your calves this fall? Trails rated “advanced” or “difficult” may not be far from home. Here are some options that are between 1 and 2 hours drive from Montreal or Quebec.
Advanced hiking trails near Montreal
1. L’Escalier-du-Nord, Mont-Orford National Park, Eastern Townships (Estrie)
About 1 hour and 20 minutes from Montreal
AFP
A hike on the Escalier-du-Nord takes you over another rocky peak, the Roche-Fendue, up to the Mont-Orford massif to the Pic de l’Ours. You overcome a height difference of 455 m and will certainly be dazzled by the colors of the forest on a hike in autumn.
- 12 km (round trip)
- Dogs are not allowed (choose Le Ruisseau-des-Chênes instead if you want to climb with Pitou)
- Access fees
- www.sepaq.com
2. La Montagne Noire (InterCentre path), Saint-Donat, Lanaudière
About 1 hour and 30 minutes from Montreal
FRIENDLY PHOTO / MUNICIPALITY OF SAINT-DONAT / AGENCE QMI
Climb the Montagne Noire at an altitude of 875 m via the Intercentre de Saint-Donat hiking trail. You’ll be on the highest peak in the area and can come across the remains of the Liberator Harry military plane that crashed there in 1943. A viewing point also offers you the opportunity to enjoy the view. A beautiful hike that you can enjoy even in winter.
3. The Spruce Lake and Round Top Trail, Sutton Natural Environment Park (PENS), Eastern Townships
About 1 hour and 30 minutes from Montreal
This hike is THE classic of the park and although it attracts a lot of people, it should be done at least once. We use the words of PENS to describe it to you: “An unmissable walk that will allow you to discover the magnificent diversity of Mount Sutton’s flora and landscapes, panoramas included, during a climb that is as sporting as it is rewarding.” The height difference? 420 m. The estimated duration? 3 hours.
- 7.4km
- Dogs are not allowed (for a difficult hike with your furry friend, opt for the Spruce Lake and Mohawk Lake route)
- Access fees
- www.parcsutton.com
4. La Grande Virée, Mount Kaaikop, Laurentians
About 1 hour and 40 minutes from Montreal
Archive photo, Sarah Bélisle
Mount Kaaikop is one of the highest peaks in the Laurentians. It rises to an altitude of 838 m above the brushy mountains of Sainte-Lucie-des-Laurentides. To give yourself a solid climb, head there via La Grande Virée, a steep and rocky trail of 7.5 miles (12.4 km) round trip. The route begins at Lake Legault, at the L’Interval cooperative and outdoor base. In summer you spend your post-hike on the beach!
5. Toit-des-Laurentides Trail, Mont-Tremblant National Park, Laurentians
About 2 hours from Montreal
COURTESY PHOTO / Society of Outdoor Establishments of Quebec (Sépaq)
Head to the La Diable sector of Mont Tremblant National Park and plan between 6 and 7 hours to complete this beautiful hike on the “Roof of the Laurentians”, the 935m high Johannsen Peak. Due to the forest there is no real view at the top, but during the route you can admire the Diable valley and also the Rouge valley.
- 14.6 km (round trip)
- Dogs are not allowed
- Access fees
- www.sepaq.com
“Advanced” hikes near Quebec
6. Les Falaises, Cap-Tourmente National Game Reserve, Quebec Region
About 50 minutes from Quebec
Courtesy / Quebec Tourism Office
If you want a more arduous but short route, this option might be interesting for you. In the heart of the Cap-Tourmente National Game Reserve, a popular stopover for migrating snow geese in spring and fall, the Les Falaises trail is a loop between river and mountain. It climbs the very steep slope of Cap Tourmente and offers panoramic views of the Saint Lawrence and the plain, while at certain moments it plunges into the forest.
7. Sentier des Falaises, Vallée Bras du Nord, Quebec Region
About 1 hour and 20 minutes from Quebec
Photo Alexandre Gilbert
Vallée Bras du Nord describes the cliffs as follows: “This path is extremely spectacular and an essential classic for hiking enthusiasts. The sustained climb, punctuated by stone steps carried by human arms, leads the hiker to the striking viewpoints that follow each other from the top of the ridge. Tried? Note that at the summit you will also get a view of Delaney Falls on the other side of the valley.
8. Route Mont Saint-Magloire, Massif du Sud Regional Park, Chaudière-Appalaches
About 1 hour and 30 minutes from Quebec
Courtesy of the Massif du Sud Regional Park
Welcome to the highest mountain in Chaudière-Appalaches, Mont Saint-Magloire, which is 917 m above sea level. This route with an altitude difference of 641 m promises you a sporty climb and beautiful views. Once you reach the summit, if the weather is clear, you should see Quebec City as well as Maine’s famous and distant Mount Katahdin. Plan a good 5:30 hours for your adventure.
9. Mont-du-Lac-des-Cygnes, Grands-Jardins National Park, Charlevoix
About 1 hour and 40 minutes from Quebec
Sepaq
Do you want to discover the flagship hike of the Grands-Jardins National Park? The Mont du Lac des Cygnes hiking trail climbs up to an altitude of 980 m on the mountain of the same name and allows you to discover both the fragile sub-alpine vegetation and views of the Charlevoix meteorite crater. You will be surrounded by a sea of mountains: magical!
- 8.6km
- Dogs are not allowed (walk the La Chouenne trail (moderate difficulty) instead if you want to give your dog a nice view)
- Access fees
- www.sepaq.com
10. Acropole-des-Draveurs, Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park, Charlevoix
About 2 hours from Quebec
Courtesy of Sépaq/Steve Deschênes
The beautiful Acropole-des-Draveurs is considered one of the most challenging hiking trails in Quebec’s national parks. Its steady and sustained climb and the 800 meter difference in altitude have something to do with it, but so does its very uneven terrain. Due to the large rocks, the end of the descent is particularly challenging; Keep your strength! The three-tiered summit of the Acropolis offers spectacular views of the Malbaie River and its (very) high gorges. Enough to make you want to do it again and again.
Also read: 10 free and beautiful places to hike in Quebec
Also read: 18 free outdoor destinations to explore in Quebec
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