Parc national des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie Photo: Dav2z at English Wikipedia / Public domain
Canada › Quebec

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

ByWilderness Experts

Fast facts

  • Established: 2000
  • Size: about 87 square miles (225 km²)
  • Distinction: among the highest rock walls east of the Rockies, and a core area of the Charlevoix Biosphere Reserve
  • Signature hike: the Acropole des Draveurs
  • Gateway: Saint-Aimé-des-Lacs and La Malbaie
  • Managed by: Sépaq (not a federal national park)

The landscape

The park takes its name from deep valleys cut into high mountains, where the Malbaie River winds between sheer rock walls. The contrast between the flat river and the cliffs above makes one of the most dramatic landscapes in eastern Canada. Mixed forest fills the valley, and the tops support subalpine vegetation. Moose, black bears and peregrine falcons live here.

Best time to go

Summer is the main season for hiking and paddling. Late September into early October brings vivid fall colour on the valley walls, and the park is at its busiest then. The access road and services are limited in winter.

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Getting there and around

From La Malbaie, drive inland through Saint-Aimé-des-Lacs to the welcome centre. A road follows the Malbaie River to trailheads, campgrounds and put-ins, and a shuttle may serve parts of the valley in season.

Things to do

The Acropole des Draveurs trail climbs relentlessly to open ridges with views straight down the gorge; it is steep and demanding. Easier walks follow the river. Canoes and kayaks can be paddled on the calm river between the walls, and boat excursions run in season.

Staying safe

The main hiking trails are steep and long, so carry plenty of water and allow time. Ridges are exposed and colder than the valley, and weather can change quickly. Watch for rockfall near the cliffs. The river is cold, so wear a life jacket. Keep food away from bears and leave a trip plan.

Know before you go

Daily access is capped, especially in fall, so buy your access right ahead of time. This page is a general overview, not a live conditions report, so confirm current conditions, access and reservations with Sépaq before you go.

Navigation
Coordinates
47.9183, -70.4975
Magnetic declination
15.4° W (2026)

Set this declination on your compass, then align it to the map's north lines; it is the angle between true north and magnetic north, refreshed each year.

How declination works, and how to navigate with a map and compass

43 places in Parc national des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie

A spread of the park’s main places shows straight away, and the rest appear as you zoom in. You can also search above, or pick any place from the lists below, and the map will go to it. Places in bold, marked , have a short description.

Getting there 1

Visitor centre

On the trail 5

Route

Campgrounds

Picnic sites

Sights 37

Viewpoints

Waterfall

Lakes

Peaks

Map data comes from third-party sources and may be incomplete or out of date, so carry a current official map (terms).

Trip types
Day hikeCar campingBackcountryCanoeing & kayaking

Looking for one of these closer to home?Destinations near me by trip type →

Terrain
MountainsRiversForestCliffs
Key hazards
Very steepsustained climbsExposed ridges in wind and coldRockfall below cliffsCold river waterBlack bears
Best seasons
Summer, Early fall (foliage)
Difficulty
Easy to strenuous
Access / trailheads
From Route 138 in Charlevoix, via Saint-Aimé-des-Lacs, to the park's welcome centre and the road along the Malbaie River.
Water
River and streams; filter or treat all water.
Cell / satellite coverage
Limited in the gorges. Carry a satellite messenger for long hikes.
Nearest ranger / SAR / emergency
Emergencies: 911. Sépaq: 1-800-665-6527.
Permits & regulations
A daily access right or annual card is mandatory, and daily capacity is limited. Camping needs a reservation.
Leave No Trace
Stay on the trails, camp only at designated sites, keep food from wildlife and pack out all waste.
Conditions by month

October This month

Average high49°F(10°C)10°C(49°F)
Average low34°F(1°C)1°C(34°F)
Rainfall4.2 in(106 mm)106 mm(4.2 in)
Daylight, mid-month10 h 55 minSunrise 7:00 a.m., sunset 5:55 p.m.

What to bring depends on your trip: how long you’re out, where you sleep, and how far you go from the road. The planner builds the list for yours.

Plan a trip here →

Averages for 1981–2010 from Environment Canada climate normals, measured at the Ste Rose du Nord station, 33 miles (54 km)54 km (33 miles) away at 673 feet (205 m)205 m (673 feet). Higher trails run colder, by about 3.5°F for every 1,000 ft (2°C per 300 m)2°C for every 300 m (3.5°F per 1,000 ft) of climb. Daylight runs from sunrise to sunset on the 15th, on the park’s own clock, for a level horizon. Valleys and slopes facing away from the sun are in shade earlier.

Before you go Conditions, permits, fire bans and closures change constantly — we summarise and link out, but always confirm with the managing agency first.
Official park website → Last verified 2026-09-21

Nearby parks

Straight-line distance between park centres. Road distance is usually longer.

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