Discover the 10 Best Hikes to Do in Charlevoix This Summer for Unforgettable Adventures

🏔️ Charlevoix: My Favorite Playground for 20 Years

Hey there! If you're looking for me in summer, there's a good chance you'll find me somewhere in Charlevoix, pack on my back and a blissful smile in front of a breathtaking panorama. After hiking hundreds of trails in Quebec, I can tell you without hesitation that this region offers the best hikes in eastern Canada. Between the Saint Lawrence River shimmering below and the peaks that brush the clouds, Charlevoix is a bit like hiking in a postcard. But not just any postcard – one that moves, that lives, that makes you sweat a little (a lot sometimes!) and rewards you with views you'll never forget. In this top 10 hikes to do in Charlevoix this summer, I'm going to share my absolute favorites. Trails I've walked so many times I could do them with my eyes closed, but that I rediscover with each outing.

🥾 My 10 Must-Do Charlevoix Hikes (Ranked by Favorites)

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

Let's start strong with the jewel of Charlevoix. This park is simply spectacular. I've been returning every summer for 15 years and I still discover corners that leave me speechless. Parc national des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie offers several trails, but my two favorites remain: L'Acropole des Draveurs (11 km round trip, 550m elevation gain): A sustained climb that takes you to a viewpoint at 1048m altitude. The view over the Malbaie valley is to die for. On clear days, you can see all the way to the river! Les Caps (6 km round trip, 400m elevation gain): More accessible, this trail winds between rock faces before offering a plunging view of the Malbaie River, 800 meters below.

2. Mont du Lac-des-Cygnes

Ah, Mont du Lac-des-Cygnes! If you want to impress your friends on Instagram (and incidentally live an unforgettable experience), this is where you need to go. Distance: 8 km round trip
Elevation gain: 630m
Duration: 4-5 hours
Level: Intermediate to difficult The climb is demanding – I won't lie to you, you're going to sweat! But when you reach the summit (1,040m), the 360-degree panorama makes you forget all your efforts. On one side the Saint Lawrence River, on the other mountains as far as the eye can see.

3. Mont des Morios

Mont des Morios is my not-so-secret little secret. Less known than its neighbors, it nevertheless offers one of the most beautiful views of Baie-Saint-Paul and Île aux Coudres. Distance: 7 km round trip
Elevation gain: 500m
Duration: 3-4 hours
Level: Intermediate The trail starts in mixed forest before climbing toward the alpine zone. The summit at 1,015m rewards you with a breathtaking view of Baie-Saint-Paul bay. On clear days, you can even make out Tadoussac in the distance!

4. Sentier des Caps de Charlevoix

For those who love long hikes, the Sentier des Caps de Charlevoix is a must. This 51 km long-distance trail can be done in sections. My favorite section: Petite-Rivière-Saint-François to Saint-Tite-des-Caps (14 km). You follow the river cliffs with breathtaking viewpoints. It's like walking on the edge of the world!

5. Mont Grands-Fonds

Mont Grands-Fonds (skiing in winter, hiking in summer) is perfect for a family outing or for those who want quick results without too much effort. Distance: 4 km round trip
Elevation gain: 300m
Duration: 2-3 hours
Level: Easy to intermediate You can even take the chairlift up and walk down! Personally, I like to make the effort both ways – it gives more satisfaction at the summit.

Hike	Distance	Elevation	Level	Main View
Acropole des Draveurs	11 km	550m	Difficult	Malbaie Valley
Mont Lac-des-Cygnes	8 km	630m	Difficult	360° river/mountains
Mont des Morios	7 km	500m	Intermediate	Baie-Saint-Paul
Sentier des Caps	14 km	400m	Intermediate	River cliffs
Mont Grands-Fonds	4 km	300m	Easy	Charlevoix Massif

6. Parc national des Grands-Jardins

Parc national des Grands-Jardins is another world. You go from boreal forest to alpine tundra in just a few kilometers. My favorite trail here: Mont du Lac des Cygnes (different from the previous one) via the Sentier du Mont-du-Lac-des-Cygnes. Distance: 16 km round trip
Elevation gain: 550m
Duration: 6-8 hours
Level: Difficult It's long, but the diversity of landscapes is mind-blowing. You start in dense forest, cross peat bogs, then arrive in a quasi-arctic landscape at the summit.

7. Les Palissades

Les Palissades is a 350-meter rock wall that dominates the Malbaie River. Not technically difficult, but impressive! Distance: 5 km round trip
Elevation gain: 350m
Duration: 3 hours
Level: Intermediate The view from the top over the valley is spectacular, especially late in the day when the sun lights up the rock faces.

8. Sentier de la Chute du Diable

For a refreshing hike, head to Chute du Diable. Perfect for hot summer days! Distance: 6 km round trip
Elevation gain: 200m
Duration: 2-3 hours
Level: Easy The trail follows the Gouffre River and ends at a magnificent 40-meter waterfall. You can even swim in the natural pool at the foot of the falls (if you're not afraid of cold water!).

9. Mont Éboulements

Mont Éboulements offers a unique view of Île aux Coudres and the Saint Lawrence River. It's less crowded than other summits, making it an excellent choice for those seeking tranquility. Distance: 6 km round trip
Elevation gain: 450m
Duration: 3-4 hours
Level: Intermediate

10. Parc régional du Massif du Sud

To finish this top 10, Parc régional du Massif du Sud offers several trails with breathtaking views of the river. My favorite: the Sentier du Sommet. Distance: 8 km round trip
Elevation gain: 500m
Duration: 4 hours
Level: Intermediate

🌡️ When to Go Hiking in Charlevoix This Summer?

The best period for hiking in Charlevoix is from mid-June to late September. But each time has its advantages: June: Fewer crowds, cool temperature, perfect for long hikes. Watch out for black flies in some areas! July-August: Ideal conditions but busier. Summits can be crowded on sunny weekends. September: My favorite month! Fall colors begin, it's cooler, and insects have disappeared.

"Charlevoix in September is like having nature all to yourself. Colors explode, the air is fresh, and every step resonates in the silence of the mountains." — My hiking journal, September 2023

🎒 Essential Equipment for Hiking in Charlevoix

After years of hiking these trails, here's what I absolutely recommend bringing: For your feet:

Good hiking boots with grippy soles (rocks can be slippery)

Merino wool socks (no more blisters!)

In your pack:

More water than you think – 2-3 liters minimum for long hikes

Change of clothes (weather changes quickly in the mountains)

Waterproof windbreaker

Sunscreen and sunglasses (sun hits hard on exposed summits)

Energy snacks

Basic first aid kit

Map and compass (or GPS)

For safety:

Emergency whistle

Headlamp (even for day hikes – you never know)

Charged phone with offline map app

🚗 How to Access Charlevoix Trails

By car (most practical): Charlevoix is accessible via Route 138 from Quebec City (about 1h30) or via Route 381 from Saguenay. Parking: Most trails have parking lots, but they fill up quickly in summer. My trick: arrive before 8:30am or after 3pm to avoid the rush. Public transport: Limited, but possible via intercity buses to Baie-Saint-Paul, then taxi/rideshare to more remote trailheads.

🐻 Mountain Safety: My Field Advice

Charlevoix is beautiful but it's still wild nature. Here are my golden rules after 20 years without major incident: Before leaving:

Check weather forecasts (they change quickly in the mountains)

Inform someone of your itinerary and expected return time

Check trail conditions (some may be temporarily closed)

On the trail:

Stay on marked trails (even if it seems obvious, I still see people cutting...)

Make noise in black bear areas (they're there, even if you don't see them often)

Cross waterways carefully after snowmelt or rains

Questions to ask yourself before leaving: our complete checklist can save you a lot of trouble.

🍁 Charlevoix Off the Beaten Path

If you want to get away from the classics, here are some lesser-known gems I've discovered over the years: Sentier du Bras-du-Nord: Technically not in Charlevoix but very close. Excellent for canyoning and via ferratas. Mont Olivine: A little-known peak with views of the Grands-Jardins. Perfect for avoiding crowds. Les Éboulements on foot: A network of small local trails maintained by passionate volunteers. Ask the locals!

📸 My Must-Have Photo Spots

Want to bring back memorable souvenirs? Here are my favorite angles: Sunrise: Summit of Mont du Lac-des-Cygnes (arrive 30 minutes before sunrise to set up your spot) Sunset: Les Palissades or Sentier des Caps (golden light on the cliffs is magical) Panoramas: L'Acropole des Draveurs for the view over the Malbaie valley Action shots: The rocky sections of Mont des Morios are perfect for scrambling photos

🌟 My Beginner Mistakes to Absolutely Avoid

After making (almost) every possible mistake, here are the ones that can really ruin your outing: Underestimating the weather: I've been caught in a storm at the summit of Mont du Lac-des-Cygnes. Not fun! Always have a plan B. Leaving too late: Full parking lots are frustrating. Crowded trails ruin the experience. Neglecting hydration: The dry air of summits dehydrates more than you think. I've had memorable headaches because of this. Wearing cotton: It stays wet, dries poorly, and can become dangerous if weather turns bad. If you're new to hiking, our complete beginner's guide and the 10 classic mistakes to avoid can save you a lot of trouble.

Conclusion: Charlevoix is Waiting for You, So What Are You Waiting For?

There you have it, you now have my 10 favorite hikes in Charlevoix for this summer. Each of these outings has marked me in one way or another, and I'm convinced they'll be part of your most beautiful outdoor memories. My advice to get started:

Start with Mont Grands-Fonds or Chute du Diable if you're a beginner

Progress to Mont des Morios then Mont du Lac-des-Cygnes

Save L'Acropole des Draveurs for when you're in good shape

Never forget that the mountain will always be there tomorrow – better to go down and come back than take risks

Charlevoix is much more than a hiking destination. It's a life-sized playground where every trail tells a story, where every summit offers a new perspective on the world. It's where I learned to truly love the mountains, and I hope it will be the same for you. So lace up your boots, load your pack, and go discover why Charlevoix makes every Quebec hiker's heart beat faster. The mountain is calling – all you have to do is answer!